Nachgehen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Nachgehen" is used as verb with the meaning of "to investigate", "to pursue" or "to follow up on".

Essential properties of "nachgehen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: nachgehen
Simple past: ging nach
Participle: nachgegangen

irregularseparableintransitive

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "nachgehen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To investigate, to pursue (a lead/story)"

Definition: "To follow, pursue, or investigate something with attention or interest."
Translation(s): to investigate, to pursue, to follow up on
Synonym(s): verfolgen, Untersuchen, Ergründen
Antonym(s): ignorieren, Vernachlässigen
Related word(s): nachforschen, nachspüren

📝 Some usage examples:

Die Polizei wird der Spur nachgehen.The police will follow the lead.
Wir müssen diesem Hinweis unbedingt nachgehen.We absolutely must follow up on this hint.
Der Journalist beschloss, der Geschichte nachzugehen.The journalist decided to pursue the story.

2.) "To perform, to fulfill (duties/work)"

Definition: "To carry out or fulfill a task or responsibility."
Translation(s): to perform, to fulfill, to carry out, to attend to
Synonym(s): nachkommen, erfüllen, ausüben
Antonym(s): unterlassen, vernachlässigen
Related word(s): Erledigen, Bearbeiten

📝 Some usage examples:

Sie muss ihren Pflichten nachgehen.She must fulfill her duties.
Er geht seiner Arbeit gewissenhaft nach.He conscientiously performs his work.
Ich werde dieser Aufgabe morgen nachgehen.I will attend to this task tomorrow.

3.) "To run slow (clock)"

Definition: "To run slow or be delayed (referring to a clock)."
Translation(s): to run slow, to be slow
Synonym(s): zurückbleiben, nachhinken
Antonym(s): vorangehen, vorauseilen
Related word(s): vorgehen, nachstellen

📝 Some usage examples:

Meine Uhr geht fünf Minuten nach.My watch is five minutes slow.
Der Wecker geht immer etwas nach.The alarm clock always runs a bit slow.
Wenn die Uhr nachgeht, komme ich zu spät zur Arbeit.If the clock runs slow, I'll be late for work.

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