nach|gehen
Translation
to pursue, to investigate, to follow up on, to be slow
Examples
Der Detektiv ist der Spur nachgegangen.
The detective followed up on the lead.
Er ist seiner Leidenschaft nachgegangen.
He pursued his passion.
Meine Uhr ist nachgegangen.
My watch was slow.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.dat)) to pursue/investigate (sth.) The detective is following up on the lead.
(subject) to be slow (of a clock) The clock is slow.
Similar Words
Synonyms: folgen (to follow); Antonyms: vorgehen (to be fast, of a clock)
Etymology
From `nach-` (after) and `gehen` (to go). The literal meaning is 'to go after'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'going after' (`nachgehen`) a clue or a dream. For a clock, it's 'going after' the real time, so it's slow.