nach|spüren
Translation
to trace, to track, to investigate, to explore (a feeling)
Examples
Der Detektiv spürt den Hinweisen nach.
The detective is tracing the clues.
Er spürte seinen eigenen Gefühlen nach.
He explored his own feelings.
Grammar Patterns
to trace ((sth.dat)) to trace (sth.) The hunter traces the tracks of the game.
Similar Words
verfolgen (to pursue), untersuchen (to investigate), ergründen (to fathom)
Etymology
From 'nach' (after) + 'spüren' (to feel, sense, trace). Literally 'to feel after' or 'to trace after'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'sensing' (spüren) a trail and following 'after' (nach) it. It's a separable verb, so 'nach' goes to the end in main clauses.