# The Search Bar

Searching via the free-text search bar is the easiest way to start a search. 

You can enter a keyword in the search bar and then use the [Filter function ](https://docs.census.de/navigating-and-searching/filter-function)to narrow down the results. Alternatively, you can enter multiple search terms in the keyword and combine them with [operators](https://docs.census.de/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/the-search-bar/using-operators-in-the-search-bar).

Search terms entered freely in the search bar can also be combined with search criteria that are added to the search bar using the [Advanced Search](https://docs.census.de/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/advanced-search) function.

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