Looking up...
jemanden beobachten
/ˈjeːmandn̩ bəˈoːbaxtn̩/
to watch someone
Der Detektiv beobachtet den Verdächtigen.
The detective is watching the suspect.
neutral
To observe someone carefully, often for a period of time, to gather information or monitor their actions.
Die Polizei beobachtet die verdächtige Person seit Tagen.
The police have been watching the suspicious person for days.
Kinder beobachten Vögel durch ein Fernglas.
Children watch birds through binoculars.
Can imply neutral observation or surveillance, depending on context.
Collocations
jemanden heimlich beobachtento spy on someonejemanden genau beobachtento observe someone closelyjemanden über einen längeren Zeitraum beobachtento observe someone over a longer period
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Avoid using 'watch' for 'beobachten' when the context implies surveillance or professional observation. 'Watch' can sound casual or even voyeuristic in German contexts.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The phrase can range from neutral ('scientists observe animals') to suspicious ('the detective watched the suspect'). Always consider the context.
Word Origin
From Old High German 'bi-' (intensive prefix) + 'ohtōn' (to watch), related to English 'observe'. The phrase 'jemanden beobachten' combines the dative pronoun 'jemandem' (someone) with the verb 'beobachten' (to observe/watch).
Usage Notes
Used in both everyday and professional contexts (e.g., science, security). 'Beobachten' alone can mean 'to watch' in general, but 'jemanden beobachten' specifically implies observing a person.
Word Breakdown
jemand
someone (indefinite pronoun)
pronounbeobachten
to observe/watch
verbDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch