An explanation of the German verbs "schauen" and "beobachten," including their meanings, usage, and differences.
Understanding the difference between schauen and beobachten is key to expressing how you look at things in German. While both involve using your eyes, they describe different kinds of "looking."
- Schauen means "to look" or "to glance." It's more general and can be casual.
- Beobachten means "to observe." It's more focused and often implies careful, intentional watching.
- Example:* Ich schaue aus dem Fenster. (I look out the window.) vs. Ich beobachte die Vögel. (I observe the birds.)
Meanings
Let's break down the core meanings:
- Schauen: to look, glance, or watch. It's a simple act of directing your eyes somewhere.
- Beobachten: to observe, watch closely, or monitor. It suggests paying attention and possibly studying what's happening.
Which verb suggests paying close attention and possibly studying what you see?
beobachten
"Beobachten" implies careful observation and focused attention, unlike general looking.
Usage
How do you use these verbs in sentences?
- Schauen can be used for just about any kind of looking, from glancing at a clock to watching TV.
- Beobachten is used when you're watching something carefully, like studying behavior or monitoring a situation.
Examples
Here are some examples to show how each verb is used:
| Schauen | Beobachten |
|---|---|
| Ich schaue einen Film. (I’m watching a movie.) | Ich beobachte das Verhalten der Kinder. (I’m observing the children’s behavior.) |
| Schau mal! (Look!) | Ich beobachte die Sterne. (I’m observing the stars.) |
| Er schaut aus dem Fenster. (He’s looking out the window.) | Sie beobachtet die Tiere im Zoo. (She’s observing the animals at the zoo.) |
Grammar
Both verbs are regular in the present tense, but be aware that beobachten is a separable prefix verb in other forms (e.g., "Ich habe die Vögel beobachtet").
Conjugation Table (Present Tense)
| Pronoun | Schauen | Beobachten |
|---|---|---|
| ich | schaue | beobachte |
| du | schaust | beobachtest |
| er/sie/es | schaut | beobachtet |
| wir | schauen | beobachten |
| ihr | schaut | beobachtet |
| sie/Sie | schauen | beobachten |
Example: Ich schaue / beobachte die Vögel. (I look at / observe the birds.)
Common Phrases
These phrases show typical ways the verbs appear in everyday language:
Schauen:
- Schau mal! (Look!)
- Ich schaue nur kurz. (I’m just looking briefly.)
- Schauen wir mal. (Let’s see.)
Beobachten:
- genau beobachten (observe closely)
- still beobachten (watch quietly)
- das Verhalten beobachten (observe the behavior)
Summary
- Use schauen for general looking or glancing.
- Use beobachten when you're watching something carefully or studying it.
- Tip:* If you're just looking, "schauen" is usually the right choice. If you're paying attention with intent, "beobachten" fits better.
When is “schauen” usually the better choice?
When you are simply looking or glancing.
“Schauen” is used for general looking, while “beobachten” implies more intentional observation.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
