to stare at
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to stare at
To look at someone or something for a longer time without moving, intensely and with open eyes. This can be perceived as rude, threatening, or as an expression of great amazement.
Die Kinder starrten das seltsame Tier im Zoo fasziniert an.
The children stared at the strange animal in the zoo, fascinated.
'Anstarren' (to stare at) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or with modal verbs, the verb stays together.
Warum starrst du mich so an?
Why are you staring at me like that?
The verb 'anstarren' (to stare at) is always used with an accusative object. You always stare at *someone* or *something*.
Das kleine Mädchen starrte den großen Hund neugierig an.
The little girl stared curiously at the big dog.
Staring at someone is often perceived in Germany as rude or aggressive. The word usually has a negative or at least very intense meaning.
Hör auf, die Leute so anzustarren, das ist unhöflich!
Stop staring at people like that; it's rude!
to fix / to stare at
Fixieren and anstarren both describe a fixed, intense gaze. Fixieren mainly emphasizes that the gaze remains still and directed at a target. Anstarren places more emphasis on prolonged, conspicuous looking, which can seem rude, threatening, or unpleasant to others.
Während des Gesprächs starrte sie ihr Gegenüber so lange an, dass es sich unwohl fühlte.
During the conversation, she stared at the other person for so long that they felt uncomfortable.
Während des Gesprächs fixierte sie ruhig das Gesicht ihres Gegenübers.
During the conversation, she calmly fixed her gaze on the other person’s face.
