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 look at / to watch
'ansehen' and 'anstarren' both mean that you look at someone or something. 'ansehen' is neutral. It only says that your gaze is directed at a person or thing. 'anstarren' is much stronger: you look for a long time, without moving, and very intensely. This can be rude, unpleasant, or also a sign of great amazement. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a gaze. If the look is normal, use 'ansehen'. If the gaze is noticeably long or intense, 'anstarren' fits.
Anna hat den Kunden aus Versehen zu lange angestarrt.
Anna accidentally stared at the customer for too long.
Er sieht seine Freundin an, weil sie ihm etwas Wichtiges erzählt.
He looks at his girlfriend because she is telling him something important.