lookout
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to be on the lookout for
To search, watch, or look around deliberately and attentively for someone or something. The word 'Ausschau' is used almost exclusively in this fixed expression.
Wir sollten nach einem geeigneten Platz für unser Picknick Ausschau halten.
We should be on the lookout for a suitable spot for our picnic.
The noun 'Ausschau' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'Ausschau halten nach' (to be on the lookout for). It means to search deliberately for something or someone.
Am Bahnhof hielt er Ausschau nach seiner Schwester.
At the train station, he was on the lookout for his sister.
In the expression 'Ausschau halten nach' (to be on the lookout for), the preposition 'nach' is always followed by the dative. You are on the lookout for someone or for something.
Wir halten Ausschau nach einem günstigen Angebot.
We are on the lookout for a good deal.
The word is made up of 'aus' (out) and 'Schau' (from the verb 'schauen' — to look). Its literal meaning is therefore 'looking out' in order to find something.
Vom Turm aus kann man gut Ausschau halten.
From the tower, you can keep a good lookout.
to search / look for
'suchen' and 'Ausschau halten nach' both mean that you want to find someone or something. 'suchen' is the general word and fits in almost all situations: you look for a key, a person, or an address. 'Ausschau halten nach' is used more when you are looking attentively in a particular direction or watching your surroundings so that you see someone or something in time. 'Ausschau' almost always appears in this fixed expression. 'suchen' is more neutral, while 'Ausschau halten' sounds more focused and often a bit more attentive.
Am Bahnsteig hält Sofia nach ihrer Schwester Ausschau.
On the platform, Sofia keeps an eye out for her sister.
Vor dem Termin sucht Anton im Krankenhaus den richtigen Eingang.
Before the appointment, Anton looks for the right entrance at the hospital.