aussehen
to look
To have a particular outward appearance or a particular visual impression.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem neuen Haarschnitt siehst du fantastisch aus.
With the new haircut, you look fantastic.
aussehen
to look
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Meanings
es sieht so aus, als ob
it looks as if
Used to express an assumption or appearance; it seems that.
EXAMPLE
Es sieht so aus, als ob wir das Spiel gewinnen werden.
It looks as if we are going to win the game.
gut/schlecht aussehen für
to look good/bad for
The chances or prospects for someone or something are good or bad.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Verletzung des Stürmers sieht es für die Mannschaft schlecht aus.
After the striker's injury, it looks bad for the team.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aussehen' (to look) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu,' the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Du siehst heute wirklich gut aus!
You look really good today!
Sentence structure and use
To describe an appearance, you use the patterns 'aussehen + adjective' or 'aussehen wie + noun/clause.'
EXAMPLE
Das Kleid sieht sehr elegant aus.
The dress looks very elegant.
Fixed expression
To express an assumption, you use the fixed expression 'Es sieht so aus, als ob ...' (It looks as if ...). Careful: in the 'als ob' clause, the conjugated verb comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Es sieht so aus, als ob es bald regnen würde.
It looks as if it is going to rain soon.
Sentence structure and use
To talk about chances or prospects, you use the structure 'Es sieht [adjective] für [someone/something] aus' (It looks [adjective] for [someone/something]). Typical adjectives are 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), or 'schwierig' (difficult).
EXAMPLE
Mit diesen guten Noten sieht es gut für deine Bewerbung aus.
With these good grades, it looks good for your application.
Compare with
aussehen vs scheinen
to shine / seem
Scheinen expresses an appearance or conclusion that can be based on various clues. When used with people and things, Aussehen (to look) refers especially to the visible impression; in the form „es sieht so aus“, it can also express an assumption. Aussehen is usually the better choice for explicitly visual characteristics.
aussehen
Nach dem Gespräch sieht Lea erleichtert aus.
After the conversation, Lea looks relieved.
scheinen
Nach dem Gespräch scheint Lea erleichtert zu sein.
After the conversation, Lea seems to be relieved.
In real life
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