to spy on
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to spy on
To secretly and systematically observe someone or something in order to obtain confidential information.
Die Firma wird beschuldigt, die Konkurrenz mit illegalen Methoden ausspioniert zu haben.
The company is accused of having spied on the competition using illegal methods.
The word is made up of the prefix 'aus-' and the verb 'spionieren' (to spy). 'Spionieren' is derived from the noun 'der Spion' (the spy). 'Ausspionieren' (to spy on) therefore literally means to observe someone or something completely like a spy in order to obtain information.
Der Detektiv wurde beauftragt, den verdächtigen Manager auszuspionieren.
The detective was hired to spy on the suspicious manager.
'Ausspionieren' (to spy on) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' goes at the end, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb.
Ein Hacker spionierte die Passwörter der Nutzer aus.
A hacker spied on the users' passwords.
The verb 'ausspionieren' (to spy on) is always used with an accusative object. You always spy on 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Sie versuchte, die Geheimnisse ihrer Nachbarn auszuspionieren.
She tried to spy on her neighbors' secrets.
to observe
'beobachten' and 'ausspionieren' both mean that you look at or follow someone or something closely. 'beobachten' can be neutral: you watch attentively to see what happens. 'ausspionieren', on the other hand, is secretive and negative. It means trying to get information that is actually private or confidential. The words can be confused because both describe close observation. The intention is important: without secrecy or deception, you say 'beobachten'; when it is secretive and specifically about obtaining information, you say 'ausspionieren'.
Ein Mitarbeiter soll die Pläne der anderen Firma ausspioniert haben.
An employee is said to have spied on the other company's plans.
Die Ärztin beobachtet den Patienten nach der Behandlung noch eine Stunde.
The doctor observes the patient for another hour after the treatment.