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.
