to observe
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to observe
To watch someone or something attentively with your eyes over a certain period of time in order to see what happens.
Vom Fenster aus beobachtete sie die spielenden Kinder im Park.
From the window, she observed the children playing in the park.
to observe
To notice and identify a development or change.
Ich beobachte seit einiger Zeit, dass die Preise für Lebensmittel stark steigen.
For some time now, I have been observing that food prices are rising sharply.
to observe
In a scientific context: to systematically examine a phenomenon or process and collect data about it.
Die Biologen beobachten das Verhalten der Vögel in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum.
The biologists observe the birds' behavior in their natural habitat.
'Beobachten' (to observe) is an inseparable verb made up of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'achten' (to pay attention, to respect). The prefix 'be-' makes the action directed toward an object.
Achte gut auf deine Sachen!
Take good care of your things!
The verb 'beobachten' (to observe) always needs an accusative object (whom or what you observe). It is often followed by a subordinate clause with 'wie' (how) or 'dass' (that), which describes what the object does or what happens to it.
Wir beobachteten, wie die Sonne langsam unterging.
We observed how the sun slowly set.
The context makes the exact meaning clear. If it is about people or animals, it usually means 'zusehen' (to watch) (m01). With abstract things like prices or the weather, it is about identifying a development (m02). In a scientific context, it means 'systematisch untersuchen' (to examine systematically) (m03).
Ich beobachte die Vögel im Garten.
I observe the birds in the garden.
When it is about developments, 'beobachten' (to observe) is often used with abstract nouns. Common phrases are: eine Tendenz beobachten (to observe a trend), eine Entwicklung beobachten (to observe a development), or eine Veränderung beobachten (to observe a change).
Wir beobachten mit Sorge die politische Entwicklung im Land.
We are observing the political development in the country with concern.
to look at / to watch
Ansehen and beobachten can both mean following a person or thing with your eyes. Ansehen is usually used for a brief look or a single act of looking, while beobachten suggests deliberately following something over a period of time. beobachten is usually more precise for an ongoing event.
Ich beobachte den Hund eine Weile, weil er auf die Straße zuläuft.
I watch the dog for a while because it is running toward the street.
Ich sehe mir den Hund kurz an, bevor ich die Straße überquere.
I take a quick look at the dog before crossing the street.
