observation
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observation
The process of looking at something or someone attentively and deliberately, often in order to gather information or learn something.
Die Beobachtung von Vögeln in freier Natur ist sein größtes Hobby.
The observation of birds in the wild is his greatest hobby.
'Die Beobachtung' (the observation) is a noun derived from the verb 'beobachten' (to observe). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the action itself or its result.
Der Detektiv begann mit der Beobachtung des Verdächtigen.
The detective began the observation of the suspect.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about the process of watching, the preposition 'von' (of) is often included ('Beobachtung von etwas' — observation of something). If it is about a finding, the verb 'machen' (to make) is often used ('eine Beobachtung machen' — to make an observation).
Die Beobachtung von Sternen erfordert viel Geduld.
The observation of stars requires a lot of patience.
When it is about the process of observing, fixed expressions such as 'unter Beobachtung stehen' (to be under observation), 'zur Beobachtung im Krankenhaus bleiben' (to stay in the hospital for observation), or 'unter genauer Beobachtung' (under close observation) are common.
Der Patient muss zur Beobachtung eine Nacht hierbleiben.
The patient has to stay here overnight for observation.
When 'Beobachtung' (observation) describes a finding or a result, it is a countable noun. It is often combined with the verb 'machen' (to make) or 'teilen' (to share) and adjectives such as 'interessant' (interesting), 'genau' (precise), or 'überraschend' (surprising).
In der Sitzung teilte sie ihre Beobachtungen mit dem Team.
In the meeting, she shared her observations with the team.
control / check
'die Kontrolle' and 'die Beobachtung' both have to do with paying attention to something. With 'Beobachtung', you look closely, often in order to understand something or gather information. With 'Kontrolle', you check whether something is correct, safe, or allowed. That is why 'Kontrolle' sounds more active and stricter. You can observe something without intervening. With a 'Kontrolle', you are more likely to expect a result: okay or not okay. The words can be confused because both have to do with attention. The key point is: 'Beobachtung' gathers information, while 'Kontrolle' checks and evaluates.
Bei der Beobachtung der Vögel schrieb Lisa jede Bewegung in ihr Heft.
While observing the birds, Lisa wrote down every movement in her notebook.
Vor der Abfahrt machte der Busfahrer eine Kontrolle der Türen.
Before departure, the bus driver checked the doors.