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bestaunen
to admire
To look at something or someone with great admiration, amazement, or fascination.
example
Die Touristen bestaunten die beeindruckende Architektur des Doms.
The tourists admired the cathedral's impressive architecture.
bestaunen
to admire
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bestaunen' (to admire) is an inseparable verb made up of the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'staunen' (to be amazed). The prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive, so it always needs an accusative object.
EXAMPLE
Wir bestaunten das Feuerwerk am Nachthimmel.
We admired the fireworks in the night sky.
Sentence structure
The verb 'bestaunen' (to admire) is always used with an accusative object. You ask: Wen oder was bestaunst du? (Whom or what are you admiring?)
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder bestaunten den Zauberer und seine Tricks.
The children admired the magician and his tricks.
Typical collocations
People often admire things that are especially beautiful, large, or impressive. Typical objects are: a work of art, nature, a building, or a technical achievement.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Jahr bestaunen Tausende von Besuchern die alten Pyramiden.
Every year, thousands of visitors admire the ancient pyramids.
Compare with
bestaunen vs ansehen
to look at / to watch
'ansehen' and 'bestaunen' both have to do with directing your gaze at someone or something. 'ansehen' is neutral: you simply look at something. 'bestaunen' is stronger and includes a feeling. You look at something with admiration, amazement, or fascination. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone is looking at something. If you only want to say that someone is looking, 'ansehen' fits. If something is especially beautiful, large, or unusual and you are impressed, 'bestaunen' fits better.
bestaunen
Die Kinder bestaunen die hohen Türme der alten Burg.
The children admire the tall towers of the old castle.
ansehen
Ich sehe mir das neue Foto auf dem Bildschirm genau an.
I take a close look at the new photo on the screen.
In real life
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