to listen / eavesdrop
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to eavesdrop
To listen secretly and attentively in order to find out something that is not meant for you.
Die Kinder lauschten an der Tür, um das Gespräch der Erwachsenen mitzuhören.
The children eavesdropped at the door so they could overhear the adults' conversation.
to listen
To listen attentively, and often with enjoyment, to sounds, music, or a story.
Wir saßen am Kaminfeuer und lauschten dem Knistern der Holzscheite.
We sat by the fireplace and listened to the crackling of the logs.
'Lauschen' (to listen/eavesdrop) is used with a dative object, not an accusative object. You listen to 'jemandem' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Sie lauschte gespannt der Geschichte ihrer Großmutter.
She listened intently to her grandmother's story.
In the meaning 'heimlich zuhören' (to eavesdrop), the preposition 'an' (+ dative) is often used to describe the place where someone is listening. The phrase 'an der Tür lauschen' (to eavesdrop at the door) is typical.
Er wurde erwischt, als er am Schlüsselloch lauschte.
He was caught eavesdropping at the keyhole.
In the meaning 'genussvoll zuhören' (to listen with enjoyment), 'lauschen' belongs more to elevated or literary language. It expresses more than just 'hören' (to hear), namely special attention and often enjoyment as well.
Im Wald lauschten wir den Stimmen der Vögel.
In the forest, we listened to the voices of the birds.
When you listen attentively and with enjoyment, you often listen to sounds of nature, music, or stories. Typical objects are 'dem Wind' (the wind), 'der Musik' (the music), 'den Wellen' (the waves), or 'einer Geschichte' (a story).
Am Strand saßen wir und lauschten dem Rauschen der Wellen.
We sat on the beach and listened to the sound of the waves.
to hear / to listen
Both words work when someone follows sounds, music, or a story attentively. „Hören“ is neutral, while „lauschen“ emphasizes especially focused or often pleasurable attention and can also suggest listening secretly, depending on the situation. „Hören“ is suitable for ordinary listening, while „lauschen“ expresses this stronger nuance.
Ich lausche im Wohnzimmer aufmerksam der leisen Musik.
I listen closely to the quiet music in the living room.
Ich höre die Musik im Wohnzimmer aufmerksam.
I listen attentively to the music in the living room.
