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.
'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
'hören' and 'lauschen' both have to do with sounds, voices, or music. 'hören' is the normal, general word: you perceive something with your ears or listen deliberately. 'lauschen' is stronger and more specific. It means listening very attentively, often quietly and with interest. Sometimes 'lauschen' can also mean listening secretly. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'zuhören' (to listen). In everyday language, 'hören' almost always fits; 'lauschen' sounds more special and fits well with music, stories, or secret listening.
Die Kinder lauschen der Geschichte, weil sie wissen wollen, wie sie endet.
The children listen to the story because they want to know how it ends.
Im Zug höre ich leise Musik auf meinem Handy.
On the train, I listen to quiet music on my phone.