to scrutinize / pattern
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to scrutinize
To look at someone or something carefully, closely, and often critically from head to toe in order to form an impression.
Der Türsteher musterte jeden Gast misstrauisch, bevor er ihn einließ.
The bouncer scrutinized every guest suspiciously before letting them in.
to examine
To medically examine a person, especially a conscript, to determine their fitness for military service.
Er wurde letztes Jahr gemustert und für tauglich befunden.
He was examined last year and found fit for service.
to pattern
To provide something, usually a fabric or surface, with a recurring pattern or decoration. This meaning is less common than the adjective 'gemustert' (patterned).
Der Töpfer musterte die Vase mit feinen, wellenförmigen Linien.
The potter patterned the vase with fine, wavy lines.
The verb 'mustern' (to scrutinize/to pattern) is closely related to the noun 'das Muster' (pattern, sample). All meanings are based on the idea of comparison with a standard: you check whether someone matches a 'Muster' (pattern/expectation), or you provide something with a pattern.
Sie musterte das Bild an der Wand, um zu sehen, ob es gerade hing.
She scrutinized the picture on the wall to see whether it was hanging straight.
In the meaning 'prüfend ansehen' (to look at scrutinizingly), 'mustern' is often combined with adverbs that express a critical or curious attitude. Typical phrases are 'jemanden kritisch mustern' (to scrutinize someone critically), 'skeptisch mustern' (to scrutinize skeptically), or 'von Kopf bis Fuß mustern' (to look someone up and down).
Die Katze musterte den Besucher misstrauisch vom Sofa aus.
The cat scrutinized the visitor suspiciously from the sofa.
The meaning 'ärztlich untersuchen' (to medically examine) is used almost exclusively in a military context, when it is about checking fitness for military service.
Er wurde mit 18 Jahren gemustert, musste aber keinen Wehrdienst leisten.
He was examined for military service at 18, but did not have to serve.
In the meaning 'mit einem Muster versehen' (to provide with a pattern), the verb itself is rare. The past participle is used much more often as an adjective: 'gemustert' (patterned). For example, people speak of a 'gemusterten Hemd' (patterned shirt) or 'gemustertem Papier' (patterned paper).
Sie trug ein elegant gemustertes Tuch um den Hals.
She wore an elegantly patterned scarf around her neck.
to look at / to watch
“Ansehen” and “mustern” both mean directing your gaze at a person. “Ansehen” usually describes a neutral look, whereas “mustern” suggests looking closely, critically, and evaluatively. Use “mustern” when someone deliberately forms a scrutinizing impression of another person.
Die neue Kollegin musterte den Besucher von oben bis unten.
The new colleague scrutinized the visitor from head to toe.
Die neue Kollegin sah den Besucher freundlich an.
The new colleague looked at the visitor in a friendly way.
