to look up / check
Loading your saved state.
to look up
To search for information in a reference work such as a book, dictionary, encyclopedia, or on the internet in order to verify or find it.
Ich muss die genaue Bedeutung dieses Wortes im Wörterbuch nachschauen.
I need to look up the exact meaning of this word in the dictionary.
'Nachschauen' (to look up/check) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nach-' stands at the end in a main clause; in subordinate clauses the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between 'nach' and 'schauen'.
Ich schaue später nach, ob wir noch Milch haben.
I'll check later whether we still have milk.
The verb consists of the prefix 'nach-' and the verb 'schauen' (to look). The prefix 'nach-' often expresses a following or checking action, which can be seen in all meanings.
Schau bitte mal nach dem Kuchen im Ofen.
Please check on the cake in the oven.
When you are looking for information, you typically look it up 'im Internet' (on the internet), 'im Wörterbuch' (in the dictionary), or 'in den Unterlagen' (in the documents). What you are looking for is often in the accusative.
Kannst du die Adresse für mich im Internet nachschauen?
Can you look up the address on the internet for me?
In the meaning 'kontrollieren' (to check), 'nachschauen' (to check) is very often used with a subordinate clause that begins with 'ob' (whether/if). This expresses exactly what is being checked.
Ich gehe kurz nachschauen, ob die Haustür abgeschlossen ist.
I'll quickly go check whether the front door is locked.
When you follow someone or something with your eyes, the object is always in the dative. You look after 'jemandem' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Die Mutter schaute ihrem Kind nach, als es zum ersten Mal allein zur Schule ging.
The mother watched her child go as they went to school alone for the first time.
to check / review
'überprüfen' and 'nachschauen' can both mean that you check something. 'überprüfen' sounds more precise and stronger: you test or check whether something is correct, safe, or in order. 'nachschauen' is usually more everyday. You look for information in a book or on the internet, or you briefly check whether everything is all right with someone or something. For an official or thorough inspection, 'überprüfen' is more natural. For a quick search or a brief look, 'nachschauen' fits better.
In der Küche schaut Tom nach, ob noch genug Milch da ist.
In the kitchen, Tom checks whether there is still enough milk.
Vor dem Termin überprüfen wir, ob alle Unterlagen vollständig sind.
Before the appointment, we check whether all the documents are complete.