01
sehen
to see
To perceive with the eyes; to use the ability to see.
example
Ohne meine Brille kann ich fast nichts sehen.
Without my glasses, I can hardly see anything.
sehen
to see
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Vowel change in the present tense
'Sehen' (to see) is a strong verb and changes its vowel in the 2nd and 3rd person singular. 'e' becomes 'ie'. So it is 'du siehst' (you see) and 'er/sie/es sieht' (he/she/it sees).
EXAMPLE
Siehst du den Vogel dort auf dem Baum?
Do you see the bird there in the tree?
Sehen + infinitive
When you observe another person doing an action, you can use 'sehen' (to see) with a second verb in the infinitive without 'zu'. The second verb then comes at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich sehe die Kinder im Garten spielen.
I see the children playing in the garden.
Metaphorical meaning
In conversations, 'sehen' (to see) is often used metaphorically in the sense of 'verstehen' (to understand) or 'erkennen' (to recognize/realize). It is a common response to signal agreement or understanding.
EXAMPLE
Ah, jetzt sehe ich das Problem!
Ah, now I see the problem!
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'sich etwas anschauen' (to watch something), 'sehen' (to see/watch) is often combined with media or events. Typical phrases are 'einen Film sehen' (to watch a film), 'ein Theaterstück sehen' (to see a play), or 'ein Fußballspiel sehen' (to watch a soccer match).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben gestern Abend eine interessante Dokumentation gesehen.
We watched an interesting documentary yesterday evening.
Reflexive: to meet
When 'sehen' (to see) is used reflexively with 'sich', it means 'sich treffen' (to meet) or 'sich begegnen' (to encounter each other). It is often used for appointments or chance meetings.
EXAMPLE
Wann sehen wir uns wieder?
When will we see each other again?
Fixed construction
To express a personal assessment or perspective, the fixed structure 'etwas als etwas (Akkusativ) sehen' (to see something as something) is used.
EXAMPLE
Er sieht diese Aufgabe als eine persönliche Herausforderung.
He sees this task as a personal challenge.
Correct preposition
In the meaning of 'kontrollieren' (to check), 'sehen' (to see/check) is always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. It expresses a quick check.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe mal kurz nach den Kindern sehen.
I'm going to quickly check on the children.
Fixed expression
The expression 'kann sich sehen lassen' (is impressive / can be shown off) is a fixed unit. It is used to express that a result or achievement is very good and impressive.
EXAMPLE
Dein neues Auto kann sich wirklich sehen lassen!
Your new car is really impressive!
Compare with
sehen vs treffen
to meet / to hit
'sich sehen' and 'sich treffen' can both mean that people come together. 'sich treffen' more strongly emphasizes the specific meeting, often with a place, time, or arrangement. 'sich sehen' often sounds a bit more general and personal: for example, you say that you have not seen someone for a long time, even if what you actually mean is that you have not met up. The words are easy to confuse because in everyday language people often say 'Wir sehen uns' (we'll see each other) when they mean a meeting. If you want to emphasize the arrangement or appointment, 'sich treffen' is more precise.
sehen
Wir haben uns seit dem Sommer nicht mehr gesehen.
We haven't seen each other since the summer.
treffen
Am Wochenende treffe ich mich mit meiner Kollegin zum Kaffee.
At the weekend, I'm meeting my colleague for coffee.
In real life
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