view / visibility
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visibility
The ability to see something; visibility that is affected by weather or obstacles.
Wegen des dichten Nebels betrug die Sicht auf der Autobahn nur 50 Meter.
Because of the thick fog, visibility on the highway was only 50 meters.
'Sicht' (view/visibility) belongs to the word family of the verb 'sehen' (to see). Many meanings of 'Sicht' have directly to do with seeing or a figurative kind of 'seeing' (that is, understanding).
Die klare Sicht auf die Berge war beeindruckend.
The clear view of the mountains was impressive.
You can tell from context whether 'Sicht' (view/visibility) means visual perception or an opinion. If it is about weather, traffic, or obstacles, visual visibility is meant. If it is about discussions or evaluations, a perspective is meant.
Der dichte Rauch nahm uns die Sicht.
The thick smoke blocked our view.
When referring to visibility, 'Sicht' is often combined with adjectives such as 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), 'klar' (clear), or 'eingeschränkt' (limited). A common preposition is 'auf' (+ accusative) to name what is seen.
Vom Berggipfel hat man eine klare Sicht auf das ganze Tal.
From the mountain peak, you have a clear view of the whole valley.
To express a personal opinion or perspective, 'Sicht' is almost always used with the preposition 'aus' and a dative object. The most common form is 'aus meiner Sicht' (in my view).
Aus Sicht der Wissenschaftler ist die Studie nicht aussagekräftig.
From the scientists' point of view, the study is not conclusive.
The phrase 'auf lange/kurze Sicht' (in the long/short term) functions like a time expression in the sentence. It often stands at the beginning of the sentence or after the conjugated verb.
Auf kurze Sicht sparen wir Geld, aber auf lange Sicht ist es keine gute Lösung.
In the short term we save money, but in the long term it is not a good solution.
look / view
'der Blick' and 'die Sicht' both have to do with seeing, but they do not emphasize the same thing. 'der Blick' often means active looking: where someone is looking, how briefly someone looks, or what view you can see. 'die Sicht' is more about the ability to see, for example in fog, rain, or when there are obstacles. In addition, 'Sicht' can also mean an opinion or perspective on a topic. Learners may confuse the words because both are sometimes connected to 'Aussicht' (view) or seeing. When a person's eyes are actively looking, 'Blick' usually fits. When it is about visibility or a personal perspective, 'Sicht' usually fits.
Bei starkem Nebel war die Sicht auf der Straße sehr schlecht.
In thick fog, visibility on the road was very poor.
Vom Balkon hat man einen schönen Blick auf den See.
From the balcony, you have a beautiful view of the lake.