01
sichten
to review
To look through, examine, and organize materials, documents, or information.
example
Vor dem Umzug müssen wir erst einmal alle alten Unterlagen sichten.
Before the move, we first have to review all the old documents.
sichten
to review / to sight
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Sichten' (to review/to sight) is closely related to the noun 'die Sicht' (view/sight) and the adjective 'sichtbar' (visible). Both meanings are connected with seeing: either looking through material carefully or actually catching sight of something.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er die Dokumente gesichtet hatte, hatte er eine bessere Sicht auf das Problem.
After he had reviewed the documents, he had a better view of the problem.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If it is a collection of things, e.g. 'Akten' (files) or 'Fotos' (photos), it means 'to examine'. If it is a single object in the distance, e.g. 'ein Schiff' (a ship) or 'die Küste' (the coast), it means 'to discover' or 'to sight'.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch die E-Mails von heute Morgen sichten.
I still have to review this morning's emails.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'to examine', 'sichten' (to review) almost always takes a plural object that represents a body of information. Typical objects are 'Unterlagen' (documents), 'Bewerbungen' (applications), 'Akten' (files), or 'Beweise' (evidence).
EXAMPLE
Die Personalabteilung sichtet gerade die eingegangenen Bewerbungen.
The HR department is currently reviewing the applications that have come in.
Typical context
The meaning 'to discover' or 'to sight' is often used in specific contexts such as seafaring, aviation, the military, or animal observation. It describes catching sight of something important or expected.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän sichtete endlich Land am Horizont.
The captain finally sighted land on the horizon.
Compare with
sichten vs sehen
to see
'sehen' and 'sichten' can both mean that you perceive something with your eyes. 'sehen' is the normal general word for almost any everyday situation. 'sichten' is more specific. It can mean that you discover something from a distance or only briefly, for example a ship or an animal. It can also mean that you review and organize materials, photos, or documents. The words can be confused because 'sichten' often also starts with seeing. In everyday life, however, people usually say 'sehen'. 'sichten' is more suitable for observations, reports, or systematically looking through documents.
sichten
Am Abend sichtet das Team die Bewerbungen für den neuen Kurs.
In the evening, the team reviews the applications for the new course.
sehen
Auf dem Weg zur Schule sehe ich jeden Morgen denselben Hund.
On the way to school, I see the same dog every morning.
In real life
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