sighting / review
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sighting
The discovery or observation of something or someone that is rare, expected, or being searched for.
Die Sichtung eines seltenen Vogels lockte viele Ornithologen in die Region.
The sighting of a rare bird attracted many ornithologists to the region.
review
The systematic looking through, checking, and organizing of material, such as files, data, or applications.
Die Sichtung der eingegangenen Bewerbungsunterlagen wird noch einige Zeit in Anspruch nehmen.
The review of the submitted application documents will still take some time.
'Die Sichtung' (sighting/review) is the nominalization of the verb 'sichten' (to sight/review). Both words belong to the word family of 'die Sicht' (view/sight) and 'sehen' (to see) and have to do with observing or checking.
Nach der Sichtung der Beweise war der Fall klar.
After the review of the evidence, the case was clear.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If 'Sichtung' (sighting/review) refers to concrete, often rare objects in the real world, such as animals or UFOs, it means observation. If it refers to materials, such as files or data, it means checking or reviewing.
Die Sichtung eines weißen Hirsches ist extrem selten.
The sighting of a white deer is extremely rare.
In the meaning 'beobachten' (to observe), the sighted object is often connected with the genitive or with 'von' + dative. Typical objects are rare animals, celestial bodies, or unknown phenomena.
Die erste Sichtung des Kometen gelang einem Amateurastronomen.
The first sighting of the comet was made by an amateur astronomer.
In the meaning 'prüfen' (to check/review), 'Sichtung' (review) is often used in the context of work and administration. Common combinations are 'die Sichtung der Unterlagen' (the review of the documents), 'der Akten' (of the files), or 'der Bewerbungen' (of the applications).
Die Personalabteilung beginnt morgen mit der Sichtung der Bewerbungen.
The HR department will begin reviewing the applications tomorrow.
observation
„Beobachtung“ and „Sichtung“ can both refer to perceiving something or someone. „Sichtung“ usually highlights the discovery of a rare or expected being, often as a single event; „Beobachtung“ is more suitable for following something over a longer period or repeatedly. „Sichtung“ is more commonly used for the first discovery.
Die Sichtung eines Wolfes am Waldrand wurde sofort gemeldet.
The sighting of a wolf at the edge of the forest was reported immediately.
Die Beobachtung des Wolfes dauerte eine Stunde und wurde genau dokumentiert.
The observation of the wolf lasted an hour and was carefully documented.
