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.
'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.
selection / choice
'Auswahl' and 'Sichtung' can both occur with material such as applications, texts, or data. With 'Sichtung', you first look through the material systematically and check what is there or what is important. 'Auswahl' often comes afterward: you decide on certain people, things, or pieces of information. Learners may confuse the words because both can be part of the same work process. As a simple guide: first you review, then you choose.
Zur Sichtung der Unterlagen bleibt dem Team nur ein Vormittag.
The team has only one morning to review the documents.
Nach dem Gespräch fiel ihr die Auswahl der passenden Bewerber leichter.
After the interview, choosing the right applicants was easier for her.