to monitor
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to monitor
To observe someone or something closely over a longer period of time in order to check whether everything is all right or rules are being followed.
Die Polizei überwacht das Gelände mit Kameras.
The police monitor the premises with cameras.
to monitor
In medicine or technology, to continuously check the functions of a system or a patient's vital signs using devices.
Auf der Intensivstation werden die Patienten rund um die Uhr überwacht.
In the intensive care unit, patients are monitored around the clock.
The prefix 'über-' is inseparable in 'überwachen' (to monitor) and is not stressed (überwáchen). It remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms, including the past participle ('hat überwacht' — has monitored).
Die Software überwacht die Netzwerkaktivität.
The software monitors network activity.
The verb 'überwachen' (to monitor) always requires a direct object in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what is someone monitoring?
Der Arzt überwacht den Zustand des Patienten.
The doctor monitors the patient's condition.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about security, control, or rules (police, cameras, suspects), the general meaning is intended. If it is about medical or technical data (patients, systems, heartbeat), the specific monitoring meaning is intended.
Die Eltern überwachen die Internetnutzung ihrer Kinder.
The parents monitor their children's internet use.
In the meaning 'kontrollieren' (to check/control), 'überwachen' is often used in contexts involving security and order. Typical phrases are 'einen Verdächtigen überwachen' (to monitor a suspect), 'den Luftraum überwachen' (to monitor the airspace), or 'ein Gebäude überwachen' (to monitor a building).
Die Küstenwache überwacht den Schiffsverkehr.
The coast guard monitors ship traffic.
to follow / pursue
Both words can refer to following a person’s movements over a longer period. Verfolgen emphasizes following their specific trail or movement, while überwachen means observing them in a controlling way to ensure that rules are being followed or that everything remains in order. Use verfolgen when following someone’s movements and überwachen when monitoring them.
Die Ermittler überwachen den Verdächtigen, um zu kontrollieren, ob er weitere Regeln verletzt.
The investigators monitor the suspect to check whether he violates any more rules.
Die Ermittler verfolgen die Spur des Verdächtigen bis zu einem verlassenen Gebäude.
The investigators follow the suspect’s trail to an abandoned building.
