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.
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 observe
'beobachten' and 'überwachen' both mean that you keep someone or something in view over a period of time. 'beobachten' is more neutral: you watch attentively or notice a development. 'überwachen' additionally means control. You check whether rules are being followed or whether everything is working properly. That is why 'überwachen' often fits in contexts of security, technology, or medicine. The words can be confused because both refer to watching over a longer period. The important difference is: 'überwachen' almost always has the purpose of control.
Im Krankenhaus überwachen Geräte die Atmung des Patienten.
In the hospital, devices monitor the patient's breathing.
Die Ärztin beobachtet, ob sich der Zustand des Kindes verbessert.
The doctor is observing whether the child's condition is improving.