surveillance / monitoring
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surveillance
The targeted and systematic observation of people, places, or activities, often for security reasons or for control.
Die Videoüberwachung am Bahnhof soll die Sicherheit erhöhen.
The video surveillance at the train station is meant to increase safety.
The word derives from the inseparable verb 'überwachen' (to monitor/surveil). It consists of 'über' (over) and 'wachen' (to watch/keep guard) and literally means to watch over something or someone in order to control it or them.
Die Überwachung des Luftraums ist eine komplexe Aufgabe.
The monitoring of the airspace is a complex task.
To specify what is being monitored, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. The genitive is more common in written language.
Die Überwachung des Bankgebäudes wurde verstärkt.
The surveillance of the bank building was increased.
The context makes clear which kind of 'Überwachung' (surveillance/monitoring) is meant. If it is about people or places, it means surveillance or control. If it is about technology or medicine, it means technical or medical monitoring.
Die polizeiliche Überwachung richtete sich gegen eine kriminelle Gruppe.
The police surveillance was directed against a criminal group.
In the context of security and control, 'Überwachung' is often combined with certain adjectives and verbs. Common phrases are 'polizeiliche Überwachung' (police surveillance), 'lückenlose Überwachung' (complete surveillance), and the expression 'unter Überwachung stehen' (to be under surveillance).
Der Verdächtige steht seit Wochen unter polizeilicher Überwachung.
The suspect has been under police surveillance for weeks.
control / check
'die Kontrolle' and 'die Überwachung' both have to do with checking. 'Kontrolle' often means a single check or inspection: someone checks whether something is correct, safe, or in order. 'Überwachung' is more like longer-term or regular observation, often with cameras, technology, or staff. Learners may confuse the words because surveillance or monitoring also involves checking. A practical way to remember it: a 'Kontrolle' is often a moment; 'Überwachung' is often a process over a longer period of time.
Die Überwachung des Eingangs läuft die ganze Nacht über Kameras.
The entrance is monitored by cameras all night.
Vor der Abfahrt macht die Fahrerin eine kurze Kontrolle der Reifen.
Before departure, the driver does a quick check of the tires.