01
sich umsehen
to look around
To turn one's head or body in order to look at the surroundings or at something behind one.
example
Er hörte ein Geräusch und sah sich erschrocken um.
He heard a noise and looked around in alarm.
umsehen
to look around
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umsehen' (to look around) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'um' goes at the end. In a subordinate clause or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sie sieht sich in der neuen Stadt um.
She looks around in the new city.
Always reflexive
The verb 'umsehen' (to look around) is always used reflexively, meaning with a reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich). The pronoun agrees with the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich sehe mich nach einem neuen Job um.
I'm looking around for a new job.
Typical situation: In a shop
The sentence 'Ich sehe mich nur um' (I'm just looking around) is a very common and polite answer to sales staff in a shop when you only want to look and do not want to buy anything specific.
EXAMPLE
Verkäufer: Kann ich Ihnen helfen? Kunde: Nein danke, ich sehe mich nur um.
Salesperson: Can I help you? Customer: No thanks, I'm just looking around.
Searching with 'nach'
When 'sich umsehen' (to look around for) has the meaning of 'to actively search,' it is always used with the preposition 'nach' and the dative. The structure is: sich nach etwas (dative) umsehen.
EXAMPLE
Er sieht sich nach einer günstigeren Versicherung um.
He's looking around for cheaper insurance.
Compare with
umsehen vs suchen
to search / look for
'suchen' and 'sich umsehen' can both mean that you want to find something. 'suchen' sounds more direct and goal-oriented: you need something specific and are trying to find it. 'sich umsehen' is often more relaxed. You look around in a place or check out possibilities without having to decide right away. With 'sich nach etwas umsehen', however, it can also become active, for example when looking for an apartment or a new job. The words can be confused because both fit when talking about apartments, work, or shopping. 'suchen' is more precise when the goal is fixed; 'sich umsehen' fits when you first want to get an overview.
umsehen
Im Möbelhaus sehen wir uns erst einmal um, bevor wir etwas kaufen.
At the furniture store, we look around first before buying anything.
suchen
Wir suchen eine größere Wohnung, weil das Baby bald kommt.
We are looking for a bigger apartment because the baby is coming soon.
In real life
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