wachsam
vigilant
Very attentive and ready to react quickly to possible dangers, changes, or irregularities.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund bewachte das Haus mit wachsamen Augen.
The dog guarded the house with vigilant eyes.
wachsam
vigilant
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'wachsam' (vigilant) is closely related to the verb 'wachen' (to keep watch). The ending '-sam' expresses a quality or tendency. 'Wachsam' therefore literally means that someone has a tendency to keep watch and pay attention.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Hirte ist stets wachsam, um seine Schafe zu schützen.
A good shepherd is always vigilant in order to protect his sheep.
Typical collocations
'Wachsam' (vigilant) is often used to describe an attentive attitude. Typical combinations are 'ein wachsamer Blick' (a vigilant look), 'wachsame Augen haben' (to have vigilant eyes), or the instruction 'wachsam bleiben' (to remain vigilant).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei bat die Bevölkerung, wachsam zu bleiben und Verdächtiges zu melden.
The police asked the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Use with a preposition
If you want to express what the vigilance is directed toward, the preposition 'gegenüber' with the dative is often used.
EXAMPLE
Man sollte gegenüber neuen Betrugsmaschen im Internet wachsam sein.
One should be vigilant about new online scams.
Compare with
wachsam vs aufmerksam
attentive / considerate
Aufmerksam and wachsam can both mean that someone is observing something closely. Aufmerksam describes general concentration, while wachsam additionally emphasizes readiness to react to dangers, changes, or irregularities. Use wachsam when a possible danger is the focus.
wachsam
Die Sicherheitsleute waren wachsam und achteten auf mögliche Gefahren.
The security guards were vigilant and watched out for possible dangers.
aufmerksam
Die Besucher waren aufmerksam und beobachteten die Vorführung genau.
The visitors were attentive and watched the performance closely.
In real life
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