01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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' both have to do with careful perception. 'aufmerksam' is used when someone listens well, looks closely, or concentrates on something. 'wachsam' fits better when someone is watching out for possible dangers, mistakes, or changes and should be ready to react quickly. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a high level of attention. The difference is: 'aufmerksam' is more general and often neutral or positive in class, conversation, or everyday life. 'wachsam' sounds more cautious and is especially appropriate in contexts of safety, danger, or monitoring.
wachsam
Beim Spaziergang im Dunkeln bleibt Anna wachsam.
During the walk in the dark, Anna remains vigilant.
aufmerksam
Im Sprachkurs höre ich heute besonders aufmerksam zu.
In the language course today, I am listening especially attentively.
In real life
Loading video examples...