01
zuschauen
to watch
To follow an event with your eyes without taking part in it yourself; to observe something.
example
Vom Ufer aus schauten wir den Segelbooten auf dem See zu.
From the shore, we watched the sailboats on the lake.
zuschauen
to watch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zuschauen' (to watch) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' comes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Ich schaue dir gern bei der Arbeit zu.
I'm happy to watch you while you work.
Dative construction
The person or thing being watched is often in the dative. If you want to emphasize the activity, you use the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Kann ich Ihnen beim Kochen zuschauen?
May I watch you while you cook?
Context clue
The negative meaning 'untätig bleiben' (to remain inactive) is often signaled by words like 'einfach nur' (just), 'tatenlos' (idly), or by a negation with modal verbs such as 'können nicht' (cannot) or 'dürfen nicht' (must not).
EXAMPLE
Man kann nicht tatenlos zuschauen, wenn jemand Hilfe braucht.
You can't stand by idly when someone needs help.
Compare with
zuschauen vs handeln
to act / trade
'handeln' and 'zuschauen' form a clear contrast here. 'handeln' means that you become active and do something. In this meaning, 'zuschauen' means that you do nothing even though something is happening. The word can then also sound critical, especially if someone could help or stop a problem. If someone becomes part of the solution, they 'handeln'. If someone only sees what is happening and remains inactive, they 'schauen zu'.
zuschauen
Bei so einem Streit kann man nicht einfach zuschauen.
In an argument like that, you can't just stand by and watch.
handeln
Nach dem Unfall hat sie sofort gehandelt und den Notruf gewählt.
After the accident, she acted immediately and called emergency services.
In real life
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