Durchschauen

Durchschauen is a German verb that means to see through something or someone, and to have clear insight into what lies beneath a surface, whether literal or figurative. The word combines durch meaning through with schauen meaning to look or gaze. In everyday language it is used both for perceptual clarity and for social discernment.

In its literal sense, durchschauen can describe perceiving what is on the other side of a barrier or surface, though more common expressions for physical visibility emphasize seeing through with phrases like hindurchsehen. The figurative sense is more widespread: to see through a deception, to grasp the true nature or intentions of a person, or to understand the core of a complex matter. For example, man kann den Trick durchschauen (one can see through the trick) or Ich habe ihn durchschaut (I have seen through him).

As a noun, das Durchschauen is used to refer to the act or process of perceiving underlying reality, though the noun der Durchblick (insight, overview) is often preferred in contemporary usage. Related verbs include durchblicken (to see through in the sense of gaining insight) and der Durchblick (clarity or overview).

In cultural and academic contexts, durchschauen appears in discussions of psychology, deception, and critical thinking, as well as in literature and rhetoric where a character’s facade is exposed or a situation is laid bare. The term remains closely tied to the theme of uncovering truth behind appearances.