beachten

Beachten is a German verb that means to pay attention to, to observe, to heed, or to comply with. It is transitive and typically takes a direct object, as in „die Regeln beachten“ (to observe the rules) or „Ihre Hinweise beachten“ (to heed your hints). A closely related idea is expressed with the construction „auf etwas achten“ (to pay attention to something), which uses a different verb with a preposition.

Etymology and grammar: Beachten is formed with the inseparable prefix be- added to achten. It is a regular (weak) verb: ich beachte, du beachtest, er/sie/es beachtet, wir beachten, ihr beachtet, sie/Sie beachten. The perfect is formed with haben: ich habe beachtet. The object usually appears in the accusative, e.g., „den Vertrag beachten.“ Besides its transitive use, the noun Beachtung exists and means attention, notice, or consideration.

Usage and nuance: In formal or instructional contexts, Beachten Sie… is a common phrasing in notices and guidelines, for example: „Beachten Sie bitte die folgenden Hinweise.“ The noun Beachtung is used in phrases such as „Beachtung finden“ (to attract attention) and „Beachtung schenken“ (to give heed or consideration). The verb also appears in phrases emphasizing compliance with rules or norms, such as „die Vorschriften beachten“ (to observe the regulations).

Beachtung (noun) and related expressions: Beachtung can denote regard or consideration beyond mere attention, and it often collocates with verbs like finden or schenken to express attention, heed, or consideration toward something or someone.