beobachten

Beobachten is a German verb meaning to observe, watch closely, or monitor. It implies deliberate, often extended attention rather than a quick glimpse. The term can refer to watching people or events, natural phenomena, or processes, and it is commonly used in contexts ranging from daily life to science and security. The noun form Be­­obachtung denotes the act of observing or the resulting observations, while Beobachter refers to the observer.

Morphology and usage: Beobachten is a regular verb formed with the prefix be- attached to the stem beobachten. It is transitive and takes a direct object. Present tense forms include ich beobachte, du beobachtest, er beobachtet; wir beobachten, ihr beobachtet, sie beobachten. Preterite forms are ich beobachtete, du beobachtetest, er beobachtete; wir beobachteten, ihr beobachtetet, sie beobachteten. The past participle is beobachtet, used with haben to form the perfect: ich habe beobachtet. The noun Beobachtung is used for the act or result of observing, and Beobachter is the observer.

Semantics and distinctions: Beobachten signals purposeful, often systematic attention, sometimes with data collection or surveillance. It contrasts with sehen (to see) or ansehen (to look at) in that it conveys duration, intent, or methodological observation. In scientific writing, Beobachtung denotes empirical observation or recorded findings, while in security contexts it can refer to surveillance or monitoring of individuals or activities.

Related terms and examples: Beispiele—'Ich beobachte die Pflanzenwälder über die Jahreszeiten' (I observe the plant growth over the seasons); 'Die Polizei beobachtet den Verdächtigen' (The police are monitoring the suspect). Related words include Beobachtung (observation) and Beobachter (observer). The term is cognate with Dutch observeren and English observe.