German word

überwachen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌyːbɐˈvaxn̩/

Meaning

  • verbmonitor

Example

Ich überwache die Kameras.

I monitor the cameras.

Illustration for überwachen (monitor)

More examples

Die Polizei überwacht soziale Medien.

The police monitor social media.

Core concept

A control room keeps its eyes on cameras, people, or a place so that unusual activity becomes visible early.

Common phrases

  • überwachen soziale Medien

    monitor social media

  • überwachen Messwerte

    monitor readings

Similar words

beobachten: Close attention to a person or thing to track movements and changes.
kontrollieren: Checking something against rules or standards to confirm it is correct.
beaufsichtigen: Oversight of people or work to ensure safety and proper procedures.
überprüfen: Examination of records or figures to confirm accuracy and reveal errors.

Definition in German

ein System, eine Person oder einen Ort laufend beobachten, um Fehlverhalten, Gefahren oder Probleme früh zu erkennen

Word origin

The verb combines German über, meaning over or across, with wachen, meaning to stay awake or keep watch.

Usage tips

  • Überwachen is transitive, so the watched person, system, or place takes the accusative, as in "Ich überwache die Kameras."

Other meanings

  • watchverb
  • superviseverb

Related words

  • Überwachungsmaßnahmemonitoring measurenoun
  • Überwachungsgerätmonitoring devicenoun

Word lists with this word