German word

Beobachter

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈoːbaxtɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounobserver

Example

Ein einzelner Beobachter saß auf der Bank und schrieb.

A lone observer sat on the bench and wrote.

Illustration for Beobachter (observer)

More examples

Die Organisation schickte einen Beobachter zur Sitzung.

The organization sent an observer to the meeting.

Core concept

A person stands outside an event, watching closely and noticing details without taking part.

Common phrases

  • als Beobachter dabei sein

    be there as an observer

  • einen Beobachter schicken

    send an observer

Similar words

Zuschauer: A spectator who passively watches an event or video.
Teilnehmer: A person who joins an activity or gathering and fulfills a role.
Betrachter: A viewer who visually examines a work or scene for impressions and details.
Zeuge: A person who witnesses an event and can testify about it.

Definition in German

Person, die etwas von außen betrachtet, ohne aktiv einzugreifen, und dabei Details wahrnimmt.

Word origin

Beobachter is formed from beobachten with the agent suffix -er, while beobachten contains older obacht, related to achten in the sense of paying attention.

Usage tips

  • Beobachter is a masculine noun, and its plural is Beobachter because the plural ending is zero.

Other meanings

  • watchernoun
  • onlookernoun

Opposites

  • Teilnehmerparticipantnoun
  • Beteiligterperson involvednoun

Related words

Word lists with this word