German word

achten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaxtn̩/

Meaning

  • verbpay attention

Example

Bitte achte auf den Verkehr.

Please pay attention to the traffic.

Illustration for achten (pay attention)

More examples

Bitte achte auf Pünktlichkeit.

Please pay attention to punctuality.

Core concept

A spotlight rests on something considered worthy of notice or regard.

Common phrases

  • achte darauf

    pay attention to it

  • achte auf Pünktlichkeit

    pay attention to punctuality

  • achte auf kleine Details

    pay attention to small details

Similar words

aufpassen: To remain watchful so that danger or trouble does not arise.
zuhören: To concentrate on and understand what is being said.
beachten: To keep stated information, instructions, or rules in mind and follow them.
respektieren: To show proper regard for another person's position or feelings.

Definition in German

Achten bedeutet, etwas für wichtig zu halten und dem entsprechend Aufmerksamkeit oder Respekt zu zeigen.

Word origin

German achten continues Old High German ahtōn, whose older sense involved paying heed or showing regard; the modern attention and respect senses remain connected.

Usage tips

  • Achten auf means paying attention to something, while jemanden achten means respecting someone without a preposition.

Other meanings

  • respectverb
  • valueverb

Opposites

  • verachtendespiseverb

Related words

  • achtungsvollrespectfuladjective
  • achtloscarelessadjective

Word lists with this word