German word

ansehen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanˌzeːən/

Meaning

  • verblook at

Example

Ich sehe das Bild an.

I am looking at the picture.

Illustration for ansehen (look at)

More examples

Wir sehen uns morgen die Ausstellung an.

We will look at the exhibition tomorrow.

Core concept

Attention is directed at a person or thing closely enough to form an impression or judgment.

Common phrases

  • sich die Ausstellung ansehen

    look at the exhibition

  • sich eine Webseite ansehen

    look at a website

Similar words

sehen: Using the eyes to notice whether something is present and what shape it has.
anschauen: Watching something with concentrated attention.
schauen: Turning the gaze toward something.
gucken: Using a casual spoken expression for looking at something.

Definition in German

Etwas gezielt anschauen; in der Wendung 'jemanden/etwas als ... ansehen' auch 'für ... halten, beurteilen' bedeuten.

Word origin

Ansehen combines the separable prefix an- with inherited Germanic sehen, continuing Old High German sehan, and its directed-looking sense developed an evaluative use.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English "look at," ansehen takes its direct object without a preposition, so the object is in the accusative case.

Other meanings

  • regardverb

Opposites

  • wegschauenlook awayverb

Word lists with this word