German word

sehen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzeːən/

Meaning

  • verbsee

Example

Ich sehe dich.

I see you.

Illustration for sehen (see)

More examples

Jetzt sehe ich, was du meinst.

Now I see what you mean.

Core concept

The eyes bring a person or thing into view, while sustained attention can reveal its condition or meaning.

Common phrases

  • sehe das Foto

    see the photo

  • sehe einen Freund

    meet a friend

Similar words

schauen: To focus the gaze on something for the purpose of observing it.
ansehen: To inspect someone or something visually to learn about its appearance.
erkennen: To distinguish and identify someone or something based on observation or experience.
verstehen: To comprehend the meaning of language or a situation.

Definition in German

Mit den Augen etwas wahrnehmen; im übertragenen Sinn etwas begreifen; in reflexiver Form 'sich sehen' bedeutet sich treffen

Word origin

German sehen developed through Middle High German from Old High German sehan and shares its ancestry with English see.

Usage tips

  • The accusative marks the person or thing seen, as in Ich sehe dich, whereas sich sehen can mean meeting one another.

Other meanings

  • meetverb
  • understandverb
  • watchverb

Related words

Word lists with this word