German word

wachen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaxn̩/

Meaning

  • verbkeep watch

Example

In der Nacht wacht der Hund.

At night, the dog keeps watch.

Illustration for wachen (keep watch)

More examples

Der Wachmann wacht am Grenzzaun.

The guard is keeping watch at the border fence.

Core concept

A person stays awake through the night, watching people or things to keep them safe.

Common phrases

  • wachen über das Baby

    watch over the baby

  • auf der Wache wachen

    stand watch at the guard post

  • an der Grenze wachen

    keep watch at the border

Similar words

aufpassen: Giving close attention to catch small changes or signs of danger.
überwachen: Keeping people, places, or devices under continuous observation while recording relevant changes.
bewachen: Protecting a nearby person, place, or object against intrusion or damage.

Definition in German

nicht schlafen und Personen oder Dinge beobachten, besonders um sie zu schützen

Word origin

German wachen is an inherited Germanic verb related to English wake and watch, from a root associated with staying awake and keeping alert.

Usage tips

  • German wachen is normally intransitive; Wache halten or Wache stehen expresses standing guard, while bewachen takes the guarded object.

Other meanings

  • be awakeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word