verb

ansehen

look at · look · watch

Mit den Augen bewusst auf etwas oder jemanden richten, um es wahrzunehmen.

Definition & meaning

The verb ansehen has several related meanings depending on the context:

To look at or view: This refers to the act of looking at something or someone, often with attention or for a specific purpose. It is commonly used for watching television, looking at art, or observing a situation.
To watch/examine: It implies a more deliberate observation, such as watching a movie, a play, or examining an object to understand its state or quality.
To see something in someone: It is used in the sense of noticing a trait or emotion on someone's face or appearance (e.g., "I can see the sadness in his face").
To consider or regard as: It can mean to view someone or something in a certain light or to hold a specific opinion about them (e.g., "I regard this as a success").

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

ansehen is a separable verb. In a sentence, the prefix "an-" is moved to the end if the verb is conjugated in the present or simple past tense (e.g., "Ich sehe mir den Film an").
It is a strong verb: ansehen (infinitive) -> sah an (simple past) -> angesehen (past participle).
It is almost always used with a reflexive pronoun in the first or second sense (sich etwas ansehen).

Word origin: The word is a compound of the preposition an (at/on) and the verb sehen (to see). Etymologically, it combines the directional focus of "an" with the sensory act of "sehen" to create the meaning of "directing one's sight toward something."