beaufsichtigen

Definition & meaning

Beaufsichtigen is a verb that means to supervise, to oversee, or to keep an eye on someone or something. It implies being responsible for the safety, order, or proper execution of a task.

1. Supervision of people: Usually used when watching over children, students, or employees to ensure they behave correctly or stay safe. (e.g., "Die Lehrkraft beaufsichtigt die Prüfung" - The teacher supervises the exam).
2. Supervision of objects or processes: Used when monitoring a technical process or guarding an area. (e.g., "Er beaufsichtigt die Wartungsarbeiten" - He is overseeing the maintenance work).

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a separable verb (trenbares Verb). In a sentence, the prefix be- is inseparable, but the base construction is built upon the noun Aufsicht (supervision).

• Grammar: Regular verb (beaufsichtigt, beaufsichtigte, hat beaufsichtigt). It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object in the accusative case.
• Origin: The word is composed of the prefix be- (a prefix often used to turn nouns or adjectives into verbs) and Aufsicht (from auf meaning "on" or "upon" and Sicht meaning "view" or "sight"). Therefore, it literally means "to keep a view upon something."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• überwachen↗ (to monitor or keep surveillance on)
• kontrollieren↗ (to check or control)
• betreuen↗ (to look after or care for)
• bewachen↗ (to guard)
• im Auge behalten↗ (to keep an eye on)

Antonyms:

• vernachlässigen↗ (to neglect)
• sich selbst überlassen↗ (to leave to one's own devices)