belauschen
eavesdrop · eavesdrop on
Definition & meaning
belauschen means to eavesdrop on someone or to secretly listen to a conversation. It often implies that the listening is deliberate and done without the speaker’s knowledge.
It can also mean to overhear something secretly, such as a conversation or remark.
Grammar & Word origin
belauschen is a regular, transitive verb: it takes a direct object. Its forms include belauschte (simple past) and hat belauscht (present perfect).
It consists of the prefix be- and the verb lauschen , meaning “to listen attentively.” The prefix be- is inseparable, so the stress falls on lauschen.
Synonyms & antonyms
- abhören — to listen in on or monitor, often systematically, for example by tapping a phone. It can sound more technical or official than belauschen.
- belauschen is close in meaning to heimlich zuhören , “to listen secretly”; this phrase describes the action rather than serving as a single-word synonym.
- ignorieren — “to ignore”; a possible contrast when someone deliberately pays no attention, though it is not a direct antonym.
- überhören — “to fail to hear” or “to miss hearing”; unlike belauschen, this usually suggests the sound was missed rather than secretly listened to.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Sie versuchen, das Gespräch zu belauschen.verb
They are trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Der Nachbar belauscht uns durch die offene Tür.verb
The neighbor eavesdrops on us through the open door.
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