sehen

Definition & meaning

The verb sehen is the primary German equivalent of the English verb "to see." It has several nuances depending on the context:

1. Perception through the eyes: To perceive objects, light, or surroundings using the sense of sight. For example, "Ich sehe einen Vogel" (I see a bird).
2. Watching or viewing: To consume visual media or attend an event, such as watching a film or a play. For example, "Wir sehen einen Film" (We are watching a movie).
3. Understanding or realizing: To grasp the meaning of something or to comprehend a situation. For example, "Ich sehe, was du meinst" (I see what you mean).
4. Meeting: To encounter someone, often used in the context of planned appointments or social interactions. For example, "Wir sehen uns morgen" (We will see each other tomorrow).

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: sehen is a strong (irregular) verb. Its principal parts are: sehen (infinitive), sah (simple past), and gesehen (past participle). It undergoes a vowel change in the present tense for the second and third person singular: du siehst, er/sie/es sieht.
• Word origin: The word stems from the Old High German sehan, which originates from the Proto-Germanic sehwan. It is etymologically related to the English word "see" and the Dutch "zien."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• blicken sehen? (to glance/look)
• schauen sehen? (to look/watch)
• betrachten sehen? (to observe/examine)
• erkennen sehen? (to recognize/discern)
• erblicken sehen? (to catch sight of)

Antonyms:

• übersehen sehen? (to overlook)
• wegsehen sehen? (to look away)
• blind sein sehen? (to be blind)