Polyglot Dictionary

betrachten

/bəˈtʁaxtn̩/

verb B1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present (3rd sg.): betrachtet
past: betrachtete
perfect: hat betrachtet

Meaning

to look at, to observe (attentively, often thoughtfully)

More deliberate and thoughtful than ansehen or sehen — implying careful observation.
- Sie betrachtete das Bild lange.
  
  She looked at the picture for a long time.
- Sie betrachtete lange das Bild an der Wand. Es erinnerte sie an ihre Kindheit.
  
  She looked at the picture on the wall for a long time. It reminded her of her childhood.
to consider, to regard (as something)
- Er betrachtet sie als seine beste Freundin.
  
  He regards her as his best friend.
- Ich betrachte ihn als meinen besten Freund. Wir kennen uns seit der Schule.
  
  I regard him as my best friend. We have known each other since school.

Practice

1 What does betrachten mean?

2 Fill the gap: Sie ___ das Bild lange.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches betrachten?

See also

ansehen

verbtwo-meanings

Last updated 2026-09-17