verb
to observe, to watch
B1
beobachten — to observe, to watch. A regular, non-separable weak verb using auxiliary haben (Perfekt: beobachtet). Typically transitive (takes an accusative object), non‑reflexive. Common meaning: watch attentively, monitor. Passive and progressive uses are possible (er wird beobachtet). No special preposition required. Used in surveillance, scientific or everyday contexts.
Examples
Sie beobachtete den Himmel.
She watched the sky.
Ich beobachte die Vögel.
I'm watching the birds.
Der Biologe beobachtete die Vögel, während sie den Nestern Nahrung brachten.
The biologist observed the birds while they brought food to the nests.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a scientist with binoculars 'beobachten' birds.
Sounds like 'be-o-bahk-ten' — imagine 'be' + 'observe'.
Notes
beobachten is a regular transitive verb meaning to observe or watch carefully; it can be used for scientific observation oder everyday watching.