Examples by Level
Der Detektiv spioniert seinem Ziel nach.
The detective spies on his target.
A2: separable verb 'nachspionieren' (to spy on) with dative object
Die Katze spioniert der Maus hinterher.
The cat spies after the mouse.
A2: separable verb 'hinterherspionieren' (to spy after) with dative object
Ich will nicht spionieren.
I don't want to spy.
A1: modal verb 'wollen' (to want) with infinitive
Sie spioniert für die Regierung.
She spies for the government.
A1: preposition 'für' (for) with accusative object
Er spioniert am Fenster.
He spies at the window.
A1: preposition 'an' (at/on) with dative object
Wir spionieren nie.
We never spy.
A1: negation 'nie' (never)
Spionierst du?
Are you spying?
A1: simple question structure
Sie haben spioniert.
They have spied.
A2: perfect tense with 'haben'
Idioms & Expressions
"einen Blick erhaschen"
to catch a glimpse
Ich konnte gerade noch einen Blick auf den Prominenten erhaschen, bevor er in sein Auto stieg. (I just caught a glimpse of the celebrity before he got into his car.)
neutral"jemandem auf die Finger schauen"
to watch someone closely (especially to ensure they are doing things correctly or to learn from them)
Der Chef schaut seinen neuen Mitarbeitern genau auf die Finger. (The boss is watching his new employees closely.)
neutral"hinter die Kulissen blicken"
to look behind the scenes, to see how something really works
Es war interessant, einmal hinter die Kulissen der Theaterproduktion zu blicken. (It was interesting to look behind the scenes of the theater production.)
neutral"etwas auskundschaften"
to scout out something, to explore something to gain information
Sie haben das Gelände ausgekundschaftet, bevor sie ihren Plan umgesetzt haben. (They scouted out the area before implementing their plan.)
neutral"jemanden aushorchen"
to pump someone for information, to try to get information out of someone discreetly
Er hat versucht, mich auszuhorchen, aber ich habe nichts verraten. (He tried to pump me for information, but I didn't reveal anything.)
neutral"die Ohren spitzen"
to prick up one's ears, to listen very attentively
Als ich das Wort 'Gehaltserhöhung' hörte, spitzte ich sofort die Ohren. (When I heard the word 'salary increase,' I immediately pricked up my ears.)
neutral"unter der Hand"
under the table, secretly, unofficially
Die Informationen wurden unter der Hand weitergegeben. (The information was passed on under the table.)
neutral"ein Auge auf etwas/jemanden haben"
to keep an eye on something/someone
Bitte hab ein Auge auf die Kinder, während ich kurz weg bin. (Please keep an eye on the children while I'm gone for a moment.)
neutral"jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen"
to sound someone out, to question someone thoroughly to find out their true intentions or knowledge
Der Journalist wollte dem Politiker auf den Zahn fühlen. (The journalist wanted to sound out the politician.)
neutral"die Lage peilen"
to assess the situation, to get a feel for the circumstances
Bevor wir handeln, müssen wir erst die Lage peilen. (Before we act, we first need to assess the situation.)
neutralMemorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'spy-on-ear' listening in on secrets.
Visual Association
Picture a trench-coat-wearing spy with oversized ears, 'spioning' on a secret meeting.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a secret agent's job using 'spionieren' in a German sentence.
Test Yourself 12 questions
Der Detektiv musste seinen Verdacht _____ und fand wichtige Beweise.
In this context, 'spionieren' (to spy) fits best as the detective is secretly gathering information. The other options don't convey the same sense of clandestine information gathering.
Es ist streng verboten, in fremden Ländern zu _____.
The phrase 'streng verboten' (strictly forbidden) implies an illicit activity. 'Spionieren' (to spy) fits this context perfectly, as it's an illegal act in foreign countries when done without authorization.
Die Regierung befürchtet, dass feindliche Agenten das Militär _____ könnten.
Feindliche Agenten (enemy agents) are typically involved in 'spionieren' (spying) to gather intelligence on the military. 'Beobachten' (to observe) is too general and lacks the illicit intent.
Man sagt, der Nachbar würde gerne bei seinen Mitmenschen _____.
The sentence implies a negative or intrusive action. 'Spionieren' (to spy) suggests a nosy neighbor who secretly observes others, which fits the context of 'gerne bei seinen Mitmenschen'.
Um die Wahrheit herauszufinden, musste er monatelang _____.
To 'find out the truth' (die Wahrheit herauszufinden) when dealing with secrets often requires 'spionieren' (spying) for an extended period, as indicated by 'monatelang' (for months).
Sie wurde angeklagt, für eine ausländische Macht zu _____.
Being 'angeklagt' (accused) for acting 'für eine ausländische Macht' (for a foreign power) strongly suggests the crime of 'spionieren' (spying).
This sentence describes the act of spying on an enemy general's movements. The verb 'spionieren' is used in its infinitive form here.
Here, 'das Spionieren' is used as a noun (gerund), referring to the act of spying itself. The sentence emphasizes the serious consequences.
This sentence illustrates a failed attempt at spying within an embassy. The structure 'zu spionieren' is common with verbs like 'versuchen' (to try).
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
More military words
Abkommen
A2A formal agreement or treaty.
abrüsten
B2to disarm, to reduce or remove weapons
aggressiv
A2ready or likely to attack or confront; aggressive
anführen
B1to lead or command a military unit or operation
Anführer
A2A person who leads a group.
Angriff
A2An aggressive act to harm or defeat someone or something.
Armee
A2A large organized group of soldiers equipped for war.
aufgeben
A2to surrender or give up a fight or position
aufrüsten
B2to arm, to rearm, to increase military capabilities
ausbilden
A2to train or educate soldiers for military service
