A2 verb #2,500 最常用 12分钟阅读

wachen

At the A1 level, learners are primarily introduced to the concept of waking up and being awake through the adjective 'wach' and the separable verb 'aufwachen'. The standalone verb 'wachen' is less common in absolute beginner courses, but understanding its root is essential. A1 learners will learn to say simple sentences like 'Ich bin wach' (I am awake) or 'Wann wachst du auf?' (When do you wake up?). The focus is on daily routines, morning habits, and basic states of being. While 'wachen' as 'to guard' might not be explicitly taught, encountering the word helps build a foundation for recognizing compound words later on. Teachers at this level emphasize the difference between 'schlafen' (to sleep) and being 'wach' (awake). A1 students should practice using 'wach' with the verb 'sein' (to be) to describe themselves or others in the morning. For example, 'Das Baby ist wach' is a highly practical sentence. Recognizing the sound and spelling of 'wach' prepares the learner for the more complex verb forms and prepositions they will encounter in A2 and B1. The primary goal here is vocabulary recognition and basic application in present tense daily scenarios.
At the A2 level, the verb 'wachen' is formally introduced, expanding the learner's vocabulary beyond simple daily routines into concepts of care, duty, and basic storytelling. Learners at this stage begin to understand the difference between 'aufwachen' (to wake up) and 'wachen' (to keep watch or stay awake for a purpose). They learn the crucial grammatical structure 'wachen über + Akkusativ' to express watching over someone or something. This is a significant step, as it introduces prepositional verbs, a key component of A2 grammar. Students practice sentences like 'Der Hund wacht über das Haus' (The dog watches over the house). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the past tense (Präteritum) in reading, encountering 'wachte' in simple stories or fairy tales. The distinction between 'wachen' (intransitive/prepositional) and 'wecken' (transitive - to wake someone else up) is heavily emphasized to prevent common translation errors from English. By the end of A2, a student should comfortably use 'wachen' to describe a state of vigilance or guarding, use 'aufwachen' for their morning routine, and use 'wecken' when their alarm clock rings.
At the B1 level, learners encounter 'wachen' in more diverse and complex contexts, including news, intermediate literature, and discussions about society and professions. The vocabulary expands significantly to include derivatives like 'bewachen' (to guard actively), 'überwachen' (to surveil), and nouns like 'die Wache' (the guard/police station) and 'der Wachmann' (the security guard). B1 students are expected to grasp the nuanced differences between these terms. For instance, they learn that a camera 'überwacht' a building, a soldier 'bewacht' a gate, but a mother 'wacht über' her child. The figurative uses of 'wachen' also become apparent, such as 'darüber wachen, dass...' (to ensure that...). Grammar practice at this level involves using 'wachen' in various tenses, including the Perfekt (hat gewacht) and Plusquamperfekt, and integrating it into subordinate clauses (z.B., 'Ich wusste nicht, dass er die ganze Nacht gewacht hat'). B1 learners also explore idiomatic expressions and cultural contexts, such as the concept of a 'Mahnwache' (vigil). Mastery at this level means being able to choose the precise 'wach-' verb for the specific context of security, care, or wakefulness.
At the B2 level, the usage of 'wachen' and its word family becomes highly sophisticated and abstract. Learners engage with texts dealing with politics, law, psychology, and history, where 'wachen' is used metaphorically. For example, 'Das Bundesverfassungsgericht wacht über das Grundgesetz' (The Federal Constitutional Court watches over the Basic Law). B2 students must effortlessly navigate between 'wachen', 'bewachen', 'überwachen', and 'erwachen' (a more literary form of waking up or realizing something). The focus shifts to passive voice constructions (e.g., 'Das Gebäude wird streng bewacht') and complex noun phrases (e.g., 'die Überwachung des öffentlichen Raums'). Learners are expected to express opinions on topics like state surveillance (Überwachungsstaat) and personal security, using the vocabulary accurately. They also encounter 'wachen' in historical contexts, such as 'Nachtwächter' in medieval towns. At this level, the distinction between 'wachen' and its synonyms is no longer just about correctness, but about stylistic appropriateness and register. B2 learners refine their ability to use 'wachen' in formal writing, essays, and debates, demonstrating a deep understanding of its connotations of duty, protection, and alertness.
At the C1 level, learners possess a near-native intuition for 'wachen' and its extensive word family. They encounter the word in advanced literature, academic texts, and high-level journalism. The focus is on stylistic nuance, idiomatic mastery, and recognizing subtle shifts in meaning. C1 students understand phrases like 'mit Argusaugen wachen' (to watch with eagle eyes/extreme suspicion) and can deploy them naturally in conversation or writing. They analyze texts where 'wachen' represents a moral or philosophical stance, such as the vigilance of a democratic society. The vocabulary expands to highly specific terms like 'die Wacheinheit', 'der Wachhund' (used metaphorically for investigative journalism), and 'die Wachsamkeit' (vigilance). At this level, learners can effortlessly construct complex sentences involving multiple clauses and nuanced verb prefixes. They understand the poetic resonance of 'wachen' in classical German poetry (e.g., Goethe or Schiller) and can contrast it with modern, bureaucratic uses of 'überwachen'. C1 mastery means 'wachen' is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, allowing for precise, elegant, and contextually flawless expression across all registers.
At the C2 level, the learner's command of 'wachen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They grasp the deepest etymological roots and cultural resonances of the word. C2 users can play with the language, creating neologisms or using 'wachen' in highly creative, rhetorical, or ironic ways. They fully comprehend the historical evolution of the word from physical night watches to abstract concepts of legal and moral guardianship. In academic or professional discourse, they can debate the ethics of 'Überwachung' versus the necessity of 'Wachsamkeit' with absolute precision. They are familiar with obscure or archaic uses of the word found in historical documents or older literature and can adapt their own register accordingly. The C2 learner intuitively knows when a sentence requires the poetic weight of 'wachen' versus the clinical precision of 'kontrollieren' or 'observieren'. They can write compelling essays, deliver persuasive speeches, and engage in complex philosophical discussions where 'wachen' serves as a central thematic concept, demonstrating absolute linguistic sovereignty.

wachen 30秒了解

  • State of being awake
  • To keep watch or guard
  • Used with 'über' for protecting
  • Root of aufwachen & bewachen

The German verb wachen is a fundamental vocabulary item that carries the primary meanings of 'to be awake', 'to keep watch', or 'to guard'. While it is often associated with the concept of waking up, it is crucial to understand that 'wachen' describes the state of being awake or the action of guarding, rather than the transition from sleep to wakefulness (which is covered by its derivative aufwachen). Understanding this distinction is key to mastering German sleep-related vocabulary.

State of Wakefulness
When used to describe a state, 'wachen' means not being asleep. It implies a conscious effort to remain awake, often for a specific purpose.
Guarding or Watching Over
In a more active sense, 'wachen' means to guard or watch over someone or something, often used with the preposition 'über' (wachen über).
Prefix Variations
The root 'wach' forms many other verbs like 'aufwachen' (to wake up) and 'bewachen' (to guard).

Der Hund wird heute Nacht am Tor wachen.

The dog will keep watch at the gate tonight.

Historically, the concept of 'wachen' was deeply tied to night watches in medieval towns, where guards (die Wache) would stay awake to protect the sleeping citizens. This historical context still echoes in modern usage, such as 'Nachtwache' (night watch or night shift). When you use 'wachen', you are invoking a word that implies vigilance, care, and consciousness.

Many learners confuse 'wachen' with 'wecken'. It is essential to remember that 'wecken' is transitive—you wake someone else up. 'Wachen' is what you do when you are already awake. For example, 'Ich wache' means 'I am awake/keeping watch', whereas 'Ich wecke dich' means 'I am waking you up'.

Die Eltern wachen über den Schlaf ihres Kindes.

The parents watch over their child's sleep.

Furthermore, the adjective form 'wach' (awake) is incredibly common in everyday speech. You will often hear phrases like 'Bist du schon wach?' (Are you awake yet?). The verb 'wachen' itself is slightly more formal or specific to guarding contexts compared to the simple adjective, but it remains a vital part of the A2-B1 vocabulary spectrum. By mastering 'wachen', you unlock a whole family of related words, including 'Wachstum' (though etymologically distinct, often confused by learners), 'Wächter' (guard), and 'Wachhund' (guard dog).

Wachhund
A dog specifically trained to guard property.
Wachmann
A security guard or watchman.

Er musste die ganze Nacht wachen, um das Feuer nicht ausgehen zu lassen.

He had to stay awake the whole night so the fire wouldn't go out.

In summary, 'wachen' is a versatile and historically rich verb that goes beyond simply opening one's eyes in the morning. It encompasses vigilance, protection, and the conscious state of being alert. Mastering its nuances will significantly improve your comprehension of both spoken and written German.

Using the verb wachen correctly requires an understanding of its syntax, conjugation, and the specific prepositions it pairs with. As a regular (weak) verb, its conjugation is straightforward, but its application can vary depending on whether you are talking about staying awake or guarding something.

Present Tense Conjugation
ich wache, du wachst, er/sie/es wacht, wir wachen, ihr wacht, sie/Sie wachen.
Past Tense (Präteritum)
ich wachte, du wachtest, er/sie/es wachte, wir wachten, ihr wachtet, sie/Sie wachten.
Perfect Tense
hat gewacht (e.g., Ich habe die ganze Nacht gewacht).

Der Soldat wacht an der Grenze.

The soldier is keeping watch at the border.

When using 'wachen' to mean 'to watch over' or 'to guard', it is almost always followed by the preposition über plus the accusative case. This is a crucial grammatical pattern to memorize. For example, 'wachen über jemanden/etwas' means to keep a protective eye on someone or something.

In everyday conversation, if you simply want to say 'I am staying awake', it is more common to use the adjective 'wach' with the verb 'bleiben' (wach bleiben). However, 'wachen' is used in specific phrases like 'am Krankenbett wachen' (to keep watch at a sickbed). This implies a sense of duty and care that 'wach bleiben' lacks.

Die Mutter wachte über ihr krankes Kind.

The mother watched over her sick child.

Another important aspect of using 'wachen' is understanding its role in compound verbs. While 'wachen' itself is useful, its derivatives are even more common. 'Aufwachen' (to wake up) is a separable verb: 'Ich wache um 7 Uhr auf'. 'Erwachen' is an inseparable, slightly more formal version of waking up: 'Er erwachte aus einem tiefen Traum'. 'Bewachen' means to actively guard something: 'Die Polizei bewacht das Gebäude'.

wachen an (+ Dativ)
To keep watch at a specific location (e.g., am Bett, an der Tür).
wachen über (+ Akkusativ)
To watch over or protect someone/something.

Ein Engel wacht über dich.

An angel is watching over you.

To practice using 'wachen', try creating sentences that contrast it with 'schlafen' (to sleep). For instance: 'Während die anderen schlafen, muss ich wachen.' (While the others sleep, I must keep watch). This highlights the active, intentional nature of the verb. Remember that 'wachen' is a regular verb, so you don't need to worry about vowel changes in the past tense, making it relatively easy to integrate into your writing and speaking once you master the prepositions.

The verb wachen and its related noun forms appear in a variety of contexts in the German-speaking world, ranging from everyday life to professional environments and literature. Understanding where you are most likely to encounter this word will help you grasp its nuances and cultural weight.

Medical and Care Contexts
In hospitals or home care, 'wachen' is used to describe sitting with a patient, especially overnight. (e.g., Nachtwache halten).
Security and Military
It is heavily used in contexts involving guards, sentries, and security personnel.
Fairy Tales and Literature
Classic German literature and fairy tales frequently use 'wachen' to describe guardians, dragons, or heroes keeping watch.

Die Krankenschwester muss heute auf der Intensivstation wachen.

The nurse has to keep watch in the intensive care unit today.

In everyday conversation, you might hear the noun form 'die Wache' more often than the standalone verb. For example, if someone goes to the police station, they go to 'die Polizeiwache'. If someone is on guard duty, they 'haben Wache' or 'stehen auf Wache'. However, the verb itself is still prevalent when discussing protection or vigilance.

You will also hear 'wachen' in idiomatic expressions and proverbs. A common sentiment is 'mit Argusaugen wachen', which translates to watching with the eyes of Argus (from Greek mythology), meaning to watch over something extremely carefully and suspiciously. This shows how deeply embedded the concept of vigilant watching is in the language.

Der Drache wacht über den goldenen Schatz.

The dragon watches over the golden treasure.

In modern media, such as German television shows or movies (especially crime thrillers or 'Krimis'), 'wachen' is frequently used. Detectives might talk about watching a suspect's house, though they might also use the compound 'überwachen' (to surveil). Understanding the base verb 'wachen' helps you immediately decode these related terms.

Die Mahnwache
A vigil or peaceful protest, literally a 'warning watch'.
Die Feuerwache
The fire station, where firefighters keep watch for emergencies.

Wir wachen darüber, dass die Regeln eingehalten werden.

We ensure (watch over) that the rules are followed.

Ultimately, while 'wach bleiben' might dominate casual chats about staying up late to watch a movie, 'wachen' carries a tone of responsibility. Whether it is a parent watching over a child, a guard at a post, or an abstract concept like the law watching over citizens, 'wachen' is a word you will hear whenever duty and vigilance intersect in the German language.

When learning the verb wachen, students frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks. Because English uses the word 'wake' in multiple ways (to wake up, to wake someone else up, to be awake), English speakers often map these meanings incorrectly onto German verbs. Let's break down the most common mistakes to help you avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using 'wachen' instead of 'aufwachen'
Learners often say 'Ich wache um 7 Uhr' when they mean 'I wake up at 7'. The correct verb is 'aufwachen': 'Ich wache um 7 Uhr auf'.
Mistake 2: Using 'wachen' instead of 'wecken'
To wake someone else up requires 'wecken'. Saying 'Ich wache meinen Bruder' is incorrect. It must be 'Ich wecke meinen Bruder'.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the preposition 'über'
When meaning 'to watch over', learners sometimes use a direct object: 'Ich wache das Kind'. It must be 'Ich wache über das Kind'.

FALSCH: Ich wache jeden Morgen früh.
RICHTIG: Ich wache jeden Morgen früh auf.

Incorrect vs. Correct usage for waking up.

Another frequent error involves the past tense. Because 'wachen' is a weak verb, its past participle is 'gewacht'. However, learners sometimes confuse it with strong verbs and try to say 'gewochen' or similar non-existent forms. Always remember: wachen - wachte - hat gewacht. Furthermore, 'aufwachen' takes 'sein' in the perfect tense (ist aufgewacht), but 'wachen' takes 'haben' (hat gewacht).

Learners also sometimes confuse 'wachen' with 'waschen' (to wash) due to the similar spelling and pronunciation. A single 's' changes the meaning entirely. Pay close attention to your pronunciation: 'wachen' has the 'ch' sound (as in Bach), while 'waschen' has the 'sch' sound (as in shoe).

FALSCH: Er hat die ganze Nacht gewacht das Haus.
RICHTIG: Er hat die ganze Nacht über das Haus gewacht.

Always use 'über' + Accusative for guarding/watching over.

Finally, avoid using 'wachen' when you simply mean 'to look at' or 'to watch TV'. You cannot say 'Ich wache den Fernseher'. For watching TV, use 'fernsehen' or 'schauen'. For watching a game or an event, use 'zuschauen' or 'sich ansehen'. 'Wachen' is strictly for guarding, keeping vigil, or the state of being awake.

Watch TV
fernsehen (NOT wachen)
Watch a movie
einen Film schauen/sehen (NOT wachen)

FALSCH: Ich wache einen Film.
RICHTIG: Ich schaue einen Film.

Use 'schauen' or 'sehen' for media.

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you can confidently use 'wachen' and its related forms without sounding unnatural. Focus on the distinction between the state of being awake, the action of waking up, and the action of guarding.

The German language is rich in vocabulary related to watching, guarding, and being awake. While wachen is a core verb, there are several synonyms and related words that offer different shades of meaning. Knowing when to use which word will elevate your German from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced level.

bewachen
To guard something actively. This is transitive (takes a direct object). Example: Der Polizist bewacht die Bank.
überwachen
To monitor or surveil. Often used in tech or police contexts. Example: Die Kameras überwachen den Platz.
aufpassen (auf)
To pay attention to, or to look after. More casual than wachen. Example: Kannst du auf mein Kind aufpassen?

Der Hund bewacht das Haus, während wir schlafen.

The dog guards the house while we sleep. (Active guarding)

When comparing 'wachen' to 'bewachen', the difference lies in transitivty and focus. 'Wachen' (often with 'über') focuses on the state of vigilance and care. 'Bewachen' focuses on the physical act of guarding an object or person against a threat. You 'bewachen' a prisoner, but you 'wachen über' a sleeping child.

Another similar word is 'hüten'. This translates closely to 'to herd' or 'to keep safe', as in 'Schafe hüten' (to herd sheep) or 'ein Geheimnis hüten' (to keep a secret). While it shares the protective aspect of 'wachen', it is used in more specific, traditional contexts.

Die Kameras überwachen jeden Schritt.

The cameras monitor every step. (Surveillance)

For the meaning of 'staying awake', the phrase 'wach bleiben' is the most common alternative to 'wachen'. In everyday spoken German, 'Ich bin die ganze Nacht wach geblieben' is much more natural than 'Ich habe die ganze Nacht gewacht', unless you were specifically keeping a vigil or guarding something.

wachsam sein
To be vigilant or alert. An adjective phrase. Example: Wir müssen wachsam sein.
beobachten
To observe. Focuses on visual attention rather than protection. Example: Ich beobachte die Vögel.

Bitte pass auf meine Tasche auf.

Please look after my bag. (Casual, everyday use)

Understanding this web of related words—bewachen, überwachen, aufpassen, hüten, and beobachten—allows you to express exactly what kind of 'watching' you mean. 'Wachen' remains the poetic, historical, and duty-bound core of this vocabulary family.

How Formal Is It?

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需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

1

Ich bin wach.

I am awake.

Uses the adjective 'wach' with the verb 'sein'.

2

Bist du schon wach?

Are you awake already?

Question format using 'sein' + 'wach'.

3

Das Baby ist wach.

The baby is awake.

Simple declarative sentence.

4

Ich wache um 7 Uhr auf.

I wake up at 7 o'clock.

Uses the separable verb 'aufwachen'.

5

Er ist nicht wach.

He is not awake.

Negation with 'nicht'.

6

Wir sind wach.

We are awake.

Plural form of 'sein' + 'wach'.

7

Wann wachst du auf?

When do you wake up?

W-question with 'aufwachen'.

8

Bleib wach!

Stay awake!

Imperative form with 'bleiben'.

1

Der Hund wacht am Tor.

The dog keeps watch at the gate.

Intransitive use indicating location (am Tor).

2

Die Mutter wacht über das Kind.

The mother watches over the child.

Uses preposition 'über' + Accusative.

3

Ich habe die ganze Nacht gewacht.

I stayed awake the whole night.

Perfect tense: hat gewacht.

4

Bitte wecke mich nicht, ich möchte schlafen.

Please don't wake me, I want to sleep.

Contrast: using 'wecken' (transitive) instead of 'wachen'.

5

Der Soldat wachte im Wald.

The soldier kept watch in the forest.

Präteritum (past tense) form: wachte.

6

Wir müssen über das Feuer wachen.

We must watch over the fire.

Modal verb 'müssen' with 'wachen über'.

7

Er wacht auf und sieht die Sonne.

He wakes up and sees the sun.

Separable verb 'aufwachen' in present tense.

8

Wer wacht heute Nacht?

Who is keeping watch tonight?

Question asking for the subject.

1

Die Polizei bewacht das große Gebäude.

The police are guarding the large building.

Uses the transitive derivative 'bewachen'.

2

Kameras überwachen den gesamten Platz.

Cameras monitor the entire square.

Uses 'überwachen' for surveillance.

3

Die Krankenschwester hat die Nachtwache übernommen.

The nurse took over the night watch.

Uses the compound noun 'Nachtwache'.

4

Es ist wichtig, dass wir über unsere Demokratie wachen.

It is important that we watch over our democracy.

Abstract/metaphorical use of 'wachen über'.

5

Während die anderen schliefen, wachte er am Feuer.

While the others slept, he kept watch at the fire.

Subordinate clause with 'während' and Präteritum.

6

Der Wachmann kontrolliert die Ausweise.

The security guard checks the ID cards.

Uses the noun 'Wachmann'.

7

Sie erwachte aus einem schrecklichen Traum.

She awoke from a terrible dream.

Uses the inseparable verb 'erwachen'.

8

Wir hielten eine Mahnwache für den Frieden.

We held a vigil for peace.

Uses the cultural concept 'Mahnwache'.

1

Das Bundesverfassungsgericht wacht über die Einhaltung des Grundgesetzes.

The Federal Constitutional Court watches over the compliance with the Basic Law.

Formal, institutional use of 'wachen über'.

2

Die ständige Überwachung durch Kameras wird oft kritisiert.

The constant surveillance by cameras is often criticized.

Uses the noun 'Überwachung' in a passive context.

3

Er hat mit Argusaugen darüber gewacht, dass niemand betrügt.

He watched with eagle eyes to ensure that no one cheated.

Idiomatic expression 'mit Argusaugen wachen'.

4

Das Bewusstsein für Umweltschutz ist in der Gesellschaft erwacht.

The awareness for environmental protection has awakened in society.

Metaphorical use of 'erwachen' (to awaken).

5

Die Wachen wurden um Mitternacht abgelöst.

The guards were relieved at midnight.

Passive voice with the plural noun 'die Wachen'.

6

Es obliegt den Eltern, über das Wohl ihrer Kinder zu wachen.

It is incumbent upon parents to watch over the well-being of their children.

Formal structure 'es obliegt... zu wachen'.

7

Trotz seiner Müdigkeit zwang er sich, wachsam zu bleiben.

Despite his fatigue, he forced himself to remain vigilant.

Uses the adjective 'wachsam'.

8

Die Presse gilt als Wachhund der Demokratie.

The press is considered the watchdog of democracy.

Metaphorical use of the noun 'Wachhund'.

1

Die Bürgerinitiative wacht eifersüchtig über den Erhalt des historischen Stadtkerns.

The citizens' initiative jealously guards the preservation of the historic city center.

Advanced adverbial use ('eifersüchtig') with 'wachen über'.

2

In einer Zeit allgegenwärtiger digitaler Überwachung ist Datenschutz ein hohes Gut.

In an era of ubiquitous digital surveillance, data protection is a highly valued asset.

Complex noun phrase involving 'Überwachung'.

3

Der Autor lässt den Protagonisten am Sterbebett seines Vaters wachen, um innere Monologe zu entfalten.

The author has the protagonist keep watch at his father's deathbed to unfold inner monologues.

Literary analysis context, 'lassen' + infinitive 'wachen'.

4

Ihre Wachsamkeit ließ keinen Moment nach, selbst als die Gefahr gebannt schien.

Her vigilance did not wane for a moment, even when the danger seemed averted.

Use of abstract noun 'Wachsamkeit' in a complex sentence.

5

Man muss stets darüber wachen, dass die eigenen Prinzipien nicht korrumpiert werden.

One must constantly ensure that one's own principles are not corrupted.

Abstract philosophical use 'darüber wachen, dass...'.

6

Das Erwachen des Nationalismus im 19. Jahrhundert veränderte die politische Landschaft Europas.

The awakening of nationalism in the 19th century changed the political landscape of Europe.

Nominalized verb 'das Erwachen' in a historical context.

7

Die Wächter des Gesetzes stehen oft vor moralischen Dilemmata.

The guardians of the law often face moral dilemmas.

Poetic/formal noun 'Wächter'.

8

Er wachte auf aus der Lethargie, die ihn jahrelang gefangen gehalten hatte.

He awoke from the lethargy that had held him captive for years.

Metaphorical 'aufwachen' with a relative clause.

1

Als Gralshüter der reinen Lehre wachte er unerbittlich über jede noch so kleine Abweichung.

As the guardian of the pure doctrine, he relentlessly watched over even the slightest deviation.

Highly literary, rhetorical phrasing.

2

Die omnipräsente Überwachungsarchitektur moderner Metropolen evoziert dystopische Assoziationen.

The omnipresent surveillance architecture of modern metropolises evokes dystopian associations.

Academic vocabulary with 'Überwachung'.

3

Es ist die unabdingbare Pflicht der Zivilgesellschaft, über die Integrität der Institutionen zu wachen.

It is the indispensable duty of civil society to watch over the integrity of institutions.

Formal political discourse.

4

In Goethes Faust finden sich tiefgründige Passagen über das Wachen und Träumen der menschlichen Seele.

In Goethe's Faust, one finds profound passages about the waking and dreaming of the human soul.

Literary reference, nominalized infinitive 'das Wachen'.

5

Die subtile Bewachung durch soziale Normen ist oft wirkungsvoller als physische Zäune.

The subtle guarding by social norms is often more effective than physical fences.

Sociological context, abstract use of 'Bewachung'.

6

Ein plötzliches, jähes Erwachen aus der geopolitischen Naivität prägte den Diskurs jener Jahre.

A sudden, abrupt awakening from geopolitical naivety characterized the discourse of those years.

Advanced metaphorical use of 'Erwachen'.

7

Wer wacht über die Wächter selbst? – ein klassisches Dilemma der politischen Philosophie.

Who watches the watchmen? – a classic dilemma of political philosophy.

Translation of 'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?' using 'wachen'.

8

Seine nächtlichen Wachen am Schreibtisch brachten schließlich das literarische Meisterwerk hervor.

His nocturnal vigils at the desk finally produced the literary masterpiece.

Plural noun 'Wachen' meaning vigils or periods of staying awake.

常见搭配

wachen über
am Bett wachen
die ganze Nacht wachen
streng wachen
mit Argusaugen wachen
darüber wachen, dass
Tag und Nacht wachen
am Feuer wachen
an der Grenze wachen
eifersüchtig wachen

常用短语

Wache halten

auf Wache sein

darüber wachen, dass...

am Krankenbett wachen

mit Argusaugen wachen

Tag und Nacht wachen

wach bleiben

aus dem Schlaf erwachen

die Wache ablösen

auf der Wache

容易混淆的词

wachen vs wecken (to wake someone up)

wachen vs aufwachen (to wake up)

wachen vs waschen (to wash)

习语与表达

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容易混淆

wachen vs

wachen vs

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句型

如何使用

nuances

Implies a sense of duty, care, or vigilance that simple wakefulness does not convey.

formality

The verb 'wachen' is standard, but standalone it sounds slightly formal or literary compared to 'wach bleiben' or 'aufpassen'.

regionalisms

Universally understood across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

常见错误
  • Translating 'I watch TV' as 'Ich wache Fernsehen' (Correct: Ich schaue fern).
  • Using 'wachen' instead of 'aufwachen' for waking up in the morning.
  • Using 'wachen' instead of 'wecken' for waking someone else up.
  • Forgetting the preposition 'über' when guarding something (e.g., 'Ich wache das Kind' instead of 'Ich wache über das Kind').
  • Using 'sein' instead of 'haben' in the perfect tense for 'wachen' (e.g., 'Ich bin gewacht' instead of 'Ich habe gewacht').

小贴士

Preposition Power

Always link 'wachen' with 'über' + Accusative when you mean 'to watch over'.

The W-Words

Wachen (be awake/guard), Wecken (wake someone), Waschen (wash). Keep them separate!

Casual vs Formal

Use 'wach bleiben' with friends. Use 'wachen' in essays or serious contexts.

Prefix Spotting

Listen carefully for 'auf-', 'be-', or 'über-' before 'wachen' as it changes the meaning entirely.

Elegant Alternatives

Instead of 'aufpassen auf', use 'wachen über' in formal writing to sound more sophisticated.

Watchman Trick

Think of a 'Watchman' who is 'Awake'. Wachen covers both concepts.

Haben vs Sein

State (wachen) = haben. Change of state (aufwachen) = sein.

The CH Sound

Don't say 'waschen' when you mean 'wachen'. Practice the hard 'ch' sound.

Nachtwache

Recognize 'Nachtwache' as both a historical job and a modern hospital shift.

Argus Eyes

Learn 'mit Argusaugen wachen' to impress native speakers with your mythological idioms.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a WATCHman who is aWAKE. WACHen = Watch/Awake.

词源

From Middle High German 'wachen', Old High German 'wahhēn'.

文化背景

A 'Mahnwache' is a very common form of peaceful demonstration in Germany, often held in city squares with candles to protest war or injustice.

The phrase 'mit Argusaugen wachen' references the Greek myth of Argus Panoptes, a giant with 100 eyes, symbolizing ultimate vigilance.

The 'Nachtwächter' was a common profession until the early 20th century. They carried a lantern and a halberd, ensuring fires didn't break out and calling out the time.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"Hast du schon mal eine ganze Nacht gewacht?"

"Wer wacht in deiner Familie darüber, dass die Regeln eingehalten werden?"

"Glaubst du, dass Kameras uns beschützen oder nur überwachen?"

"Wann wachst du normalerweise am Wochenende auf?"

"Hast du einen Wachhund?"

日记主题

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du über jemanden wachen musstest.

Was bedeutet das Sprichwort 'mit Argusaugen wachen' für dich?

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte über einen Nachtwächter im Mittelalter.

Wie wichtig ist eine 'Mahnwache' in der heutigen Politik?

Erkläre den Unterschied zwischen wachen, wecken und aufwachen auf Deutsch.

常见问题

10 个问题

No. 'Wachen' means to be awake or to guard. For watching TV, use 'fernsehen' or 'einen Film schauen'.

'Aufwachen' is the action of transitioning from sleep to being awake (waking up). 'Wachen' is the state of already being awake, or the action of guarding.

You must use the transitive verb 'wecken'. The correct sentence is 'Ich wecke meinen Bruder'.

It takes 'haben'. 'Ich habe gewacht'. However, 'aufwachen' takes 'sein' ('Ich bin aufgewacht').

Use 'über' followed by the accusative case. Example: 'Er wacht über das Haus'.

It is a weak (regular) verb. The forms are wachen, wachte, hat gewacht.

A 'Mahnwache' is a vigil, usually a peaceful protest or memorial gathering, often held with candles.

It is the 'ach-Laut', pronounced in the back of the throat, similar to the Scottish 'loch' or the composer 'Bach'.

Yes, very often. For example, 'Das Gericht wacht über das Gesetz' means the court oversees or protects the law.

A 'Wachhund' is a guard dog. The word combines 'wach' (awake/guarding) and 'Hund' (dog).

自我测试 180 个问题

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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