Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aufmerksamkeit | /ˈaʊ̯fˌmɛʁkzaːmkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Beachtung | /bəˈʔaxtʊŋ/ | |
| Attention |
The term refers to mental focus or the cognitive capacity of focus. Depending on the context, you might use different words: Beachtung is used for the act of noticing or observing something, such as following a rule. If you want to command immediate attention or warn of danger, use Achtung. To say "to pay attention" or "to be careful," you can use the phrase Acht geben. To attract someone's attention by telling them to listen, you can use Hör zu.
Which one should you use?
Use Aufmerksamkeit for mental focus or consideration. In contrast, Beachtung refers specifically to the act of giving something the attention it deserves or observing a rule, often used in the negative to mean ignoring something. While both involve focus, Aufmerksamkeit is the cognitive state, while Beachtung is the act of noticing.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʊ̯fˌmɛʁkzaːmkaɪ̯t/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Achtung to describe a mental state of focus, such as saying "I lost my attention." In German, Achtung is a command or a warning, whereas the cognitive state is described by Aufmerksamkeit.
Did you know?
- If you want to tell someone to 'pay attention' in a classroom or military environment, shouting Achtung! actually functions as a command to physically stand at attention.
- The term Aufmerksamkeit is a cognate of the Dutch word opmerkzaamheid, sharing a common linguistic root that traces back to noticing or observing.
- If you are being careful or staying alert, you do not just 'pay attention', but rather you Acht geben, which literally translates to 'giving heed'.
Examples in context
- Schenke dem keine Beachtung!Don't pay any attention to that.This example shows how to use Beachtung in a negative sense to mean ignoring something.Tatoeba #7546980 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7546974 by Hybrid
- Danke für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit.Thank you for your attention.Tatoeba #3102608 by Manfredo, translation #1767253 by CK
- Tom giert nach Aufmerksamkeit.Tom craves attention.Tatoeba #7354545 by Yorwba, translation #1595183 by Spamster
- Achtung! Bitte hören Sie mir alle zu.Attention! Please listen to me, all of you.
- Achtung! Der Zug fährt jetzt ab.Attention! The train is now departing.
- Bitte geben Sie Acht, während Sie die Treppe hinuntergehen.Please pay attention while going down the stairs.
- Gib Acht! Das Messer ist scharf.Be careful! The knife is sharp.
- Bitte hören Sie zu, ich habe wichtige Informationen für Sie.Please listen, I have important information for you.
- Hör zu! Ich habe tolle Neuigkeiten zu erzählen.Listen! I have great news to share.
- 183 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are studying together in a library.
- FelixIch kann mich heute kaum konzentrieren.I can hardly concentrate today.
- SarahDeine Aufmerksamkeit ist wirklich schnell weg.Your attention is gone really quickly.
- FelixDas stimmt, ich bin viel zu müde.That's true, I am way too tired.
- SarahDann mach eine kurze Pause, Felix.Then take a short break, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attention” translations and entries Aufmerksamkeit, Beachtung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Aufmerksamkeit, Beachtung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
