betrachten
/bəˈtʁaxtən/
To regard in German is expressed by the verb betrachten. Wiktionary also lists erachten.
Meaning: to consider, look upon in a given way (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| betrachten | /bəˈtʁaxtən/ |
| erachten | /ɛɐ̯ˈʔaχtn̩/ |
The verb is used to consider, look upon in a given way (verb).
Which one should you use?
While both words mean to regard, betrachten is often used when the regard involves a process of observation or looking at something in a certain light. In contrast, erachten is typically used to express a judgment or an assessment of value or status.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both betrachten and erachten are typically used with the preposition als to express the role or status being assigned. The third-person singular present tense of betrachten is betrachtet, and the simple past form of erachten is erachtete.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈtʁaxtən/
Did you know?
- The root of erachten comes from the Old High German irahtōn, which originally focused on the act of reckoning or calculating.
- While English speakers use 'regard' as both a verb and a noun (e.g., 'with regard to'), in German, you cannot use these specific verbs as nouns in that way. You would need to switch to a completely different noun like Bezug.
- The verb erachten is almost exclusively found in written or very formal speech and is rarely used in casual spoken German.
Examples in context
- Wir betrachten ihn als unseren Helden.We regard him as our hero.This sentence shows the use of betrachten to regard someone as a hero.Tatoeba #450249 by al_ex_an_der, translation #249275 by CH
- Nudisten erachten Nacktheit als normal.Nudists regard nudity as normal.This sentence demonstrates the use of erachten to regard something as normal.Tatoeba #2339726 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2337272 by Hybrid
- Viele Kommentatoren betrachten Obama als Gemäßigten.Many commentators regard Obama as a centrist.This sentence shows the use of betrachten to regard a person as a centrist.Tatoeba #804647 by Esperantostern, translation #790905 by papabear
- Ich habe großen Respekt für Ihre ArbeitI have great regard for your work
- Ich habe Hochachtung vor Ihren LeistungenI have high regard for your achievements
- Ich schätze deine Wertschätzung sehrI highly regard your appreciation
- Mein Respekt gegenüber Ihrer Arbeit ist grenzenlos.My regard for your work is boundless.
- Ich habe große Hochachtung vor Ihrem Engagement.I have great regard for your dedication.
- Ich schätze deine Wertschätzung meiner Arbeit sehr.I highly regard your appreciation of my work.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a new art installation.
- LukasWie betrachten Sie dieses moderne Kunstwerk?How do you regard this modern artwork?
- LauraIch betrachte es als sehr inspirierend.I regard it as very inspiring.
- LukasDas finde ich auch, Laura.I think so too, Laura.
- LauraEs ist wirklich ein besonderes Stück.It is really a special piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “regard” translations and entries betrachten, erachten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries betrachten, erachten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
