Dictionary
English - German

Listen

ˈlɪs(ə)n
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

hören, zuhören, lauschen, anhören

Listen meanings in German

hören

Example:
Please listen carefully to the instructions.
Bitte hören Sie die Anweisungen aufmerksam zu.
I love listening to music.
Ich liebe es, Musik zu hören.
Usage: formalContext: Formal situations where active attention to sound is required
Note: The verb 'hören' is commonly used in German to mean 'to listen' in the sense of actively paying attention to sounds.

zuhören

Example:
Are you listening to what I'm saying?
Hörst du mir zu?
She always listens attentively in class.
Sie hört im Unterricht immer aufmerksam zu.
Usage: informalContext: Everyday conversations, informal settings
Note: The verb 'zuhören' emphasizes actively listening with attention, especially in interpersonal communication.

lauschen

Example:
We were listening to the birds singing in the park.
Wir lauschten den Vögeln, die im Park sangen.
He stood there listening intently for any sounds.
Er stand da und lauschte aufmerksam nach Geräuschen.
Usage: formalContext: Used in a more poetic or descriptive context
Note: The verb 'lauschen' is used when listening in a more focused or attentive manner, often to natural sounds or in a reflective setting.

anhören

Example:
I will listen to the song later.
Ich werde das Lied später anhören.
You should listen to his side of the story as well.
Du solltest dir auch seine Seite der Geschichte anhören.
Usage: formalContext: Listening to audio or someone's perspective
Note: The verb 'anhören' is used when referring to listening to music, speeches, stories, or any form of audio content.

Listen's synonyms

hear

To perceive sound through the ears.
Example: I can hear the birds chirping outside my window.
Note: While 'listen' implies paying attention to and focusing on the sound being heard, 'hear' simply refers to perceiving sound without necessarily actively engaging with it.

attend

To give one's attention to something; to be present and focused.
Example: Please attend to what the speaker is saying.
Note: Similar to 'listen,' 'attend' also involves focusing on something, but it can be used in a broader sense beyond just listening, such as paying attention to a task or being present.

obey

To comply with or follow a directive or command.
Example: Children should learn to obey their parents.
Note: Unlike 'listen,' which mainly refers to the act of paying attention to sounds or words, 'obey' specifically involves following instructions or commands.

heed

To take notice of and consider something seriously.
Example: It's important to heed the warning signs.
Note: While 'listen' involves actively paying attention, 'heed' emphasizes taking action or considering something seriously after paying attention.

Listen expressions, common phrases

give someone a listen

To give someone a listen means to pay attention to what they have to say or to listen to something carefully.
Example: Can you give me a listen and tell me what you think of this song?
Note: This phrase emphasizes actively paying attention, rather than just hearing passively.

listen up

Listen up is a way to get someone's attention, often used before sharing important information or instructions.
Example: Listen up, everyone! I have an important announcement to make.
Note: This phrase is a more direct and commanding way of telling someone to pay attention.

listen in

To listen in means to listen to a conversation or discussion that one is not a part of, often unintentionally or secretly.
Example: I couldn't help but listen in on their conversation; it sounded intriguing.
Note: This phrase implies eavesdropping or listening without the knowledge of the speakers.

listen out for

To listen out for something means to pay attention for a specific sound or noise.
Example: Listen out for the doorbell; the delivery should be arriving soon.
Note: This phrase involves actively focusing on a particular sound or signal in anticipation.

listen for

To listen for something means to pay attention in order to hear a particular sound or noise.
Example: I'm listening for the sound of the birds chirping in the morning.
Note: This phrase suggests actively trying to detect a specific sound amidst other noises.

listen in on

To listen in on means to secretly or inadvertently hear a private conversation or discussion.
Example: I accidentally listened in on my neighbor's argument last night.
Note: This phrase often implies unauthorized or surreptitious listening.

listen to reason

To listen to reason means to be open to logical arguments or sensible explanations.
Example: I hope she listens to reason and decides to come to a compromise.
Note: This phrase suggests being receptive to rational thinking or advice.

Listen everyday (slang) expressions

Tune in

To pay attention or focus on something, usually a TV or radio program.
Example: Make sure to tune in to the radio station tonight for the latest news.
Note: While 'listen' implies simply hearing, 'tune in' emphasizes actively engaging with the content.

Catch my drift

To understand or comprehend what someone is implying or suggesting.
Example: I explained it twice, do you catch my drift now?
Note: Unlike 'listen', 'catch my drift' involves not just hearing but also interpreting and understanding the meaning behind a message or situation.

Get an earful

To receive a long or detailed explanation, scolding, or complaint.
Example: I got an earful from my boss about being late to work again.
Note: This slang term implies receiving a more negative or unwanted form of listening experience compared to the neutral connotation of 'listen'.

Pick up what I'm putting down

To understand or grasp the implied message or hint.
Example: It's a subtle hint, see if you can pick up what I'm putting down.
Note: Similar to 'catch my drift', this phrase emphasizes understanding beyond just hearing.

Lend an ear

To give someone your attention and listen to what they have to say.
Example: Can you lend me your ear for a moment? I need to talk to you.
Note: While 'listen' is a general term, 'lend an ear' implies actively providing support or being willing to listen attentively to someone else.

Eavesdrop

To secretly listen to someone else's conversation without their knowledge.
Example: I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation at the next table.
Note: This term has a more negative connotation as it implies listening in on private conversations without permission, different from the voluntary act of 'listening'.

Turn a deaf ear

To ignore or refuse to listen to something intentionally.
Example: He turned a deaf ear to their requests for help.
Note: Instead of actively engaging in listening, 'turn a deaf ear' emphasizes the deliberate act of choosing not to hear or pay attention to something.

Listen - Examples

Listen to me carefully.
Hör mir gut zu.
I always listen to classical music.
Ich höre immer klassische Musik.
The teacher is a good listener.
Der Lehrer ist ein guter Zuhörer.

Listen grammar

Listen - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: listen
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): listened
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): listening
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): listens
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): listen
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): listen
Syllables, Separation and Stress
listen Contains 2 syllables: lis • ten
Phonetic transcription: ˈli-sᵊn
lis ten , ˈli sᵊn (The red syllable is stressed)

Listen - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
listen: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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