German Phrase
Sieh es als erwiderten Gefallen an.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Consider it as a returned favor.’ The speaker asks the listener to view a recent action as a reciprocal kindness, often to smooth over a request or to highlight mutual benefit.
When to use
Use this informal phrase when you want to frame something you did for someone as a favor that balances a previous help, especially in casual conversation among friends or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SiehesalserwidertenGefallenan
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Sieh’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘sehen’, used here as part of the separable verb ‘ansehen’ (to consider).
Separable verb ‘ansehen’
In the imperative the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause: ‘Sieh … an’.
‘als’ as a comparative/consideration conjunction
‘als’ introduces the way something should be regarded – similar to ‘as’ in English.
Adjective agreement
‘erwiderten’ is the weak declension of the past participle used as an adjective, agreeing in gender, case and number with the masculine noun ‘Gefallen’ (accusative).
Accusative case
Both ‘es’ (it) and ‘Gefallen’ are accusative objects of the verb ‘ansehen’.
🗨In Conversation
Ich habe dir das Buch aus der Bibliothek mitgebracht.
I brought you the book from the library.
Sieh es als erwiderten Gefallen an.
Consider it a returned favor.
✕Common Mistakes
Sieh es als erwiderten Gefallen.
Missing the separable prefix ‘an’; the verb ‘ansehen’ must be completed with ‘an’ at the end.
Sieh es als erwiderten Gefallen an.
Using the strong declension ‘erwiderten’ would be wrong here; the adjective must take the weak ending ‘-en’ because it follows a definite article‑like ‘es’.
Sieh es wie erwiderten Gefallen an.
Sometimes learners replace ‘als’ with ‘wie’, which changes the meaning. ‘Wie’ means ‘like’, not ‘as (considered)’.
↔Alternatives
Betrachte es als Gegenleistung.
Consider it as a quid pro quo.
Sieh das als Ausgleich an.
See that as compensation.
Nimm es als erwiderte Gefälligkeit.
Take it as a reciprocated kindness.
Cultural Tip
The phrase is informal because of the ‘du’‑imperative ‘Sieh’. In a formal setting you would say ‘Betrachten Sie es als erwiderten Gefallen.’ German speakers appreciate directness, but be careful not to sound demanding; the tone should stay friendly and appreciative.