German Phrase
Schau dir die Liste am Schalter an.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to look at the list that is displayed at the counter. It is a direct, informal instruction often heard in banks, post offices, or ticket windows.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to point a person to a posted list—e.g., a queue number, service options, or waiting times—at a service desk. It works best in informal settings with friends, colleagues, or customers you address with ‘du’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaudirdieListeamSchalteran
Imperativ (2. Person Singular)
‘Schau’ is the informal command form of ‘schauen’ (to look). It is used when speaking to one person you know well.
Reflexives Dativpronomen
‘dir’ is the dative form of the reflexive pronoun ‘du’. With verbs like ‘ansehen’, the reflexive pronoun is required.
Trennbares Verb ‘ansehen’
‘ansehen’ splits in the imperative: the verb stem ‘schau … an’. The ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
Artikel und Kasus
‘die Liste’ is accusative (direct object). ‘am Schalter’ = ‘an dem Schalter’, a dative prepositional phrase indicating location.
🗨In Conversation
Schau dir die Liste am Schalter an.
Take a look at the list at the counter.
Okay, danke!
Okay, thanks!
✕Common Mistakes
Schau die Liste am Schalter an.
Missing the reflexive pronoun ‘dir’; the verb ‘ansehen’ requires it in the imperative.
Schau dir die Liste am Schalter.
The separable prefix ‘an’ must be placed at the end of the clause.
Schau dir die Liste an am Schalter.
Incorrect word order; the location phrase stays together, and ‘an’ stays at the very end.
↔Alternatives
Sieh dir die Liste am Schalter an.
Look at the list at the counter. (formal)
Wirf einen Blick auf die Liste am Schalter.
Take a glance at the list at the counter.
Bitte schau dir die Liste am Schalter an.
Please look at the list at the counter.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, many service points (banks, post offices, ticket counters) display a numbered list or a list of services on a board. It is customary to check this board before approaching the staff, so saying ‘Schau dir die Liste am Schalter an’ shows you’re following the local etiquette of waiting your turn.