German Phrase
Er sieht unglücklich aus.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone's outward appearance or demeanor when they seem sad or dissatisfied. It uses the separable verb 'aussehen', which literally means 'to look like' or 'to appear'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are observing someone's facial expressions or body language and want to comment on their emotional state to a third party or directly to them. It is common in both casual and semi-formal social contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ersiehtunglücklichaus
Aussehen (separable verb)
The verb 'aussehen' is separable. In a simple declarative sentence, the base 'sieht' stays in the second position, while the prefix 'aus' moves to the end.
Adjective formation
'Unglücklich' is formed by adding the negative prefix 'un-' to 'glücklich' (happy), which comes from the noun 'Glück' (luck/happiness).
🗨In Conversation
Hast du heute mit Thomas gesprochen?
Did you speak with Thomas today?
Nein, aber er sieht unglücklich aus.
No, but he looks unhappy.
✕Common Mistakes
Er sieht unglücklich.
In German, the verb is 'aussehen'. Without the prefix 'aus' at the end, the sentence is incomplete and lacks the meaning of 'appearing'.
Er aussieht unglücklich.
In a main clause, the prefix 'aus' must separate from the verb 'sieht' and move to the very end of the sentence.
↔Alternatives
Er wirkt traurig.
He seems sad.
Er macht einen unglücklichen Eindruck.
He makes an unhappy impression.
Cultural Tip
Germans value honesty, but commenting on someone's mood can be sensitive. Using 'aussehen' (to look) is a polite way to frame an observation as a subjective perception rather than an absolute fact about their feelings.