German Phrase
Schau nach Polizeiwachen.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to look for police stations. It can be used when you need help finding the nearest place to call the police or report an incident.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal situations – for example, when giving a friend directions during an emergency, or when a tour guide points out where the police are stationed in a city.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaunachPolizeiwachen
Imperative (du)
‘Schau’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘schauen’ (to look). Use it when speaking to a friend or someone you address with ‘du’.
Preposition ‘nach’ + Dative
‘nach’ always governs the dative case and is used for searching or looking for something.
Plural Dative ‘Polizeiwachen’
‘Polizeiwachen’ is the plural dative form of ‘die Polizeiwache’ (police station). The ending –en marks the dative plural.
🗨In Conversation
Schau nach Polizeiwachen.
Look for police stations.
Okay, ich gehe zur nächsten Wache.
Okay, I’m going to the nearest station.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau nach Polizeistation.
‘Polizeistation’ is not the usual German word; use ‘Polizeiwache’.
Schau nach Polizeiwachen, Herr Müller.
If you keep the informal imperative ‘Schau’, you must address ‘du’. For formal you need ‘Schauen Sie’.
Schau nach die Polizeiwachen.
‘nach’ never takes the accusative; it always requires dative.
↔Alternatives
Sieh nach Polizeistationen.
Check for police stations.
Finde die nächste Polizeiwache.
Find the nearest police station.
Suche nach einer Polizeiwache.
Search for a police station.
Cultural Tip
In Germany the official term is ‘Polizeiwache’. The plural ‘Polizeiwachen’ is used when talking about several stations. In formal contexts you would say ‘Schauen Sie nach Polizeiwachen.’ Also, many towns have a small ‘Wache’ on the main street, while larger cities have several larger stations.