German Phrase
Ich schau' kurz für dich nach.
Meaning
Literally, "I’ll quickly look (something) up for you." It conveys a helpful, informal promise to check information or find something on someone’s behalf.
When to use
Use this phrase when a friend or colleague asks you to verify a fact, find a detail, or locate an item and you want to respond in a friendly, casual tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ichschau'kurzfürdichnach
Colloquial contraction
The apostrophe in "schau'" replaces the omitted "e" in the infinitive "schauen"; it's informal and used in spoken German.
Separable verb "nachschauen"
"nachschauen" is a separable verb; in main clauses the prefix "nach" moves to the end of the sentence.
Adverb placement
"kurz" (briefly) is placed directly after the verb stem, before the prepositional phrase.
Prepositional object "für dich"
"für" + accusative indicates the beneficiary of the action.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir bitte die Öffnungszeiten des Museums sagen?
Can you tell me the museum’s opening hours, please?
Ich schau' kurz für dich nach.
I’ll quickly look it up for you.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich schau' kurz nach dich.
The prepositional phrase "für dich" must stay together; "nach dich" would change the meaning to "look after you".
Ich schau' kurz für dich nach.
In formal contexts the apostrophe is avoided; use the full verb form "schau(e)".
Ich schau' für dich kurz nach.
Placing "kurz" after the beneficiary sounds unnatural; it should stay directly after the verb.
↔Alternatives
Ich schaue kurz für dich nach.
I’ll quickly look it up for you.
Ich prüfe das kurz für dich.
I’ll check that quickly for you.
Ich sehe kurz nach, was du brauchst.
I’ll see quickly what you need.
Cultural Tip
The contraction "schau'" is typical of everyday spoken German and is common in youth slang, social media, and informal conversations. In formal emails or business settings, stick to the full form "schau(e)" or use a more neutral verb like "prüfen" or "nachsehen".