German Phrase
Schau dir die lokalen Mietgesetze an.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to look at or check the local rental laws. It is a direct, informal command that combines the reflexive verb ‘sich etwas ansehen’ with a specific legal topic.
When to use
Use this phrase when advising a friend, a roommate, or a newcomer about the importance of understanding the rental regulations in a particular city or region before signing a lease or moving in.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaudirdielokalenMietgesetzean
Imperative (schauen)
‘Schau’ is the informal singular imperative of ‘schauen’ (to look). Use it when speaking to friends or peers.
Reflexive dative (dir)
‘dir’ is the dative reflexive pronoun required with the verb ‘sich etwas ansehen’ (to look at something).
Definite article (die)
‘die’ is the accusative plural article, because ‘Mietgesetze’ is plural and the verb ‘ansehen’ takes a direct object.
Adjective declension (lokalen)
After a definite article in the accusative plural, adjectives receive the weak ending ‘-en’.
Separable verb (ansehen)
‘ansehen’ splits in main clauses: the prefix ‘an’ moves to the sentence end, as in ‘Schau … an’.
Plural noun (Mietgesetze)
‘Mietgesetze’ is the plural of ‘das Mietgesetz’ (rental law).
🗨In Conversation
Ich will eine Wohnung mieten, aber ich kenne die Regeln nicht.
I want to rent an apartment, but I don’t know the rules.
Schau dir die lokalen Mietgesetze an.
Take a look at the local rental laws.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau du die lokalen Mietgesetze an.
The reflexive pronoun must be in dative (dir), not the subject pronoun du.
Schau dir die lokale Mietgesetze an.
After the definite article ‘die’ in the accusative plural, the adjective takes the weak ending ‘-en’.
Schau dir die lokalen Mietgesetze ansehen.
With separable verbs, the prefix ‘an’ must be placed at the end of the clause.
Sehen Sie dir die lokalen Mietgesetze an.
If you use the formal ‘Sie’, the imperative changes to ‘Sehen Sie sich … an’. Mixing informal and formal forms is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Sieh dir die örtlichen Mietgesetze an.
Take a look at the local rental laws.
Informiere dich über die lokalen Mietgesetze.
Inform yourself about the local rental laws.
Prüfe die lokalen Mietgesetze.
Check the local rental laws.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, Mietgesetze (rental laws) are very tenant‑friendly and differ from state to state. Many cities have additional ‘Mietpreisbremse’ (rent‑cap) regulations. It’s common to research these rules before signing a contract, and landlords are legally obliged to provide a copy of the relevant statutes upon request.