German Phrase
Schau dir das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener to look at the icon that indicates how strong the signal is. It is a direct, informal command often used when pointing out a UI element on a phone, computer, or other device.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to draw someone's attention to a visual indicator—especially in tech contexts like smartphones, routers, or apps—while speaking informally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaudirdasSymbolfürdieSignalstärkean
Imperative (schauen)
‘Schau’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘schauen’ (to look). It is used when speaking to friends, family, or colleagues you address with ‘du’.
Reflexive dative (dir)
‘dir’ is the dative reflexive pronoun that pairs with ‘schauen’ in the construction ‘sich etwas anschauen’ – literally ‘to look at something for oneself’.
Separable prefix verb (anschauen)
‘an’ is the separable prefix of ‘anschauen’. In the imperative it is placed at the end of the clause: ‘Schau … an.’
Preposition ‘für’ + Accusative
‘für’ always governs the accusative case. Here it introduces the purpose of the symbol: ‘for the signal strength.’
Definite article (die) with feminine noun
‘Signalstärke’ is a feminine noun, so it takes the article ‘die’ in the accusative.
🗨In Conversation
Schau dir das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.
Look at the symbol for the signal strength.
Oh, das bedeutet, dass das WLAN gerade sehr stark ist.
Oh, that means the Wi‑Fi is currently very strong.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.
Missing the reflexive pronoun ‘dir’; the correct construction is ‘Schau dir … an.’
Schau dir das Symbol von die Signalstärke an.
‘von’ is the wrong preposition; ‘für’ is required to express ‘for the signal strength.’
Schau dir das Symbol für die Signalstärke.
The separable prefix ‘an’ must be placed at the end in the imperative; otherwise the sentence feels incomplete.
↔Alternatives
Sieh dir das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.
Take a look at the symbol for the signal strength.
Betrachte das Symbol für die Signalstärke.
Consider the symbol for the signal strength.
Guck dir das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.
Check out the symbol for the signal strength.
Cultural Tip
In German the informal imperative with ‘dir’ (as in ‘Schau dir … an’) is common among peers and in casual settings. In a formal context you would replace it with ‘Schauen Sie sich das Symbol für die Signalstärke an.’ Also, Germans often use the word ‘Symbol’ for UI icons, whereas English speakers might say ‘icon.’