German Phrase
Schau dir die Lampen am Modem an.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to look at the indicator lights on the modem, usually to check whether the device is working correctly or to see which connection status is displayed.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are troubleshooting an internet connection, showing a friend the status LEDs, or simply pointing out that the modem’s lights are on or off.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaudirdieLampenamModeman
Imperative (du)
‘Schau’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘schauen’ (to look).
Reflexive dative ‘dir’
When ‘schauen’ is used with ‘an’ to mean ‘look at’, the reflexive pronoun appears in the dative: ‘dir’.
Accusative object
‘die Lampen’ is the direct object in the accusative plural.
Preposition ‘am’ = an dem
‘am’ is a contraction of ‘an dem’ and governs the dative case; therefore ‘Modem’ stays in the dative neuter form ‘dem Modem’.
Separable prefix ‘an‑’
‘anschauen’ is a separable verb; in the imperative the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Schau dir die Lampen am Modem an.
Take a look at the lamps on the modem.
Sind sie alle grün? Dann sollte das Internet funktionieren.
Are they all green? Then the internet should work.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau du die Lampen am Modem an.
The reflexive pronoun must be in the dative (dir), not the nominative (du).
Schau dir die Lampen an Modem an.
The preposition ‘am’ (an dem) is required; ‘an Modem’ would be incorrect because the dative article is missing.
Schau dir die Lampen am Modem.
The separable prefix ‘an’ must appear at the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Sieh dir die Lichter am Modem an.
Look at the lights on the modem.
Wirf einen Blick auf die Lampen am Modem.
Take a glance at the lamps on the modem.
Schauen Sie sich die Lampen am Modem an.
Look at the lamps on the modem. (formal)
Cultural Tip
‘Schau dir … an’ is informal and should be used with friends or peers. In a professional or formal setting you would switch to the polite form ‘Schauen Sie sich … an’. Also, German speakers often refer to LED indicators as ‘Lampen’ or ‘Lichter’, both are acceptable, but ‘Lampen’ sounds a bit more colloquial.