German Phrase
Schau nach Störquellen.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to look for or check any sources that might be causing interference, such as noise in an audio system, signal problems in a Wi‑Fi network, or any other disruptive factor. It is a concise, directive statement often used in technical troubleshooting.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding a colleague, a friend, or a technician to investigate why a device or system is not working properly. It fits well in IT support, audio‑engineering, radio‑communication, or any situation where unwanted signals need to be identified.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaunachStörquellen.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Schau’ is the informal imperative form of the verb ‘schauen’ used when speaking to one person you know well.
Preposition ‘nach’ + Dative
‘nach’ always governs the dative case; therefore ‘Störquellen’ stays in its dative plural form, which looks the same as the nominative plural.
Plural noun ‘Störquellen’
‘Störquelle’ (source of interference) becomes ‘Störquellen’ in the plural; the article is omitted in the imperative.
🗨In Conversation
Schau nach Störquellen.
Look for sources of interference.
Klar, ich prüfe das Netzwerk und die Kabel.
Sure, I’ll check the network and the cables.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau nach Störquelle.
‘Störquelle’ must be plural when you refer to multiple possible sources; the dative plural is ‘Störquellen’.
Schau auf Störquellen.
‘auf’ means ‘on/onto’; the correct preposition for searching is ‘nach’.
Schauen Sie nach Störquellen.
If you want a formal command, you need the imperative ‘Schauen Sie’, not the infinitive ‘schauen’.
↔Alternatives
Sieh nach Störquellen.
Check for sources of interference.
Untersuche mögliche Störquellen.
Investigate possible sources of interference.
Finde die Störquellen.
Find the sources of interference.
Cultural Tip
In German the informal imperative ‘Schau’ is appropriate with friends or close colleagues. In a formal workplace you would say ‘Schauen Sie nach Störquellen.’ Also, avoid mixing up ‘nach’ with ‘auf’; ‘nach’ is the correct preposition for searching or looking for something.