German Phrase
Sieht nach Regen aus.
Meaning
The speaker is commenting that the current sky or weather conditions give the impression that it will rain soon. It’s a quick, informal observation about the weather.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice dark clouds, a drop in temperature, or any visual cue that suggests rain is imminent. It works in casual conversation, on the street, at work, or while planning outdoor activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SiehtnachRegenaus
Verb: sehen (aussehen)
‘Sieht … aus’ is the 3rd‑person singular present of the separable verb *aussehen* (to look like). The prefix *aus* moves to the end of the clause.
Preposition *nach* + dative
*nach* introduces the thing something appears to be; it governs the dative case, so *Regen* stays in its base form.
Word order
In a main clause the finite verb (*Sieht*) is in second position, the separable prefix (*aus*) goes to the sentence end.
🗨In Conversation
Sieht nach Regen aus.
Looks like rain.
Ja, besser wir nehmen einen Regenschirm mit.
Yes, we’d better take an umbrella.
✕Common Mistakes
Sieht Regen aus.
The preposition *nach* is required; *Sieht Regen aus* is ungrammatical.
Sieht nach Regen.
The separable prefix *aus* must be placed at the end of the clause.
Sieht nach dem Regen aus.
With *nach* you need the dative without an article when referring to a general phenomenon; *nach dem Regen* would mean ‘after the rain’.
↔Alternatives
Es sieht nach Regen aus.
It looks like rain.
Es wird regnen.
It’s going to rain.
Es sieht regnerisch aus.
It looks rainy.
Cultural Tip
In German the construction *Sieht nach … aus* is very common in everyday speech, especially when talking about weather. Adding the dummy subject *es* (*Es sieht nach Regen aus*) is slightly more formal but equally correct. Remember that *nach* always takes the dative, so you never say *nach den Regen*.