B1 Informal Perception
„Ich kann es ihm ansehen."
I can tell (it) from his looks.
What does „Ich kann es ihm ansehen." mean in German?
„Ich kann es ihm ansehen." means "I can tell (it) from his looks.." Literally: "I can see it on him.."
Literal Translation
"I can see it on him."
Ich I
kann can
es see
ihm it
ansehen on
English Equivalent
"I can see it in his face."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Dative (ihm); separable verb
When is this idiom used?
Informal
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
Related Words
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