der Ausweis
ID card
An official document, usually with a photo, that confirms a person's identity.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Polizeikontrolle mussten alle ihren Ausweis vorzeigen.
During the police check, everyone had to show their ID card.
der Ausweis
ID card
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Meanings
der Ausweis
card / pass
A card that proves membership, authorization, or a particular status.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Studentenausweis bekommst du im Kino eine Ermäßigung.
With your student ID, you get a discount at the cinema.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Der Ausweis' (ID card) is derived from the verb 'sich ausweisen' (to identify oneself). The verb means to prove one's identity. So an Ausweis is the document with which you identify yourself.
EXAMPLE
Ohne gültigen Ausweis konnte er sich nicht ausweisen.
Without a valid ID card, he could not identify himself.
Typical verbs
In connection with official documents, the most common verbs are 'den Ausweis vorzeigen' (to show one's ID), 'kontrollieren' (to check), and 'beantragen' (to apply for). You also often hear the request: 'Bitte Ihren Ausweis!' (Your ID, please!).
EXAMPLE
Am Eingang mussten alle Besucher ihren Ausweis vorzeigen.
At the entrance, all visitors had to show their ID card.
Typical compounds
When authorization is meant, 'Ausweis' often appears as the second part of a compound word. The first word describes the purpose, for example 'Studentenausweis' (student ID), 'Bibliotheksausweis' (library card), or 'Mitarbeiterausweis' (employee ID).
EXAMPLE
Mit meinem Presseausweis erhalte ich kostenlosen Eintritt ins Museum.
With my press pass, I get free admission to the museum.
Compare with
Ausweis vs Pass
passport / pass
Pass and Ausweis can both confirm a person’s identity. Pass is the specific travel document and also contains information about citizenship. Ausweis is the more general term for a document used to identify someone. Pass is therefore appropriate when traveling abroad, while Ausweis is used for a general identity check.
Ausweis
Bei der Anmeldung im Hotel zeigte Nina ihren Ausweis.
When checking into the hotel, Nina showed her ID card.
Pass
Vor dem Flug ins Ausland zeigte Nina ihren Pass.
Before her flight abroad, Nina showed her passport.
In real life
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