proof / evidence
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proof / evidence
A fact, object, or line of reasoning that conclusively demonstrates the truth of a claim or state of affairs. Often used in legal, mathematical, or scientific contexts.
Die Polizei hat keine Beweise gegen den Verdächtigen.
The police have no evidence against the suspect.
to prove
To show through an action or performance that one has a particular ability or quality.
Bei der Prüfung musste er sein Können unter Beweis stellen.
In the exam, he had to prove his ability.
proof / token
A sign or action that demonstrates a feeling or intention.
Er schenkte ihr die Blumen als Beweis seiner Zuneigung.
He gave her the flowers as proof of his affection.
'Der Beweis' (proof/evidence) is the noun related to the verb 'beweisen' (to prove). When you prove something, you provide the proof for it.
Er muss erst beweisen, dass seine Theorie stimmt.
He first has to prove that his theory is correct.
If you want to say what something is proof of, you use the preposition 'für' (for) with the accusative.
Seine guten Noten sind ein Beweis für seinen Fleiß.
His good grades are proof of his diligence.
In legal or scientific contexts, 'Beweis' (proof/evidence) is often combined with certain verbs, for example 'Beweise finden' (to find evidence), 'Beweise sammeln' (to collect evidence), 'Beweise liefern' (to provide proof/evidence), or 'Beweise vorlegen' (to present evidence).
Die Polizei konnte keine Beweise für die Tat finden.
The police could not find any evidence of the crime.
The idiom 'etwas unter Beweis stellen' (to prove something / to demonstrate something) is a fixed expression. It is used to show that you possess an ability or quality such as courage, skill, or talent.
Der neue Spieler muss sein Talent im nächsten Spiel unter Beweis stellen.
The new player has to prove his talent in the next game.
To express a feeling, 'Beweis' (proof/token) is often combined with the genitive ('ein Beweis der Freundschaft' — a token of friendship) or with 'von' + dative ('ein Beweis von Vertrauen' — a sign of trust).
Dieses Geschenk ist ein kleiner Beweis meiner Dankbarkeit.
This gift is a small token of my gratitude.
sign / symbol
A gesture or action can be a Zeichen (sign) of a feeling or intention. Beweis emphasizes more strongly that the action visibly confirms the feeling or intention. Use Zeichen for a noticeable indication, and Beweis when the action counts as especially clear confirmation.
Ihre Umarmung war ein Beweis ihrer Dankbarkeit.
Her hug was proof of her gratitude.
Ihre Umarmung war ein Zeichen ihrer Dankbarkeit.
Her hug was a sign of her gratitude.
