evidence
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evidence
The totality of objects, documents, statements, and other information that serve as evidence in a legal or investigative proceeding.
Die Polizei sicherte am Tatort umfangreiches Beweismaterial.
The police secured extensive evidence at the crime scene.
The word is composed of 'Beweis' (evidence/proof) and 'Material' (material). So it literally describes the material that serves as evidence.
Das Videoband war das wichtigste Beweismaterial in diesem Fall.
The videotape was the most important evidence in this case.
'Beweismaterial' (evidence) is a collective term and is almost always used in the singular, even when it refers to many individual objects or documents. A plural form is very unusual.
Das gesamte Beweismaterial wurde dem Gericht vorgelegt.
All the evidence was presented to the court.
In a legal or police context, 'Beweismaterial' (evidence) is often 'gesammelt' (collected), 'gesichert' (secured), 'ausgewertet' (analyzed/evaluated), or 'vorgelegt' (presented) to the court.
Die Kriminaltechnik wertet das gefundene Beweismaterial aus.
The forensic team is analyzing the evidence that was found.
hint / notice
'der Hinweis' and 'das Beweismaterial' can both be important in a search, investigation, or inquiry. A 'Hinweis', however, is only a clue, tip, or piece of information that can help move things forward. It does not have to prove that something really happened. 'Beweismaterial' is stronger and more concrete: it consists of objects, documents, statements, or other information that serve as evidence. The words can be confused because a 'Hinweis' can later lead to 'Beweismaterial'. Remember: a 'Hinweis' points in a direction; 'Beweismaterial' is meant to support or prove something.
Die Ermittler sammeln das Beweismaterial und prüfen alle Fotos genau.
The investigators collect the evidence and examine all the photos carefully.
Mein Bruder gab der Polizei einen Hinweis zu dem Unfall.
My brother gave the police a tip about the accident.