evidence
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evidence
An object, statement, or document that is used in a legal proceeding, for example in court, to prove or disprove the truth of a claim.
Die Polizei sicherte am Tatort wichtige Beweismittel, darunter die Tatwaffe und Fingerabdrücke.
The police secured important evidence at the crime scene, including the murder weapon and fingerprints.
The word is made up of 'Beweis' (proof/evidence) and 'Mittel' (means/tool). So it is literally a means or tool with which one can prove something.
Das Gericht muss die vorgelegten Beweismittel prüfen.
The court must examine the evidence presented.
In a legal context, this noun is often used with certain verbs, for example 'Beweismittel sichern' (to secure evidence), 'Beweismittel sammeln' (to collect evidence), or 'Beweismittel vorlegen' (to present evidence).
Die Staatsanwaltschaft legte neue Beweismittel vor.
The public prosecutor's office presented new evidence.
This word belongs almost exclusively to the specialized language of the justice system and the police. It is used in contexts such as court proceedings, police investigations, or criminal cases.
Ohne eindeutige Beweismittel kann der Angeklagte nicht verurteilt werden.
Without clear evidence, the defendant cannot be convicted.
proof / evidence
'der Beweis' and 'das Beweismittel' both have to do with showing the truth. 'der Beweis' is the result: because of it, a statement or claim is considered certain or very well supported. 'das Beweismittel', on the other hand, is a concrete means used for that purpose, for example a document, a photo, or witness testimony. In court especially, 'Beweismittel' is more precise. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Beweismittel' can lead to a 'Beweis'. Put simply: the 'Beweismittel' helps provide the 'Beweis'.
Vor Gericht wurde das Foto als wichtiges Beweismittel gezeigt.
In court, the photo was shown as an important piece of evidence.
Der Fingerabdruck ist ein klarer Beweis für seine Anwesenheit.
The fingerprint is clear proof of his presence.