to attest / express
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to attest
To confirm as a witness that one has seen or heard something. This often happens in a formal or legal context.
Mehrere Passanten konnten den Unfallhergang bezeugen.
Several passersby were able to attest to how the accident happened.
to express
To clearly express or show a feeling, attitude, or quality.
Mit seinem Besuch wollte er der Familie sein tiefes Beileid bezeugen.
With his visit, he wanted to express his deep condolences to the family.
'Bezeugen' (to attest/express) is an inseparable verb with the prefix 'be-'. It is closely related to the noun 'der Zeuge' (witness). The prefix 'be-' makes the verb transitive, so you always bezeugt something.
Können Sie bezeugen, dass der Mann bei Rot über die Ampel gegangen ist?
Can you attest that the man crossed the street on a red light?
The verb 'bezeugen' (to attest/express) always requires an accusative object. So the structure is: subject + bezeugt + accusative object.
Der Nachbar bezeugte den lauten Streit.
The neighbor attested to the loud argument.
The object of the verb indicates the meaning. If it is a concrete event, such as an accident or crime, the legal meaning is intended. If it is an abstract feeling, such as condolences or respect, it is about showing an attitude.
Sie hat den Diebstahl vor der Polizei bezeugt.
She attested to the theft in front of the police.
In the meaning 'to testify as a witness', 'bezeugen' (to attest) belongs to formal language and is used especially often in legal or official contexts.
Die Unterschrift auf dem Dokument wurde notariell bezeugt.
The signature on the document was notarized.
To express feelings, 'bezeugen' (to express) is often combined with abstract nouns. Common phrases are 'sein Beileid bezeugen' (to express one's condolences), 'seinen Respekt bezeugen' (to show one's respect), or 'seine Anteilnahme bezeugen' (to express one's sympathy).
Viele Menschen kamen zur Trauerfeier, um der Familie ihr Beileid zu bezeugen.
Many people came to the funeral service to express their condolences to the family.
to show
Both words can express a feeling or attitude visibly. Zeigen is neutral and generally used in everyday language. Bezeugen sounds more formal and is especially suitable in set expressions such as Respekt, Anteilnahme, or Vertrauen, although zeigen is also possible in those expressions.
Die Gäste bezeugten ihre Anteilnahme an der schwierigen Situation.
The guests expressed their sympathy for the difficult situation.
Die Gäste zeigten ihre Anteilnahme an der schwierigen Situation.
The guests showed their sympathy for the difficult situation.
