to attest / express
Loading your saved state.
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.
'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
'zeigen' and 'bezeugen' can both express that something becomes clear or is confirmed. 'zeigen' is the normal, general word: feelings, numbers, or behavior can show something. 'bezeugen' sounds more formal. It fits especially when someone confirms as a witness that something happened. You can also use 'bezeugen' to express feelings or respect, but that sounds more elevated than 'zeigen'. In everyday language, 'zeigen' is usually more natural; for official statements or solemn formulations, 'bezeugen' fits better.
Die Nachbarin konnte bezeugen, dass sie den Unfall gesehen hatte.
The neighbor was able to attest that she had seen the accident.
Seine ruhige Stimme zeigt, dass er keine Angst hat.
His calm voice shows that he is not afraid.