to present / to perform
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to perform / present
To perform or present something artistic or rehearsed in front of an audience. It has a more formal character than 'zeigen' (to show) or 'vorführen' (to demonstrate/perform).
Die Kinder haben ihren Eltern ein wunderschönes Weihnachtslied dargeboten.
The children performed a beautiful Christmas carol for their parents.
'Darbieten' (to present/perform) is a separable verb. The prefix 'dar-' stands at the end in a main clause. In a subordinate clause, the whole verb stands at the end, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle: 'darzubieten'.
Der Pianist bot ein schwieriges Stück von Chopin dar.
The pianist performed a difficult piece by Chopin.
This verb belongs to a formal, elevated register. You are more likely to find it in written language, at official occasions, or in literature.
Die Tänzer boten eine beeindruckende Choreografie dar.
The dancers presented an impressive choreography.
When you 'jemandem etwas darbieten' (present/perform something for someone), the person is in the dative and the thing presented is in the accusative. The structure is: subject + bietet + dative object + accusative object + dar.
Der Autor bot dem Publikum einen Auszug aus seinem neuen Roman dar.
The author presented the audience with an excerpt from his new novel.
In the reflexive form 'sich darbieten' (to present itself), the person who perceives something is often in the dative. The subject is the thing that appears (e.g., a view, an opportunity).
Als sich die Wolken verzogen, bot sich uns ein herrlicher Blick auf die Berge dar.
When the clouds cleared, a magnificent view of the mountains presented itself to us.
to show
'zeigen' and 'darbieten' can both mean that other people see something. 'zeigen' is very general and fits many everyday situations: you show a photo, a route, or a solution. 'darbieten' is used more for something artistic or rehearsed in front of an audience, for example a song, a dance, or a play. It sounds more formal than 'zeigen'. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with presenting. In everyday language, 'zeigen' is usually correct; 'darbieten' fits especially with performances.
Die Kinder bieten beim Schulfest ein kurzes Theaterstück dar.
The children perform a short play at the school festival.
Lisa zeigt ihrer Mutter die Fotos von der Reise.
Lisa shows her mother the photos from the trip.