to demonstrate
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to demonstrate
To take part in a public gathering or protest march in order to express a political or social opinion.
Zehntausende Menschen demonstrierten für mehr Klimaschutz.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated for more climate protection.
In the meaning of 'protestieren' (to protest), 'demonstrieren' (to demonstrate) is almost always used with the prepositions 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against) and an accusative object.
Die Bürger demonstrieren für saubere Luft in der Stadt.
The citizens are demonstrating for clean air in the city.
When 'demonstrieren' means 'vorführen' (to demonstrate/show), the person to whom something is being shown is often in the dative. The thing being shown is in the accusative.
Der Lehrer demonstrierte den Schülern ein chemisches Experiment.
The teacher demonstrated a chemistry experiment to the students.
In the meaning of 'unter Beweis stellen' (to prove/demonstrate), 'demonstrieren' (to demonstrate) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Stärke' (strength), 'Überlegenheit' (superiority), 'Einigkeit' (unity), or 'Wille' (will).
Mit diesem Tor demonstrierte die Mannschaft ihre Stärke.
With this goal, the team demonstrated its strength.
to show
'zeigen' and 'demonstrieren' can both mean that you make something visible or understandable. 'zeigen' is the more general word and fits many everyday situations: you show someone a route, a photo, or a feeling. 'demonstrieren' sounds more deliberate and often a bit more formal. For example, you demonstrate how a device works, or you clearly demonstrate an ability. Learners may confuse the words because 'demonstrieren' can mean 'zeigen' in some cases. In everyday language, 'zeigen' is often more natural; for a demonstration or clear proof, 'demonstrieren' fits better.
Der Trainer demonstriert den Kindern die Übung zuerst langsam.
The coach demonstrates the exercise to the children slowly first.
Mila zeigt ihrer Mutter, wie die neue App funktioniert.
Mila shows her mother how the new app works.