to document
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to document
To record or preserve information systematically, often in writing, with photos, or using other media, in order to prove it or preserve it for the future.
Der Polizist dokumentierte den Unfallhergang mit seiner Kamera.
The police officer documented how the accident happened with his camera.
The verb 'dokumentieren' (to document) is derived from the noun 'das Dokument' (the document). The ending '-ieren' is typical for verbs formed from foreign words and here means 'to create a document' or 'to record something as if in a document'.
Für seine Forschung muss er alle Ergebnisse sorgfältig dokumentieren.
For his research, he has to document all results carefully.
In the meaning 'aufzeichnen' (to record), the verb is often combined with adverbs such as 'genau' (precisely), 'schriftlich' (in writing), or 'lückenlos' (completely, without gaps). Typical objects are 'die Ergebnisse' (the results), 'den Fortschritt' (the progress), or 'einen Vorfall' (an incident).
Die Wissenschaftler dokumentieren den Klimawandel lückenlos.
The scientists are documenting climate change completely and without gaps.
This meaning of 'dokumentieren' (to document) is very frequently used in formal, official, or scientific contexts. You often find it in reports, minutes, or academic papers.
Das Protokoll dokumentiert alle Beschlüsse der Sitzung.
The minutes document all decisions made at the meeting.
You can recognize this figurative meaning by the fact that an action or behavior 'proves' an abstract quality. The subject is often an action, and the object is a quality such as 'Interesse' (interest), 'Mut' (courage), or 'Wille' (will).
Ihre schnelle Hilfe dokumentierte ihre Hilfsbereitschaft.
Her quick help demonstrated her willingness to help.
to show
'zeigen' and 'dokumentieren' can both mean that something becomes clear or provable. 'zeigen' is broader and simpler: a photo, a test, or a reaction can show something. 'dokumentieren' is used when information is deliberately recorded, for example in writing, with photos, or in a report. It can also mean that something is expressed very clearly. 'dokumentieren' sounds more precise when it is about evidence or later review.
Die Ärztin dokumentiert jeden Schritt der Behandlung in der Akte.
The doctor documents every step of the treatment in the file.
Die neuen Zahlen zeigen, dass mehr Menschen den Bus nehmen.
The new figures show that more people are taking the bus.