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.
to demonstrate
To express or prove something (often an attitude or feeling) unmistakably.
Sein schnelles Handeln dokumentierte seine Entschlossenheit.
His quick action demonstrated his determination.
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 book / prove / top
Belegen and dokumentieren can both connect data or photos with a fact or situation. Belegen focuses on proving a claim, while dokumentieren focuses on systematically recording and preserving information. When a statement is to be proved, belegen is appropriate; when the situation is to be recorded, dokumentieren is appropriate.
Die Messdaten dokumentieren den Anstieg der Temperatur über mehrere Tage.
The measurement data document the rise in temperature over several days.
Die Messdaten belegen, dass die Temperatur deutlich gestiegen ist.
The measurement data prove that the temperature has risen significantly.
