to show
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to show someone something
To show or demonstrate a certain feeling or attitude toward someone. The verb is used almost exclusively in connection with abstract nouns such as respect, trust, interest, or understanding.
Man sollte den Meinungen anderer zumindest ein gewisses Maß an Respekt entgegenbringen.
One should show at least a certain amount of respect for other people's opinions.
'Entgegenbringen' (to show) is a separable verb. The prefix 'entgegen' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Sie bringt ihm viel Vertrauen entgegen.
She shows him a lot of trust.
This verb requires a fixed sentence structure: The person toward whom something is shown is in the dative, and the feeling or attitude is in the accusative. The structure is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) entgegenbringen.
Der Chef brachte dem neuen Mitarbeiter großes Vertrauen entgegen.
The boss showed the new employee great trust.
'Entgegenbringen' (to show) is almost only used with abstract, positive nouns. Common combinations are: Vertrauen entgegenbringen (to show trust), Verständnis entgegenbringen (to show understanding), Interesse entgegenbringen (to show interest), or Sympathie entgegenbringen (to show sympathy).
Man sollte neuen Ideen immer ein gewisses Interesse entgegenbringen.
One should always show a certain interest in new ideas.
This verb belongs to elevated or formal language. It is found more often in official speeches, in literature, or in written language than in everyday conversation.
Wir bitten Sie, unseren Mitarbeitern das nötige Verständnis entgegenzubringen.
We ask you to show our employees the necessary understanding.
to show
Both verbs can express making respect or understanding visible. Zeigen is neutral and describes the expression in general. Entgegenbringen explicitly directs the attitude toward a person and is used almost always with abstract nouns such as respect, trust, or understanding.
Die Schülerin brachte dem neuen Lehrer Respekt entgegen.
The student showed respect to the new teacher.
Die Schülerin zeigte dem neuen Lehrer Respekt.
The student showed the new teacher respect.
