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
'zeigen' and 'entgegenbringen' can both express that an attitude or feeling becomes visible. 'zeigen' is the normal and very general word: you can show joy, fear, interest, or respect. 'entgegenbringen' is used almost only with abstract nouns such as respect, trust, understanding, or interest, and always toward a person or group. It sounds somewhat more formal. In everyday speech, people often say 'Respekt zeigen' (to show respect); in official or more polite texts, 'jemandem Respekt entgegenbringen' (to show someone respect) is more likely.
Der Kunde bringt dem Team viel Vertrauen entgegen.
The customer shows the team a great deal of trust.
Sie zeigt großes Interesse, als der Trainer den neuen Plan erklärt.
She shows great interest as the coach explains the new plan.