to point out / indicate
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to point out
To draw someone's attention to a piece of information, a circumstance, or a mistake.
Ich möchte Sie darauf hinweisen, dass das Parken hier verboten ist.
I would like to point out to you that parking is prohibited here.
'Hinweisen' (to point out / indicate) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'hin' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Lehrer weist auf einen Fehler im Text hin.
The teacher points out a mistake in the text.
The verb 'hinweisen' (to point out / indicate) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This pattern applies to all meanings of the verb.
Ein Schild weist auf die nächste Ausfahrt hin.
A sign points to the next exit.
The subject of the sentence helps you recognize the meaning. If the subject is a person, they are drawing someone's attention to something. If the subject is a thing or circumstance, it indicates something.
Die Chefin wies auf die neuen Regeln hin.
The boss pointed out the new rules.
To draw attention to information in a subordinate clause, the structure 'darauf hinweisen, dass ...' (to point out that ...) is used very frequently. The verb is then in the main clause and introduces the subordinate clause.
Ich möchte Sie darauf hinweisen, dass der Zug heute fünf Minuten Verspätung hat.
I would like to point out to you that the train is five minutes late today.
to show
'zeigen' and 'hinweisen' can both have to do with drawing attention to something. You use 'zeigen' when you make something directly visible or point to something. 'hinweisen' more often means to draw someone's attention to a piece of information, a mistake, or an important point. It can also mean that a sign indicates something. Learners may confuse the words because you can sometimes 'hinweisen' with a gesture. If the person is supposed to see something, 'zeigen' often fits; if they are supposed to pay attention to something, 'hinweisen' is more likely to fit.
Die Fahrerin weist den Fahrgast darauf hin, dass das Ticket nur heute gilt.
The driver points out to the passenger that the ticket is only valid today.
Am Morgen zeigt sie dem Besucher den Weg zur richtigen Haltestelle.
In the morning, she shows the visitor the way to the right stop.