A talk or demonstration in which someone presents information, ideas, or a product to an audience, often supported by visual media.
example
Der Student hielt eine beeindruckende Präsentation über den Klimawandel.
The student gave an impressive presentation about climate change.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Präsentation' belongs to the word family of the verb 'präsentieren' (to present). A presentation is the result or act of presenting.
EXAMPLE
Morgen präsentiere ich die Ergebnisse meines Projekts.
Tomorrow I am presenting the results of my project.
Typical verbs
When 'Präsentation' means a talk, the typical verb used with it is 'halten' (to give). You can also 'vorbereiten' (prepare), 'erstellen' (create), or 'geben' (give) a presentation.
EXAMPLE
Nächste Woche halte ich eine Präsentation vor der gesamten Abteilung.
Next week I am giving a presentation in front of the entire department.
Sentence structure with topic
The topic of a presentation is usually given with the preposition 'über' (about) and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie hält eine Präsentation über die Geschichte der Digitalfotografie.
She is giving a presentation about the history of digital photography.
Context clue: the file
When 'Präsentation' is used together with verbs like 'schicken' (to send), 'speichern' (to save), 'öffnen' (to open), or 'herunterladen' (to download), it refers to the digital file (e.g., a PowerPoint file).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir die Präsentation bitte vor dem Meeting schicken?
Can you please send me the presentation before the meeting?
Context clue: appearance
In contexts such as gastronomy, design, or sales, 'Präsentation' refers to the visual design and arrangement. Typical phrases include 'Wert auf die Präsentation legen' (to place importance on presentation).
EXAMPLE
Die Präsentation der Speisen in diesem Restaurant ist ausgezeichnet.
The presentation of the food in this restaurant is excellent.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Präsentation vs Rede
speech / talk
'die Rede' and 'die Präsentation' can both be a form of speaking in front of an audience. A 'Rede' is mainly oral and often fits official, ceremonial, or personal situations. A 'Präsentation' is usually more focused on information, ideas, or a product and is often supported by images, slides, or a file. The words can be confused because in both cases you speak in front of other people. When the spoken words are the main focus, 'Rede' fits better. When slides, data, or a topic being presented are important, 'Präsentation' sounds more natural.
Präsentation
Du zeigst morgen im Büro deine Präsentation zum neuen Projekt.
Tomorrow at the office, you are showing your presentation about the new project.
Rede
Nach dem Essen hält Paula eine Rede für ihre Eltern.
After the meal, Paula gives a speech for her parents.