shop window / showcase
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shop window
A large window at the front of a store where goods are displayed to attract customers' attention.
Die neue Modekollektion wird bereits im Schaufenster präsentiert.
The new fashion collection is already being presented in the shop window.
The word is a compound of 'schauen' (to look) and 'Fenster' (window). So it is literally a window meant for looking inside to view the displayed goods.
Die Kinder drückten sich die Nasen am Schaufenster platt.
The children pressed their noses flat against the shop window.
There are typical activities connected with a shop window. You can put something 'ins Schaufenster stellen' (to put something in the shop window), 'ein Schaufenster dekorieren' (to decorate a shop window), or 'einen Schaufensterbummel machen' (to go window-shopping, walking around and just looking without buying).
Am Sonntag machen wir oft einen Schaufensterbummel durch die Innenstadt.
On Sundays we often go window-shopping through the city center.
In the figurative sense, a 'Schaufenster' (showcase) is an opportunity to present something (e.g., an industry, a country, a technology) positively. It then serves as a 'Schaufenster für' (showcase for) or 'Schaufenster der' (showcase of) innovation/economy.
Die Automesse in Genf gilt als Schaufenster der neuesten Technologien.
The Geneva Motor Show is considered a showcase of the latest technologies.
stage
'die Bühne' and 'das Schaufenster' can both, in a figurative sense, mean a place where something becomes publicly visible. 'die Bühne' emphasizes public attention: someone or something appears before an audience or is given space to be seen and heard. 'das Schaufenster' emphasizes presentation more: something is shown especially well, often to spark interest or make a good impression. The words can be confused when the meaning is not a real theater or a real shop window. As a guide: 'Bühne' fits more with performing and attention, while 'Schaufenster' fits more with showing something off and advertising.
Die Messe ist für kleine Firmen ein wichtiges Schaufenster.
The trade fair is an important showcase for small companies.
Die Diskussion gibt jungen Forschern eine Bühne für ihre Ideen.
The discussion gives young researchers a platform for their ideas.