to demonstrate / show / humiliate
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to demonstrate
To present or demonstrate something, for example a product or a skill, in front of an audience.
Der Verkäufer wird uns die Funktionen der neuen Software vorführen.
The salesperson will demonstrate the functions of the new software to us.
'Vorführen' (to demonstrate/show/humiliate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor-' comes at the end in a main clause, the verb stays together in subordinate clauses, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
Ein Experte führt uns die neue Technik vor.
An expert demonstrates the new technology to us.
The verb consists of the prefix 'vor-' (in front of) and the verb 'führen' (to lead). The literal meaning 'to lead in front of someone' helps you understand all the meanings: showing something in front of an audience, bringing someone before an authority, or exposing someone in front of others.
Der Zauberer führte dem Publikum einen Trick vor.
The magician demonstrated a trick to the audience.
When you demonstrate something to someone, the person watching is in the dative. The thing being demonstrated is in the accusative.
Kannst du mir bitte vorführen, wie die Kaffeemaschine funktioniert?
Can you please demonstrate to me how the coffee machine works?
You can recognize the negative meaning 'to expose someone' by the fact that a person is the direct object. The context is often made clear by expressions like 'vor allen' (in front of everyone) or 'vor der ganzen Gruppe' (in front of the whole group).
Mit seiner unbedachten Frage hat er sich selbst vorgeführt.
With his careless question, he humiliated himself.
The meaning 'to bring someone before an authority' is used almost exclusively in official police and legal language. Typical objects are 'der Verdächtige' (the suspect) or 'der Angeklagte' (the accused/defendant).
Der Festgenommene wird morgen dem Richter vorgeführt.
The arrested person will be brought before the judge tomorrow.
to show
'zeigen' and 'vorführen' can both mean that others are supposed to see or understand something. 'zeigen' is more general: you can show someone a photo, a way, or a solution. 'vorführen' fits more when something is deliberately presented or demonstrated, often in front of several people, for example a device, an exercise, or a film. 'zeigen' sounds more neutral and broader in everyday language. 'vorführen' puts stronger emphasis on the presentation or the public situation.
Der Verkäufer führt den Kunden die neue Kaffeemaschine vor.
The salesperson demonstrates the new coffee machine to the customers.
Kannst du mir bitte zeigen, wo der Eingang ist?
Could you please show me where the entrance is?