die Vorführung
screening / performance
The public presentation of a film, play, or artistic performance.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Vorführung des Films beginnt um 20:15 Uhr.
The next screening of the film starts at 8:15 p.m.
die Vorführung
screening / demonstration
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Meanings
die Vorführung
demonstration
The demonstration of how a device, machine, or process works.
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer gab uns eine ausführliche Vorführung der neuen Küchenmaschine.
The salesperson gave us a detailed demonstration of the new food processor.
die Vorführung
humiliation
An action or situation in which someone is deliberately exposed or made to look ridiculous.
EXAMPLE
Die Befragung durch den Anwalt war eine einzige Vorführung des Zeugen.
The questioning by the lawyer was nothing but a humiliation of the witness.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'vorführen' (to demonstrate, to show). It consists of 'vor' (in the sense of 'in front of others') and 'führen' (to lead). A 'Vorführung' is therefore an action in which something is shown or presented in front of an audience.
EXAMPLE
Der Zauberer bereitete seine nächste Vorführung vor.
The magician prepared his next performance.
Context clues
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about cinema or theater, it means a screening or performance. If it is about a product, it means a demonstration. In an argument or interrogation, it can mean humiliation or exposure.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorführung des neuen Staubsaugers hat mich überzeugt.
The demonstration of the new vacuum cleaner convinced me.
Typical collocations
In the context of art and culture, people often speak of a 'Filmvorführung' (film screening) or 'Theatervorführung' (theater performance). Common verbs are 'eine Vorführung besuchen' (to attend a screening/performance) or 'zur Vorführung gehen' (to go to the screening/performance).
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen heute Abend in die Spätvorführung des neuen Actionfilms.
Tonight we're going to the late screening of the new action film.
Negative meaning
The meaning 'Bloßstellung' (humiliation/exposure) has a strongly negative connotation. It describes a situation in which someone is deliberately put into an embarrassing or humiliating position.
EXAMPLE
Das Interview entwickelte sich zu einer peinlichen Vorführung für den Politiker.
The interview turned into an embarrassing humiliation for the politician.
Compare with
Vorführung vs Vorstellung
idea / performance / introduction
Both words can refer to the public showing of a film or an artistic performance. „Vorstellung“ usually refers to the scheduled event, while „Vorführung“ places more emphasis on the act of deliberately presenting something. „Vorstellung“ is more appropriate for a regular cinema showing, while „Vorführung“ is more appropriate when the focus is on deliberately showing something.
Vorführung
Bei der Vorführung zeigte der Regisseur einige Szenen aus dem neuen Film.
During the screening, the director showed several scenes from the new film.
Vorstellung
Die nächste Vorstellung des Films beginnt um 20 Uhr.
The next showing of the film begins at 8 p.m.
In real life
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