to deceive / demonstrate
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to deceive
To deceive or lie to someone by pretending that something is true even though it is not.
Lass dir von ihm nichts vormachen, er will dich nur ausnutzen.
Don't let him deceive you; he only wants to take advantage of you.
'Vormachen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor' comes at the end in main clauses; in subordinate clauses the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
Der Trainer macht uns die Übung vor.
The coach demonstrates the exercise for us.
In the meanings 'täuschen' (to deceive) and 'demonstrieren' (to demonstrate), 'vormachen' often follows the pattern: subject + dative object (person) + accusative object (thing). The person to whom something is shown or falsely presented is in the dative.
Er versucht, seinem Chef gute Arbeit vorzumachen.
He is trying to make his boss believe he is doing good work.
Whether 'vormachen' means 'täuschen' (to deceive) or 'demonstrieren' (to demonstrate) depends on the context. If it is about learning a skill, 'demonstrieren' is meant. If it is about lies or false impressions, 'täuschen' is meant.
Der Handwerker hat mir vorgemacht, wie man die Fliesen verlegt.
The craftsman demonstrated to me how to lay the tiles.
The expression 'sich (Dat.) nichts vormachen lassen' is very common and means that one should not let oneself be deceived or lied to. Another variant is 'sich selbst nichts vormachen' (not to fool oneself).
Lass dir von der Werbung nichts vormachen!
Don't let advertising fool you!
In the meaning 'demonstrieren' (to demonstrate), the verb is often combined with concrete actions. Typical phrases are: 'eine Übung vormachen' (to demonstrate an exercise), 'einen Tanzschritt vormachen' (to demonstrate a dance step), or 'eine Bewegung vormachen' (to demonstrate a movement).
Die Physiotherapeutin hat mir eine einfache Übung für den Rücken vorgemacht.
The physiotherapist demonstrated a simple exercise for my back.
to show
'zeigen' and 'vormachen' can both mean that you make something clear to someone. 'zeigen' is more general: you can point to something, show a photo, or explain how something works. 'vormachen' fits especially when someone performs an action once so that another person can copy it. In learning, sports, or crafts, 'vormachen' often sounds more precise. 'zeigen' remains more neutral and is possible in more situations.
Die Trainerin macht die Übung langsam vor, damit alle sie richtig nachmachen können.
The trainer demonstrates the exercise slowly so that everyone can copy it correctly.
Im Urlaub zeigt uns der Führer den Weg zum Wasserfall.
On vacation, the guide shows us the way to the waterfall.