vorweisen
to present
To show or present something (e.g., a document, a qualification) in order to prove or verify something.
EXAMPLE
Am Eingang müssen Sie bitte Ihre Eintrittskarte vorweisen.
At the entrance, please present your admission ticket.
vorweisen
to present / show
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Meanings
vorweisen
to have
To possess a certain quality, ability, or achievement and be able to present it.
EXAMPLE
Der Bewerber konnte beeindruckende Referenzen vorweisen.
The applicant was able to present impressive references.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorweisen' (to present/show) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Weisen Sie bitte Ihren Pass vor.
Please present your passport.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'vor' (forward, present) and 'weisen' (to show). Literally, it means holding something forward in order to show it.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte Ihre Buchungsbestätigung vorweisen?
Can you please present your booking confirmation?
Formal usage
This verb belongs to formal language. It is used in official, professional, or administrative situations, for example during an inspection or in a job application.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Position müssen Sie exzellente Englischkenntnisse vorweisen.
For this position, you must be able to demonstrate excellent English skills.
Presenting documents
In the meaning of 'vorzeigen' (to show), the verb is often combined with documents that are presented as proof. Typical examples are: present an ID, a ticket, a visa, or a certificate.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Kontrolle mussten alle Fahrgäste ihr Ticket vorweisen.
During the inspection, all passengers had to present their ticket.
Demonstrating skills
When referring to abilities or achievements, 'vorweisen' (to present/show) is used with abstract nouns. Common examples are: present successes, knowledge, qualifications, or references.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen kann ein beeindruckendes Wachstum vorweisen.
The company can show impressive growth.
Compare with
vorweisen vs nachweisen
to prove / detect
Nachweisen emphasizes that a qualification is confirmed by verifiable evidence. Vorweisen emphasizes the concrete presentation of the qualification or document. So you can present a certificate in order to prove the required knowledge.
vorweisen
Für die Stelle muss sie ein Zertifikat über ihre Sprachkenntnisse vorweisen.
For the position, she has to present a certificate showing her language skills.
nachweisen
Für die Stelle muss sie ihre Sprachkenntnisse mit einem Zertifikat nachweisen.
For the position, she has to prove her language skills with a certificate.
In real life
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