to present / show
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to present
To show or present something (e.g., a document, a qualification) in order to prove or verify something.
Am Eingang müssen Sie bitte Ihre Eintrittskarte vorweisen.
At the entrance, please present your admission ticket.
'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.
Weisen Sie bitte Ihren Pass vor.
Please present your passport.
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.
Können Sie bitte Ihre Buchungsbestätigung vorweisen?
Can you please present your booking confirmation?
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.
Für diese Position müssen Sie exzellente Englischkenntnisse vorweisen.
For this position, you must be able to demonstrate excellent English skills.
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.
Bei der Kontrolle mussten alle Fahrgäste ihr Ticket vorweisen.
During the inspection, all passengers had to present their ticket.
When referring to abilities or achievements, 'vorweisen' (to present/show) is used with abstract nouns. Common examples are: present successes, knowledge, qualifications, or references.
Das Unternehmen kann ein beeindruckendes Wachstum vorweisen.
The company can show impressive growth.
to own / to possess
'besitzen' and 'vorweisen' can both mean that someone has an ability, qualification, or achievement. The difference lies in the perspective: 'besitzen' only says that something is present. 'vorweisen' additionally means that you can show or prove it, for example in a job application, exam, or inspection. If only the quality itself is important, 'besitzen' fits. If someone is supposed to convince others with it or provide proof of something, 'vorweisen' is more precise.
Vor dem Termin muss mein Bruder einen gültigen Ausweis vorweisen.
Before the appointment, my brother has to present a valid ID.
Wer ein Team leiten will, sollte Geduld und klare Kommunikation besitzen.
Anyone who wants to lead a team should possess patience and clear communication skills.