01
vorzeigen
to show / present
To show someone something for inspection or verification, for example an ID or a ticket.
example
Bitte zeigen Sie am Eingang Ihre Eintrittskarte vor.
Please show your admission ticket at the entrance.
vorzeigen
to show / present
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorzeigen' (to show/present) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'vor' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrgast zeigte dem Kontrolleur sein Ticket vor.
The passenger showed the inspector his ticket.
Sentence structure with dative
The structure is often: someone (nominative) shows someone (dative) something (accusative). The person to whom something is shown is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte Ihren Pass vorzeigen?
Could you please show me your passport?
Typical collocations
This verb is almost always used in connection with official documents. Typical phrases are: 'den Ausweis vorzeigen' (to show one's ID), 'die Fahrkarte vorzeigen' (to show one's ticket), 'den Pass vorzeigen' (to show one's passport), or 'die Papiere vorzeigen' (to show one's papers).
EXAMPLE
An der Grenze mussten alle Reisenden ihre Pässe vorzeigen.
At the border, all travelers had to show their passports.
Compare with
vorzeigen vs zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'vorzeigen' both mean that someone makes something visible. The difference lies in the situation. 'zeigen' is general: you can show someone a photo, a route, or a new jacket. 'vorzeigen' is usually used when something is being checked or inspected, for example an ID, a ticket, or a document. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with seeing. A useful guideline is: for checks or proof, 'vorzeigen' fits; in normal situations, 'zeigen' usually fits.
vorzeigen
Vor dem Termin muss er seinen Ausweis am Eingang vorzeigen.
Before the appointment, he has to show his ID at the entrance.
zeigen
Kannst du mir zeigen, wie die neue App funktioniert?
Can you show me how the new app works?
In real life
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