01
zeugen
to father
For a man to biologically produce a child.
example
Er hat mit seiner Frau zwei Kinder gezeugt.
He fathered two children with his wife.
zeugen
to father / to testify
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Zeugen' (to father / to testify) is related to 'der Zeuge' (witness) and 'das Zeugnis' (testimony/certificate). The shared idea is bringing something forth or proving something—whether a child, a statement, or an achievement.
EXAMPLE
Seine guten Noten sind ein Zeugnis für seinen Fleiß.
His good grades are testimony to his diligence.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'ein Beweis sein für' (to be evidence of), 'zeugen' (to testify to) is always used with the preposition 'von' and the dative. The structure is: 'Etwas zeugt von etwas' (Something testifies to something).
EXAMPLE
Ihre schnelle Reaktion zeugt von großer Professionalität.
Her quick reaction testifies to great professionalism.
Context clue
The meaning 'eine Aussage machen' (to make a statement) is found almost exclusively in a legal context. Typical formulations are 'vor Gericht zeugen' (to testify in court) or 'gegen jemanden zeugen' (to testify against someone).
EXAMPLE
Er musste vor Gericht gegen seinen ehemaligen Freund zeugen.
He had to testify in court against his former friend.
Register and style
In the meaning 'ein Kind hervorbringen' (to produce a child), 'zeugen' (to father) is a rather formal or biological term. It is often used in written or formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Laut Testament hat der Verstorbene drei Kinder gezeugt.
According to the will, the deceased fathered three children.
Compare with
zeugen vs zeigen
to show
'zeigen' and 'zeugen von' can both mean that something is a sign or proof of something. 'zeigen' is much more common and simpler in everyday language: a behavior can show respect, and a result can show a problem. 'zeugen von' sounds more elevated and is almost always used with 'von'. It fits well when something points to a characteristic, attitude, or quality. Learners may confuse the words because the meaning is similar. Important: in this meaning, you say 'zeugen von etwas' (to testify to something), not simply 'zeugen'.
zeugen
Die vielen Bücher im Zimmer zeugen von seinem großen Interesse an Geschichte.
The many books in the room testify to his great interest in history.
zeigen
Ihre schnelle Hilfe zeigt, dass sie sehr verantwortungsvoll ist.
Her quick help shows that she is very responsible.
In real life
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