certificate / report card
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report card
An official school document that certifies a student's grades and performance for a certain period of time.
Am letzten Schultag bekommen alle Kinder ihr Zeugnis.
On the last day of school, all the children get their report cards.
certificate
An official certificate or document that confirms a qualification, a characteristic, or a fact, e.g. a work reference or a certificate of good conduct.
Für die neue Stelle musste er ein einwandfreies Arbeitszeugnis vorlegen.
For the new job, he had to submit an impeccable work reference.
to give testimony
To make a statement as a witness before a court or an authority.
Die Nachbarin musste vor Gericht Zeugnis über den Vorfall ablegen.
The neighbor had to give testimony in court about the incident.
evidence / testimony
Proof or a visible sign of something; evidence of a condition or quality.
Die prächtigen Bauten sind ein Zeugnis des einstigen Reichtums der Stadt.
The magnificent buildings are evidence of the city's former wealth.
The word 'Zeugnis' (certificate / testimony) belongs to the word family of 'der Zeuge' (the witness) and 'zeugen' (to testify / to bear witness). A 'Zeugnis' is therefore always something that attests to or proves a fact—whether it is school grades, work performance, or a historical event.
Die alten Ruinen zeugen von einer reichen Geschichte.
The old ruins bear witness to a rich history.
In a school context, 'Zeugnis' (report card) is often combined with the verbs 'bekommen' (to get), 'erhalten' (to receive), or 'bekommen' (to get). Adjectives such as 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), or 'mittelmäßig' (average) describe the performance.
Sie hat für ihre harte Arbeit ein sehr gutes Zeugnis bekommen.
She got a very good report card for her hard work.
In this meaning, 'Zeugnis' (certificate / reference) is often combined with another word to form a compound that specifies the type of document. Common examples are 'Arbeitszeugnis' (work reference), 'Gesundheitszeugnis' (health certificate), or 'Führungszeugnis' (certificate of good conduct).
Für die Bewerbung brauche ich ein aktuelles Arbeitszeugnis von meinem letzten Arbeitgeber.
For the application, I need a current work reference from my last employer.
When it comes to a statement in court, the fixed expression 'Zeugnis ablegen' (to give testimony) is almost always used. The verb 'ablegen' is a fixed partner of the noun here.
Der Hauptzeuge musste als Erster sein Zeugnis ablegen.
The main witness had to give his testimony first.
In the meaning of 'Beweis' (proof) or 'Beleg' (evidence), 'Zeugnis' (evidence / testimony) belongs to elevated written language. It is often found in historical, artistic, or philosophical texts.
Die Architektur des Gebäudes ist ein beeindruckendes Zeugnis seiner Zeit.
The architecture of the building is an impressive testimony to its time.
When 'Zeugnis' (evidence / testimony) serves as proof of something, it is often combined with the prepositions 'von + dative' (of / to) or 'für + accusative' (for). The construction is typically 'ein Zeugnis von/für etwas sein' (to be evidence/testimony of/for something).
Sein Engagement ist ein Zeugnis von seinem starken Charakter.
His commitment is evidence of his strong character.
proof / evidence
Both words can refer to something visible that reveals an earlier state. Beweis is intended to confirm the statement as clearly as possible, while Zeugnis is understood more as a meaningful remnant or sign. Choose Beweis for certain confirmation and Zeugnis for a meaningful indication.
Die verblassten Fingerabdrücke an der alten Tür waren ein Zeugnis dafür, dass dort früher jemand gewesen war.
The faded fingerprints on the old door were a testament to the fact that someone had once been there.
Die frischen Fingerabdrücke waren ein Beweis dafür, dass er im Raum gewesen war.
The fresh fingerprints were proof that he had been in the room.
