present
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present
An elevated way of saying 'anwesend sein' (to be present), describing that someone is present at an event or in a place.
Bei der feierlichen Eröffnung waren zahlreiche Ehrengäste zugegen.
Numerous guests of honor were present at the ceremonial opening.
The adjective 'zugegen' (present) is used only predicatively with the verb 'sein' (to be). You cannot place it before a noun.
Der Anwalt war bei der Vertragsunterzeichnung zugegen.
The lawyer was present when the contract was signed.
To name the event or situation at which someone is present, the preposition 'bei' with the dative is almost always used.
Waren Sie bei dem Unfall zugegen?
Were you present at the accident?
'Zugegen sein' (to be present) is an elevated and formal expression. You mainly find it in written language, in reports, or on official occasions.
Laut Protokoll waren alle Mitglieder des Vorstands zugegen.
According to the minutes, all members of the board were present.
present
Anwesend and zugegen can both express that someone is physically at an event or in a place. Anwesend is the neutral standard choice, whereas zugegen sounds distinctly formal and is usually used with sein. Anwesend is appropriate in everyday situations; zugegen may fit a formal or ceremonial description.
Bei der feierlichen Eröffnung waren alle Mitglieder zugegen.
All the members were present at the ceremonial opening.
Bei der Besprechung waren alle Mitglieder anwesend.
All the members were present at the meeting.
