In German, the verb "weisen" translates to "to show" or "to indicate." This foundational verb appears in various forms, each carrying a nuanced meaning while maintaining the core idea of pointing out or indicating. Notably, some of these variations can be translated to "prove" in English, though their usage differs based on context.
"Anweisen" means "to instruct" or "to direct." For instance, in a workplace, a manager might instruct an employee on a new task: "Der Manager weist den Mitarbeiter an, eine neue Aufgabe zu übernehmen." Here, the instruction is clear and direct, indicating guidance rather than proof.
"Ausweisen" translates to "to identify" or "to prove." This term is often used in legal or official contexts. For example, when entering a secure area, one might need to prove their identity: "Sie müssen sich mit einem Ausweis ausweisen, um das Gebäude zu betreten." In this context, "ausweisen" involves providing evidence of identity.
"Beweisen" specifically means "to prove" and is frequently used in contexts requiring evidence or demonstration of truth. In a scientific setting, a researcher might need to prove a hypothesis: "Der Wissenschaftler muss seine Theorie mit Experimenten beweisen." Here, "beweisen" involves a logical or empirical demonstration of validity.
"Verweisen" can mean "to refer" or "to expel," depending on the context. In academic writing, one might refer to other works: "Der Autor verweist auf frühere Studien, um seine Argumente zu stützen." Alternatively, in a disciplinary context, a student might be expelled from school: "Der Schüler wurde wegen wiederholten Fehlverhaltens von der Schule verwiesen." The term is more about pointing towards a source or action rather than proving something.
"Aufweisen" translates to "to exhibit" or "to show," often used to describe characteristics or features. A report on a new product might say: "Das neue Modell weist mehrere innovative Funktionen auf." This usage involves displaying attributes, not proving them.
"Nachweisen" means "to verify" or "to substantiate," often used in scientific, medical, or legal contexts. In medical situations, a test might be needed to verify a diagnosis: "Der Arzt muss die Krankheit mit einem Test nachweisen." This involves providing evidence or substantiation, similar to "beweisen," but often with a procedural or formal verification connotation.
"Überweisen" commonly means "to transfer," especially in banking or medical contexts. For example, one might transfer money to a friend: "Ich habe das Geld auf dein Konto überwiesen." In healthcare, a doctor might transfer a patient to a specialist: "Der Hausarzt überweist den Patienten an einen Spezialisten." This term is about moving something (funds or a patient) rather than proving a point.
Each variation of "weisen" carries the essential concept of showing or indicating but applies it in unique contexts. When translating to "prove," "beweisen" is used for logical or empirical proof, while "ausweisen" and "nachweisen" involve providing evidence or verification, each fitting specific scenarios. This distinction enriches the German language with precise and contextually appropriate meanings.