zeigen
to show, display · to point (at) · to demonstrate, explain how something works
Zeigen means 'to show' or 'to point'. It is used when you display something, point at something, or demonstrate how something works. Germans use it in everyday speech, often with a direct object and a dative pronoun for the person being shown.
What zeigen means
- to show, display — when you let someone see something
- to point (at) — when you indicate direction or location with your finger or hand
- to demonstrate, explain how something works — when you show someone how to do something
Heard in real German videos
Lines where zeigen was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Zeig mir, wie du das machst.Show me how you do that.
- Zeigen Sie mir Ihre Fahrkarte.Show me your ticket.
- Jetzt zeigen wir allen, was wir können.Now we'll show everyone what we can do.
Example sentences
- Kannst du mir bitte den Weg zeigen?Can you please show me the way?
- Er zeigt auf den Turm.He points at the tower.
- Sie zeigt ihrem Bruder, wie man das Spiel spielt.She shows her brother how to play the game.
- Zeig mir dein neues Auto!Show me your new car!
Grammar
| Present (ich/du/er) | zeige, zeigst, zeigt |
|---|---|
| Simple past | zeigte |
| Perfect | hat gezeigt |
| Separable | no |
| Case | accusative (thing shown) + dative (person shown) |
The person you show something to is in the dative case: 'Ich zeige dir das.'
Common phrases
- jemandem die kalte Schulter zeigento give someone the cold shoulder
- es jemandem zeigento show someone (what you're capable of), to teach someone a lesson
- sich zeigento appear, to show oneself
- zeigen, was man kannto show what one can do
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often forget the dative for the person: they say 'Ich zeige dich das' instead of 'Ich zeige dir das'. Remember: the person is always dative.
Don’t confuse it with
- sagen — sagen means 'to say', while zeigen means 'to show'.
- erklären — erklären means 'to explain' with words, while zeigen often involves visual demonstration.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between zeigen and anzeigen?
Zeigen means 'to show' in general. Anzeigen means 'to report' (e.g., to the police) or 'to display' (e.g., on a screen).
How do you say 'show me' in German?
You say 'Zeig mir' (informal singular) or 'Zeigen Sie mir' (formal).
Is zeigen a separable verb?
No, zeigen is not separable. However, there are separable verbs derived from it, like vorzeigen (to show, present) and aufzeigen (to point out).