Ausweis
The German word for ID is Ausweis.
Ausweis is used to refer to identification or identity documentation. It specifically refers to a physical document or card rather than the abstract concept of identity.
Meaning: identification or identity documentation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Ausweis is the general term for an ID card, it refers to a physical document or card, whereas the English 'ID' can sometimes refer to the abstract concept of identity. For a more specific and formal term for a national identity card, you can use Personalausweis.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ausweis is a masculine noun. When it is the direct object of a sentence, the indefinite article 'a' becomes einen Ausweis and the definite article becomes den Ausweis. The plural form is Ausweise.
Did you know?
- In Germany, showing your Ausweis to a police officer is a legal requirement if requested, as the state emphasizes Ausweispflicht or the duty to possess identity papers.
- If a person is ausgewiesen in a legal context, they are being formally expelled from the country, using the same root verb as the word for 'ID'.
- The word Ausweis comes from the verb ausweisen, which means 'to prove' or 'to certify'.
Examples in context
- Hast du einen Ausweis?Do you have an ID?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an Ausweis.Tatoeba #4066640 by Esperantostern, translation #11939366 by CK
- Er sucht seinen Ausweis.He's looking for his ID.This sentence is useful for describing someone looking for their Ausweis.Tatoeba #8320742 by MisterTrouser, translation #13006640 by rul
- Sein Ausweis war getürkt.His ID was fake.This sentence is useful for describing an Ausweis that was fake.Tatoeba #1306580 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1306579 by CK
- Bitte zeigen Sie Ihren Ausweis.Please show your ID.
- Kannst du mal deinen Ausweis zeigen?Can you show me your ID?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are at a police checkpoint.
- LukasIch muss meinen Ausweis zeigen.I have to show my ID.
- HannahHast du den Ausweis dabei?Do you have the ID with you?
- LukasJa, er ist in meiner Tasche.Yes, it is in my bag.
- HannahGut, dann können wir gehen.Good, then we can go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ausweis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
