zeig mir
The German phrase for "show me" is zeig mir.
zeig mir is a request for someone to let you see something or to demonstrate how to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb zeig (show) and the dative pronoun mir (to me).
How does it change in a sentence?
zeig mir is the imperative (command) form used when addressing one person informally. When using a pronoun like es (it) as the direct object, it is placed between the verb and the indirect object mir, as in zeig es mir (show it to me). To ask the question informally, you can say Kannst du mir das zeigen? (Can you show me that?).
Did you know?
- In many German dialects and in Yiddish, the word mir is used to mean 'we' instead of 'me'.
- The word zeig comes from zeigen, which is also used in German to describe a clock's hands 'showing' the time.
- While zeig mir is a command, Germans often soften the request to avoid sounding rude by adding the word mal, as in zeig mir mal… This makes the command sound more like a casual suggestion.
Examples in context
- Zeig mir das mal!Show me that.Tatoeba #2456137 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2454235 by CK
- Zeig mir das Geld.Show me the money.Tatoeba #2983818 by Zaghawa, translation #2207319 by Hybrid
- Zeig mir den Zahn!Show me the tooth.Tatoeba #8244522 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5991370 by mailohilohi
- Können Sie mir bitte dieses Kunstwerk zeigen?Could you please show me this artwork?
- Zeig mal, wie man diesen Trick macht.Show me how to do this trick.
- Kannst du mir bitte die Fotos von der Party zeigen?Can you please show me the photos from the party?
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is showing Hannah a new photo on his phone.
- HannahZeig mir das Foto!Show me the photo!
- MaximilianHier, schau mal.Here, look.
- HannahDas ist wirklich schön.That is really beautiful.
- MaximilianDanke, Hannah.Thanks, Hannah.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
