angeben
/ˈanˌɡeːbən/
The English phrase "show off" is translated into German as angeben.
The verb angeben is used to describe behaving in a way that tries to impress others by demonstrating how good or successful one is. If you want to say someone is showing off with a specific object or achievement, you use the preposition mit followed by the dative case, as in mit etwas angeben.
How does it change in a sentence?
angeben is a separable verb. In a simple present tense clause, the prefix an- moves to the end of the sentence. For example, instead of keeping the parts together, you would say er gibt an (he shows off) by separating the prefix an- from the stem geb-. The past participle of this verb is angegeben.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanˌɡeːbən/
Did you know?
- The word angeben can also mean 'to report' or 'to notify' a crime or an accident to the authorities.
- The concept of using angeben to mean 'boast' may have roots in Yiddish rather than pure High German, as noted by the linguist Victor Klemperer.
- If you use angeben in a professional context, such as 'die Adresse angeben', you are not bragging at all, but simply 'stating' or 'providing' an address.
Examples in context
- Tom will einfach nur angeben.Tom just wants to show off.This sentence shows how to express that someone's intention is simply to show off using angeben.Tatoeba #7005747 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5481083 by Hybrid
- Es gibt nichts, womit wir angeben könnten.There's nothing we could show off with.This example illustrates the construction of showing off with something using angeben.Tatoeba #663159 by kolonjano, translation #663917 by bluepie88
- Ich wollte angeben.I was trying to show off.This sentence uses angeben to describe a past intention to show off.Tatoeba #7027521 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5936231 by Hybrid
- Er ist ein Angeber.He is a show-off.
- Sie ist ein Prahlhans.She is a show-off.
- Hör auf anzugeben!Stop showing off!
Example conversation
Maximilian is talking about his new expensive car.
- MaximilianSchau dir mein neues Auto an!Look at my new car!
- JuliaHör auf, so zu angeben, Maximilian.Stop showing off so much, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch wollte doch nur zeigen, was es kann.I just wanted to show what it can do.
- JuliaDas ist trotzdem typisch für dich.That is still typical of you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry angeben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angeben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
