der
Beweis
🔍 What does "der Beweis" mean?
Der Beweis (noun, masculine) refers to something that unequivocally demonstrates or confirms the correctness or truth of a claim, assumption, or fact. It can be an object, a statement, an action, or a logical deduction.
- Proof/Evidence: A conclusive Beweis confirms a theory or statement (e.g., ein wissenschaftlicher Beweis - a scientific proof).
- Receipt/Voucher: Something concrete serving as proof (e.g., ein Kassenzettel als Beweis für den Kauf - a receipt as proof of purchase).
- Indication/Circumstantial evidence (in a broader sense): Although an Indiz (clue, indication) is often just a sign, a chain of Indizien can be considered a Beweis.
🚨 Attention: An Indiz alone is usually not full proof, just a hint.
🧐 Grammar of "der Beweis" in Detail
The word "Beweis" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Beweis | ein Beweis |
| Genitive | des Beweises | eines Beweises |
| Dative | dem Beweis(e) | einem Beweis(e) |
| Accusative | den Beweis | einen Beweis |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Beweise | Beweise |
| Genitive | der Beweise | Beweise |
| Dative | den Beweisen | Beweisen |
| Accusative | die Beweise | Beweise |
Example Sentences
- Der Anwalt legte dem Gericht einen eindeutigen Beweis vor. (The lawyer presented clear evidence to the court.)
- Der Fingerabdruck gilt als wichtiger Beweis. (The fingerprint is considered important evidence.)
- Die Wissenschaftler suchten nach Beweisen für ihre Hypothese. (The scientists looked for proof for their hypothesis.)
- Ohne schlüssigen Beweis kann niemand verurteilt werden. (No one can be convicted without conclusive proof.)
- Der mathematische Beweis war komplex, aber korrekt. (The mathematical proof was complex but correct.)
💡 How to use "der Beweis"?
"Der Beweis" is used in various contexts to substantiate the validity of something:
- Legal context: In court proceedings, Beweise (evidence like witness statements, documents, traces) are crucial for the verdict. One speaks of Beweismittel (means of proof) or Beweisaufnahme (taking of evidence).
- Scientific context: In research, hypotheses must be proven through experiments or observations. The wissenschaftliche Beweis (scientific proof) must be comprehensible and verifiable.
- Mathematical/Logical context: A mathematischer Beweis (mathematical proof) is a complete logical derivation of a statement from axioms and previously proven theorems.
- Everyday context: Even in daily life, we talk about Beweise, e.g., a photo as Beweis for a vacation or a receipt as Kaufbeweis (proof of purchase). Here, synonyms like Beleg (receipt, voucher) or Nachweis (proof, verification) are also common.
Related verbs: beweisen (to prove), widerlegen (to refute, to disprove).
Comparison: While der Beweis is often considered final, das Indiz (indication, clue) is only a sign or hint that is usually insufficient on its own.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Beweis"
Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong DERtective (detective) who brings den Beweis. The masculine article 'der' fits the image of a strong figure presenting proof.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Beweis" contains "weis", similar to the German verb "weisen" (to show, to point). A Beweis weist darauf hin (points to the fact / shows) that something is true.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Beweis"
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Der Nachweis: Very similar, often interchangeable (e.g., Nachweis von Qualifikationen - proof of qualifications).
- Der Beleg: Often a concrete document or object (e.g., Kassenbeleg - cash receipt).
- Das Indiz: An indication, clue (weaker than Beweis).
- Die Evidenz: More formal term, often in scientific contexts (obviousness, probative value).
- Das Argument: Can be part of proving something, but isn't the proof itself.
⚠️ Caution: Not every argument is a Beweis. Proof should be objective and verifiable.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Haben Sie Beweise dafür, dass Sie zur Tatzeit geschlafen haben?" Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ja, Herr Richter, meinen Pyjama!"
EN: The judge asks the defendant: "Do you have proof that you were asleep at the time of the crime?" The defendant replies: "Yes, Your Honor, my pyjamas!"
📜 Poem about Proof
DE:
Im Dunkel tappt der Geist umher,
Die Wahrheit scheint so fern, so schwer.
Man sucht nach Zeichen, klar und rein,
Was könnte wohl die Lösung sein?
Doch dann ein Licht, ein Fakt, ein Fund,
Tut Wahrheit unumstößlich kund.
Kein Zweifel mehr, kein vager Schein,
Das ist der Beweis, er muss es sein!
EN Translation:
In darkness, the mind gropes around,
The truth seems so distant, profound.
One searches for signs, clear and pure,
What could the solution ensure?
But then a light, a fact, a find,
Makes truth irrefutably bind.
No more doubt, no vague display,
That is the proof, it must hold sway!
🧩 Riddle Time
DE:
Ich zeige auf, was wirklich war,
Vor Gericht steh ich oft dar.
In Logik und in Zahl bin ich zu Haus,
Ohne mich sieht's manchmal düster aus.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: Der Beweis)
EN Translation:
I point out what truly was,
In court, I often state my cause.
In logic and in numbers, I'm at home,
Without me, things sometimes look quite glum.
What am I?
(Answer: Proof / Der Beweis)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Formation (Wortbildung):
The noun "der Beweis" is derived from the verb "beweisen" (to prove). The verb itself comes from the Old High German "wîsan", meaning "to show" or "to teach". The prefix "be-" intensifies the action of showing or proving.
Common Phrases (Bekannte Wendungen):
- Den Beweis antreten: To set out to prove something.
- Den Beweis erbringen/liefern: To provide/deliver proof.
- Unter Beweis stellen: To demonstrate, to put something to the test (e.g., Mut unter Beweis stellen - to demonstrate courage).
- Der schlagende Beweis: Conclusive/irrefutable proof (literally 'the hitting proof').
Summary: is it der, die or das Beweis?
The correct article for Beweis is der. So, it's der Beweis (singular) and die Beweise (plural).