der  Nachweis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnaːxˌvaɪs/

📜 What does "der Nachweis" mean?

Der Nachweis (noun, masculine) generally refers to something that serves to prove or confirm the correctness or existence of a fact, a claim, or a characteristic. It's a key term in many fields, from science to law.

• Proof/Evidence: The most common meaning. It can be a document, an object, a measurement, or a statement that supports or refutes an assumption. (Example: Der Kassenbon ist der Nachweis für den Kauf. - The receipt is the proof of purchase.)
• Documentation/Record: Often, "Nachweis" refers to a formal document that confirms something. (Example: der Nachweis über die Teilnahme an einem Kurs - proof of participation in a course, der Impfnachweis - vaccination certificate.)
• Verification/Confirmation: The act of proving itself or the result thereof. (Example: Der Nachweis seiner Identität gelang ihm problemlos. - He managed the verification of his identity without problems.)

⚠️ The term often has an official or formal character.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Nachweis

"Nachweis" is a masculine noun. The article is "der". It follows the strong declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

• Für die Bewerbung benötigen Sie einen Nachweis Ihrer Qualifikationen.
  (For the application, you need proof of your qualifications.)
• Der Wissenschaftler erbrachte den Nachweis für seine Theorie durch Experimente.
  (The scientist provided the proof for his theory through experiments.)
• Ohne einen schriftlichen Nachweis können wir die Kosten nicht erstatten.
  (Without written proof/documentation, we cannot reimburse the costs.)
• Die Fingerabdrücke dienten als eindeutiger Nachweis.
  (The fingerprints served as clear proof.)
• Können Sie einen Nachweis über Ihren Wohnsitz vorlegen?
  (Can you provide proof of your residence?)

💡 How to use "Nachweis"

"Der Nachweis" is a versatile word used in various contexts:

• Law & Administration: Here, `der Nachweis` is often a legally relevant document or piece of evidence (e.g., Urkunden - certificates, Zeugenaussagen - witness testimonies as `Nachweis`).
• Science & Research: Providing `Nachweis` for a hypothesis or phenomenon through data, experiments, or calculations is crucial (e.g., der Nachweis eines neuen Teilchens - the detection/proof of a new particle).
• Everyday Life: We also need `Nachweise` in daily life, e.g., a receipt (Kassenbon) as `Kaufnachweis` (proof of purchase), a vaccination certificate (Impfnachweis), or proof of age (Altersnachweis).
• Technology: Proof of functionality, safety, or conformity (e.g., TÜV-Nachweis - TÜV certification).

Distinction from similar words:

• Beweis (proof): Often synonymous, but `Beweis` can more strongly emphasize compelling logic or conviction (e.g., mathematischer Beweis - mathematical proof, Beweis der Schuld - proof of guilt). `Nachweis` is often more neutral and document-based.
• Beleg (receipt, voucher, evidence): Very similar to `Nachweis`, often interchangeable, but `Beleg` more frequently emphasizes the individual document (e.g., Kassenbeleg - cash receipt, Rechnungsbeleg - invoice document).
• Zeugnis (certificate, testimony): Can be a `Nachweis` (e.g., Schulzeugnis - school report card as proof of performance), but also a personal statement (Zeugenaussage - witness testimony).

🧠 Mnemonics for "Nachweis"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a detective (masculine: der Detektiv) who needs proof. Der Detektiv needs den Nachweis. The masculinity links to 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word consists of "nach" (after) and "weisen" (to point, show). You have to show or point to something after an event or claim to confirm it. A `Nachweis` points back to verify something.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Watch out for confusion:

• Der Hinweis: Hint, clue, indication. This is not proof itself, but might lead to it. Don't mix up a `Hinweis` with a `Nachweis`.

😄 A little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Haben Sie einen Nachweis für Ihr Alibi?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ja, Herr Richter, ich habe einen Kassenbon vom Einbruchswerkzeug!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Do you have proof for your alibi?"
The defendant answers: "Yes, Your Honor, I have a receipt for the burglary tools!"

✒️ Poem about the Nachweis

Ein Wort gesagt, 'ne Tat vollbracht,
doch ohne Stempel, ohne Macht.
Was fehlt, um Glauben zu erwecken?
Man muss die Wahrheit klar aufdecken.

Der Nachweis muss nun herbei,
ob Schriftstück, Siegel oder Schrei
von Zeugen, die genau es sahen,
sonst bleibt's bei ungewissen Bahnen.

Er bringt die Ordnung, schafft die Klarheit,
beseitigt Zweifel, bringt die Wahrheit. Drum fordert man ihn, laut und leis:r>Den handfesten, klaren Nachweis.

Translation:
A word spoken, a deed done,
but without a stamp, with power none.
What's missing to inspire belief?
One must uncover truth, clear and brief.

The proof (Nachweis) must now appear,
whether document, seal, or the clear
shout of witnesses who saw it plain,
else uncertainty will remain.

It brings the order, creates clarity,
eliminates doubt, brings veracity.
Therefore it's demanded, loud and low:
The tangible, clear proof (Nachweis) to show.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin kein Mensch, doch sprech' ich wahr,
bin oft Papier, mal unsichtbar.
Vor Gericht bin ich begehrt,
in der Wissenschaft geehrt.
Ich zeige, was gewesen ist,
bin stärker als so manche List.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: Der Nachweis)

Translation:
I am not human, yet I speak true,
Often paper, sometimes invisible too.
In court, I am desired,
In science, admired.
I show what has been,
Stronger than many a scheme or spin.

What am I? (Solution: Der Nachweis / The proof)

🔍 More about Nachweis

Word Composition:

The word "Nachweis" is a noun derived from the verb "nachweisen" (to prove, to demonstrate, to verify). It consists of the prefix "nach" and the verb stem "weisen".

• nach: implies following in time or causality, relating something to something else.
• weisen: means to show, to point, to indicate, to prove.

Together, "nachweisen" means to show/prove something after the fact or in relation to a claim.

Related Verbs:

• nachweisen: to prove, verify (Er konnte seine Unschuld nachweisen. - He could prove his innocence.)
• beweisen: to prove (often with logic or conclusive evidence)
• belegen: to provide evidence for, document (Bitte belegen Sie Ihre Ausgaben mit Quittungen. - Please document your expenses with receipts.)
• bestätigen: to confirm (Können Sie den Termin bestätigen? - Can you confirm the appointment?)