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Personalausweis
🆔 What is a 'Personalausweis'? Explained
The Personalausweis (often colloquially called Perso) is an official document issued by German authorities primarily for the identification of individuals. It confirms the identity and German nationality of its holder.
It is a plastic card, similar in size to a credit card, equipped with various security features. Since 2010, the German Personalausweis also contains a chip for electronic identification (eID function).
⚠️ Important: In Germany, German citizens aged 16 and over are required to possess identification (Ausweispflicht), which is fulfilled by having either a valid Personalausweis or a Reisepass (passport).
German Grammar Corner: Declining 'der Personalausweis'
The noun 'Personalausweis' is masculine. Therefore, the correct definite article is der.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Personalausweis |
| Genitive | des | Personalausweises |
| Dative | dem | Personalausweis(e) |
| Accusative | den | Personalausweis |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Personalausweise |
| Genitive | der | Personalausweise |
| Dative | den | Personalausweisen |
| Accusative | die | Personalausweise |
Example Sentences
- Der neue Personalausweis hat viele Funktionen. (The new ID card has many functions.)
- Zeigen Sie bitte Ihren Personalausweis vor. (Please show your ID card.)
- Das Ablaufdatum des Personalausweises naht. (The expiration date of the ID card is approaching.)
- Mit dem Personalausweis kann man sich online ausweisen. (With the ID card, one can identify oneself online.)
- Ich habe meinen Personalausweis verloren. (I have lost my ID card.)
- Die Polizei kontrollierte die Personalausweise der Anwesenden. (The police checked the ID cards of those present.)
Using Your 'Personalausweis': When and Where?
The Personalausweis is a key document in daily life in Germany:
- Identification: Towards authorities (Behörden), police (Polizei), banks (Banken), post offices (Post) (e.g., when collecting parcels), etc.
- Proof of Age: When buying alcohol or tobacco, entering clubs or cinemas.
- Travel Document: Sufficient for travel within the European Union and some other countries (e.g., Schengen Area). However, a passport (Reisepass) is required for many other countries.
- eID Function: For online identification for government services or business transactions on the internet (if activated).
Although you don't have to carry the Personalausweis with you at all times (unlike, for example, the driver's license - Führerschein - when driving), you must be able to present it upon request by authorized officials.
Distinction: The Reisepass (passport) is primarily intended for international travel outside the EU/Schengen, but it also fulfills the identification requirement within Germany. The Führerschein (driver's license) only proves driving entitlement, not general identity.
Memory Hooks for 'der Personalausweis'
Article Mnemonic: Think: DER Mann (the man) needs his ID. 'Ausweis' sounds a bit like 'wise', and a wise man carries his ID. Since 'Mann' is 'der', 'Personalausweis' is also 'der'. Or link it to 'der Pass' (the passport).
Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: 'Personal-' relates to the person (personal), and 'Ausweis' means an ID or pass (from 'sich ausweisen' - to identify oneself). So, it's a 'personal ID'.
Similar Words & Distinctions
Synonyms
Antonyms (Conceptual)
- No direct antonym.
- One could consider Anonymität (anonymity) as a conceptual opposite.
Similar Words / Distinctions
- Reisepass: Passport, document needed for international travel, but can also serve as ID domestically.
- Führerschein: Driver's license, proves permission to drive, not an official proof of identity.
- Aufenthaltstitel / Visum: Residence permit / Visa, documents for non-citizens proving their residency status.
ID Card Humor 😄 (DE/EN)
DE: Warum hat der Personalausweis schlechte Laune?
Weil er ständig kontrolliert wird!
EN: Why is the ID card in a bad mood?
Because it's constantly being checked!
'Perso' Poetry (DE/EN)
DE:
Der Ausweis, klein und flach,
Hält die Identität stets wach.
Ob an der Tür, ob am Schalter,
Er zeigt das Bild, bezeugt das Alter.
Mit Chip und Foto, sehr modern,
Man hat ihn nah, man hat ihn gern.
Der Staat verlangt's, es ist Pflicht,
Vergiss ihn nicht, dein zweites Gesicht.
EN:
The ID card, small and flat,
Keeps identity awake, like that.
Whether at the door or counter bright,
It shows the picture, proves the age right.
With chip and photo, very new,
You keep it close, you like it too.
The state demands it, it's a must,
Don't forget it, in it you trust (your second face).
Document Detective (DE/EN)
DE:
Ich habe dein Bild, deinen Namen, dein Geburtsdatum.
Ich passe in deine Tasche, doch öffne Türen im Schengen-Raum.
Ab 16 ist's Pflicht, mich zu besitzen,
Sonst könnte es passieren, du kommst ins Schwitzen.
Ich bin aus Plastik, manchmal mit Chip versehen,
Wer bin ich, hast du es schon gesehen?
EN:
I have your picture, your name, your date of birth.
I fit in your pocket, but open doors across Schengen earth.
From 16, owning me is the law, you see,
Otherwise, you might get into difficulty.
I'm made of plastic, sometimes with a chip inside,
Who am I, have you already spied?
Solution: Der Personalausweis (The German ID card)
Beyond the Basics: 'Personalausweis' Trivia
Word Composition
The word 'Personalausweis' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Personal-: Relating to the person (from Latin 'personalis').
- Ausweis: An ID document or pass (from 'ausweisen' - to prove, to show, to identify).
Trivia
- The first German ID card in its current form was introduced in 1951.
- The eID function (elektronischer Identitätsnachweis) enables secure online identification.
- Biometric passport photos are required for the application.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Personalausweis?
The word "Personalausweis" is masculine. The correct article is der Personalausweis. It refers to the official German identity card.