German word

Ausweis

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯svaɪ̯s/

Meaning

  • masculine nounID

Example

Ich habe meinen Ausweis zu Hause vergessen.

I forgot my ID at home.

Illustration for Ausweis (ID)

More examples

Beim Eintritt musste ich meinen Ausweis zeigen.

When entering, I had to show my ID.

Core concept

A wallet-sized official card brought out when identity must be checked.

Common phrases

  • Ihren Ausweis vorlegen

    present your ID

  • einen Ausweis mit sich führen

    carry an ID with you

Similar words

Personalausweis: A government-issued photo ID used to confirm identity within the country.
Reisepass: A government-issued booklet proving nationality and identity for international travel.
Identitätsnachweis: A general term for a document or certificate proving identity.
Führerschein: A card issued to prove authorization to drive.

Definition in German

Amtliches Papier oder Karte, mit dem man seine Identität nachweist.

Word origin

Ausweis is a noun formed from the verb ausweisen, combining aus, meaning 'out', with weisen, meaning 'show' or 'point'.

Usage tips

  • Ausweis is masculine, with the plural Ausweise, and often refers generally to an identity document rather than one specific card.

Other meanings

  • passnoun

Opposites

  • Anonymitätanonymitynoun

Related words

  • Personalausweisidentity cardnoun
  • Ausweiskopiecopy of an IDnoun
  • Ausweispapiereidentification documentsnoun

Word lists with this word