German word

vorlegen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌleːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbpresent

Example

Kannst du bitte deinen Ausweis vorlegen?

Could you please present your ID?

Illustration for vorlegen (present)

More examples

Am Eingang muss man den Ausweis vorlegen.

At the entrance, you have to show your ID.

Core concept

An item moves from its holder's hand to the desk or view of the person checking it.

Common phrases

  • den Ausweis vorlegen

    show one's ID

  • einen Nachweis vorlegen

    present proof

Similar words

zeigen: To show an object or information to another person.
vorzeigen: To show an ID or document for someone to check.
vorweisen: To present credentials or required documents as proof.
einreichen: To formally submit documents or an application to an authority.

Definition in German

einem Amt, einer Person oder Stelle etwas zum Nachweis oder zur Prüfung übergeben oder vorzeigen

Word origin

The compound verb vorlegen joins vor with legen and extends the physical idea of putting something forward to the act of presenting it for examination.

Usage tips

  • The item presented takes the accusative, and the active perfect uses hat vorgelegt, as in 'Sie hat den Ausweis vorgelegt.'.

Other meanings

  • submitverb
  • showverb

Opposites

  • verbergenconcealverb
  • vorenthaltenkeep backverb

Related words

  • Vorlagepresentationnoun
  • Vorlegungsubmissionnoun

Word lists with this word