der Ausweis, -e

The German word "Ausweis" is a noun that means "ID card" or "identification". It is formulated from the verb "ausweisen", meaning "to identify" or "to expel". An "Ausweis" is typically used to prove one's identity, like a driver's license, passport, or student ID. Similar terms in German include "Personalausweis" (identity card), "Reisepass" (passport), and "Führerschein" (driver's license).

While "Ausweis" is a general term that encompasses different forms of identification documents, the term "Personalausweis", for example, refers specifically to the ID card issued by the German authorities to its citizens. "Reisepass" is used exclusively for travel internationally, and "Führerschein" specifically refers to a driver's license used to certify the holder's qualification to operate a vehicle. Each of these documents serves different purposes and has different legal and bureaucratic uses.