zeugen
testify · bear witness · demonstrate
Etwas tun, damit ein Kind entsteht.
The German verb "zeugen" means "to beget," "to procreate," or "to cause."
- It comes from the noun "Zeug" which means "stuff," "material," or in older usage can relate to evidence or offspring.
- In modern usage, "zeugen" is often used in the biological or familial context, e.g., ein Kind zeugen (to father a child). It can also mean to produce or generate something (e.g., evidence).
Similar words:
- "erzeugen" (to produce, generate)
- "hervorbringen" (to bring forth, produce)
Difference:
- "zeugen" often focuses on biological procreation or the generation of evidence, while "erzeugen" is broader and can mean producing anything (energy, goods, etc.). "Hervorbringen" is more formal or literary.
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Examples
Sein Verhalten zeugte von großem Mut in einer schwierigen Situation.verb
His behavior testified to great courage in a difficult situation.
Die Ruinen zeugen noch heute von alter Pracht.verb
Even today, the ruins still testify to ancient splendor.
Seine Worte zeugen von ehrlicher Sorge.verb
His words testify to genuine concern.
Die Spuren zeugen von einem heftigen Sturm.verb
The traces bear witness to a violent storm.
Diese Entscheidung zeugt von echter Verantwortung.verb
This decision demonstrates genuine responsibility.
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