German Phrase
Zeig mir deinen Ausweis.
Meaning
This sentence is a direct request meaning “Show me your ID.” It uses the imperative form of the verb ‘zeigen’ (to show) and the dative pronoun ‘mir’ (to me). The possessive ‘deinen’ indicates that the speaker is asking for the listener’s personal identification document.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to verify someone's identity, such as at a security checkpoint, a bar, a hotel reception, or when a police officer asks for identification. It is informal but polite enough for most everyday situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ZeigmirdeinenAusweis.
Imperative of ‘zeigen’
For ‘du’ the imperative drops the ‘-st’ ending: ‘zeigen’ → ‘zeig’. Add ‘-e’ for a more formal tone: ‘zeige’.
Dative pronoun ‘mir’
The person receiving the action (the speaker) is in the dative case, hence ‘mir’.
Possessive adjective ‘deinen’
‘Ausweis’ is masculine singular; in the accusative case the possessive takes the ending ‘-en’ (deinen).
Word order
In a simple imperative clause the verb comes first, followed by the indirect object (mir) and then the direct object (deinen Ausweis).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte Ihren Ausweis zeigen?
Excuse me, could you please show me your ID?
Klar, hier ist er.
Sure, here it is.
✕Common Mistakes
Zeig mir dein Ausweis.
The possessive must agree with the masculine noun ‘Ausweis’ in accusative case: ‘deinen’ not ‘dein’.
Zeig mir deine Ausweis.
‘Ausweis’ is masculine, so the correct article is ‘deinen’, not ‘deine’.
Zeig mir den Ausweis.
Without the possessive, the sentence sounds like you’re asking for a specific ID, not necessarily the listener’s.
↔Alternatives
Bitte zeigen Sie mir Ihren Ausweis.
Please show me your ID.
Kann ich Ihren Ausweis sehen?
May I see your ID?
Zeig mir bitte den Ausweis.
Show me the ID, please.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries, asking for an ID is common in many public settings, but it is considered impolite to demand it aggressively. Adding ‘bitte’ or using the formal ‘Sie’ form (e.g., ‘Zeigen Sie mir bitte Ihren Ausweis.’) shows respect, especially with strangers or older people. In Bavaria, you might hear the more colloquial ‘Zeig ma den Ausweis!’ which drops the formal pronoun.