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German Phrase

Bitte zeig deinen Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis.

/ˈbɪtə tsaɪ̯k ˈdaɪ̯nən ˈaʊ̯svaɪ̯s ʊnt ˈaɪ̯nən aˈdrɛsnaːxvaɪ̯s/
Meaning"Please show your ID and proof of address."
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct request for identification and proof of residency. It's commonly used in administrative or official contexts where verifying a person's identity and current address is necessary. It's a clear and straightforward instruction.

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When to use

You would typically hear or use this phrase when opening a bank account, registering at a new address, signing a contract, or dealing with government offices. It's a standard request in situations requiring official verification of identity and residence.

✦Grammar Breakdown

BittezeigdeinenAusweisundeinenAdressnachweis

1

Bitte

'Bitte' means 'please' and can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb. It softens requests and makes them more polite.

2

Zeig (zeigen)

'Zeig' is the informal imperative form of the verb 'zeigen' (to show). It's used when addressing someone informally (du form).

3

Deinen (dein)

'Deinen' is the accusative masculine form of the possessive pronoun 'dein' (your, informal). It agrees in gender and case with the masculine noun 'Ausweis'.

4

Ausweis

'Ausweis' is a masculine noun meaning 'ID card' or 'identification'. It's a common and important document in Germany.

5

Einen (ein)

'Einen' is the accusative masculine indefinite article 'a' or 'an'. It agrees in gender and case with the masculine noun 'Adressnachweis'.

6

Adressnachweis

'Adressnachweis' is a masculine compound noun meaning 'proof of address'. It's often required for official registrations and administrative tasks.

🗨In Conversation

A

Guten Tag, ich möchte ein Bankkonto eröffnen.

Good day, I would like to open a bank account.

Gerne. Bitte zeig deinen Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis.

Certainly. Please show your ID and proof of address.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Bitte zeig dein Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis.

    The noun 'Ausweis' (ID card) is masculine. In the accusative case, the possessive adjective 'dein' becomes 'deinen'.

  • Bitte zeig deinen Ausweis und ein Adressnachweis.

    The noun 'Adressnachweis' (proof of address) is masculine. In the accusative case, the indefinite article 'ein' becomes 'einen'.

  • Bitte zeigen Sie deinen Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis.

    This mixes formal ('zeigen Sie') and informal ('deinen') address. If using the formal 'Sie', it should be 'Bitte zeigen Sie Ihren Ausweis'.

↔Alternatives

  • Könnten Sie bitte Ihren Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis vorlegen?

    Could you please present your ID and proof of address?

  • Ich bräuchte bitte Ihren Ausweis und einen Adressnachweis.

    I would need your ID and proof of address, please.

de

Cultural Tip

In Germany, carrying an ID card (Personalausweis) is mandatory for citizens aged 16 and over, though you don't always have to show it on demand unless requested by specific authorities. Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung or a utility bill) is frequently required for administrative tasks like opening bank accounts, registering for services, or even getting a library card. It's common practice and not usually seen as intrusive.