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German Phrase

Ich habe Beispiele, um zu zeigen, was ich kann.

/ɪç ˈhaːbə ˈbaɪ̯ʃpiːlə, ʊm tsuː ˈt͡sʰaɪ̯gən, vas ɪç kan/
Meaning"I have examples to show what I can do."
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Meaning

The speaker is saying that they possess examples that can be used to demonstrate their abilities. It emphasizes having concrete material to prove what one is capable of.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to present evidence of your skills, for example in a job interview, a portfolio presentation, or when someone asks you to prove your competence.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchhabeBeispiele,umzuzeigen,wasichkann.

1

Verb Position

In main clauses, the finite verb (habe) occupies the second position (V2 word order).

2

Infinitive Clause with "um zu"

"um zu" introduces a purpose infinitive clause; the infinitive verb follows "zu" and the clause is separated by commas.

3

Relative Clause with "was"

"was" introduces a content clause referring to the preceding noun phrase (Beispiele) and functions like "that/which" in English.

4

Comma Rules

German requires commas before and after the "um zu" clause and before the relative clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Kannst du mir zeigen, was du bisher gemacht hast?

Can you show me what you have done so far?

Ja, ich habe Beispiele, um zu zeigen, was ich kann.

Yes, I have examples to show what I can do.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich habe Beispiele, zu zeigen, was ich kann.

    The infinitive must be preceded by "um" and separated by commas; "zu zeigen" alone does not convey purpose.

  • Ich habe Beispiele, um zu zeigen, das ich kann.

    "das" cannot replace "was" here because it would refer to a neuter noun, not to the whole preceding clause.

  • Ich habe Beispiele um zu zeigen was ich kann.

    German requires commas before and after the "um zu" clause and before the relative clause.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich habe Beispiele, die zeigen, was ich kann.

    I have examples that show what I can do.

  • Ich habe Beispiele, um zu demonstrieren, was ich kann.

    I have examples to demonstrate what I can do.

  • Ich habe Beispiele, um meine Fähigkeiten zu belegen.

    I have examples to prove my abilities.

de

Cultural Tip

German often prefers the "um zu" infinitive construction for expressing purpose, especially in written or formal speech. In everyday conversation, many speakers replace it with a simple "damit" clause (e.g., "Ich habe Beispiele, damit ich zeigen kann, was ich kann.") but the "um zu" form sounds more polished and is common in presentations and CVs.