TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Distinguishing the meanings of the verb weisen with prefixes

B1B2

After this lesson, you will be able to distinguish the various meanings of "weisen" and its prefixes.

Distinguishing the Meaning of the Verb „weisen“ with Prefixes

The verb „weisen“ in German primarily means „to show“ or „to direct.“ However, it takes on various meanings when combined with different prefixes. This lesson explores the most common prefixes that can be attached to „weisen."

Core Meaning of „weisen“

Meaning: to show, to guide, to reject
Example: Der Zeiger weist auf die Uhrzeit 10. (The hand points to 10 o'clock.)
Example: Ich weise dem neuen Mitarbeiter seine Aufgaben zu. (I assign the new employee his tasks.)

Prefixes with „weisen“

The following table highlights significant prefixes of „weisen“ along with their meanings:

Prefix	Meaning	Example	Translation
abweisen	to reject, to decline	Ich weise die Anfrage ab.	I reject the request.
einweisen	to refer, to admit to a facility	Der Arzt weist den Patienten ins Krankenhaus ein.	The doctor admits the patient to the hospital.
aufweisen	to show, to present	Die Studie weist signifikante Ergebnisse auf.	The study shows significant results.
verweisen	to refer, to pass on	Der Lehrer verweist die Schüler an den Direktor.	The teacher refers the students to the principal.
überweisen	to transfer money	Ich überweise dir das Geld.	I transfer the money to you.
zuweisen	to assign, to allocate	Der Chef weist jedem Mitarbeiter seine Aufgaben zu.	The boss assigns each employee their tasks.
wegweisen	to turn away, to decline	Der Türsteher wies die Gäste weg.	The bouncer turned the guests away.

Everyday Usage

When speaking German, you will often encounter these forms. Understanding what each prefix does is crucial for effective communication and avoiding confusion.

Exercises

Try to create sentences using the combinations listed above.
Look for examples in online content or books that illustrate the use of „weisen“ and its prefixes.

Conclusion

Grasping the meanings of „weisen“ and its prefixes will enhance your ability to express yourself clearly in German and deepen your understanding of the language.