Ausweis

Ausweis is a German noun meaning an identification document. It refers to documents that prove a person’s identity and are issued by government authorities or sanctioned institutions. In everyday use, Ausweis can denote official identity cards, driving licenses, or student or staff IDs that carry a photo and a name. The most common official form is the national identity card, known in German as Personalausweis, used by German citizens to verify identity in many situations, including online services and travel within the European Union.

In Germany, the Personalausweis is a credit-card sized card that contains personal data, a photo, a machine-readable zone, and an embedded electronic chip. The chip supports an electronic identification function (eID) that can be used to log into e-government portals and authenticate online transactions, typically via a PIN and a compatible reader or smartphone. The card is issued by local authorities and its validity varies with age—adults typically receive a longer validity period, while younger holders have shorter periods—and it must be renewed upon expiration or change of personal information.

Besides the Personalausweis, other Ausweise include Dienstausweise (official or employee ID cards to access workplaces or government facilities) and student or faculty IDs used within institutions. In many contexts, Ausweis is used generically for any identification document, and in casual speech it may refer to a driver's license or other photo ID.

For international travel, a German ID card may be sufficient within the EU/Schengen Area, but many destinations outside require a passport. The concept of Ausweis exists in other German-speaking countries with similar functions, though specific documents and rules vary by country.