der  Check

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʃɛk/

🧐 What does "der Check" mean?

The German word der Check is a loanword from English and has several meanings, often related to control, verification, or a payment method:

• Cheque (payment method): A written document instructing a bank to pay a specific sum of money from the issuer's account to the holder of the cheque. Example: Er bezahlte die Rechnung mit einem Check. (He paid the bill with a cheque.)
• Check / Verification: An action or process to ensure something is correct, safe, or in good condition. Example: Der Techniker führte einen gründlichen Check der Maschine durch. (The technician performed a thorough check of the machine.)
• (Medical) Test / Examination: Often in the context of preventive healthcare (Check-up). Example: Er geht jährlich zum Gesundheits-Check. (He goes for an annual health check-up.)

🚨 Attention: Although it originates from English, "Check" is used in German as a masculine noun with the article "der".

🔬 Grammar under the Lens: der Check

"Der Check" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Examples of Usage

• Nominative Singular (Cheque): Der Check war nicht gedeckt. (The cheque bounced / wasn't covered.)
• Accusative Singular (Verification): Mach bitte einen schnellen Check, ob alles eingepackt ist. (Please do a quick check if everything is packed.)
• Genitive Singular (Test/Verification): Das Ergebnis des Checks war positiv. (The result of the check/test was positive.)
• Dative Plural (Tests): Wir vertrauen den Checks des Labors. (We trust the lab's checks/tests.)

💡 How to Use "der Check" Correctly

"Der Check" is used in various contexts:

• Finance: Mainly as a synonym for "der Scheck" (cheque). Used less frequently than in the past due to the prevalence of digital payment methods.
• Technology & IT: For system checks, software tests, hardware controls (e.g., Systemcheck, Virencheck).
• Everyday Life & Organization: For general verifications to ensure something is okay or has been done (e.g., ein letzter Check before departure).
• Medicine: In the term "Check-up" for a preventive medical examination.

Distinction from similar words:

• Kontrolle: "Die Kontrolle" (control, inspection) is often broader or refers to supervision. "Der Check" is usually a specific, often quick, verification.
• Prüfung: "Die Prüfung" (examination, test) can be more formal (like an academic exam), while "der Check" is often more informal, although it can also refer to a technical inspection.
• Test: "Der Test" (test) is very similar; "der Check" often emphasizes ticking something off or confirming a status.

⚠️ Avoid confusing "Check" with other English loanwords that might have different articles (though many in the tech field are also masculine).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Imagine a man (masculine -> der) who either checks papers or writes a cheque. He is der Prüfer (the inspector) doing den Check.

Mnemonic for the Meaning(s):

Whether it's money on a Cheque (Scheck) or a system Check (Kontrolle/Test) – it’s always about verifying and confirming. You check your money (Scheck) or you check if everything's okay (Kontrolle/Test).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:

• Die Checkliste: (checklist) - A list for ticking items off during a check (feminine!).
• Check-in / Check-out: Procedures at a hotel or airport (often used as nouns: der Check-in).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer den Check nicht bestanden?

Er hatte zu viele Viren und ständig "gehustet"!

(Why did the computer fail the check?
It had too many viruses and was constantly "coughing"!)

📜 A Short Poem

Der Check, mal schnell, mal ganz genau,
ob alles stimmt, das weiß man schlau.
Ein Blick, ein Klick, ein Haken dran,
so fängt die Sicherheit erst an.
Ob Zahlungsfluss per Scheck papier,
ob System läuft, das prüfen wir.
Der Check, er bringt uns Klarheit her,
drum brauchen wir ihn immer mehr.

(The check, sometimes quick, sometimes precise,
If all is right, that's smart advice.
A glance, a click, a tick mark made,
Thus safety's foundation is laid.
Whether cash flow by paper cheque,
Or if the system runs, we inspect.
The check, it brings us clarity,
So we need it increasingly.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich kann ein Papier sein, das Geld verspricht,
oder eine Prüfung, die Fehler ans Licht.
Man macht mich am Computer, am Auto, geschwind,
damit man weiß, dass die Dinge in Ordnung sind.

Was bin ich?
(Maskulin!)

(I can be a paper that promises money,
Or an examination that brings errors to light, honey.
I'm done on computers, on cars, quick and fast,
So you know that things are alright, built to last.

What am I?
(Masculine!))

Solution: der Check

✨ More Information

Word Origin:

"Der Check" is a direct loanword from the English "check". The English word itself has an interesting history, tracing back through the game of chess ("Check!" - threatening/controlling the king) and Old French "eschec" to Persian "šāh" meaning king.

Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen):

"Check" is part of many compound nouns in German, especially in technical and organizational fields:

• Der Gesundheitscheck / Check-up (health check / check-up)
• Der Sicherheitscheck (security check)
• Der Systemcheck (system check)
• Der Soundcheck (sound check)
• Der Realitätscheck (reality check)
• Der Gegencheck (cross-check, double-check)