die  Prüfung

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈpʁyːfʊŋ/

📚 What does "die Prüfung" mean?

Die Prüfung (feminine) primarily refers to a formal assessment of knowledge, skills, or the quality of something. It can appear in various contexts:

• In education: A written test (Klausur) in school or university, an exam (Examen), a test to determine learning progress.
• In a professional context: An aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung), a certification exam (Zertifizierungsprüfung), quality control for products.
• In a technical context: A technical inspection (e.g., TÜV-Prüfung for cars), an inspection, or an audit.
• Figuratively: A difficult situation or challenge that tests someone's character or abilities (e.g., "eine harte Prüfung des Lebens" - a hard trial of life).

Since "Prüfung" is always feminine, the article is always die. There are no other articles for this word. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like "der Versuch" (attempt, experiment).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Prüfung

The noun "Prüfung" is feminine. The article is always die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Morgen habe ich eine wichtige Prüfung in Mathematik.
   (Tomorrow I have an important exam in mathematics.)
2. Die technische Prüfung des Geräts verlief ohne Probleme.
   (The technical inspection of the device went without problems.)
3. Nach bestandener Prüfung erhielt sie ihr Zertifikat.
   (After passing the exam, she received her certificate.)
4. Die vielen Schwierigkeiten waren eine harte Prüfung für die Familie.
   (The many difficulties were a hard trial for the family.)
5. Die Ergebnisse der Prüfung werden nächste Woche bekannt gegeben.
   (The results of the exam will be announced next week.)

💡 Usage in Context

"Die Prüfung" is a very common word, especially in educational and professional life.

• School/University: People talk about Klassenarbeiten (class tests), Klausuren (written exams), Tests, Abschlussprüfungen (final exams), or Examina (major exams). "Prüfung" is a general term but can also specifically mean a larger, more formal assessment than a "Test".
• Profession: This can involve hiring tests (Einstellungsprüfungen), certification exams (e.g., IHK-Prüfung - Chamber of Commerce exam), or the inspection of work results.
• Technology/Quality: The "Prüfung" (inspection) of a car (TÜV), a machine, or a product for functionality and safety.
• Figurative: When someone says "Das Leben stellte ihn auf eine harte Prüfung" (Life put him through a hard trial), it means a very difficult phase or challenge.

Distinction from similar terms:

• Test: Often shorter, less comprehensive, or less formal than a Prüfung.
• Examen: Usually refers to a major, final examination (e.g., Staatsexamen - state examination).
• Kontrolle/Inspektion: Similar to Prüfung in the technical sense, often focusing on compliance with standards.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Prüfung"

Article Mnemonic (die)

Remember: A Prüfung ends in "-ung". Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine and take the article die. Imagine the (die) strict female teacher administering the (die) exam (Prüfung). Feminine suffix = feminine article!

Meaning Mnemonic

Think of the English word "proofing" (like proofreading) or "proving". A Prüfung is about proving your knowledge or proofing the quality of something. The verb is prüfen (to test, check, examine).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words

• Die Erprobung: Testing under real conditions, often for new products or procedures.
• Der Versuch: An attempt, trial, or experiment.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Prüfer den Studenten in der mündlichen Prüfung: "Können Sie mir sagen, wie spät es ist?"
Student schaut auf die Uhr: "Klar, fünf vor zwölf!"
Prüfer: "Puh, da bin ich aber erleichtert. Ich frage das schon seit Stunden, aber keiner wusste es!" 😄

Translation:
The examiner asks the student during the oral exam: "Can you tell me what time it is?"
Student looks at his watch: "Sure, five to twelve!"
Examiner: "Phew, I'm relieved. I've been asking that for hours, but nobody knew!" 😄

📜 Poem about the Prüfung

Das Herz klopft schnell, der Kopf ist leer,
Die Prüfung naht, es fällt so schwer.
Das Wissen sitzt, doch Nerven flattern,
Man hofft, die Antworten rattern.

Die Zeit verrinnt, der Stift fliegt schnell,
Man kämpft sich durch, so gut es gell'.
Am Ende dann, die große Frage:
Reicht's zum Bestehen an diesem Tage?

Translation:
The heart beats fast, the mind is blank,
The exam approaches, it's such a tank.
The knowledge is there, but nerves are frayed,
One hopes the answers are quickly conveyed.

Time slips away, the pen flies fast,
One battles through, hoping to last.
At the end then, the question grand:
Was it enough to pass, throughout the land?

❓ Riddle

Ich habe Fragen, doch ich spreche nicht.
Ich fordre Wissen, zeige dein Gesicht
Des Könnens – oder auch der Lücken.
Manch einer muss sich vor mir ducken.
Man lernt für mich bei Tag und Nacht.
Was bin ich, wenn das Wissen kracht?

Translation:
I have questions, but I do not speak.
I demand knowledge, show your technique
Of skill – or also reveal the gaps.
Some people have to duck from my traps.
You study for me by day and night.
What am I, when knowledge takes flight?

Solution: die Prüfung (the exam/test)

✨ Other Information

Word Formation:

"Die Prüfung" is a nominalization (forming a noun) of the verb prüfen (to check, to test, to examine). The suffix "-ung" is frequently used in German to form feminine nouns from verbs, often describing the process or result of the action.

Related Terms:

• Der Prüfer / die Prüferin: The examiner (male / female)
• Der Prüfling: The examinee / candidate
• Das Prüfungszeugnis: The examination certificate / report card
• Die Prüfungsangst: Exam anxiety / fear of exams
• Prüfungsrelevant: Relevant to the exam