die  Stichprobe

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtɪçˌpʁoːbə/

📊 What exactly is a 'Stichprobe'?

Die Stichprobe (feminine, plural: die Stichproben) refers to a small, selected part of a larger whole (Grundgesamtheit - population) that is examined to draw conclusions about that whole. It's a method of *data collection* used primarily in *statistics*, *market research*, *quality control*, and *scientific research*.

Imagine you want to know the quality of apples in a huge basket. Instead of checking every single apple (which would be a *Vollerhebung - complete survey or census*), you take a Stichprobe – you randomly select some apples and check them. The result of this check then allows (hopefully representative) conclusions about the quality of all apples in the basket.

A distinction is often made between:

• Zufällige Stichprobe: *Random sample* - Every element of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
• Nicht-zufällige Stichprobe: *Non-random sample* - Selection is based on specific criteria (e.g., *Quotenstichprobe - quota sample*).

⚠️ A *Stichprobe* is always just an approximation of the reality of the *Grundgesamtheit*. The quality of the results heavily depends on the *size* and *representativeness* of the *Stichprobe*.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: die Stichprobe

The word "Stichprobe" is a *feminine noun*. Therefore, the article is always "die".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Für die Umfrage wurde eine repräsentative Stichprobe der Bevölkerung ausgewählt.
   A representative sample of the population was selected for the survey.
2. Der Qualitätsmanager entnahm mehrere Stichproben aus der laufenden Produktion.
   The quality manager took several samples from the ongoing production.
3. Die Ergebnisse basieren auf der Analyse einer zufälligen Stichprobe von 1000 Personen.
   The results are based on the analysis of a random sample of 1000 people.
4. Bei der Auswertung der Stichproben fielen Unregelmäßigkeiten auf.
   Irregularities were noticed during the evaluation of the samples.

💡 How to use "Stichprobe"?

"Stichprobe" is mainly used in contexts where *data is collected* or *quality is checked* without examining the entire population or quantity.

Typical verbs and phrases:

• eine Stichprobe nehmen / ziehen / entnehmen: to take / draw / extract a sample
• eine Stichprobe analysieren / untersuchen / auswerten: to analyze / examine / evaluate a sample
• eine repräsentative / zufällige / gezielte Stichprobe: a representative / random / targeted sample
• die Größe der Stichprobe: the size of the sample

Context:

The term is central in disciplines like *statistics*, *social research*, *market research*, *biology* (e.g., *Gewebeprobe - tissue sample*), *geology* (e.g., *Gesteinsprobe - rock sample*), *quality management*, and *auditing*.

Differentiation:

Although "Probe" (*test, sample*) and "Muster" (*pattern, sample*) can often be used synonymously, "Stichprobe" more strongly emphasizes the aspect of *selection from a larger set for analysis*, especially in statistical contexts. A "Probe" can also more generally be a test or tasting (e.g., *Weinprobe - wine tasting*, *Chorprobe - choir rehearsal*).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Stichprobe'

For the article "die": Think of *statistics* or *science* - both often require 'die Stichprobe'. Or imagine a female researcher (*die Forscherin*) taking *'die Stichprobe'*. Since 'Probe' ends in '-e', many such nouns are feminine ('die').

For the meaning: 'Stich' sounds like *'stick'*. You *stick* something (like a needle) randomly into a large quantity to get a small 'Probe' (*sample*). -> Stich-Probe.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential confusion:

• Prüfung: *Refers more to the act of testing or examination itself, not the item selected.*

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Statistiker nie das ganze Kuchenstück?
Why do statisticians never take the whole piece of cake?

– Weil sie mit einer kleinen Stichprobe zufrieden sind!
– Because they are satisfied with a small sample!

📜 Poem about 'Stichprobe'

Im Meer der Daten, groß und weit, (In the sea of data, vast and wide,)
Schwimmt die Erkenntnis, noch nicht befreit. (Swims the insight, not yet freed.)
Doch klug der Forscher, er greift nicht ganz, (But wise the researcher, grasps not all,)
nimmt nur ein Stückchen, mit Bedacht und Glanz. (takes just a small piece, with thought and sheen.)

Ein kleiner Teil, gezielt gewählt, (A small part, purposefully chosen,)
der viel vom Ganzen uns erzählt. (that tells us much about the whole.)
Die Stichprobe, fein und klar, (The sample, fine and clear,)
macht unsichtbare Muster wahr. (makes invisible patterns appear.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin nur ein kleiner Teil vom Ganzen,
(I am only a small part of the whole,)
doch helfe Forschern bei ihren Chancen.
(but I help researchers with their goals.)
Aus mir schließen sie auf Groß und Breit,
(From me, they infer about the large and wide,)
in Statistik und zur Qualität.
(in statistics and for quality's side.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: die Stichprobe (the sample)

🧩 Further Insights

Word Composition:

The word "Stichprobe" is a *compound noun*, composed of:

• Stich (m.): From *stechen* (to sting, prick, stab). Used here metaphorically meaning *'at random'* or *'selectively'*. Think of phrases like *'jemanden im Stich lassen'* (to leave someone in the lurch, possibly originating from leaving someone alone in a fight/skirmish = *Stich*).
• Probe (f.): From Latin *'proba'* (test, proof). Means *test, trial, sample, rehearsal*.

So, "Stichprobe" aptly describes the process: you metaphorically *'prick'* or *'stab'* into a population (*Grundgesamtheit*) to take a *'sample'* (*Probe*).