die  Überprüfung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌyːbɐˈpʁyːfʊŋ/

🧐 What does "die Überprüfung" mean?

Die Überprüfung is a feminine noun meaning the act of carefully checking, examining, inspecting, reviewing, or testing something to determine its correctness, condition, safety, or quality. It's a common term used in various contexts, from technical devices and documents to processes and even people.

• Check/Inspection: A detailed examination to find errors, defects, or problems (e.g., die Sicherheitsüberprüfung - the security check).
• Review/Audit: A formal examination of accounts, procedures, or systems (e.g., die jährliche Überprüfung der Buchhaltung - the annual audit of the accounts).
• Verification: The act of checking or confirming information or conditions (e.g., die Überprüfung der Personalien - the verification of personal details).

The word is derived directly from the verb überprüfen (to check, to review). The suffix "-ung" typically indicates a feminine noun describing an action or process in German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: die Überprüfung

The noun "Überprüfung" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die. Like most feminine nouns ending in "-ung", the plural is formed by adding "-en".

Example Sentences

1. Die Überprüfung der Dokumente dauerte mehrere Stunden.
   (The review of the documents took several hours.)
2. Eine regelmäßige Überprüfung der Bremsen ist wichtig für die Sicherheit.
   (A regular check of the brakes is important for safety.)
3. Das Ergebnis der internen Überprüfung wird nächste Woche erwartet.
   (The result of the internal audit is expected next week.)
4. Wir führen jährliche Überprüfungen unserer Prozesse durch.
   (We conduct annual reviews of our processes.)

💡 How to use "die Überprüfung"?

"Die Überprüfung" is used when referring to a specific, often systematic process of checking or examining. The focus is on establishing correctness, completeness, safety, or quality.

• In professional / administrative contexts: Frequently used for audits, quality management, security checks, process optimization (e.g., Überprüfung von Arbeitsabläufen - review of workflows, Überprüfung der Einhaltung von Vorschriften - checking compliance with regulations).
• In technology: For maintenance and inspection of devices or software (e.g., Überprüfung der Systemintegrität - system integrity check, technische Überprüfung - technical inspection).
• In legal / official contexts: In the context of investigations, verifications, or formal examinations (e.g., gerichtliche Überprüfung - judicial review, Überprüfung von Anträgen - review of applications).

Distinction from similar words:

• Die Kontrolle: Often more general; can also mean control or supervision. Überprüfung is usually more specific and targeted towards finding errors or confirming standards.
• Die Prüfung: Can be more formal (like an exam - Examensprüfung), but also used synonymously with Überprüfung, especially in technical fields.
• Die Revision: Often used in financial or legal contexts, referring to a formal, often retrospective, review or audit.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (die): Remember that most German nouns ending in -ung are feminine and take the article die. Think of other common examples like die Rechnung (the bill), die Meinung (the opinion), die Wohnung (the apartment) – and die Überprüfung fits this pattern perfectly!

For the meaning: Imagine going über (over) something meticulously to prüfen (check/test) it. This action is die Über-Prüfung – the thorough check or review.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Related Terms:

• überprüfen (verb): to check, to review, to verify.
• prüfen (verb): to test, to check, to examine (often broader).
• prüfbar (adjective): verifiable, testable.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon die Akten überprüft?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef! Auf Rechtschreibfehler. Sind fast keine drin!"
Chef: "Ich meinte eigentlich auf Vollständigkeit..." 🤷‍♂️

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Have you checked the files yet?"
The employee replies: "Yes, boss! For spelling mistakes. There are hardly any!"
Boss: "I actually meant for completeness..." 🤷‍♂️

📜 Poem about Überprüfung

Mit ernstem Blick und scharfem Sinn,
Beginnt die Überprüfung nun geschwind.
Jedes Detail, ob groß, ob klein,
Soll fehlerfrei und richtig sein.

Ob Zahlenwerk, ob Maschinenteil,
Nichts entgeht dem prüfenden Pfeil.
Die Ordnung herrscht, das Chaos flieht,
Wenn man genau und gründlich sieht.

Translation:
With a serious gaze and a sharp mind,
The review now quickly begins.
Every detail, whether large or small,
Should be flawless and correct.

Whether figures or machine part,
Nothing escapes the scrutinizing dart.
Order reigns, chaos flees,
When one looks closely and thoroughly sees.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme oft, mal schnell, mal lang,
Mal bring' ich Lob, mal strengen Zank.
Ich schau genau, ob alles stimmt,
Bevor man etwas übernimmt.
Bin ich vorbei, ist's meist geschafft,
Ich bin die gründliche ...?

Lösung/Solution: die Überprüfung

Translation:
I often come, sometimes fast, sometimes long,
Sometimes I bring praise, sometimes harsh quarrel strong.
I look closely if everything's right,
Before one takes over with all might.
When I am past, it's mostly done,
I am the thorough...?

Answer: the check/review/audit (die Überprüfung)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Überprüfung" is a compound noun:

• über- (Prefix, here meaning 'over', 'across', 'in a controlling manner')
• prüfen (Verb stem, meaning 'to check', 'to test', 'to examine')
• -ung (Suffix used to nominalize verbs, usually indicating a process or its result, and making the noun feminine)

Cultural Note:

In Germany, thorough Überprüfungen (checks/reviews) play a significant role in many aspects of life, from technology (e.g., the TÜV - Technical Inspection Association) to bureaucracy. The concept is deeply embedded in the expectation of quality, safety, and order (Qualität, Sicherheit und Ordnung).