German word

testen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtɛstn̩/

Meaning

  • verbtry

Example

Wir testeten das Rezept gestern.

We tried the recipe yesterday.

Illustration for testen (try)

More examples

Das Labor testete die Probe auf Antikörper.

The laboratory tested the sample for antibodies.

Core concept

A product, method, or idea goes through a trial that reveals whether it performs as expected.

Common phrases

  • eine Idee testen

    test an idea

  • auf Antikörper testen

    test for antibodies

  • die Funktion testen

    test the function

Similar words

ausprobieren: Something is tried in practice to judge its effect or ease of use.
probieren: A small amount is tried to judge its taste or feel.
überprüfen: Records or results are checked carefully for accuracy.
kontrollieren: A procedure or operation is monitored to ensure that it follows the rules.

Definition in German

etwas ausprobieren, um festzustellen, ob es den Erwartungen entspricht

Word origin

German testen is derived from the borrowed noun Test, which came through English from French and ultimately from Latin testa, meaning pot or shell.

Usage tips

  • Testen often suggests systematic evaluation, whereas ausprobieren more strongly emphasizes trying something in practice.

Other meanings

  • testverb
  • inspectverb

Related words

  • der Testtestnoun
  • der Testlauftest runnoun

Word lists with this word