prüfen

Meaning (in English)

prüfen means to check, test, examine, inspect, or verify something to see whether it is correct, works properly, or meets a standard.

Common uses include:

• to check/verify information or correctness (facts, calculations, documents)
• to test/examine performance or quality (devices, materials, systems)
• to examine in an academic sense (to examine a candidate; to sit an exam is eine Prüfung ablegen, but the verb prüfen is “to examine/test”)

Parts / Word structure

• Stem: prüf-
• Infinitive ending: -en
• Related noun: die Prüfung = examination, test, inspection
• Related noun: der Prüfer / die Prüferin = examiner, inspector
• Related adjective: prüfbar = testable, verifiable

Multiple meanings / nuances

1. To check / verify (correctness, truth, completeness)
   • Ich prüfe die Angaben. = I verify the information.
2. To test / examine (function, quality, suitability)
   • Der Techniker prüft das Gerät. = The technician tests the device.
3. To examine (someone), especially formally
   • Der Professor prüft die Studierenden. = The professor examines the students.

German synonyms

Depending on context:

• kontrollieren (to check/control)
• überprüfen (to double-check, verify)
• testen (to test)
• untersuchen (to examine/investigate)
• inspizieren (to inspect; more formal/technical)
• nachprüfen (to re-check)

German antonyms (if applicable)

Context-dependent:

• ignorieren (to ignore)
• übersehen (to overlook)
• ungeprüft lassen (to leave unchecked)
• durchwinken (to wave through without checking; informal)