Prüfung
/ˈpʁyːfʊŋ/
The English word 'exam' is translated into German as Prüfung.
Prüfung is the most common and general term used in German to describe a formal test of knowledge or proficiency. When you want to say 'to take an exam' in a formal way, you should use the phrase eine Prüfung ablegen instead of simply using the verb machen.
Which one should you use?
While Prüfung is the general term for any formal examination, other words are used for specific contexts. Klausur specifically refers to a written exam or test, typically in a school or university setting. Examen is a term associated with professional exams, such as those required for licensing or certification. In informal conversations, the word Test is commonly used to describe tests and exams.
How does it change in a sentence?
Prüfung is a feminine noun. The plural form of this word is Prüfungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpʁyːfʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to express 'to take an exam' in a formal context, avoid using only the verb machen. Instead, use the combination eine Prüfung ablegen.
Did you know?
- A Klausur originally referred to a 'cloister' or 'enclosure', reflecting the practice of locking students in a room to prevent cheating during a written test.
- The word Prüfung is used for both academic exams and technical inspections, such as the mandatory safety check for a car's roadworthiness.
- The noun Prüfung can also refer to a 'trial' or 'ordeal' in a spiritual or emotional sense, not just a written test.
Examples in context
- Wie lief die Prüfung?How did the exam go?This sentence is useful for asking how an exam went.Tatoeba #1033704 by al_ex_an_der, translation #263436 by CK
- Ist die Prüfung heute?Is the exam today?This sentence is useful for asking if an exam is scheduled for today.Tatoeba #12407590 by mayabe, translation #3819519 by CK
- Wann ist deine Prüfung?When are you sitting your exam?This sentence is useful for asking when someone is sitting their exam.Tatoeba #4153463 by Esperantostern, translation #11949065 by sundown
- Ich habe morgen eine PrüfungI have an exam tomorrow
- Ich muss für mein medizinisches Examen lernenI need to study for my medical exam
- Ich bin aufgeregt wegen des Tests morgenI'm nervous about the test tomorrow
- 432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are talking after school.
- FelixHast du die Prüfung bestanden?Did you pass the exam?
- SarahJa, die Prüfung war eigentlich einfach.Yes, the exam was actually easy.
- FelixDas freut mich für dich, Sarah!I am happy for you, Sarah!
- SarahDanke, Felix! Und du?Thanks, Felix! And you?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Prüfung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
