Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Versuchskaninchen | [fɛɐ̯ˈzuːχskaˌniːnçən] (narrow) | neuter |
| Proband | masculine | |
| Versuchsperson | feminine |
In English, 'guinea pig' is often used metaphorically to describe a person who is being used for testing or experimentation. In German, you use similar terms to describe an experimental subject.
Which one should you use?
Versuchskaninchen is the colloquial way to describe a person used as a guinea pig in a metaphorical sense. In contrast, Proband or Versuchsperson are the formal terms used in scientific and professional contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Versuchskaninchen is used for both singular and plural forms without changing its ending.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Meerschweinchen when speaking metaphorically about a human test subject. While that word means the actual animal, Versuchskaninchen is the correct term for a metaphorical guinea pig.
Did you know?
- The term Meerschweinchen contains a surprising literal meaning: it translates to 'little sea pig'.
- Even though the English metaphor uses a rodent, the German metaphor uses a rabbit: Versuchskaninchen literally translates to 'test rabbit'.
- The formal term for a test subject, Proband, is a direct loanword from the Latin 'probandus', meaning 'something that must be tested'.
Examples in context
- Ich will nicht in einem Labor als Versuchskaninchen herhalten müssen.I don't want to be used as a guinea pig in a lab.This sentence shows how to express a refusal to be used as a Versuchskaninchen in a laboratory setting.Tatoeba #11798517 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11528173 by Nuel
- Er benutzte mich als Versuchskaninchen.He used me as a guinea pig.This sentence demonstrates the use of Versuchskaninchen to describe someone being used for an experiment.Tatoeba #368831 by Wolf, translation #298138 by CK
- Ich habe ein niedliches Meerschweinchen als Haustier.I have a cute guinea pig as a pet.
- Die Forscher nutzten die Patienten als Versuchskaninchen.The researchers used the patients as guinea pigs.
Example conversation
Maximilian asks Julia to try a new recipe he cooked.
- MaximilianProbier mal meine neue Suppe, Julia!Try my new soup, Julia!
- JuliaSoll ich jetzt dein Versuchskaninchen sein?Am I supposed to be your guinea pig now?
- MaximilianNur ein kleiner Schluck, bitte.Just a small sip, please.
- JuliaNa gut, ich probiere sie.Alright, I'll try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guinea pig” translations and entries Versuchskaninchen, Proband, Versuchsperson, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Proband, Versuchskaninchen, Versuchsperson, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
