Examen
/ɛˈksaːmən/neuter
In German, the English word "test" (in an academic context) can be translated as Examen or Prüfung.
Meaning: academics: examination (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Examen | /ɛˈksaːmən/ | neuter |
| Prüfung | /ˈpʁyːfʊŋ/ | feminine |
Both words refer to an academic examination. You can use the verb prüfen to describe the act of administering an examination during an academic term, while aufzeigen or erweisen can be used when something is shown to be proven by a test.
Which one should you use?
Examen is a formal term typically reserved for major state or university-level examinations. In contrast, Prüfung is the standard, everyday term used for any kind of test or exam in school and professional contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Examen is a neuter noun. Its plural form is also Examen. Prüfung is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Prüfungen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛˈksaːmən/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Prüfung is used for both academic exams and technical inspections, such as the annual safety check for a car's brakes.
- Passing a final Examen in law or medicine in Germany is often referred to as Staatsexamen, as it is a state-administered test rather than just a university one.
- The Latin root of Examen originally referred to the handle of a balance or a sieve used to separate materials.
Examples in context
- Wie lief die Prüfung?How did your test go?This sentence is useful for asking how a Prüfung went.Tatoeba #1033704 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3408148 by Hybrid
- Die Prüfung war leicht.The test was easy.This sentence is useful for describing the difficulty of a Prüfung.Tatoeba #3473101 by Zaghawa, translation #3052985 by CK
- Morgen ist eine Prüfung.There is a test tomorrow.This sentence is useful for announcing that a Prüfung will occur tomorrow.Tatoeba #1806432 by Tamy, translation #1806426 by Ameer
- Ich muss morgen eine wichtige Prüfung ablegen.I have to take an important test tomorrow.
- Lass uns einen kleinen Test machen.Let's do a little test.
- Wir sollten eine Probe für die Präsentation machen.We should do a trial for the presentation.
- Heute habe ich zwei Prüfungen in der Schule geschrieben.Today I took two tests at school.
- Dieser Test ist schwieriger als der vorherige.This test is more difficult than the previous one.
- Der Test gestern war einfacher als erwartet.The test yesterday was easier than expected.
- Wir sollten einen Vokabeltest machen, um unser Deutsch zu verbessern.We should do a vocabulary test to improve our German.
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two university students are talking about their upcoming finals.
- JuliaWann hast du dein Examen?When do you have your exam?
- MaximilianIch habe das Examen am Montag.I have the exam on Monday.
- JuliaBist du bereit für das Examen, Maximilian?Are you ready for the exam, Maximilian?
- MaximilianNein, ich muss noch viel lernen.No, I still have to study a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “test” translations and entries Examen, Prüfung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Examen, Prüfung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
