to clarify
Loading your saved state.
to clarify
To investigate and clarify an open question, problem, or situation in order to create certainty or a basis for a decision.
Ich muss erst mit meinem Chef abklären, ob ich morgen freinehmen kann.
I first have to clarify with my boss whether I can take tomorrow off.
to have checked
In a medical context, to have symptoms or a suspected condition examined carefully by a doctor in order to make a diagnosis.
Du solltest deine ständigen Kopfschmerzen ärztlich abklären lassen.
You should have your constant headaches checked by a doctor.
'Abklären' (to clarify) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab-' moves to the end of the sentence. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb stem.
Ich kläre die Details morgen mit ihr ab.
I'll clarify the details with her tomorrow.
The verb consists of 'ab-' and 'klären' (to clarify). Here, the prefix 'ab-' reinforces the idea of completeness: you clarify something until it is finally and completely resolved.
Bevor wir starten, müssen wir alle offenen Punkte abklären.
Before we start, we have to clarify all open points.
When you clarify something with a person, the typical structure is: 'etwas (Akkusativ) mit jemandem (Dativ) abklären' (to clarify something with someone).
Klären Sie den genauen Liefertermin bitte mit der Logistikabteilung ab.
Please clarify the exact delivery date with the logistics department.
In a medical context, 'abklären' (to clarify / check) is almost always combined with the verb 'lassen': 'etwas abklären lassen' (to have something checked). This means that you ask a doctor to carry out the examination.
Bei anhaltendem Schwindel sollte man die Ursache ärztlich abklären lassen.
If dizziness persists, you should have the cause checked by a doctor.
to check / test
Here, prüfen means checking a suspicion or condition. Abklären goes further: an unresolved question is investigated and clarified as far as possible, creating certainty or a basis for the next decision.
Die Technikerin klärt die Ursache der gemeldeten Störung ab, bevor sie die Reparatur plant.
The technician clarifies the cause of the reported malfunction before planning the repair.
Die Technikerin prüft, ob die gemeldete Störung tatsächlich besteht.
The technician checks whether the reported malfunction actually exists.
