probation / proving oneself
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probation
In the legal sense, a sentence in which a convicted person does not have to go to prison, on the condition that they do not commit any crimes within a certain period of time (probation period).
Er wurde zu einer Freiheitsstrafe von einem Jahr auf Bewährung verurteilt.
He was sentenced to one year in prison on probation.
proving oneself
The process or situation in which someone has to prove their abilities, reliability, or value. Often used in the expression 'sich in der Praxis bewähren' (to prove oneself in practice).
Nach einer langen Zeit der Bewährung in verschiedenen Projekten wurde sie zur Abteilungsleiterin befördert.
After a long period of proving herself in various projects, she was promoted to department head.
The noun 'die Bewährung' (probation/proving oneself) is derived from the verb 'sich bewähren' (to prove oneself). This verb means to prove one's abilities or value in a difficult situation. This basic idea of 'proving' is present in both meanings of the noun.
Die neue Software muss sich nun im Alltag bewähren.
The new software now has to prove itself in everyday use.
You can recognize the legal meaning from the context of court, punishment, and conviction. The general meaning refers to a trial period or challenge in professional or private life.
Der Richter setzte die Strafe zur Bewährung aus.
The judge suspended the sentence on probation.
In a legal context, the fixed expression 'auf Bewährung' (on probation) is almost always used. A person is 'zu einer Strafe auf Bewährung verurteilt' (sentenced to a punishment on probation) or is 'auf Bewährung frei' (free on probation).
Sie wurde zu sechs Monaten auf Bewährung verurteilt.
She was sentenced to six months on probation.
In the general meaning, 'Bewährung' (proving oneself/test) is often combined with a time expression or a genitive. Typical formulations are 'eine Zeit der Bewährung' (a period of proving oneself) or 'nach langer Bewährung' (after a long period of proving oneself).
Für die junge Mannschaft war das Turnier eine harte Bewährung.
For the young team, the tournament was a tough test.
testing / trial
Both words can refer to something being tested in practice. „Erprobung“ describes deliberate testing, while „Bewährung“ means demonstrating that something works reliably under real-world demands. Use „Erprobung“ for the test itself and „Bewährung“ for successfully proving oneself or passing the test.
Die neue Software muss sich im täglichen Betrieb erst noch bewähren.
The new software still has to prove itself in daily operation.
Die Erprobung der neuen Software findet zunächst in drei Filialen statt.
The new software will initially be tested in three branches.
