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.
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.
exam / inspection
'die Prüfung' and 'die Bewährung' can both refer to a situation in which someone has to show what they can do or how strong they are. 'die Prüfung' emphasizes more the difficult task or strain itself. 'die Bewährung' emphasizes that someone has to prove themselves reliable or suitable in this situation. They can be confused when the topic is not a school exam, but a difficult period. In practical terms: you have to pass a 'Prüfung'; in 'Bewährung', you have to prove yourself.
Der neue Mitarbeiter steht in den ersten Wochen noch in der Bewährung.
The new employee is still proving himself in the first few weeks.
Die Krankheit war eine schwere Prüfung für die ganze Familie.
The illness was a severe trial for the whole family.