01
checken
to check
Colloquial for to check, inspect, or verify.
example
Kannst du kurz die E-Mails checken?
Can you quickly check the emails?
checken
to check / get
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
'Checken' (to check/get) is a word from English and is used almost exclusively in colloquial language. In formal or written contexts, German verbs like 'prüfen' (to check), 'kontrollieren' (to inspect/control), or 'verstehen' (to understand) are more common.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns mal die Abfahrtszeiten für den Zug checken.
Let's check the departure times for the train.
Context clues
The meaning of 'checken' (to check/get) depends on the object. If it has a concrete object (e.g. emails, a list), it means 'prüfen' (to check). If it is used without an object or with 'es' (it), it usually means 'verstehen' (to understand).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Rechnung gecheckt, alles stimmt.
I checked the invoice; everything is correct.
Typical usage
In the meaning 'verstehen' (to understand), 'checken' (to get) is very often used in questions or negative sentences to express that one does or does not grasp something.
EXAMPLE
Checkst du, wie die neue Software funktioniert?
Do you get how the new software works?
Compare with
checken vs verstehen
to understand
'verstehen' and 'checken' can both mean that you understand something. 'verstehen' is neutral and works in almost all situations, including at school, at work, or in formal conversations. 'checken' is colloquial and sounds more casual. You often hear it among friends or in quick everyday conversations. If the tone should be factual or polite, 'verstehen' is more natural. 'Checken' fits better when you are saying informally that you have got something.
checken
Er checkt sofort, warum alle lachen.
He immediately gets why everyone is laughing.
verstehen
Hast du die Aufgabe nach der Erklärung verstanden?
Did you understand the task after the explanation?
In real life
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