to X-ray / scrutinize
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to X-ray
To examine something or someone with X-rays or similar radiation in order to make the inside visible. This is used especially in medicine and at security checks.
Der Arzt musste den Brustkorb des Patienten durchleuchten, um die Lunge zu überprüfen.
The doctor had to X-ray the patient's chest to check the lungs.
'Durchleuchten' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'durch-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'leuchten' (to shine) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Der Arzt durchleuchtet den Patienten.
The doctor X-rays the patient.
The verb is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'leuchten' (to shine). The basic idea of 'shining through something' appears in all meanings, whether literally with light or figuratively in an investigation.
Die Sonne durchleuchtete die dünnen Vorhänge.
The sun shone through the thin curtains.
You can tell whether the medical or figurative meaning is intended from the object. Concrete objects like 'Koffer' (suitcase) or 'Lunge' (lung) point to the literal meaning, while abstract things like 'Bilanzen' (balance sheets) or 'ein System' (a system) point to the investigative meaning.
Am Flughafen wird jedes Gepäckstück durchleuchtet.
At the airport, every piece of luggage is X-rayed.
to check / test
'prüfen' and 'durchleuchten' can both mean examining something. 'prüfen' is neutral and general: you check whether something is correct, safe, or functioning properly. 'durchleuchten' is stronger. It can literally mean using rays or light to make the inside visible, for example during a check. Figuratively, it means examining something very closely and critically. The words can be confused because both describe an examination. 'prüfen' fits normal checks; 'durchleuchten' fits when you look especially deeply, critically, or right inside something.
Die Zeitung hat die Geschäfte der Firma genau durchleuchtet.
The newspaper closely scrutinized the company's business dealings.
Prüfen Sie bitte nach dem Gespräch noch einmal den Vertrag.
Please check the contract again after the conversation.