testing / trial
Loading your saved state.
testing
The systematic testing or trying out of something new in order to check its function, safety, or suitability.
Das neue Medikament befindet sich noch in der klinischen Erprobung.
The new medication is still in clinical testing.
trial
A difficult situation or challenge that serves as a test of a person's character, abilities, or endurance.
Die lange Reise allein durch die Wüste war eine harte Erprobung seines Mutes.
The long journey alone through the desert was a harsh trial of his courage.
'Die Erprobung' (testing/trial) is the nominalization of the verb 'erproben' (to test/try out). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process or result of testing.
Die Erprobung der neuen Brücke dauerte mehrere Monate.
The testing of the new bridge took several months.
In technical or scientific contexts, 'Erprobung' (testing) is often used with certain phrases, e.g. 'in der klinischen Erprobung sein' (to be in clinical testing), 'die Erprobung eines Prototyps' (the testing of a prototype), or 'sich in der Erprobung befinden' (to be undergoing testing).
Die neue Software befindet sich noch in der Erprobung.
The new software is still undergoing testing.
You can often recognize the figurative meaning as a 'test of character' from adjectives such as 'hart' (hard/harsh), 'schwer' (difficult), or 'persönlich' (personal). It refers to immaterial things like courage, patience, or friendship.
Die Zeit im Ausland war eine harte Erprobung für ihre Beziehung.
The time abroad was a harsh trial for their relationship.
attempt / experiment
Versuch and Erprobung can both refer to the practical testing of a new method. Versuch tends to mean a single attempt or a specific implementation, while Erprobung emphasizes the planned testing of how well something works or how suitable it is. Use Erprobung for the complete systematic test and Versuch for individual steps.
Die Erprobung der neuen Methode soll zeigen, ob sie im Alltag zuverlässig funktioniert.
Testing the new method is intended to show whether it works reliably in everyday situations.
Der erste Versuch mit der neuen Methode dauerte nur eine Stunde.
The first attempt with the new method took only an hour.
