to experiment
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to experiment
To carry out a scientific experiment in order to test a hypothesis, find a law or pattern, or make a discovery.
Die Forscher experimentieren mit neuen Medikamenten gegen die Krankheit.
The researchers are experimenting with new medications against the disease.
The verb 'experimentieren' (to experiment) is derived directly from the noun 'das Experiment' (the experiment). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the verb.
Ein gutes Experiment braucht eine klare Fragestellung.
A good experiment needs a clear research question.
'Experimentieren' (to experiment) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative. You experiment with something.
Der Koch experimentiert mit neuen Gewürzen aus Asien.
The chef is experimenting with new spices from Asia.
You can recognize the scientific meaning from words like 'Labor' (laboratory), 'Forscher' (researcher), or 'Hypothese' (hypothesis). The general meaning 'ausprobieren' (to try out) is often used in creative or everyday contexts such as 'Küche' (kitchen), 'Kunst' (art), or 'Musik' (music).
Die Wissenschaftler experimentieren im Labor mit Zellkulturen.
The scientists are experimenting with cell cultures in the laboratory.
In the scientific meaning, the goal or location of the experiment is often mentioned as well. Typical additions are 'im Labor' (in the laboratory), 'an der Universität' (at the university), or 'um eine Theorie zu beweisen' (in order to prove a theory).
An der Universität wird mit alternativen Energiequellen experimentiert.
At the university, people are experimenting with alternative energy sources.
to try / taste
'versuchen' and 'experimentieren' both mean that you try something out without yet knowing the result for sure. 'versuchen' is very general and fits when you want to achieve a goal: you try to open a door, solve a task, or call someone. 'experimentieren' fits more when you play around with different possibilities, methods, or ideas and want to see what happens. It can be scientific, but it can also occur in everyday life. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with trying things out. For a single attempt with a clear goal, 'versuchen' is usually more natural; for open-ended trying out with several variations, 'experimentieren' fits better.
Beim Kochen experimentiert Ali gern mit neuen Gewürzen.
When cooking, Ali likes to experiment with new spices.
Vor dem Termin versucht meine Kollegin noch, den Kunden telefonisch zu erreichen.
Before the appointment, my colleague is still trying to reach the customer by phone.