die Kostprobe
sample
A small amount of a food or drink that you try in order to test the taste.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Markt gab es kostenlose Kostproben von verschiedenen Käsesorten.
At the market, there were free samples of different kinds of cheese.
die Kostprobe
sample
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Meanings
die Kostprobe
sample
A short excerpt or small demonstration of something, intended to give a first impression.
EXAMPLE
Der Trailer zum Film gibt eine gute Kostprobe von der Action, die uns erwartet.
The film trailer gives a good sample of the action that awaits us.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Kost' (a formal word for food/nourishment) and 'Probe' (test/sample). So a 'Kostprobe' is literally a 'food test.'
EXAMPLE
Nehmen Sie doch eine Kostprobe von unserem neuen Olivenöl.
Please take a sample of our new olive oil.
Context clue
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about food or drink, it means a small tasting portion. If it is about art, music, or abilities, it means a short, representative impression.
EXAMPLE
Hier ist eine Kostprobe vom Hochzeitskuchen.
Here is a sample of the wedding cake.
Typical collocations
In connection with food, 'Kostprobe' (sample) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of/from). Typical verbs are 'anbieten' (to offer), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'nehmen' (to take).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Weinfest habe ich viele kostenlose Kostproben bekommen.
At the wine festival, I got many free samples.
Metaphorical use
In this figurative meaning, a person's skill or work is often demonstrated. For example, you give 'eine Kostprobe seines Könnens' (a sample of his skill) or 'eine Kostprobe ihrer Schreibkunst' (a sample of her writing skill).
EXAMPLE
Der Autor las als Kostprobe das erste Kapitel seines Romans vor.
As a sample, the author read the first chapter of his novel aloud.
Compare with
Kostprobe vs Probe
rehearsal / sample / test
A Probe can be a small amount used to test or assess a product. A Kostprobe, by contrast, is specifically intended for tasting food or drinks. „Probe“ fits a general test or sample amount; for testing the taste, „Kostprobe“ is the appropriate word.
Kostprobe
Auf dem Markt nahm ich eine Kostprobe des neuen Safts.
At the market, I tried a sample of the new juice.
Probe
Das Labor prüft eine Probe des neuen Safts auf seine Qualität.
The laboratory is testing a sample of the new juice for quality.
In real life
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