die Lupe
magnifying glass
An optical instrument with a convex lens that is used to show objects enlarged.
EXAMPLE
Der Uhrmacher betrachtete das winzige Zahnrad durch die Lupe.
The watchmaker looked at the tiny gear through the magnifying glass.
die Lupe
magnifying glass
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Meanings
etwas unter die Lupe nehmen
to scrutinize
An idiom meaning to examine or check something very closely, critically, and in detail.
EXAMPLE
Die Ermittler nehmen die Finanzen des Unternehmens genau unter die Lupe.
The investigators are scrutinizing the company's finances closely.
Usage tips
Context clue
The preposition often helps you recognize the meaning. The expression 'etwas unter die Lupe nehmen' (to scrutinize something; literally: to take something under the magnifying glass) is always figurative. The preposition 'durch' (through), as in 'etwas durch die Lupe sehen' (to see something through the magnifying glass), usually points to the literal meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv nahm den Brief genau unter die Lupe.
The detective scrutinized the letter closely.
Correct preposition
When referring to the optical instrument, the preposition 'durch' (through) is usually used to express that someone is looking through the lens. 'Mit' (with) is also possible to name the tool.
EXAMPLE
Er betrachtete die Briefmarke durch die Lupe.
He looked at the stamp through the magnifying glass.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas unter die Lupe nehmen' means to examine something very closely and critically. The verb 'nehmen' (to take) is a fixed part of the expression here.
EXAMPLE
Die Stiftung Warentest hat verschiedene Kaffeemaschinen unter die Lupe genommen.
Stiftung Warentest scrutinized various coffee machines.
In real life
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