to prepare / preserve / rig
Loading your saved state.
to prepare
To prepare, set up, or treat something specifically for a certain purpose. This can refer to objects, samples, or even ski slopes.
Der Skifahrer präpariert seine Skier vor dem Rennen mit speziellem Wachs.
The skier prepares his skis with special wax before the race.
to preserve
To treat the body of a dead animal so that it is preserved and can be displayed in a lifelike way (taxidermy).
Der Jäger ließ den erlegten Fuchs vom Fachmann präparieren.
The hunter had the fox he had killed preserved by a specialist.
to prepare
To prepare a sample or object for scientific examination, for example under a microscope.
Die Biologin präpariert einen dünnen Blattschnitt für die Analyse.
The biologist prepares a thin leaf section for the analysis.
to rig
To deliberately manipulate something in order to achieve a specific, often illegal or deceptive result.
Es gab den Verdacht, dass die Würfel für das Spiel präpariert worden waren.
There was suspicion that the dice for the game had been rigged.
The verb 'präparieren' (to prepare/preserve/rig) comes from the Latin word 'praeparare', which means 'to prepare'. The prefix 'prä-' corresponds to the German 'vor-' (pre-/before), so the idea of preparation is built into the word.
Für die Expedition muss die Ausrüstung sorgfältig präpariert werden.
The equipment must be carefully prepared for the expedition.
'Präparieren' (to prepare/preserve/rig) is always used with an accusative object. You always prepare 'etwas' (something) for a specific purpose.
Der Biologe präpariert die Gewebeprobe für die Untersuchung.
The biologist prepares the tissue sample for the examination.
In connection with dead animals, 'präparieren' (to preserve) almost always means to preserve the body for display. The profession is called 'Tierpräparator' (taxidermist).
Er hat den seltenen Schmetterling fangen und präparieren lassen.
He had the rare butterfly caught and preserved.
In a scientific context, especially in biology or medicine, 'präparieren' (to prepare) means preparing an object for analysis. Typical signal words are 'Probe' (sample), 'Mikroskop' (microscope), or 'Labor' (laboratory).
Die Studenten lernen, wie man einen Frosch für den Biologieunterricht präpariert.
The students learn how to prepare a frog for biology class.
When games, competitions, or documents are involved and there is a negative intention at play, 'präparieren' (to rig/manipulate) means to manipulate or falsify. The goal here is to deceive.
Der Magier benutzte präparierte Karten für seinen Trick.
The magician used rigged cards for his trick.
to prepare
For an examination, you can prepare or präparieren a sample. Vorbereiten is the more general expression and also includes organizational steps; präparieren here refers to specifically processing the sample for scientific examination. For general preparation, use “vorbereiten”; for preparation specifically for the examination, “präparieren” is more appropriate.
Die Laborantin muss die Probe für die Untersuchung unter dem Mikroskop präparieren.
The lab technician has to prepare the sample under the microscope for the examination.
Die Schülerin muss die Probe für den Unterricht vorbereiten.
The student has to prepare the sample for class.
