01
probieren
to taste
To eat or drink a small amount of something in order to test its flavor.
example
Möchtest du mal von der Suppe probieren?
Would you like to taste some of the soup?
probieren
to try
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'probieren' (to try) is closely related to the noun 'die Probe', which means 'test', 'sample', or 'tasting sample'. This connection to the idea of testing helps you understand all the meanings of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Kann ich eine Probe von diesem Käse haben?
Can I have a sample of this cheese?
Sentence structure with 'ob'
When you want to test whether a certain condition is true, the structure 'probieren, ob ...' (to try/test whether ...) is very common. It is followed by a subordinate clause with the verb at the end.
EXAMPLE
Ich probiere mal, ob das WLAN hier funktioniert.
I'll just test whether the Wi-Fi works here.
Sentence structure with infinitive
When you try to carry out an action, use the construction 'probieren, etwas zu tun' (to try to do something). After the comma comes 'zu' with the infinitive of the second verb.
EXAMPLE
Er probiert, das Fenster zu öffnen.
He is trying to open the window.
Context clue: food
When the object of 'probieren' (to try) is a food or drink, the verb always means 'to taste' or 'to sample'.
EXAMPLE
Probier mal den Wein, er ist ausgezeichnet!
Taste the wine—it’s excellent!
Context clue: clothing
In connection with clothing, shoes, or accessories, 'probieren' (to try) always means 'anprobieren' (to try on). The typical place for this is a fitting room.
EXAMPLE
Kann ich diese Hose in einer anderen Größe probieren?
Can I try these pants on in another size?
Compare with
probieren vs kosten
to cost / taste
'kosten' and 'probieren' can both mean that you eat or drink a small amount in order to test the flavor. In this sense, they are very similar. 'kosten' fits especially well when you want to check the flavor, for example while cooking or with wine. 'probieren' is very common in everyday language and a little more general. You can also use it for trying new foods without the focus being so specifically on checking the taste. With food, you can often use both words, but 'probieren' usually sounds more natural in casual situations.
probieren
Auf dem Markt hat Anna ein Stück Käse probiert.
At the market, Anna tried a piece of cheese.
kosten
Beim Kochen kostet Tom die Suppe und fügt noch Salz hinzu.
While cooking, Tom tastes the soup and adds more salt.
In real life
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