exam / inspection
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exam
A formal test in which knowledge or skills are assessed, often at the end of a course or training program. The result is usually graded.
Nächste Woche habe ich meine Abschlussprüfung in Mathematik.
Next week I have my final exam in mathematics.
inspection
The careful examination or checking of something to determine whether it is correct, safe, or in good condition.
Die technische Prüfung des Autos hat keine Mängel ergeben.
The technical inspection of the car found no defects.
trial
A difficult situation or period that places great demands on a person and tests their character, patience, or faith.
Die lange Krankheit war eine schwere Prüfung für die ganze Familie.
The long illness was a severe trial for the whole family.
'Die Prüfung' (the exam/inspection) is the noun related to the verb 'prüfen' (to check/test). If you know that 'prüfen' means 'to test' or 'to check', you can understand all the meanings of the noun more easily.
Der Lehrer prüft die Hausaufgaben der Schüler.
The teacher checks the students' homework.
In the context of exams, fixed verbs are used: you 'legt eine Prüfung ab' (take an exam), you 'besteht eine Prüfung' (pass an exam), or you 'fällt durch eine Prüfung' (fail an exam).
Er hat hart gelernt, um die Prüfung zu bestehen.
He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
In the meaning of 'Kontrolle' (check/inspection), 'Prüfung' is often made more precise by an adjective. Typical examples are 'technische Prüfung' (technical inspection), 'ärztliche Prüfung' (medical examination), or 'Sicherheitsprüfung' (security check).
Mein Auto muss nächsten Monat zur technischen Prüfung.
My car has to go for its technical inspection next month.
You can often recognize the figurative meaning of a difficult time from adjectives such as 'hart' (hard), 'schwer' (difficult/severe), or 'groß' (great). The context is always a personal challenge.
Die Arbeitslosigkeit war eine harte Prüfung für ihn.
Unemployment was a hard trial for him.
control / check
Kontrolle and Prüfung can both determine whether something is in order. A Kontrolle can be a brief or occasional check. A Prüfung is usually more thorough and often carried out systematically according to specific requirements, especially when safety or condition is to be assessed officially.
Bei der jährlichen Prüfung untersucht der Techniker den Aufzug genau nach den Sicherheitsanforderungen.
During the annual inspection, the technician examines the elevator carefully according to the safety requirements.
Vor der ersten Fahrt macht der Techniker eine kurze Kontrolle des Aufzugs.
Before its first trip, the technician carries out a brief check of the elevator.
