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.
'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
'die Kontrolle' and 'die Prüfung' can both mean that something is looked at closely or checked. 'die Kontrolle' often sounds more practical and can happen quickly, for example with tickets, security, or public order. 'die Prüfung' is often more formal and thorough. In school or training, 'Prüfung' also means a test or exam that is usually graded. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a check or inspection. If someone is just checking whether everything is correct, 'Kontrolle' fits well. If it is official, careful, or graded, 'Prüfung' is more natural.
Herr Schwarz lernt im Zug für die Prüfung im Deutschkurs.
Mr. Schwarz studies for the exam in his German course on the train.
Bei der Kontrolle zeigt Herr Becker dem Mitarbeiter seinen Ausweis.
During the check, Mr. Becker shows the employee his ID.