to sniff / to sample
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to sniff
To draw in air briefly and often audibly through the nose in order to perceive a smell. This is typical of animals, but it is also used for people.
Der Hund schnupperte neugierig an der fremden Tasche.
The dog sniffed curiously at the unfamiliar bag.
The preposition after 'schnuppern' indicates the meaning. 'An etwas (Dativ) schnuppern' means literally to smell something. 'In etwas (Akkusativ) schnuppern' means to gain first experiences.
Die Katze schnuppert an der neuen Pflanze.
The cat sniffs at the new plant.
In the literal meaning of perceiving a smell, 'schnuppern' is often followed by the preposition 'an' with an object in the dative. This describes exactly what is being smelled.
Der Koch schnupperte an dem frischen Basilikum.
The cook sniffed the fresh basil.
The figurative meaning is often used in the context of work, training, or new experiences. Typical phrases are 'in einen Beruf schnuppern' (to sample a profession), 'Uni-Luft schnuppern' (to get a taste of university life), or 'in ein Hobby schnuppern' (to try out a hobby).
Mit einem Schnupperkurs kann man unverbindlich ins Klettern schnuppern.
With a trial course, you can sample climbing without any obligation.
to try out
'ausprobieren' and 'schnuppern' can both mean that you are getting to know something new. 'Ausprobieren' means that you really test or use something to see whether it works or whether you like it. 'In etwas schnuppern' is figurative and means that you only get a first brief glimpse, for example into a profession, course, or hobby. The words can be confusing because both are used at the beginning of something new. If you are actively testing something, you are more likely to say 'ausprobieren'. If you are first just taking a brief look or listen, 'schnuppern' fits better.
Vor dem Wochenende möchte ich in den Fotokurs schnuppern.
Before the weekend, I want to sample the photography course.
In der Bibliothek hat Lena ein neues Lernprogramm ausprobiert.
At the library, Lena tried out a new learning program.