A scientific experiment on a living animal in order to test the effects of substances, research diseases, or study biological processes.
example
Die Entwicklung des neuen Medikaments erforderte zahlreiche Tierversuche.
The development of the new medication required numerous animal experiments.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Tierversuch' (animal experiment) is a compound noun made up of 'Tier' (animal) and 'Versuch' (experiment). 'Der Versuch' here means 'das Experiment' (the experiment). So it is literally an experiment with animals.
EXAMPLE
Die ethische Diskussion über Tierversuche ist sehr komplex.
The ethical discussion about animal experiments is very complex.
Typical combinations
Common verbs used in connection with 'Tierversuch' (animal experiment) are 'durchführen' (to conduct), 'machen' (to do/make), or 'genehmigen' (to approve). In critical contexts, you often hear 'ablehnen' (to reject), 'verbieten' (to ban), or 'auf etwas verzichten' (to do without something).
EXAMPLE
Viele Kosmetikfirmen werben damit, dass sie auf Tierversuche verzichten.
Many cosmetics companies advertise that they do without animal testing.
Context
The word 'Tierversuch' (animal experiment) is mainly used in formal and factual contexts, for example in science, politics, the news, or ethical debates.
EXAMPLE
Im Parlament wurde ein neues Gesetz zu Tierversuchen diskutiert.
A new law on animal experiments was discussed in parliament.