das Versuchskaninchen
laboratory rabbit
A rabbit used in scientific or medical experiments.
EXAMPLE
Das Versuchskaninchen erhielt ein neues Medikament.
The laboratory rabbit was given a new drug.
das Versuchskaninchen
guinea pig / laboratory rabbit
das Versuchskaninchen, die Versuchskaninchen
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Versuchskaninchen
guinea pig
A person on whom something new is tried out first, such as a method, a device, or a product.
EXAMPLE
Bei der neuen Software wollte ich nicht das Versuchskaninchen sein.
I didn't want to be the guinea pig for the new software.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Versuchskaninchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Versuchskaninchen |
| genitive | des Versuchskaninchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Versuchskaninchen | die Versuchskaninchen |
| accusative | das Versuchskaninchen | die Versuchskaninchen |
| dative | dem Versuchskaninchen | den Versuchskaninchen |
| genitive | des Versuchskaninchens | der Versuchskaninchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Versuchskaninchen' (laboratory rabbit / guinea pig) is made up of 'Versuch' (experiment) and 'Kaninchen' (rabbit). Literally, the word refers to a rabbit used in an experiment; this also gives rise to its figurative meaning when used for people.
EXAMPLE
Das Versuchskaninchen wurde vor dem Versuch sorgfältig untersucht.
The laboratory rabbit was carefully examined before the experiment.
Typical collocations
In scientific or medical contexts, 'Versuchskaninchen' (laboratory rabbit) often appears in phrases such as 'Versuchskaninchen verwenden' (to use laboratory rabbits) or 'etwas an Versuchskaninchen testen' (to test something on laboratory rabbits). These often refer to a drug or a treatment.
EXAMPLE
Für die Studie wurden zwölf Versuchskaninchen verwendet.
Twelve laboratory rabbits were used for the study.
Figurative meaning
When referring to a person, 'Versuchskaninchen' (guinea pig) is usually used figuratively and with a slightly critical tone. Typical collocations are 'als Versuchskaninchen dienen' (to serve as a guinea pig) and 'jemanden als Versuchskaninchen benutzen' (to use someone as a guinea pig), when something is tried out on that person first.
EXAMPLE
Für die neue Unterrichtsmethode wollte niemand als Versuchskaninchen dienen.
No one wanted to serve as a guinea pig for the new teaching method.
Context clue
When discussing people and new methods, devices, products, or software, 'Versuchskaninchen' (guinea pig) is usually meant figuratively. The expression emphasizes that the person has to be the first to experience potential problems or errors.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter fühlten sich als Versuchskaninchen für das neue Arbeitszeitmodell.
The employees felt like guinea pigs for the new working hours model.
In real life
Loading video examples...