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A1 noun #1,200 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

Examen

Top 1,200

At the A1 level, you will primarily use the word examen to talk about your school or language classes. It is one of the first nouns you learn because it is so similar to the English word 'exam'. You should focus on simple sentences using the verb tener (to have) or hacer (to do). For example, 'Tengo un examen' (I have an exam). You will also learn to describe the exam with basic adjectives like fácil (easy) or difícil (difficult). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar, but you should remember that it is a masculine noun: el examen. You might also hear your teacher say, 'Saquen una hoja para el examen' (Take out a piece of paper for the exam). It is a very practical word for any student starting their Spanish journey.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of examen by adding more detail. You will learn to specify the subject of the exam using the preposition de, such as examen de español or examen de matemáticas. You will also start using verbs like estudiar para (to study for) and preparar (to prepare). This is also the level where you should become aware of the plural form exámenes and its mandatory accent mark. You might start talking about your grades using phrases like sacar una buena nota (to get a good grade). You'll also encounter the word in medical contexts, like a simple examen médico for a sports club or a job application. Your vocabulary is growing to include the different parts of an exam, like preguntas (questions) and respuestas (answers).

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using examen in a variety of tenses and more complex sentence structures. You will use the subjunctive to express hopes or fears about exams, such as 'Espero que el examen sea fácil' (I hope the exam is easy). You will also learn more specific verbs like aprobar (to pass) and suspender or reprobar (to fail). You'll start to distinguish between different types of exams, such as examen parcial (midterm) and examen final. You might also encounter the word in the context of the examen de conducir (driving test), which is a major topic of conversation among adults. At this level, you are expected to understand the word when it appears in longer texts or listening exercises about education and health. You are moving beyond simple classroom usage into real-world applications.

At the B2 level, you use examen in more formal and professional contexts. You will understand its use in business, such as an examen de cuentas (audit) or an examen de mercado (market analysis). You should be able to discuss the nuances between examen, prueba, and evaluación. You will also encounter the word in more abstract senses, such as an examen crítico (critical examination) of a book or a theory. Your ability to use idiomatic expressions increases, such as poner a examen (to put to the test). You will also be familiar with the high-stakes exams in Spanish-speaking countries, like the Selectividad in Spain or the ICFES in Colombia. You can argue for or against different types of testing methods using sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word examen and its many connotations. You can use it in highly formal writing and academic discourse. You are familiar with the concept of oposiciones (competitive exams for public service) and the immense effort they require. You can use the word metaphorically to describe life experiences or philosophical inquiries, such as an examen de conciencia. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other words in the same family. You can detect subtle shifts in meaning depending on the regional dialect or the specific professional field. Your use of the word is precise, and you can navigate complex discussions about educational reform or medical ethics where the concept of 'examination' is central.

At the C2 level, your mastery of examen is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can appreciate the word's use in classical literature and legal statutes. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word and can use it with absolute precision in any register. You can lead discussions on the socio-economic impact of standardized exámenes or the psychological effects of rigorous testing on students. You can write detailed reports or academic papers that involve the examen exhaustivo of data or evidence. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, allowing you to express complex ideas about scrutiny, verification, and human potential with nuance and sophistication.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

Examen in 30 Sekunden

Examen means test or exam in Spanish, used for school, medicine, and driving.
It is a masculine noun (el examen) and the plural is exámenes (with an accent).
Common verbs used with it are hacer, rendir, aprobar, and suspender/reprobar.
It comes from Latin and originally meant the tongue of a weighing scale.

The Spanish word examen is a fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it refers to a formal test or evaluation of knowledge, skills, or physical condition. While it is a cognate of the English word 'exam,' its usage in Spanish covers a broad spectrum of evaluative contexts, ranging from the classroom to the doctor's office and even into the realm of deep personal reflection. Understanding when and how to use this word requires looking at the various social and professional structures in Spanish-speaking cultures where evaluation is a key component of progress.

Academic Context: In schools and universities, an examen is the standard method of assessment. It can be an examen parcial (midterm) or an examen final (final exam). Students often talk about preparar un examen (preparing for an exam) or presentarse a un examen (taking/sitting for an exam).

Mañana tengo un examen de matemáticas muy difícil y necesito estudiar toda la noche.

Beyond the classroom, the word extends into the medical field. A doctor might perform an examen físico (physical examination) or request an examen de sangre (blood test). In these instances, the word implies a careful inspection or analysis to determine a state of health. This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency nouns in the Spanish language, appearing in daily news, professional reports, and casual conversations about personal challenges.

Medical Usage: When used in a clinical setting, examen refers to the diagnostic process. For example, examen de la vista refers to an eye exam. It suggests a methodical approach to gathering data about a patient's condition.

El doctor solicitó un examen médico completo antes de la cirugía.

In more abstract or literary contexts, examen can refer to a deep scrutiny or investigation. An examen de conciencia (examination of conscience) is a common phrase used in religious or psychological contexts to describe the act of reflecting on one's own actions and morals. This shows that the word is not just about external testing, but also about internal evaluation and the search for truth or accuracy in various domains of human life.

Abstract Scrutiny: This refers to the detailed analysis of a situation or a person's character. It is often used in journalism or legal documents to describe a thorough investigation of facts.

Tras un breve examen de los hechos, el juez decidió posponer el juicio.

Hacer un examen de conciencia es necesario para el crecimiento personal.

El examen de conducir es un rito de iniciación para muchos jóvenes.

Using examen correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; you must also master the verbs that typically accompany it. In English, we 'take' an exam, but in Spanish, the most common verb is hacer (to do/make) or presentarse a (to present oneself to). If you say 'tomar un examen,' it might be understood in some regions due to English influence, but it is often considered an anglicism. To sound more natural, stick to hacer un examen or rendir un examen (the latter is very common in South America, particularly in Argentina and Chile).

Common Verbs: Verbs like aprobar (to pass), suspender (to fail - common in Spain), and reprobar (to fail - common in Latin America) are essential when discussing the outcomes of an examen.

Si no estudias, vas a suspender el examen de historia.

The word is almost always masculine (el examen) and follows standard rules for adjectives. For example, un examen difícil (a difficult exam) or un examen oral (an oral exam). When describing the subject of the exam, use the preposition de. For instance, un examen de conducir (a driving test) or un examen de inglés (an English exam). This structure is very consistent and helps learners build complex sentences easily.

Prepositional Usage: Always use de to link the word examen with the topic being tested. Example: examen de química, examen de leyes.

El examen de ingreso a la universidad es extremadamente competitivo.

In professional settings, examen is used to describe audits or technical reviews. A company might undergo an examen de cuentas (an audit of accounts). In this context, the word carries a weight of authority and thoroughness. It is not just a casual look-over but a systematic verification process. This formal register is important for business Spanish learners to master, as it appears frequently in contracts and official communications.

Professional Register: In business, examen implies a formal audit or a rigorous check. Phrases like examen de auditoría are common in financial reports.

La empresa superó el examen fiscal sin ninguna multa.

¿A qué hora empieza el examen de certificación?

Ella sacó una nota excelente en su examen de piano.

You will hear examen in a variety of real-world scenarios, most notably in educational environments. If you walk through a university campus in Spain or Mexico during the months of June or January, the word will be on everyone's lips. Students will be discussing their época de exámenes (exam season), complaining about exámenes finales, or sharing tips on how to pass a particularly difficult examen. It is a word that carries a lot of emotional weight—stress, anxiety, and eventually, relief.

The Student Life: Conversations often revolve around quedarse en blanco (drawing a blank) during an examen or copiar en un examen (cheating on an exam).

Durante el examen, me puse tan nervioso que se me olvidó todo.

In the media, examen is frequently used in political and social commentary. News anchors might talk about the government's policies being put to the examen de la opinión pública (the test of public opinion). Here, the word is metaphorical, suggesting that the public is evaluating the performance of their leaders. Similarly, in sports, a difficult match might be described as a verdadero examen for a team, testing their skills and resilience against a tough opponent.

Metaphorical Use: Used to describe any situation that tests one's limits. For example, un examen de paciencia (a test of patience).

Este proyecto será un examen para nuestra capacidad de trabajar en equipo.

Another common place to hear the word is at the Department of Motor Vehicles (or its equivalent, like the DGT in Spain). The examen de conducir is a major milestone. You will hear people talking about the examen teórico (written/theory test) and the examen práctico (driving/practical test). The terminology is very specific, and failing either part is a common topic of frustration among young adults. In medical clinics, you'll hear nurses call patients for their examen de rutina (routine check-up), reinforcing the word's presence in health and wellness.

Daily Life Milestones: The examen de conducir is perhaps the most talked-about non-academic exam in a person's life.

Aprobé el examen teórico, pero todavía me falta el práctico.

El paciente debe venir en ayunas para su examen de sangre.

Pasar por un examen de seguridad es obligatorio en el aeropuerto.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with examen is related to orthography—specifically, the accent mark. In Spanish, the singular word examen does not have an accent because it is a 'palabra llana' (stressed on the second-to-last syllable) ending in 'n'. However, when it becomes plural, exámenes, it becomes an 'esdrújula' (stressed on the third-to-last syllable), and all esdrújula words must have a written accent. Many learners either put an accent on the singular or forget it on the plural. This is a classic error that teachers look for in written assignments.

The Accent Trap: Singular: examen (No accent). Plural: exámenes (Has accent). This is due to Spanish stress rules.

Incorrecto: Tengo un exámen hoy. Correcto: Tengo un examen hoy.

Another common pitfall is the choice of verb. As mentioned before, using tomar for taking an exam is a direct translation from English that sounds unnatural in many Spanish-speaking regions. While it is increasingly common in areas with high US influence (like parts of Mexico or Puerto Rico), in standard Spanish, you should use hacer, realizar, or rendir. Similarly, don't confuse examen with prueba. While they can be synonyms, prueba is often used for smaller tests, quizzes, or even physical trials (like a 'prueba de velocidad'), whereas examen is more formal.

Verb Confusion: Avoid saying tomar un examen. Use hacer un examen or presentarse a un examen to sound like a native speaker.

Incorrecto: Voy a tomar el examen. Correcto: Voy a hacer el examen.

Learners also struggle with the preposition used after the word. In English, we might say 'an exam on history,' but in Spanish, it is strictly examen de historia. Using sobre (about) is grammatically possible but much less common and can sound slightly clunky. Stick to de for the subject matter. Lastly, be careful with the word test. While test is used in Spanish (it's a loanword), it usually refers specifically to multiple-choice questionnaires or psychological evaluations, not a general exam.

Preposition Choice: Always use de to indicate the subject. Examen de biología is the standard way to say 'biology exam'.

Incorrecto: Un examen sobre geografía. Correcto: Un examen de geografía.

Los exámenes finales son en mayo (Note the accent on the plural).

No digas 'reprobar un examen' en España; allí dicen 'suspender'.

While examen is the most common word for a test, Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the context and the level of formality. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right situation. The most frequent alternative is prueba. This word is very versatile and can mean a test, a trial, or even evidence in a legal case. In a classroom, a prueba is often shorter or less formal than an examen, similar to a 'quiz' in English.

Examen vs. Prueba: Examen: Formal, long, significant (e.g., final exam).
Prueba: Informal, short, or a trial (e.g., a pop quiz or a trial run).

El profesor nos hizo una prueba sorpresa de vocabulario.

Another word you might encounter is evaluación. This is a more academic and comprehensive term. It refers to the entire process of assessing a student's performance over a period of time, not just a single test. For example, la evaluación continua (continuous assessment) is a common pedagogical approach in modern Spanish education. If you are talking about a psychological or technical assessment, valoración might also be used, which implies assigning a value or a quality to something.

Evaluación and Valoración: Evaluación: The broad process of grading or assessing.
Valoración: An appraisal or expert opinion on the worth or state of something.

La evaluación final del curso incluye la nota del examen y la participación.

In specific technical fields, you might hear test (pronounced like the English word but often with a Spanish accent). As mentioned, this is usually reserved for psychological tests or multiple-choice formats. In medical contexts, análisis is a very common alternative for 'test,' especially when referring to laboratory work like análisis de sangre (blood test) or análisis de orina (urine test). While you can say examen de sangre, análisis sounds slightly more clinical and precise.

Medical Alternatives: Análisis: Laboratory testing.
Reconocimiento: A physical check-up or inspection (e.g., reconocimiento médico).

Mañana tengo que ir al laboratorio para unos análisis.

El test psicotécnico es obligatorio para este puesto de trabajo.

Hicimos un examen exhaustivo de la maquinaria antes de comprarla.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word is related to 'exigo' (to demand or measure), which also gave us the word 'exigente' (demanding). It literally means 'that which weighs out'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ekˈsa.men/

US /ekˈsa.men/

The stress is on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable: ex-A-men.

Reimt sich auf

Dictamen Certamen Gravamen Vamen Lamen Amen Resumen (near rhyme) Volumen (near rhyme)

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (EX-amen) like in English.
Adding an accent mark to the singular form (exámen).
Pronouncing the 'x' as a 's' (esamen), though this happens in some dialects, it's better to use 'ks'.
Forgetting the accent on the plural form (examenes instead of exámenes).
Pronouncing the final 'n' too softly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a cognate of 'exam'.

Schreiben 2/5

Slightly tricky due to the accent change in the plural form.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but remember to stress the second syllable.

Hören 1/5

Very distinct sound and usually clear in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Escuela Estudiar Libro Profesor Pregunta

Als Nächstes lernen

Aprobar Suspender Nota Título Carrera

Fortgeschritten

Oposiciones Catedrático Expediente académico Convocatoria Matrícula

Wichtige Grammatik

Stress and Accents (Palabras Llanas)

Examen ends in 'n' and is stressed on the penultimate syllable, so no accent.

Stress and Accents (Palabras Esdrújulas)

Exámenes is stressed on the third-to-last syllable, so it always needs an accent.

Noun Gender

Nouns ending in -men are typically masculine (el examen, el certamen, el dictamen).

Preposition 'de' for Subject

Always use 'de' to indicate the topic: 'examen de historia'.

Verbs of Achievement

Use 'aprobar' (to pass) and 'suspender/reprobar' (to fail) with 'examen'.

Beispiele nach Niveau

Yo tengo un examen hoy.

I have an exam today.

Simple present tense with 'tener'.

El examen es fácil.

The exam is easy.

Using 'ser' for characteristics.

¿Cuándo es el examen?

When is the exam?

Question word 'cuándo'.

Tengo un examen de español.

I have a Spanish exam.

Preposition 'de' for the subject.

El examen es a las diez.

The exam is at ten.

Telling time with 'ser'.

Necesito un lápiz para el examen.

I need a pencil for the exam.

Preposition 'para' for purpose.

El examen no es difícil.

The exam is not difficult.

Negation with 'no'.

Mañana hay un examen.

Tomorrow there is an exam.

Using 'hay' for existence.

Tengo que estudiar mucho para el examen.

I have to study a lot for the exam.

'Tengo que' + infinitive.

Los exámenes de matemáticas son largos.

The math exams are long.

Plural form 'exámenes' with accent.

Ella sacó una buena nota en el examen.

She got a good grade on the exam.

Past tense 'sacó'.

El examen médico es obligatorio.

The medical exam is mandatory.

Adjective 'obligatorio' matching masculine noun.

¿Hiciste el examen de inglés ayer?

Did you do the English exam yesterday?

Preterite tense 'hiciste'.

No puedo ir al cine porque tengo un examen.

I can't go to the cinema because I have an exam.

Conjunction 'porque'.

El examen tiene veinte preguntas.

The exam has twenty questions.

Number agreement.

Mi examen de conducir es la próxima semana.

My driving test is next week.

Possessive adjective 'mi'.

Espero que apruebes el examen de conducir.

I hope you pass the driving test.

Present subjunctive 'apruebes'.

Si hubiera estudiado más, habría pasado el examen.

If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.

Third conditional structure.

El profesor todavía no ha corregido los exámenes.

The teacher hasn't corrected the exams yet.

Present perfect tense.

Me puse muy nervioso durante el examen final.

I got very nervous during the final exam.

Reflexive verb 'ponerse'.

Es necesario presentarse al examen con el DNI.

It is necessary to show up for the exam with your ID.

Impersonal expression 'es necesario'.

Aprobé el examen de casualidad.

I passed the exam by chance.

Adverbial phrase 'de casualidad'.

El examen parcial cuenta para la nota final.

The midterm exam counts toward the final grade.

Verb 'contar para'.

No me gusta hacer exámenes orales.

I don't like doing oral exams.

Verb 'gustar' with infinitive.

El examen de las pruebas periciales fue clave para el juicio.

The examination of the expert evidence was key to the trial.

Formal use of 'examen' as scrutiny.

La empresa se someterá a un examen de auditoría externa.

The company will undergo an external audit examination.

Future tense 'someterá'.

El examen de conciencia es fundamental en esta filosofía.

The examination of conscience is fundamental in this philosophy.

Abstract noun usage.

A pesar de los nervios, realizó un examen brillante.

Despite the nerves, he performed a brilliant exam.

Concession phrase 'a pesar de'.

El examen de ingreso a la facultad es muy riguroso.

The entrance exam for the faculty is very rigorous.

Adjective 'riguroso'.

Se requiere un examen exhaustivo de los datos antes de publicar.

An exhaustive examination of the data is required before publishing.

Passive 'se requiere'.

Muchos estudiantes suspenden el examen por falta de tiempo.

Many students fail the exam due to lack of time.

Preposition 'por' for cause.

El examen de la vista reveló que necesito gafas.

The eye exam revealed that I need glasses.

Medical context.

El examen minucioso de la obra reveló influencias barrocas.

The meticulous examination of the work revealed Baroque influences.

Sophisticated adjective 'minucioso'.

Las oposiciones consisten en una serie de exámenes eliminatorios.

The public service exams consist of a series of eliminatory exams.

Cultural term 'oposiciones'.

Su teoría no resiste un examen lógico profundo.

His theory does not withstand a deep logical examination.

Metaphorical use of 'resistir'.

El examen de los restos arqueológicos duró varios meses.

The examination of the archaeological remains lasted several months.

Scientific context.

Tras un breve examen, el perito determinó la causa del incendio.

After a brief examination, the expert determined the cause of the fire.

Professional title 'perito'.

El examen de las políticas públicas es esencial para la democracia.

The examination of public policies is essential for democracy.

Political context.

No debemos precipitarnos sin un examen previo de la situación.

We must not rush without a prior examination of the situation.

Reflexive 'precipitarnos'.

El examen de las huellas dactilares confirmó su identidad.

The examination of the fingerprints confirmed his identity.

Forensic context.

La hermenéutica exige un examen pormenorizado del texto sagrado.

Hermeneutics requires a detailed examination of the sacred text.

Academic term 'hermenéutica'.

Someter la realidad a un examen dialéctico es propio de su método.

Subjecting reality to a dialectical examination is characteristic of his method.

Philosophical register.

El examen de la jurisprudencia actual sugiere un cambio de paradigma.

The examination of current jurisprudence suggests a paradigm shift.

Legal term 'jurisprudencia'.

Un examen somero no basta para captar la complejidad del asunto.

A superficial examination is not enough to grasp the complexity of the matter.

Adjective 'somero' (superficial).

El examen de los estados financieros reveló irregularidades graves.

The examination of the financial statements revealed serious irregularities.

Corporate auditing context.

La introspección no es sino un examen del propio yo.

Introspection is nothing but an examination of the self.

Literary structure 'no es sino'.

El examen de la trayectoria vital del autor es revelador.

The examination of the author's life trajectory is revealing.

Biographical context.

Cualquier examen de la historia debe ser imparcial.

Any examination of history must be impartial.

Indefinite adjective 'cualquier'.

Häufige Kollokationen

Hacer un examen

Aprobar un examen

Suspender un examen

Examen de sangre

Examen de conciencia

Examen parcial

Examen final

Examen oral

Examen de conducir

Examen médico

Häufige Phrasen

Época de exámenes

Presentarse a un examen

Sacar un examen adelante

Examen de ingreso

Examen de recuperación

Examen sorpresa

Examen de aptitud

Examen de la vista

Examen físico

Examen teórico/práctico

Wird oft verwechselt mit

Examen vs Prueba

Prueba is often a shorter or less formal test than an examen.

Examen vs Test

Test usually refers specifically to multiple-choice or psychological tests.

Examen vs Ensayo

Ensayo means 'essay' or 'rehearsal', not a test/exam.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Poner a examen"

To put something or someone to the test or under scrutiny.

Esta crisis va a poner a examen nuestra paciencia.

Neutral

"Pasar el examen"

To pass the test, often used metaphorically for meeting expectations.

El nuevo empleado pasó el examen con éxito.

Neutral

"Estar bajo examen"

To be under investigation or close observation.

Su conducta está bajo examen por la directiva.

Formal

"Un examen de conciencia"

A deep self-reflection about one's morals or actions.

Antes de dormir, hago un pequeño examen de conciencia.

Neutral/Religious

"Someter a examen"

To subject something to a detailed analysis.

Vamos a someter a examen todas las propuestas.

Formal

"Quedarse en blanco en un examen"

To draw a blank or forget everything during a test.

Me quedé en blanco en el examen de química.

Informal

"Copiar en un examen"

To cheat on an exam by looking at someone else's paper or notes.

Lo pillaron copiando en el examen de historia.

Informal

"Hacer un examen de la situación"

To assess or evaluate a current state of affairs.

Debemos hacer un examen de la situación antes de actuar.

Neutral

"Examen de rigor"

A standard or customary check that must be performed.

Le hicieron el examen de rigor antes de entrar al edificio.

Formal

"No pasar el examen"

To fail to meet the required standard or quality.

Ese prototipo no pasó el examen de calidad.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

Examen vs Éxito

Sounds like 'exit' but means 'success'.

Examen is a test; éxito is the success you might have after passing it.

Tuve mucho éxito en mi examen.

Examen vs Prueba

Both mean 'test'.

Examen is usually more formal and longer. Prueba can also mean 'evidence' or 'trial'.

La prueba del crimen fue un cuchillo.

Examen vs Análisis

Both used in medical contexts.

Análisis refers to lab work; examen is a general check-up or inspection.

El examen físico incluyó un análisis de sangre.

Examen vs Cuestionario

Both involve questions.

A cuestionario is just a list of questions; an examen is a formal evaluation.

Rellena este cuestionario antes del examen.

Examen vs Concurso

Both can be competitive.

A concurso is a contest; an examen is a test of knowledge.

El examen para la beca fue como un concurso.

Satzmuster

Tengo un examen de [Subject].

Tengo un examen de música.

El examen de [Subject] es [Adjective].

El examen de arte es divertido.

Espero [Subjunctive Verb] el examen.

Espero que apruebes el examen.

A pesar de [Noun], hice un buen examen.

A pesar de los nervios, hice un buen examen.

Tras un examen [Adjective] de [Noun]...

Tras un examen exhaustivo de las pruebas...

No es sino a través de un examen [Adjective] que...

No es sino a través de un examen riguroso que hallaremos la verdad.

Any

¿Cuándo es el examen de [Subject]?

¿Cuándo es el examen de geografía?

Any

Voy a estudiar para el examen.

Voy a estudiar para el examen de mañana.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high; used daily in academic and professional life.

Häufige Fehler

Writing 'exámen' with an accent. → examen
The singular form is a 'palabra llana' ending in 'n', so it does not need a written accent according to Spanish orthography rules.
Writing 'examenes' without an accent. → exámenes
The plural form is an 'esdrújula' word, and in Spanish, all esdrújula words must have a written accent on the stressed syllable.
Saying 'tomar un examen'. → hacer un examen
While 'tomar' is understood, 'hacer' is the standard and more natural verb used in the Spanish-speaking world for taking a test.
Using 'la examen' (feminine). → el examen
Examen is a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles and ensure adjective agreement (e.g., 'un examen largo').
Using 'examen' for a short 5-minute quiz. → prueba / control
While not strictly wrong, 'examen' usually implies something more significant. For a quick quiz, 'prueba' or 'control' is more appropriate.

Tipps

The Plural Accent

Always remember to add the accent mark in 'exámenes'. It is one of the most frequent spelling tests for Spanish students themselves. The singular 'examen' has no accent.

Hacer vs. Tomar

Avoid the anglicism 'tomar un examen'. Use 'hacer', 'realizar', or 'rendir' to sound like a native. 'Rendir' is particularly common in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile).

Regional Failure

If you are in Spain, say 'suspendí el examen'. If you are in Mexico or Colombia, say 'reprobé el examen'. Both mean you failed, but using the local word helps you blend in.

Stress the A

In Spanish, the stress is on the 'a' (ex-A-men). In English, we often stress the first syllable (EX-am). Shifting the stress is key to a good accent.

Medical Exams

When going to a clinic, you can ask for an 'examen general'. It's a very useful phrase for travelers who might need a check-up.

Exam Season

Learn the phrase 'época de exámenes'. It explains why your Spanish-speaking friends might be unavailable or stressed during certain months of the year.

Blanking Out

Memorize 'quedarse en blanco'. It's a very evocative way to describe that feeling of forgetting everything during a test.

Entrance Exams

If you plan to study abroad, look up the 'examen de ingreso' requirements early, as they vary greatly between countries.

Subject Link

Use 'de' to link the exam to the subject. 'Examen de química' is much more common than 'examen sobre química'.

Asking Results

To ask how someone did, say '¿Cómo te fue en el examen?'. It's a friendly and common way to show interest in their studies.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of an 'EX-AMEN'. You say 'Amen' when the 'Ex' (exam) is finally over! Or remember that 'Examen' is like 'Exam' but with an extra 'en' at the end.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a student standing on a giant weighing scale (the original meaning of examen) while holding a test paper.

Word Web

Estudiar Nota Profesor Pregunta Respuesta Aprobar Suspender Libro

Herausforderung

Try to use the word 'examen' and its plural 'exámenes' in three different sentences today: one about school, one about a doctor, and one about a driving test.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin word 'examen', which refers to the tongue or needle of a balance (weighing scale).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of weighing or the means by which something is weighed and tested for accuracy.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that 'reprobar' is the standard word for failing in Latin America, while 'suspender' is used in Spain. Using the wrong one might sound slightly odd but will be understood.

In the US/UK, 'exam' is often shortened from 'examination'. In Spanish, 'examen' is the standard full word and is rarely shortened.

The film 'El método' (The Method) depicts a grueling job interview/exam process. Many Spanish songs mention the stress of 'época de exámenes'. The 'examen de conciencia' is a key part of the Catholic tradition prevalent in many Spanish-speaking countries.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Education

¿Cuándo es el examen?
He aprobado el examen.
El examen fue muy difícil.
Tengo que estudiar para el examen.

Medical

Necesito un examen de sangre.
El examen médico fue bien.
¿Dónde me hago el examen?
Tengo un examen de la vista.

Driving

Mañana hago el examen práctico.
Aprobé el examen teórico.
El examen de conducir es caro.
Fallé en el examen de conducir.

Professional

El examen de las cuentas es anual.
Pasó el examen de selección.
Someter a examen el contrato.
Examen de riesgos laborales.

Personal/Abstract

Hacer un examen de conciencia.
Poner a examen una amistad.
Un examen de la situación actual.
Bajo un examen minucioso.

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Qué tal te salió el examen de ayer?"

"¿Cuántos exámenes tienes esta semana?"

"¿Prefieres los exámenes orales o los escritos?"

"¿Ya has hecho el examen de conducir?"

"¿Estás nervioso por el examen final de español?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe cómo te sientes antes de un examen importante.

Escribe sobre el examen más difícil que has tenido en tu vida.

¿Crees que los exámenes son la mejor forma de evaluar a un estudiante?

Relata una experiencia graciosa o estresante que tuviste durante un examen.

Si pudieras eliminar los exámenes de la escuela, ¿qué método usarías en su lugar?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

En singular no lleva tilde porque es una palabra llana terminada en 'n'. Sin embargo, en plural sí lleva tilde: 'exámenes', porque es esdrújula. Es un error muy común ponerle tilde al singular por analogía con el plural.

Lo más natural en español es decir 'hacer un examen' o 'presentarse a un examen'. 'Tomar un examen' es un calco del inglés 'to take an exam' y, aunque se entiende, suena menos auténtico en la mayoría de los países hispanohablantes.

Generalmente, un examen es más formal, largo y tiene más peso en la nota final. Una prueba suele ser más corta, como un 'quiz', o puede referirse a una demostración física de algo. Por ejemplo, 'una prueba de velocidad'.

Depende de la región. En España se usa mayoritariamente 'suspender un examen'. En América Latina es más común decir 'reprobar un examen'. Ambas son correctas pero tienen un uso geográfico marcado.

Es una expresión que se refiere al acto de reflexionar profundamente sobre los propios actos, pensamientos y moralidad. Es común en contextos religiosos o de crecimiento personal.

Sí, es muy común. Se puede decir 'examen médico', 'examen físico' o 'examen de la vista'. No obstante, para análisis de laboratorio se prefiere la palabra 'análisis'.

Significa olvidar repentinamente todo lo estudiado debido a los nervios o al estrés durante el momento de la evaluación. Es una experiencia muy común entre los estudiantes.

Tradicionalmente se ha llamado 'Selectividad', aunque su nombre oficial ha cambiado a lo largo de los años (PAU, EBAU, EvAU). Es un conjunto de exámenes muy importante para los jóvenes españoles.

Es un sustantivo masculino: 'el examen'. Por lo tanto, los adjetivos que lo acompañan también deben ser masculinos: 'un examen difícil', 'el examen aprobado'.

Son un tipo de examen o conjunto de pruebas muy rigurosas que se realizan en España para acceder a un puesto de trabajo fijo en la administración pública (profesores, policías, jueces, etc.).