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A2 verb #6,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

durchfallen

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces durchfallen en 30 secondes
Explication durchfallen in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'durchfallen' is introduced as a simple word for not passing an exam. Learners usually encounter it in the context of school or basic language tests. The focus is on the most common phrase: 'in der Prüfung durchfallen'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphors. Just remember that it is the opposite of 'bestehen' (to pass). You will mostly use it in the present tense or the simple perfect tense. It's important to start noticing that we use 'sein' (bin, bist, ist) when we talk about having failed in the past. For example, 'Ich bin durchgefallen.' Even though A1 learners use simple sentences, knowing this word is vital because it relates to the very tests you are likely taking to prove your German level. It's a 'survival' word for students. You should also learn that 'durch' is a prefix that likes to jump to the end of the sentence. If you say 'I fail', you say 'Ich falle durch.' This is one of your first introductions to the concept of separable verbs in German. Keep it simple: 'Prüfung' + 'durchfallen' = bad news. 'Prüfung' + 'bestehen' = good news.
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By A2, you should be comfortable with the separable nature of 'durchfallen'. You will start to see it used with more specific types of tests, like the 'Führerscheinprüfung' (driving test). You should also be aware that it's not just for you; you can talk about others failing too. The grammar becomes more important here: you should consistently use 'ist durchgefallen' rather than 'hat durchgefallen'. You might also start to notice that the word isn't just about 'not passing' but carries a bit of a 'falling' imagery. This is also the level where you distinguish between 'durchfallen' (the verb) and 'Durchfall' (the noun for diarrhea), which is a common and embarrassing mistake for beginners. You should be able to form sentences like 'Wenn ich nicht lerne, falle ich durch' (If I don't study, I will fail). You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it in common daily scenarios, especially those involving the many certifications and exams that are common in German culture. You might also hear it in the context of a movie or a play being 'failed' by the audience, though academic failure remains the primary focus.
At B1, you transition to using 'durchfallen' in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and with modal verbs. For example, 'Ich habe Angst, dass ich durchfalle' or 'Man kann in dieser Prüfung leicht durchfallen.' You also learn the causative construction: 'jemanden durchfallen lassen'. This is used when a teacher or an examiner is the subject. 'Der Prüfer hat ihn durchfallen lassen' (The examiner failed him). This level also introduces the metaphorical use in politics or business. If a proposal or a plan is rejected, it 'fällt durch'. You should be able to understand this in a news report. You also start to learn synonyms like 'scheitern' (to fail/founder) and understand that 'durchfallen' is more specific to evaluations and tests. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the emotional side of failing, using adverbs like 'leider' (unfortunately) or 'knapp' (barely). 'Ich bin knapp durchgefallen' (I barely failed/I failed by a small margin). This adds nuance to your communication. You should also be familiar with the Präteritum form 'fiel durch', which you will encounter in written texts and news.
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At the B2 level, 'durchfallen' is used with high fluency in both academic and professional contexts. You are expected to understand its use in critique and reviews. For instance, 'Der Entwurf fiel bei der Kommission durch' (The draft failed/was rejected by the commission). You should be able to use idiomatic expressions like 'mit Pauken und Trompeten durchfallen' to describe a spectacular failure. At this stage, you understand the subtle difference between 'durchfallen' and 'nicht bestehen'. While they are often interchangeable, 'durchfallen' can sound a bit more personal or descriptive of the event, whereas 'nicht bestehen' is the formal, administrative result. You also use the word in the context of quality control or technical checks. 'Das Auto ist beim TÜV durchgefallen' means the car failed its mandatory technical inspection. Your understanding of the word's morphology is complete, and you can easily manipulate it into various tenses and moods, including the subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II): 'Wenn ich mehr gelernt hätte, wäre ich nicht durchgefallen.' This allows you to express regret or hypothetical situations, which is a key skill at B2.
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C1 learners use 'durchfallen' with precision and can identify its use in sophisticated literature and high-level journalism. You will see it used in abstract ways, such as a theory 'falling through' under scientific scrutiny. You are also aware of the word's history and its literal vs. figurative boundaries. In C1, you might explore the stylistic reasons a writer chooses 'durchfallen' over 'scheitern' or 'misslingen'. You can discuss the societal implications of 'Durchfallquoten' (failure rates) in universities and use the word in debates about educational reform. Your register is flexible; you can use the colloquial 'durchrasseln' in a casual conversation and then switch to the formal 'ist im Plenum durchgefallen' in a political discussion. You also understand the nuances of the prefix 'durch-' in other verbs and how it contributes to the meaning of 'falling through a process'. Your command of the word includes its placement in complex 'Infinitivsätze' and its use as a substantive infinitive ('Das Durchfallen bei der Prüfung war ein Schock').
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At the C2 level, 'durchfallen' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand its metaphorical depth in philosophy or high-level social critique. You might encounter it in 18th or 19th-century literature where the literal and figurative meanings were still being negotiated in the modern sense. You can use the word to describe the failure of an entire aesthetic movement or a philosophical school of thought. You are also sensitive to the word's rhythm and placement in a sentence to create specific rhetorical effects. You can effortlessly explain the difference between 'durchfallen' and related terms to lower-level learners, including the historical development of the word. You might also recognize rare or archaic uses of the word in legal or historical documents. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a part of a vast web of linguistic associations. You can use it in irony, sarcasm, or to make profound points about the nature of success and failure in German society. Your use of 'durchfallen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, incorporating all the cultural and historical baggage the word carries.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

durchfallen en 30 secondes

  • Standard verb for failing an exam.
  • Separable (fällt durch, fiel durch).
  • Uses 'sein' in the perfect tense.
  • Metaphorical: 'falling through' a filter.
The German verb durchfallen is a fundamental term for any student or professional navigating the German-speaking world. At its core, it means 'to fail' or 'not to pass,' specifically in the context of an assessment, such as an examination, a driving test, or a performance review. However, the word carries a literal weight that helps learners visualize its meaning: it is composed of the prefix 'durch' (through) and the verb 'fallen' (to fall). Imagine a sieve or a safety net; if you are not 'caught' by the passing grade, you simply fall through the mesh. This visual metaphor is key to understanding why the verb behaves the way it does.
Academic Context
In schools and universities, 'durchfallen' is the standard way to describe failing a 'Prüfung' (exam) or a 'Test'. It is an intransitive verb in this context, meaning you don't 'fail the exam' as a direct object in the same way you do in English; rather, you 'fall through' in the exam (bei der Prüfung durchfallen).
Artistic Failure
When a new play, a movie, or a political proposal is met with total rejection by the public or critics, Germans say it 'fiel durch'. This implies a total lack of support, as if the floor opened up beneath the production.

Ich habe große Angst, in der Matheprüfung durchzufallen, weil ich die Analysis-Aufgaben nicht verstehe.

Beyond the classroom, 'durchfallen' appears in the context of the 'Führerscheinprüfung' (driving test). Given the rigor of German driving schools, this is a common topic of conversation. The word is also used in the medical/biological sense of 'falling through' a physical structure, though this is much rarer in daily conversation compared to its metaphorical use in testing. Culturally, failing an exam in Germany can carry significant weight due to the structured nature of the education system, making this word emotionally charged. When you tell a friend 'Ich bin durchgefallen,' you are sharing a moment of significant setback.

Das neue Theaterstück ist beim Publikum komplett durchgefallen.

Separability
The stress is on the 'durch'. This indicates it is separable. If the stress were on 'fall', it would mean something else (like 'to fall through a space' in a literal physical sense, though even then, 'durchfallen' is usually separable).

Wenn du nicht lernst, fällst du sicher durch.

In summary, use 'durchfallen' whenever a standard has not been met, whether it is a grade, a critic's expectation, or a legislative vote. It is the definitive word for failing to pass a barrier of quality or competence.
Mastering the syntax of durchfallen requires attention to its status as a separable verb and its preference for the auxiliary verb 'sein'. Unlike the English 'to fail', which often takes the exam as a direct object (e.g., 'I failed the test'), German usually uses the preposition 'in' or 'bei' to indicate the context of the failure.
The 'Bei' Construction
This is the most common way to specify the exam. 'Ich bin bei der Prüfung durchgefallen' translates literally to 'I fell through at the exam.' Use 'bei' for specific events or sessions.
The 'In' Construction
Use 'in' when referring to a subject area or a broader category. 'Sie ist in Physik durchgefallen' means she failed (the exam) in the subject of physics.

Er fiel im zweiten Versuch endgültig durch.

In the present tense, the prefix 'durch' splits from the root and moves to the very end of the clause. For example: 'Heute fällt die Entscheidung, ob er durchfällt.' If it is a main clause: 'Er fällt durch.' In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together at the end: 'Ich glaube, dass er durchfällt.'

Bist du schon einmal durch eine Prüfung durchgefallen?

The Narrative Past (Präteritum)
In formal writing or storytelling, you will see 'fiel durch'. 'Der Gesetzentwurf fiel im Parlament durch.' (The bill failed in parliament.)

Ohne Vorbereitung wirst du garantiert durchfallen.

It is also important to note the difference between 'durchfallen' and 'versagen'. While 'durchfallen' is specific to a test or evaluation, 'versagen' is a broader term for 'to fail' as a person or to malfunction. If your car engine fails, it 'versagt'. If you fail your driving test, you 'fällst durch'. Understanding this distinction prevents common learner errors.

Alle Kandidaten sind beim Casting durchgefallen.

Finally, consider the phrase 'mit Pauken und Trompeten durchfallen' (to fail with drums and trumpets), which means to fail spectacularly or completely. It adds a descriptive flair to your German that native speakers will appreciate.
You will encounter durchfallen in several distinct spheres of German life. The most frequent is, naturally, the educational sector. From the 'Grundschule' (primary school) up to the 'Universität', students live with the constant possibility of 'durchzufallen'. You will hear it in hallways ('Hast du gehört? Er ist durchgefallen!') and see it in official documentation regarding 'Prüfungsordnungen' (exam regulations).
News and Politics
Journalists often use this word when a law or a motion does not get enough votes. 'Die Reform ist im Bundesrat durchgefallen.' This implies that the 'sieve' of the legislative process was too fine for the proposal to pass through.
Culture and Entertainment
In the 'Feuilleton' (cultural section of a newspaper), a critic might write that a new opera 'fiel beim Publikum gnadenlos durch'. Here, it describes a lack of success or a poor reception.

In der gestrigen Abstimmung ist der Vorschlag der Opposition durchgefallen.

Another common setting is the 'Fahrschule' (driving school). In Germany, getting a license is a rite of passage, and the 'praktische Prüfung' is notoriously difficult. Conversations about who 'durchgefallen ist' and why (usually because of a 'Stoppschild' or 'rechts vor links' error) are staples of young adult life.

Sein neuester Film ist bei den Kritikern in Cannes komplett durchgefallen.

In professional environments, the word might appear during 'Bewerbungsverfahren' (application processes). If a candidate doesn't make it past the first round of interviews or a technical test, they might be said to have 'durchgefallen'. However, in a professional setting, people often use more bureaucratic terms like 'nicht berücksichtigt werden' (to not be considered).

Ich bin durch den Einstellungstest durchgefallen, weil ich zu langsam war.

Sports
While rare for game scores, it can be used for medical checks. 'Der Spieler ist beim Medizincheck durchgefallen' means he failed the physical exam required for a transfer.

Fast die Hälfte der Klasse ist in der Chemie-Klausur durchgefallen.

Listening for 'durchfallen' will give you a sense of the standards being applied in various German institutions. It is a word of judgment and finality.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with durchfallen is using the wrong auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. In English, we say 'I have failed,' which leads many to say 'Ich habe durchgefallen.' This is incorrect. Because 'durchfallen' implies a change of state or a result of a process without a direct object, it requires 'sein'.
Auxiliary Verb Error
Wrong: Ich habe in der Prüfung durchgefallen. Correct: Ich bin in der Prüfung durchgefallen.
Direct Object Confusion
In English, 'the exam' is the object. In German, 'durchfallen' is intransitive. You do not 'durchfallen the exam'. You 'fall through' (durchfallen) 'in the exam' (in der Prüfung) or 'at the exam' (bei der Prüfung).

Falsch: Ich habe die Prüfung durchgefallen. Richtig: Ich bin bei der Prüfung durchgefallen.

Another mistake is confusing 'durchfallen' with 'durchlassen'. While 'durchfallen' means to fail, 'durchlassen' means to let someone pass. If a teacher 'lässt dich durchfallen', they fail you. If they 'lassen dich durch', they pass you. Beginners often mix these up because they both contain 'durch'.

Er ist nicht durchgefallen, er hat die Prüfung bestanden.

Separability is also a hurdle. In a sentence like 'If I fail...', learners often forget to put 'durch' at the end or keep it attached in the wrong place. 'Wenn ich durchfalle' (subordinate clause) vs. 'Ich falle durch' (main clause).
Preposition Choice
Learners often use 'durch' as a preposition (through the exam). While 'durch die Prüfung fallen' is occasionally heard, 'bei der Prüfung' or 'in der Prüfung' is much more standard and idiomatic.

Niemand möchte in diesem wichtigen Test durchfallen.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse 'durchfallen' with 'versäumen' (to miss). If you miss the exam because you were late, you 'versäumst' it. If you take the exam but fail to get enough points, you 'fällst durch'. These distinctions are vital for clear communication in academic settings.
While durchfallen is the standard term, German offers several synonyms and related words that vary in register and specific nuance. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise.
Scheitern
This is a more dramatic and formal word for 'to fail' or 'to founder'. While you 'durchfällst' an exam, a peace negotiation or a marriage 'scheitert'. It implies a more significant or final failure than just a test grade.
Versagen
This means 'to fail' in the sense of 'to malfunction' or 'to fail to perform'. If a person 'versagt', it suggests a personal shortcoming or a lack of ability in a specific moment. 'Meine Stimme hat versagt' (My voice failed/gave out).
Durchrasseln
This is a colloquial, more colorful version of 'durchfallen'. It suggests failing quickly or with a 'rattle'. Use this with friends: 'Ich bin voll durchgerasselt!'

Das Projekt ist an der Finanzierung gescheitert, nicht an der Idee.

Er hat im entscheidenden Moment völlig versagt.

Verhauen
Slang for 'to mess up' an exam. Unlike 'durchfallen', this is transitive. 'Ich habe die Arbeit total verhauen!' It focuses on the act of doing poorly rather than the official result of failing.

Bist du schon wieder beim Führerschein durchgerasselt?

In the context of a physical object falling through something, you might use 'hindurchfallen', which is more literal and less likely to be confused with failing an exam. For example, 'Die Münze ist durch das Gitter hindurchgefallen.' Using 'durchfallen' in its literal sense is possible, but usually, the context of failure is so dominant that speakers prefer 'hindurchfallen' for physical movement to avoid ambiguity.

Leider hat er den Test nicht bestanden.

By choosing between 'durchfallen', 'nicht bestehen', 'scheitern', and 'durchrasseln', you can tailor your message to the specific level of formality and emotion you wish to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The academic meaning 'to fail' evolved from the idea of falling through a sieve or a trapdoor in early stage performances.

Guide de prononciation

UK ˈdʊʁçˌfalən
US ˈdʊrkˌfɑlən
First syllable (DURCH-fal-len)
Rime avec
beifallen einfallen gefallen nachfallen vorbeifallen zerfallen auffallen ausfallen
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (durk-fallen).
  • Stressing the second syllable (durch-FAL-len).
  • Forgetting the separable nature in sentences.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to 'durch' and 'fallen'.

Écriture 4/5

Difficult due to the auxiliary 'sein' and separable prefix rules.

Expression orale 4/5

Hard to remember the 'bei/in' preposition instead of a direct object.

Écoute 3/5

Prefix 'durch' can sometimes be hard to catch at the end of long sentences.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fallen bestehen Prüfung lernen durch

Apprends ensuite

scheitern versagen misslingen verhauen durchlassen

Avancé

Durchfallquote Prüfungsrecht Immatrikulation Exmatrikulation Staatsexamen

Grammaire à connaître

Separable Verbs

Ich falle durch. (The prefix moves to the end in main clauses.)

Auxiliary 'sein'

Ich bin durchgefallen. (Verbs of change of state/intransitive often use 'sein'.)

Subordinate Clause Word Order

...weil ich durchfalle. (The verb stays together at the end.)

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es ist schwer, nicht durchzufallen. (The 'zu' goes between prefix and root.)

Participle II Formation

durchgefallen (Prefix + ge + root + en).

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Exemples par niveau

1

Ich bin durchgefallen.

I failed.

Uses 'sein' as auxiliary.

2

Fällst du durch?

Are you failing?

Separable verb in a question.

3

Die Prüfung ist schwer, ich falle durch.

The exam is hard, I'm failing.

Present tense, separable.

4

Er ist in Mathe durchgefallen.

He failed in math.

'In' + dative subject.

5

Wir sind nicht durchgefallen!

We didn't fail!

Negation with 'nicht'.

6

Maria ist bei dem Test durchgefallen.

Maria failed the test.

'Bei' + dative event.

7

Warum bist du durchgefallen?

Why did you fail?

Interrogative sentence.

8

Ich möchte nicht durchfallen.

I don't want to fail.

Modal verb 'möchten' with infinitive at the end.

1

Bist du bei der Fahrprüfung durchgefallen?

Did you fail the driving test?

Specific context: driving test.

2

Sie ist durch die Prüfung durchgefallen.

She failed the exam.

Doubled 'durch' (preposition + prefix) is common in speech.

3

Ohne Lernen fällt man durch.

Without studying, one fails.

General 'man' subject.

4

Ich bin leider im Deutschtest durchgefallen.

Unfortunately, I failed the German test.

Use of adverb 'leider'.

5

Mein Bruder ist zweimal durchgefallen.

My brother failed twice.

Adverb of frequency 'zweimal'.

6

Wenn du nicht aufpasst, fällst du durch.

If you don't pay attention, you'll fail.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

7

Ist er schon wieder durchgefallen?

Did he fail again?

'Schon wieder' (already again).

8

Ich habe Angst vor dem Durchfallen.

I am afraid of failing.

Substantive infinitive (noun).

Collocations courantes

bei einer Prüfung durchfallen
in einem Fach durchfallen
mit Pauken und Trompeten durchfallen
beim TÜV durchfallen
beim Publikum durchfallen
glatt durchfallen
endgültig durchfallen
knapp durchfallen
beim Casting durchfallen
durchfallen lassen

Phrases Courantes

durchgefallen!

— A short, often harsh exclamation.

Durchgefallen! Du musst es nochmal machen.

jemanden durchfallen lassen

— To fail someone (as a teacher).

Der Professor lässt viele Studenten durchfallen.

durchgefallen sein

— The state of having failed.

Ich bin schon einmal durchgefallen.

Angst vor dem Durchfallen

— Fear of failing.

Die Angst vor dem Durchfallen blockiert ihn.

Gefahr des Durchfallens

— The danger of failing.

Es besteht die Gefahr des Durchfallens.

wegen einer Kleinigkeit durchfallen

— To fail because of a small detail.

Er ist wegen einer Kleinigkeit durchgefallen.

beim ersten Mal durchfallen

— To fail on the first attempt.

Fast jeder fällt beim ersten Mal durch.

durchfallen können

— The possibility of failing.

Man kann immer mal durchfallen.

durchgefallen, aber...

— Failed, but with a silver lining.

Ich bin durchgefallen, aber ich habe viel gelernt.

trotz Vorbereitung durchfallen

— To fail despite preparation.

Er ist trotz intensiver Vorbereitung durchgefallen.

Souvent confondu avec

durchfallen vs Durchfall

Means diarrhea. Don't say 'Ich habe Durchfall' when you mean you failed an exam.

durchfallen vs durchlassen

Means to let someone pass. It's the opposite of failing someone.

durchfallen vs versäumen

Means to miss an appointment. If you miss the test, you 'versäumst' it, not 'durchfällst' it.

Expressions idiomatiques

"mit Pauken und Trompeten durchfallen"

— To fail spectacularly and publicly.

Sein Vorschlag fiel mit Pauken und Trompeten durch.

informal
"durch das Sieb fallen"

— To be filtered out or fail a selection process.

Viele Bewerber fallen durch das Sieb.

metaphorical
"durch die Maschen fallen"

— To fall through the cracks (often used for social systems, but related).

Manche Schüler fallen durch die Maschen.

figurative
"eine Ehrenrunde drehen"

— To repeat a school year (often after failing).

Er muss dieses Jahr eine Ehrenrunde drehen.

colloquial
"auf der ganzen Linie durchfallen"

— To fail completely across all aspects.

Die neue Strategie ist auf der ganzen Linie durchgefallen.

formal
"durch den Rost fallen"

— To be overlooked or fail to be supported.

Ältere Arbeitnehmer fallen oft durch den Rost.

figurative
"jemanden eiskalt durchfallen lassen"

— To fail someone without hesitation or mercy.

Der Lehrer hat ihn eiskalt durchfallen lassen.

colloquial
"beim Test versagen"

— To fail at the moment of the test (synonymous idiom).

Er hat beim Test völlig versagt.

neutral
"ins Wasser fallen"

— To be cancelled (related to failure of plans).

Der Ausflug ist ins Wasser gefallen.

informal
"den Kürzeren ziehen"

— To get the short end of the stick/fail.

Im Wettbewerb hat er den Kürzeren gezogen.

idiomatic

Facile à confondre

durchfallen vs scheitern

Both mean 'to fail'.

'Durchfallen' is for tests/evaluations. 'Scheitern' is for big goals, relationships, or negotiations.

Die Verhandlungen sind gescheitert.

durchfallen vs versagen

Both mean 'to fail'.

'Versagen' is about personal failure or equipment malfunction. 'Durchfallen' is about a grade.

Die Bremsen haben versagt.

durchfallen vs misslingen

Both involve failure.

'Misslingen' is for a specific attempt or task (like a cake). 'Durchfallen' is for a formal test.

Der Kuchen ist misslungen.

durchfallen vs durchgehen

Sounds similar.

'Durchgehen' can mean 'to pass' or 'to review'. It's often the opposite of 'durchfallen'.

Der Antrag ist durchgegangen.

durchfallen vs fallen

Base verb.

'Fallen' is just to fall. 'Durchfallen' is the specific metaphorical failure.

Der Apfel fällt vom Baum.

Structures de phrases

A1

Ich bin [in Subject] durchgefallen.

Ich bin in Mathe durchgefallen.

A2

Wenn ich nicht lerne, falle ich durch.

Wenn ich nicht lerne, falle ich durch.

B1

Er hat Angst, bei der Prüfung durchzufallen.

Er hat Angst, bei der Prüfung durchzufallen.

B1

Der Lehrer lässt ihn durchfallen.

Der Lehrer lässt ihn durchfallen.

B2

Das Projekt ist bei der Abstimmung durchgefallen.

Das Projekt ist bei der Abstimmung durchgefallen.

C1

Es ist fast unmöglich, nicht durchzufallen.

Es ist fast unmöglich, nicht durchzufallen.

C2

Ein solches Konzept muss zwangsläufig durchfallen.

Ein solches Konzept muss zwangsläufig durchfallen.

B2

Er ist mit Pauken und Trompeten durchgefallen.

Er ist mit Pauken und Trompeten durchgefallen.

Famille de mots

Noms

der Durchfall (caution: diarrhea)
das Durchfallen (the act of failing)
die Durchfallquote (failure rate)

Verbes

fallen
durchlassen
auffallen
ausfallen
einfallen

Adjectifs

durchgefallen (failed)
hinfällig (obsolete)
fällig (due)

Apparenté

der Fall
die Falle
fällen
der Vorfall
der Zufall
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in student/academic life.

Erreurs courantes
  • Ich habe durchgefallen. → Ich bin durchgefallen.

    'Durchfallen' is an intransitive verb of result/change of state and requires 'sein' in German.

  • Ich habe die Prüfung durchgefallen. → Ich bin bei der Prüfung durchgefallen.

    'Durchfallen' does not take a direct object. Use the preposition 'bei' or 'in'.

  • Ich falle die Prüfung durch. → Ich falle in der Prüfung durch.

    Again, no direct object. The exam is the context, not the thing you are acting upon.

  • Er hat mich durchgefallen. → Er hat mich durchfallen lassen.

    To fail someone else, you must use the 'lassen' construction.

  • Wenn ich durch falle... → Wenn ich durchfalle...

    In subordinate clauses, the separable verb is written as one word at the end.

Astuces

The 'Sein' Rule

Always use 'sein' for the perfect tense. Think of failing as a 'change of state' from candidate to non-passer. 'Ich bin durchgefallen.'

Avoid the Diarrhea Trap

Never say 'Ich habe Durchfall' to mean you failed. 'Durchfall' is a medical condition. Use the verb: 'Ich bin durchgefallen.'

Teacher's Perspective

If you are the one grading, use 'jemanden durchfallen lassen'. For example: 'Ich musste drei Schüler durchfallen lassen.'

Spectacular Failure

Use 'mit Pauken und Trompeten durchfallen' to add flavor to your German when describing a total disaster.

Subordinate Clauses

In a 'weil' clause, the verb stays together: '...weil er durchfällt.' Don't separate it there!

Colloquial Alternative

Use 'durchrasseln' with friends to sound more like a native speaker. It sounds less formal than 'durchfallen'.

The TÜV Context

In Germany, failing the 'TÜV' is a big deal. 'Mein Auto ist durchgefallen' is a sentence every German driver understands.

Preposition Choice

Stick to 'bei' for events (bei der Prüfung) and 'in' for subjects (in Mathe). This is the most idiomatic way.

Stress the Prefix

Always stress the 'DURCH'. If you stress the 'fall', it sounds unnatural and might be confused with other words.

Visual Sieve

Imagine a sieve. Only the good students stay on top; the ones who fail 'fall through' (durch-fallen).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a sieve. If you are a 'bad' student (too small), you fall THROUGH (durch) the sieve and FALL (fallen) to the floor. You 'durchfallen'.

Association visuelle

A student falling through a giant hole in the floor of a classroom labeled 'EXAM'.

Word Web

Prüfung Test Lernen Note Lehrer Schule Universität Führerschein

Défi

Try to use 'durchfallen' in three different tenses today: 'Ich falle durch', 'Ich bin durchgefallen', 'Ich werde durchfallen'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German 'durchvallen'.

Sens originel : To fall through a physical opening or sieve.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful when telling someone they failed; it can be very discouraging. 'Nicht bestanden' is slightly softer.

In English, we 'fail' an exam (transitive). In German, you 'fall through' at the exam (intransitive).

'Die Feuerzangenbowle' (famous German film about school life) 'Faust' (metaphorical failures) German news headlines about 'Durchfallquoten' in state exams.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

School/University

  • in Mathe durchfallen
  • eine Prüfung wiederholen
  • die Durchfallquote
  • knapp durchgefallen

Driving School

  • beim Führerschein durchfallen
  • die praktische Prüfung
  • die theoretische Prüfung
  • nochmal versuchen

Theater/Cinema

  • beim Publikum durchfallen
  • eine schlechte Kritik
  • ein Flop sein
  • beim Casting durchfallen

Politics

  • ein Gesetz fällt durch
  • keine Mehrheit finden
  • abgelehnt werden
  • im Parlament durchfallen

Technical Inspection

  • beim TÜV durchfallen
  • Mängel feststellen
  • keine Plakette bekommen
  • das Auto reparieren

Amorces de conversation

"Bist du schon mal bei einer wichtigen Prüfung durchgefallen?"

"Was machst du, wenn du in einem Test durchfällst?"

"Warum fallen so viele Leute bei der Fahrprüfung durch?"

"Hast du Angst, in Deutsch durchzufallen?"

"Was passiert, wenn ein Politiker mit seinem Vorschlag durchfällt?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du durchgefallen bist oder fast durchgefallen wärst.

Warum ist das Wort 'durchfallen' eine gute Metapher für Misserfolg?

Wie fühlt es sich an, eine Prüfung nicht zu bestehen?

Sollte es in der Schule weniger Möglichkeiten zum Durchfallen geben?

Beschreibe einen Film, der bei dir komplett durchgefallen ist.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, when it means to fail an exam or a proposal, it is always separable. The stress is on the prefix 'durch-'. In a sentence like 'Ich falle durch', the prefix moves to the end.

You must use 'sein'. For example: 'Ich bin durchgefallen.' Using 'haben' is a common mistake for English speakers because they translate 'I have failed' literally.

Not really. For general life failure, 'scheitern' or 'versagen' are better. 'Durchfallen' is specifically for tests, checks, or formal evaluations.

They are very similar. 'Nicht bestehen' is the formal, administrative term (e.g., on a certificate). 'Durchfallen' is more descriptive and common in spoken German.

You use the construction 'durchfallen lassen'. Example: 'Der Lehrer hat mich durchfallen lassen.' You cannot say 'Der Lehrer hat mich durchgefallen.'

It means to fail spectacularly or completely. It's a common idiom used when someone fails an exam or a proposal very badly.

Yes! If a car fails its technical inspection (TÜV), you say: 'Das Auto ist beim TÜV durchgefallen.'

'Durchfall' is the noun for diarrhea. Be careful not to confuse it with the verb 'durchfallen' (to fail). To avoid confusion, always use the full verb form 'durchgefallen sein'.

Yes, if a law or a motion does not get enough votes, it 'fällt durch'. This is very common in news reports.

Both are used and understood. 'Bei der Prüfung' is slightly more common for the event itself, while 'in der Prüfung' can refer to the subject or the content.

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