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B1 noun #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

Labor

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Labor en 30 secondes

Explication Labor in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'Labor' is introduced primarily as a basic vocabulary item related to places and professions. Learners at this stage are focusing on simple, everyday words that are easy to recognize, and 'Labor' fits perfectly because it sounds very similar to the English word 'laboratory' or 'lab'. The main goal for an A1 student is to understand what the word means when they see it or hear it, and to be able to use it in very simple, short sentences. They learn that 'das Labor' is a neuter noun, which is a fundamental piece of grammatical information needed to build sentences. At this level, learners might encounter 'Labor' in textbook chapters about jobs (e.g., 'Der Wissenschaftler arbeitet im Labor' - The scientist works in the lab) or places in a city or university. They learn the basic prepositional phrase 'im Labor' (in the lab) to describe location. The focus is not on complex scientific discussions, but rather on basic identification. For example, pointing to a picture of a room with microscopes and saying, 'Das ist ein Labor' (That is a lab). They might also learn simple compound words like 'Chemielabor' if they are learning school subjects. The pronunciation is straightforward, with the emphasis on the second syllable (la-BOR), making it an accessible word for beginners to practice their German phonetics. Overall, at A1, 'Labor' is a stepping stone word that helps build a foundational vocabulary for describing the world around them in simple terms.

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As learners progress to the A2 level, their interaction with the word 'Labor' becomes slightly more detailed and practical. At this stage, students are learning to communicate in routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information. The context for 'Labor' expands beyond just identifying a room to understanding its function in everyday scenarios, particularly in healthcare. A2 learners will frequently encounter 'Labor' in dialogues about visiting the doctor. They learn phrases like 'Wir müssen Blut abnehmen und es ins Labor schicken' (We need to draw blood and send it to the lab). This introduces the crucial distinction between location ('im Labor' - dative) and direction ('ins Labor' - accusative), which is a key grammatical concept at the A2 level. They also start to learn plural forms, recognizing both 'die Labore' and 'die Labors' in reading texts. Furthermore, A2 students begin to understand simple compound nouns related to the word, such as 'Laborwerte' (lab results) or 'Laborbericht' (lab report), which are essential for understanding basic medical instructions or reading simple news items about health. They might practice writing short emails or notes, such as a message to a colleague: 'Die Ergebnisse vom Labor sind da' (The results from the lab are here). The vocabulary surrounding 'Labor' at this level helps learners navigate real-life situations, such as understanding a doctor's explanation of next steps or reading a simple informational brochure at a clinic.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'Labor' becomes much more versatile and integrated into broader topics of discussion. B1 learners are expected to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, including work, school, and leisure. Consequently, 'Labor' appears frequently in texts and listening exercises about science, technology, environment, and education. Learners are now expected to actively use the word in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and passive voice. For example, they should be able to say, 'Die Tests, die im Labor durchgeführt wurden, zeigen gute Ergebnisse' (The tests that were conducted in the lab show good results). They also expand their vocabulary of compound nouns significantly, learning terms like 'Sprachlabor' (language lab), 'Schlaflabor' (sleep lab), and 'Kriminallabor' (crime lab), understanding how the prefix modifies the base word. At B1, learners can participate in discussions about scientific progress or environmental issues, using 'Labor' to describe where research happens. They might read news articles about a new vaccine developed 'in einem deutschen Labor' and be able to summarize the article. The focus shifts from merely knowing the word to using it as a tool to discuss abstract concepts like research, analysis, and scientific proof. They also learn to avoid common mistakes, such as using the wrong gender or confusing 'Labor' with the English concept of manual labor, ensuring their communication is accurate and appropriate for the context.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means that learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. For 'Labor', this means encountering the word in authentic, unsimplified German media, such as scientific journals, detailed news reports, and documentaries. B2 learners use 'Labor' with a high degree of grammatical accuracy and fluency. They are comfortable with advanced compound nouns like 'Laborbedingungen' (laboratory conditions), 'Laborausstattung' (laboratory equipment), and 'Laboruntersuchung' (laboratory examination). They can discuss hypothetical situations using the subjunctive II, for instance: 'Wenn wir bessere Laborbedingungen hätten, könnten wir schneller forschen' (If we had better lab conditions, we could research faster). At this level, learners also understand idiomatic or metaphorical uses of the word, such as referring to a city as a 'Labor für neue Verkehrskonzepte' (a laboratory for new traffic concepts), recognizing that 'Labor' represents a place of experimentation and innovation beyond just test tubes. They can write detailed reports or essays arguing for or against animal testing 'in Laboren', using sophisticated vocabulary to express their opinions clearly and persuasively. The word 'Labor' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual anchor used to navigate complex discussions about ethics, scientific methodology, and technological advancement in the German-speaking world.

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At the C1 advanced level, learners have a near-native command of the language and can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Their use of the word 'Labor' is highly nuanced and contextually precise. C1 learners engage with academic texts, complex scientific papers, and high-level professional discourse where 'Labor' and its derivatives are used extensively. They master highly specific technical vocabulary, such as 'Laboratoriumsmedizin' (laboratory medicine), 'Laborleiter' (head of the laboratory), and 'Laborakkreditierung' (laboratory accreditation). They understand the subtle stylistic differences between using 'Labor' and more formal or archaic terms like 'Laboratorium'. At this level, learners can effortlessly integrate the word into complex syntactic structures, such as extended participial phrases: 'Die im modernsten Labor der Universität durchgeführten und streng geheimen Experimente...' (The top-secret experiments conducted in the university's most modern lab...). They are also adept at using 'Labor' in abstract, sociopolitical discussions. For example, they might analyze an article describing a specific demographic group as a 'soziologisches Labor' (sociological laboratory) for observing behavioral trends. C1 learners can confidently lead professional meetings, present scientific findings, or debate the ethical implications of 'Laborfleisch' (lab-grown meat) with native speakers, using the vocabulary with absolute precision, correct register, and flawless grammatical integration.

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's understanding and use of 'Labor' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. For a C2 speaker, 'Labor' is a fundamental component of a vast, interconnected web of vocabulary. They are intimately familiar with the etymology of the word and how it relates to other concepts in the language. They can effortlessly navigate the most dense and specialized scientific literature, understanding highly technical jargon where 'Labor' is just the base for complex, multi-word compound nouns used in specific niches like quantum physics or molecular biology. A C2 speaker can play with the word stylistically, using it in creative writing, satire, or complex rhetorical arguments. They understand regional variations in usage and pronunciation perfectly, knowing exactly when a Swiss speaker might prefer 'Labors' over 'Labore' and adapting their own speech accordingly if necessary. They can critique the methodology of a study by discussing the 'Laborartefakte' (laboratory artifacts - errors introduced by the lab environment itself) with absolute clarity. At this ultimate level of proficiency, the word 'Labor' is fully internalized; the speaker doesn't just know the word, they own it, using it with the same unconscious competence, cultural awareness, and linguistic dexterity as they would in their native language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Labor en 30 secondes

A physical space equipped for scientific experiments, research, and analysis.
Commonly used in medical contexts for testing blood and tissue samples.
A neuter noun (das Labor) with two plural forms: die Labore or die Labors.
Frequently used as a base word for many compound nouns like Chemielabor.

The German noun 'Labor' translates directly to 'laboratory' in English. It refers to a specialized room, building, or facility equipped for scientific experiments, research, teaching, or the manufacturing of drugs and chemicals. Understanding the full scope of 'Labor' requires looking at its various applications across different fields. In the natural sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, a 'Labor' is the primary workplace for scientists and technicians. It is where hypotheses are tested, samples are analyzed, and discoveries are made. The word is deeply embedded in the academic and professional scientific community. Beyond the traditional image of test tubes and microscopes, the term 'Labor' has expanded to encompass other types of specialized workspaces. For instance, a 'Sprachlabor' (language laboratory) is a room equipped with audio and visual technology designed to help students learn foreign languages through listening and speaking exercises. Similarly, a 'Fotolabor' (photographic laboratory or darkroom) is where photographic film is developed and printed. In the medical field, a 'Schlaflabor' (sleep laboratory) is a specialized clinic where patients are monitored overnight to diagnose sleep disorders. The versatility of the word 'Labor' makes it an essential vocabulary item for learners at the B1 level, as it frequently appears in news reports, educational materials, and everyday conversations about health and science.

Scientific Context: In scientific contexts, 'Labor' refers to the physical space where experiments are conducted. It implies a controlled environment with strict safety protocols.

Die Wissenschaftler arbeiten Tag und Nacht im Labor, um einen Impfstoff zu finden.

The concept of a laboratory is not limited to physical sciences. In modern terminology, 'Labor' is often used metaphorically to describe any environment where experimental or innovative work takes place. For example, a 'Zukunftslabor' (future laboratory) might be a think tank or a creative workshop where new ideas for urban planning or technology are developed. This metaphorical use highlights the core meaning of 'Labor' as a place of trial, error, and discovery. Furthermore, the word is frequently used in compound nouns, which is a very common feature of the German language. Words like 'Laborbericht' (lab report), 'Laborwert' (lab value/result), and 'Laborausstattung' (lab equipment) are everyday terms in medical and scientific professions.

Medical Context: In medicine, 'Labor' often refers to the facility where blood, tissue, and other patient samples are analyzed to assist in diagnosis.

Die Blutproben wurden sofort ins Labor geschickt.

Understanding 'Labor' also involves recognizing its etymological roots. It comes from the Latin word 'labor', meaning work or toil. This perfectly encapsulates the nature of laboratory work, which often requires meticulous, repetitive, and hard effort. The connection to 'work' is still visible in related English words like 'labor' and 'elaborate', though in modern German, 'Labor' strictly means the physical workspace or the institution itself, not the abstract concept of work (which would be 'Arbeit').

Educational Context: Schools and universities have specific labs for students to practice what they learn in theory, such as a chemistry lab or a computer lab.

Der Chemieunterricht findet heute im Labor statt.

Wir müssen die Ergebnisse aus dem Labor abwarten.

Das neue Labor ist mit modernster Technik ausgestattet.

In conclusion, 'Labor' is a multifaceted noun that is indispensable for anyone discussing science, medicine, technology, or education in German. Its straightforward pronunciation and clear English cognate make it relatively easy to learn, but mastering its use in compound words and with correct prepositions will significantly enhance a learner's fluency and precision in German.

Using the word 'Labor' correctly in German involves understanding its grammatical properties, particularly its gender, plural forms, and the prepositions it commonly pairs with. As a neuter noun, it is 'das Labor'. This is crucial for declining adjectives and choosing the right articles. When you want to say that something is happening inside the laboratory, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative case, resulting in 'in dem Labor', which is almost always contracted to 'im Labor'. For example, 'Ich arbeite im Labor' (I work in the lab). When expressing movement towards or into the laboratory, you use 'in' with the accusative case, resulting in 'in das Labor', contracted to 'ins Labor'. For example, 'Er geht ins Labor' (He is going into the lab).

Location (Dative): Use 'im Labor' to describe a static position or an action taking place inside the lab.

Die Analyse wird im Labor durchgeführt.

Another important aspect of using 'Labor' is its plural form. Unlike many German words that have a single, strict plural, 'Labor' has two accepted plural forms: 'die Labore' and 'die Labors'. 'Die Labore' is generally preferred in formal, written German, especially in Germany itself. 'Die Labors' is also widely understood and is frequently used in spoken German, as well as being the standard plural form in Austria and Switzerland. As a learner, you can use either, but 'die Labore' is often considered slightly more standard in academic writing.

Direction (Accusative): Use 'ins Labor' to describe movement from outside to inside the lab.

Bitte bringen Sie diese Proben sofort ins Labor.

Compound nouns are a hallmark of the German language, and 'Labor' is an incredibly productive word in this regard. It can be used as both a prefix and a suffix in compound words. When used as a prefix, it describes something related to a laboratory: 'Laborausrüstung' (lab equipment), 'Laborratte' (lab rat), 'Laborbedingungen' (lab conditions), 'Laborbericht' (lab report). When used as a suffix, it specifies the type of laboratory: 'Chemielabor' (chemistry lab), 'Biologielabor' (biology lab), 'Schlaflabor' (sleep lab), 'Kriminallabor' (crime lab). Mastering these compounds is a quick way to expand your vocabulary exponentially.

Compound Nouns: Combine 'Labor' with other nouns to create specific terms. The gender of the compound noun is always determined by the last word.

Unter strengen Laborbedingungen wuchsen die Bakterien schnell.

Der Arzt wartet auf den Laborbericht.

Sie arbeitet als Assistentin im Chemielabor.

In professional and academic writing, 'Labor' is used with high frequency. You will often see it in passive constructions, such as 'Die Tests wurden im Labor durchgeführt' (The tests were conducted in the lab). It is also common to use it with verbs like 'untersuchen' (to examine), 'analysieren' (to analyze), 'entwickeln' (to develop), and 'forschen' (to research). By practicing these common collocations and grammatical structures, learners can confidently integrate 'Labor' into their active German vocabulary, ensuring accurate and natural-sounding communication in scientific, medical, and educational contexts.

The word 'Labor' is ubiquitous in modern German society, reflecting the importance of science, medicine, and technology in everyday life. You will encounter this word in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual conversations about health to highly technical academic discourse. One of the most common places you will hear 'Labor' is in the context of healthcare and medicine. When you visit a doctor for a check-up, they might take a blood sample and say, 'Wir schicken das ins Labor' (We are sending this to the lab). A few days later, you might call the clinic to ask, 'Sind meine Laborwerte schon da?' (Are my lab results here yet?). In hospitals, the 'Zentrallabor' (central laboratory) is a critical department that operates around the clock to analyze patient samples and provide essential diagnostic information to doctors.

Medical Settings: Hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices frequently use 'Labor' when discussing blood tests, biopsies, and diagnostic results.

Ihre Blutwerte aus dem Labor sind völlig normal.

Another major domain where 'Labor' is frequently used is education and academia. In schools, students have practical lessons in the 'Chemielabor' or 'Physiklabor'. Universities are home to countless research laboratories where scientists and students conduct experiments. You might hear a professor say, 'Das Praktikum findet im Labor statt' (The practical course takes place in the lab). Furthermore, language learners might spend time in a 'Sprachlabor' to practice pronunciation and listening comprehension. The word is deeply ingrained in the educational infrastructure of German-speaking countries.

Academic Environments: Universities and research institutes use 'Labor' to designate the spaces where scientific research and student practicals occur.

Das Institut hat ein neues Labor für Genetik eröffnet.

Beyond medicine and academia, 'Labor' is also prevalent in industry and technology. Pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, and tech firms all rely on laboratories for research and development (R&D) and quality control. You might read a news article about a company developing a new product 'in ihren geheimen Laboren' (in their secret labs). Additionally, the term is used in forensics, where a 'Kriminallabor' analyzes evidence from crime scenes. The media frequently uses the word 'Labor' when reporting on scientific breakthroughs, environmental testing, or criminal investigations.

Industry and Media: Tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and news outlets use 'Labor' to discuss product development, quality assurance, and scientific news.

Das Fleisch wurde im Labor gezüchtet.

Die Spurensicherung schickt die Waffe ins Kriminallabor.

Dieses Medikament wurde in einem Schweizer Labor entwickelt.

In everyday conversation, people might use 'Labor' metaphorically. If someone is constantly trying out new recipes in their kitchen, a friend might jokingly call their kitchen a 'Labor'. This broad spectrum of usage—from the highly clinical to the colloquial—demonstrates why 'Labor' is a fundamental vocabulary word. Whether you are watching a German medical drama, reading a science magazine, or simply going to the doctor, you are guaranteed to encounter the word 'Labor' and its many compound variations.

While 'Labor' is a relatively straightforward word for English speakers due to its cognate 'laboratory', there are several common pitfalls that German learners frequently encounter. The most significant and frequent mistake relates to the grammatical gender of the word. Because 'Labor' ends in '-or', a suffix often associated with masculine nouns in German (like 'der Motor', 'der Direktor', 'der Professor'), many learners incorrectly assume it is 'der Labor'. However, 'Labor' is a neuter noun: 'das Labor'. This mistake has a cascading effect on sentence structure, leading to incorrect articles and adjective endings. For example, a learner might incorrectly say 'in dem neuen Labor' as 'in den neuen Labor' if they think it is masculine. Memorizing 'das Labor' from the very beginning is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Gender Confusion: Learners often mistake 'Labor' for a masculine noun because of the '-or' ending. It is strictly neuter: das Labor.

Falsch: Der Labor ist groß. Richtig: Das Labor ist groß.

Another common area of confusion is the plural form. As mentioned earlier, 'Labor' has two acceptable plurals: 'die Labore' and 'die Labors'. Learners sometimes try to apply standard German plural rules incorrectly, creating non-existent forms like 'die Laboren' or 'die Laborer'. While both 'Labore' and 'Labors' are correct, mixing them up within the same text or conversation can sound inconsistent. It is generally advisable for learners to pick one form—usually 'die Labore' as it aligns better with formal written German—and stick with it to avoid confusion.

Plural Forms: Avoid inventing plural forms. Stick to either 'die Labore' or 'die Labors'.

Die Universität hat viele neue Labore gebaut.

Prepositions also pose a significant challenge. English speakers often translate 'at the lab' directly, leading to incorrect German phrasing like 'am Labor' or 'bei dem Labor'. While 'am Labor' could technically mean 'at the building of the lab' (on the outside), if you mean working inside the facility, you must use 'im Labor' (in dem Labor). Similarly, 'going to the lab' should be translated as 'ins Labor gehen' (in das Labor gehen), not 'zum Labor gehen', unless you are specifically referring to walking up to the building without entering it. Mastering the two-way preposition 'in' with 'Labor' is essential for sounding natural.

Preposition Errors: Use 'im' for location and 'ins' for direction. Avoid translating 'at' or 'to' directly from English.

Falsch: Ich bin am Labor. Richtig: Ich bin im Labor.

Falsch: Ich gehe zum Labor. Richtig: Ich gehe ins Labor.

Die Proben sind sicher im Labor angekommen.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'Labor' with the abstract concept of 'work' or 'labor' in English (e.g., manual labor, the labor party). In German, 'Labor' strictly refers to the physical laboratory facility. If you want to talk about 'work' or 'effort', you must use words like 'Arbeit', 'Mühe', or 'Belegschaft' (workforce). Using 'Labor' to translate 'manual labor' (Handarbeit) is a critical semantic error that will cause confusion. By being aware of these common mistakes—gender, plurals, prepositions, and semantic scope—learners can use 'Labor' accurately and confidently.

When expanding your German vocabulary around the concept of a 'Labor', it is helpful to understand similar words and how they differ in nuance and application. While 'Labor' is the direct translation for 'laboratory', there are several other terms that describe specialized workspaces, research facilities, or places of practical application. Understanding these distinctions will allow you to choose the most precise word for your context. One closely related word is 'Forschungszentrum' (research center). While a 'Labor' is a specific room or suite of rooms where experiments happen, a 'Forschungszentrum' is a larger institution or complex that may house dozens of individual 'Labore'. You would use 'Forschungszentrum' when referring to the organization as a whole, and 'Labor' when referring to the specific room where the scientists are physically working.

Forschungszentrum: A larger research facility or institute that typically contains multiple laboratories within it.

Das neue Forschungszentrum verfügt über hochmoderne Labore.

Another word often associated with practical work is 'Werkstatt' (workshop). While both a 'Labor' and a 'Werkstatt' are places where things are made, tested, or repaired, they belong to different domains. A 'Labor' is associated with science, chemistry, biology, and precise measurements. A 'Werkstatt', on the other hand, is associated with manual trades, mechanics, woodworking, and physical repairs. You fix a car in a 'Werkstatt', but you analyze a chemical compound in a 'Labor'. Confusing these two words would sound very strange to a native speaker, as it mixes the domains of scientific research and manual craftsmanship.

Werkstatt: A workshop for manual trades, mechanics, or crafts, distinct from the scientific environment of a Labor.

Das kaputte Mikroskop wurde aus dem Labor in die Werkstatt gebracht.

In the medical field, it is important to distinguish between a 'Labor' and a 'Praxis' (doctor's office/practice) or a 'Klinik' (clinic/hospital). A patient goes to a 'Praxis' to be examined by a doctor. The doctor takes a sample (like blood) and sends it to the 'Labor'. The 'Labor' is usually behind the scenes; patients rarely enter it themselves. Understanding this workflow helps in using the vocabulary correctly in medical contexts. Furthermore, words like 'Prüfstand' (test bench) or 'Versuchsraum' (testing room) are highly specific technical terms used in engineering and physics, which overlap with the function of a 'Labor' but emphasize the testing of machinery or materials rather than chemical or biological analysis.

Praxis vs. Labor: A 'Praxis' is where patients are seen; a 'Labor' is where their samples are analyzed.

Der Arzt in der Praxis wartet auf die Ergebnisse aus dem Labor.

Die Ingenieure testen den neuen Motor auf dem Prüfstand.

Dieses Institut ist weltweit bekannt für seine Forschung.

By familiarizing yourself with these related terms—Forschungszentrum, Werkstatt, Praxis, Institut, and Prüfstand—you can navigate German conversations about science, medicine, and industry with much greater precision. You will know exactly when 'Labor' is the perfect word and when a different term paints a more accurate picture of the environment.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Two-way prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen) with 'in'

Noun gender rules (exceptions to the -or suffix rule)

Compound noun formation and gender determination

Passive voice (often used to describe lab procedures)

Subjunctive II (for hypothetical lab scenarios)

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Exemples par niveau

Das ist ein Labor.

That is a lab.

'Das' is used here as a demonstrative pronoun. 'Labor' is a neuter noun.

Ich arbeite im Labor.

I work in the lab.

'im' is a contraction of 'in dem' (dative case for location).

Das Labor ist groß.

The lab is big.

Simple subject-verb-adjective sentence structure.

Wo ist das Labor?

Where is the lab?

'Wo' (where) asks for a location.

Wir gehen ins Labor.

We are going into the lab.

'ins' is a contraction of 'in das' (accusative case for direction).

Das Labor ist hier.

The lab is here.

Using 'hier' to indicate location.

Ist das ein Labor?

Is that a lab?

Yes/No question structure, verb first.

Das Labor ist neu.

The lab is new.

Adjective 'neu' used as a predicative adjective.

Der Arzt schickt das Blut ins Labor.

The doctor sends the blood to the lab.

'ins Labor' shows direction (accusative).

Die Ergebnisse vom Labor sind da.

The results from the lab are here.

'vom' is a contraction of 'von dem' (dative).

Wir haben heute Unterricht im Chemielabor.

We have class in the chemistry lab today.

Compound noun 'Chemielabor' used with 'im'.

Bitte warten Sie vor dem Labor.

Please wait in front of the lab.

'vor dem' uses the dative case for a static location.

Die Universität baut zwei neue Labore.

The university is building two new labs.

Plural form 'Labore' used as the direct object (accusative).

Im Labor müssen wir eine Brille tragen.

In the lab, we must wear glasses.

Modal verb 'müssen' with the infinitive 'tragen' at the end.

Das ist das beste Labor in der Stadt.

That is the best lab in the city.

Superlative adjective 'beste' with the definite article.

Er arbeitet jeden Tag im Labor.

He works in the lab every day.

Time expression 'jeden Tag' placed before the location.

Die Proben werden im Labor genau untersucht.

The samples are examined closely in the lab.

Passive voice present tense: 'werden ... untersucht'.

Ohne das Labor könnten wir die Krankheit nicht diagnostizieren.

Without the lab, we couldn't diagnose the disease.

Subjunctive II 'könnten' used for a hypothetical situation.

Sie hat eine Ausbildung als Laborantin im Labor gemacht.

She did an apprenticeship as a lab technician in the lab.

Use of 'als' for professions and perfect tense 'hat ... gemacht'.

Die Laborwerte zeigen, dass der Patient gesund ist.

The lab values show that the patient is healthy.

Subordinate clause introduced by 'dass', moving the verb 'ist' to the end.

Das Experiment fand unter strengen Laborbedingungen statt.

The experiment took place under strict lab conditions.

Separable verb 'stattfinden' in the simple past (Präteritum).

Wir müssen warten, bis der Bericht aus dem Labor kommt.

We have to wait until the report comes from the lab.

Subordinate clause with 'bis', verb at the end.

Das neue Medikament wurde in einem Schweizer Labor entwickelt.

The new medicine was developed in a Swiss lab.

Passive voice simple past: 'wurde ... entwickelt'.

Viele Tiere werden leider immer noch in Laboren getestet.

Many animals are unfortunately still tested in labs.

Plural dative 'in Laboren' (adding -n to the plural form).

Die Zuverlässigkeit der Laborergebnisse wird oft in Frage gestellt.

The reliability of the lab results is often questioned.

Genitive case 'der Laborergebnisse' and passive voice.

Es ist unabdingbar, dass das Labor nach den neuesten Standards zertifiziert ist.

It is essential that the lab is certified according to the latest standards.

Complex sentence with 'dass' clause and passive state (Zustandspassiv).

Hätte das Labor den Fehler früher bemerkt, wäre die Produktion nicht gestoppt worden.

If the lab had noticed the error earlier, production would not have been stopped.

Subjunctive II in the past (Irrealer Konditionalsatz der Vergangenheit).

Der Forschungsleiter betonte die Wichtigkeit einer modernen Laborausstattung.

The head of research emphasized the importance of modern lab equipment.

Genitive case with an adjective 'einer modernen Laborausstattung'.

Trotz der schwierigen Laborbedingungen gelang dem Team ein Durchbruch.

Despite the difficult lab conditions, the team achieved a breakthrough.

Preposition 'trotz' taking the genitive case.

Das Institut plant, seine Laborkapazitäten im nächsten Jahr deutlich auszubauen.

The institute plans to significantly expand its lab capacities next year.

Infinitive clause with 'zu' (auszubauen - separable verb).

Die im Labor gezüchteten Organe könnten die Transplantationsmedizin revolutionieren.

The organs grown in the lab could revolutionize transplant medicine.

Extended participial phrase 'Die im Labor gezüchteten Organe'.

Sie verbrachte unzählige Stunden im Labor, um ihre Dissertation abzuschließen.

She spent countless hours in the lab to finish her dissertation.

'um...zu' clause expressing purpose.

Die Validierung der analytischen Methoden im Labor unterliegt strengsten regulatorischen Anforderungen.

The validation of analytical methods in the lab is subject to the strictest regulatory requirements.

Highly formal vocabulary and superlative adjective 'strengsten'.

In Anbetracht der kontaminierten Proben musste das gesamte Labor evakuiert und dekontaminiert werden.

In light of the contaminated samples, the entire lab had to be evacuated and decontaminated.

Preposition 'In Anbetracht' (genitive) and complex passive with modal verb.

Das Start-up fungiert gewissermaßen als Labor für innovative Arbeitszeitmodelle.

The start-up acts, in a way, as a laboratory for innovative working time models.

Metaphorical use of 'Labor' and advanced vocabulary ('fungiert', 'gewissermaßen').

Die Diskrepanz zwischen den klinischen Befunden und den Laborwerten bedarf einer eingehenden Untersuchung.

The discrepancy between the clinical findings and the lab values requires a thorough investigation.

Verb 'bedürfen' taking the genitive case ('einer eingehenden Untersuchung').

Es gilt als erwiesen, dass der Erreger nicht aus einem Labor entwichen ist.

It is considered proven that the pathogen did not escape from a lab.

Impersonal construction 'Es gilt als erwiesen, dass...'.

Die Laborleitung wies die Vorwürfe der Datenmanipulation entschieden zurück.

The lab management decisively rejected the allegations of data manipulation.

Formal written past tense (Präteritum) of separable verb 'zurückweisen'.

Nur durch die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit verschiedener Labore konnte dieses Phänomen entschlüsselt werden.

Only through the interdisciplinary collaboration of various labs could this phenomenon be deciphered.

Passive voice with modal verb in the past, emphasizing the means ('durch').

Der Artikel kritisiert die zunehmende Kommerzialisierung der universitären Laboreinrichtungen.

The article criticizes the increasing commercialization of university lab facilities.

Complex noun phrase with present participle used as an adjective ('zunehmende').

Die epistemologische Funktion des Labors in der modernen Wissenschaftsgeschichte kann kaum überschätzt werden.

The epistemological function of the laboratory in the modern history of science can hardly be overestimated.

Highly academic register, complex passive construction.

Er monierte, dass die unter Laborbedingungen generierten Daten jeglicher externen Validität entbehrten.

He complained that the data generated under lab conditions lacked any external validity.

Verb 'entbehren' taking the genitive case ('jeglicher externen Validität').

Das Laboratorium fungiert hierbei als ein Mikrokosmos gesellschaftlicher Machtstrukturen.

The laboratory functions here as a microcosm of societal power structures.

Use of the more formal/archaic 'Laboratorium' and sociological terminology.

Angesichts der eklatanten Mängel im Qualitätsmanagement wurde dem Labor die Akkreditierung entzogen.

Given the glaring deficiencies in quality management, the lab's accreditation was revoked.

Preposition 'Angesichts' (genitive) and dative passive ('wurde dem Labor... entzogen').

Die Übertragbarkeit der In-vitro-Ergebnisse aus dem Labor auf den lebenden Organismus bleibt ein heuristisches Problem.

The transferability of the in-vitro results from the lab to the living organism remains a heuristic problem.

Extremely dense noun phrase ('Die Übertragbarkeit... Organismus').

Es bedurfte monatelanger, akribischer Laborarbeit, um das Artefakt als solches zu entlarven.

It required months of meticulous lab work to expose the artifact as such.

Impersonal verb 'bedürfen' with genitive ('monatelanger, akribischer Laborarbeit').

Die Debatte um Laborfleisch changiert zwischen ökologischer Utopie und kulinarischer Dystopie.

The debate around lab-grown meat alternates between ecological utopia and culinary dystopia.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('changiert', 'Utopie', 'Dystopie').

Der Roman zeichnet das Bild eines dystopischen Labors, in dem die Grenzen der menschlichen Natur transzendiert werden.

The novel paints the picture of a dystopian lab in which the boundaries of human nature are transcended.

Relative clause with passive voice and elevated literary style.

Collocations courantes

im Labor arbeiten

ins Labor schicken

Ergebnisse aus dem Labor

ein modernes Labor

unter Laborbedingungen

das Labor leiten

im Labor untersuchen

ein Labor einrichten

das Labor ausstatten

Laborwerte überprüfen

Phrases Courantes

Die Proben sind im Labor.

Wir warten auf das Labor.

Das muss im Labor geklärt werden.

Direkt aus dem Labor.

Im Labor getestet.

Ein Fehler im Labor.

Das Labor hat angerufen.

Ins Labor bringen.

Vom Labor bestätigt.

Ein unabhängiges Labor.

Souvent confondu avec

Labor vs die Arbeit (work/labor)

Labor vs die Werkstatt (workshop)

Labor vs die Praxis (doctor's office)

Expressions idiomatiques

"unter Laborbedingungen (under controlled/ideal conditions)"

"ein Labor für Ideen (a laboratory for ideas/think tank)"

"Laborratte (lab rat - someone who spends all their time in the lab)"

"aus dem Labor auf die Straße (from the lab to the real world)"

"ein lebendes Labor (a living laboratory)"

"Labor der Zukunft (laboratory of the future)"

"im Labor der Natur (in nature's laboratory)"

"reine Labormedizin (purely theoretical/detached medicine)"

"Labor-Bedingungen schaffen (to create ideal conditions)"

"ein politisches Labor (a political testing ground)"

Facile à confondre

Labor vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

semantic scope

Only refers to the physical place or the institution. Does not mean 'work' or 'effort' like the English word 'labor'.

colloquial usage

Sometimes used metaphorically for a place where ideas are tested (e.g., 'Berlin ist ein Labor für Start-ups').

compound productivity

Extremely high. You can attach almost any scientific or medical term to 'Labor' to create a valid German word.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'der Labor' instead of 'das Labor'.
Saying 'am Labor' when meaning 'inside the lab' (should be 'im Labor').
Translating 'manual labor' as 'manuelles Labor' (should be 'Handarbeit').
Inventing plural forms like 'die Laboren' (should be 'die Labore' or 'die Labors').
Stressing the first syllable 'LA-bor' instead of the second 'la-BOR'.

Astuces

Memorize the Neuter Gender

Always learn the word as 'das Labor'. Because it breaks the rule of '-or' words being masculine, it's a frequent trap for learners. Write 'das Labor' on a sticky note and put it on your desk.

Im vs. Ins

Master the difference between 'im Labor' (location: I am working in the lab) and 'ins Labor' (direction: I am going into the lab). This is essential for sounding natural.

Build Compound Nouns

Use 'Labor' as a building block. Add it to the end of subjects (Chemie + Labor = Chemielabor) or the beginning of objects (Labor + Bericht = Laborbericht). It expands your vocabulary instantly.

Stress the Second Syllable

Unlike the English word 'LA-boratory' or 'LAB', the German word stresses the second syllable: la-BOR. Practice saying it aloud to get the rhythm right.

Labors vs. Labore

If you are living in Switzerland or Austria, you will hear 'die Labors' more often. If you are in Germany taking a formal exam, write 'die Labore'.

Learn 'Laborwerte'

If you ever need to visit a doctor in a German-speaking country, knowing the word 'Laborwerte' (lab results) is crucial for understanding your diagnosis.

Capitalization

Remember that as a noun, 'Labor' must always be capitalized in German, regardless of where it appears in the sentence.

Metaphorical Use

Don't be confused if you read about a 'Labor für Demokratie' (lab for democracy). Germans love using 'Labor' metaphorically to describe any place where new ideas are tested.

Not 'Work'

Never use 'Labor' to translate the English concept of labor (work/effort). The German word for work is 'Arbeit'. 'Labor' is strictly the room/facility.

Listen for the Vocalized 'R'

When listening to native speakers, don't expect a hard 'r' sound at the end. It will sound more like an 'a'. Train your ear to recognize 'la-BOA'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a LABrador retriever wearing a white coat doing WORK (labor) in a LAB. Das Labor = The Lab.

Origine du mot

Borrowed from Latin 'laboratorium', which is derived from 'labor' meaning 'work, effort, toil'.

Contexte culturel

'Labor' is appropriate for all levels of formality. The longer form 'Laboratorium' sounds very archaic or highly academic and is rarely used in everyday speech.

Working in a 'Labor' carries a connotation of high education, intelligence, and serious, methodical work.

In Germany, the plural 'die Labore' is more common in formal writing. In Austria and Switzerland, 'die Labors' is frequently used as the standard plural.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Warst du schon mal in einem Schlaflabor?"

"Glaubst du, dass Fleisch aus dem Labor die Zukunft ist?"

"Was passiert eigentlich genau in einem Kriminallabor?"

"Hast du deine Laborwerte vom Arzt schon bekommen?"

"Wie wichtig ist praktische Arbeit im Labor für Studenten?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Tag im Leben einer Laborratte (metaphorisch oder wörtlich).

Welche Erfindung aus dem Labor hat die Welt am meisten verändert?

Stell dir vor, du hast dein eigenes Labor. Was würdest du erforschen?

Warum ist Sicherheit im Labor so wichtig?

Schreibe über die Vor- und Nachteile von Tierversuchen in Laboren.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, this is a very common exception. While words like 'Motor' and 'Professor' are masculine, 'Labor' is neuter: das Labor. You must memorize this exception to use the word correctly.

Both are correct plural forms of 'Labor'. 'Die Labore' is generally preferred in formal written German and in Germany. 'Die Labors' is more common in spoken German and is the standard plural in Austria and Switzerland.

You should say 'Ich bin im Labor' (I am in the lab). Using 'am Labor' would imply you are standing right outside the building, not inside working.

Absolutely not. 'Labor' in German only means 'laboratory'. If you want to say 'manual labor', you should use 'Handarbeit' or 'körperliche Arbeit'.

'Laborwerte' translates to 'lab values' or 'lab results'. It is the standard term used by doctors to refer to the results of your blood tests or other medical analyses.

'Laboratorium' is the full, original Latin-derived word. It is still understood and occasionally used in highly formal or historical contexts, but in everyday modern German, the short form 'Labor' is used 99% of the time.

In standard German, the 'r' at the end of a word is vocalized. It sounds somewhat like a short, soft 'a'. So 'Labor' is pronounced roughly like 'la-BOA'.

A 'Sprachlabor' (language laboratory) is a room in a school or university equipped with audio technology (headphones, microphones) where students practice listening and speaking foreign languages.

The direct translation is 'Laborratte'. Just like in English, it can be used literally for the animal, or metaphorically for a person who spends all their time working in the laboratory.

You use the preposition 'aus' with the dative case. So, 'Die Probe kommt aus dem Labor' (The sample comes from the lab).

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a short sentence saying that the doctor is sending the blood to the lab.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Der Arzt schickt das Blut ins Labor.