In 15 Seconds
- Use it for testing new gadgets, hobbies, or methods.
- It is a separable verb: 'aus' goes to the end.
- Focuses on the experience and discovery of the result.
Meaning
This word is all about testing something new to see if you like it or if it works. It is the feeling of 'giving it a go' with a new recipe, a gadget, or even a hobby.
Key Examples
3 of 6Trying a new hobby
Ich möchte dieses Wochenende Yoga ausprobieren.
I want to try out yoga this weekend.
At a tech store
Darf ich das neue Smartphone mal ausprobieren?
May I try out the new smartphone?
Texting a friend about a recipe
Das Rezept klingt super, ich probiere es morgen aus!
The recipe sounds great, I'll try it out tomorrow!
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Stiftung Warentest', a consumer organization that 'ausprobiert' products. People often wait for their results before buying. In Austria, 'ausprobieren' is often used in the context of 'Schmankerl' (delicacies) in a more playful way, though 'probieren' remains standard for food. Swiss German speakers might use 'usprobiere'. The focus is often on high-quality tools and precision instruments. Among German-speaking digital nomads, 'sich ausprobieren' is a buzzword for testing different business models and locations.
The 'App' Rule
Whenever you download something new on your phone, you are 'ausprobieren'-ing it. This is the most common modern use.
No 'aus' for food!
Never use 'ausprobieren' when someone offers you a snack. It sounds like you're going to take it to a lab.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it for testing new gadgets, hobbies, or methods.
- It is a separable verb: 'aus' goes to the end.
- Focuses on the experience and discovery of the result.
What It Means
Ausprobieren is your go-to word for testing the waters. It is more active than just 'trying.' When you use this, you are usually hands-on with an object, a method, or an experience. Think of it as the 'test drive' phase of life. You are not just attempting a task; you are exploring the results. It is the difference between trying to lift a heavy box and trying out a new workout routine.
How To Use It
This is a separable verb, which is a bit of a German grammar puzzle. The aus part likes to jump to the very end of your sentence. If you want to say 'I am trying it out,' you say Ich probiere es aus. It works perfectly with nouns like Rezepte (recipes), Apps, or Hobbys. You can also use it with 'mal' to sound more natural: Ich probiere das mal aus. It makes you sound relaxed and open to new things.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is an element of discovery. Are you at a tech store playing with a new tablet? You are ausprobieren. Did your friend suggest a weird new coffee flavor? Tell them you will ausprobieren it. It is perfect for brainstorming sessions at work too. If someone has a wild idea, suggest that the team should es einfach mal ausprobieren. It shows you have a 'can-do' attitude and a sense of adventure.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use ausprobieren for food you are simply tasting for the first time at a dinner table; use probieren for that. Also, avoid it when you are talking about 'trying your best' to achieve a difficult goal. In that case, versuchen is your friend. You wouldn't ausprobieren to run a marathon; you would versuchen to finish it. Using the wrong one might make it sound like you are just 'testing' if marathons exist!
Cultural Background
Germans have a reputation for being precise, but they also love 'Tüfteln' (tinkering). Ausprobieren is the heart of German engineering and DIY culture. There is a huge respect for someone who takes a tool and just sees what it can do. It reflects a culture that values practical experience over just reading the manual. It is about the joy of the 'Versuch' (attempt) and the learning that comes with it.
Common Variations
If you want to sound like a pro, use herausprobieren when you are trying to figure something out specifically. You might also hear rumprobieren, which is a bit more chaotic. It implies you are 'fiddling around' without a clear plan. If you are in a clothing store, you will use anprobieren (to try on clothes). Just remember: aus is for the experience, an is for the outfit!
Usage Notes
The verb is separable, so the 'aus' moves to the end in main clauses. It is neutral in formality and safe for almost any situation involving a 'test' of something new.
The 'App' Rule
Whenever you download something new on your phone, you are 'ausprobieren'-ing it. This is the most common modern use.
No 'aus' for food!
Never use 'ausprobieren' when someone offers you a snack. It sounds like you're going to take it to a lab.
Reflexive for Career
Use 'sich ausprobieren' in job interviews to show you are versatile and have explored different fields.
Trial and Error
Germans often say 'Probieren geht über Studieren' (Trying is better than studying/theorizing).
Examples
6Ich möchte dieses Wochenende Yoga ausprobieren.
I want to try out yoga this weekend.
The speaker is testing if they enjoy the activity.
Darf ich das neue Smartphone mal ausprobieren?
May I try out the new smartphone?
A polite way to ask to test a product.
Das Rezept klingt super, ich probiere es morgen aus!
The recipe sounds great, I'll try it out tomorrow!
Shows excitement and intent to experiment.
Ich habe versucht zu kochen, aber vielleicht sollte ich lieber Lieferservice ausprobieren.
I tried to cook, but maybe I should try out delivery services instead.
A self-deprecating joke about cooking skills.
Du solltest diese neue App unbedingt ausprobieren.
You should definitely try out this new app.
A strong recommendation to a friend.
Wir probieren gerade aus, ohne Fernseher zu leben.
We are currently trying out living without a TV.
Describes a life experiment or emotional shift.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'ausprobieren' in the present tense.
Ich _______ {das|n} neue Spiel ______.
In the present tense, 'ausprobieren' is separable. 'Ich' takes the ending '-e'.
Which verb is correct for this situation?
Du bist im Restaurant und möchtest ein Stück von {der|f} Torte deines Freundes essen.
For tasting food, always use 'probieren'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct past participle.
A: Hast du {die|f} neue Kamera schon ______? B: Ja, sie macht tolle Fotos!
The past participle of 'ausprobieren' is 'ausprobiert'. (Note: 'ausgeprobiert' is also technically used but 'ausprobiert' is the standard form for this verb).
Match the verb to the situation.
1. Eine neue Hose. 2. Ein neues Auto. 3. Eine Suppe.
Clothes = anprobieren, Gadgets/Cars = ausprobieren, Food = probieren.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Three 'Try' Verbs in German
Food/Drink
- • probieren
Clothes
- • anprobieren
Gadgets/Hobbies
- • ausprobieren
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch _______ {das|n} neue Spiel ______.
In the present tense, 'ausprobieren' is separable. 'Ich' takes the ending '-e'.
Du bist im Restaurant und möchtest ein Stück von {der|f} Torte deines Freundes essen.
For tasting food, always use 'probieren'.
A: Hast du {die|f} neue Kamera schon ______? B: Ja, sie macht tolle Fotos!
The past participle of 'ausprobieren' is 'ausprobiert'. (Note: 'ausgeprobiert' is also technically used but 'ausprobiert' is the standard form for this verb).
1. Eine neue Hose. 2. Ein neues Auto. 3. Eine Suppe.
Clothes = anprobieren, Gadgets/Cars = ausprobieren, Food = probieren.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would be very strange and objectifying. If you want to get to know someone, use 'kennenlernen'.
Both are used, but 'ausprobiert' is the standard past participle for the verb 'ausprobieren'.
'Testen' is more formal and objective. 'Ausprobieren' is more personal and experiential.
No, 'ausprobieren' usually takes a direct object (a noun). For actions, use 'versuchen' + zu + infinitive.
It is separable in the present, imperfect, and imperative. In the Perfekt, the 'ge' is omitted or placed between 'aus' and 'probiert'.
Yes! 'Ich probiere {das|n} neue Auto aus' is perfect.
You say: 'Ich probiere es nur mal aus.'
Yes, it is the standard word for testing software features.
That is only for clothes, shoes, and hats.
It's okay, but 'testen' or 'untersuchen' might be better in a very formal scientific report.
Related Phrases
anprobieren
similarTo try on clothes
probieren
similarTo taste food or try something briefly
testen
synonymTo test
versuchen
similarTo attempt
experimentieren
builds onTo experiment
herumprobieren
specialized formTo fiddle around
