In 15 Seconds
- To try new things through trial and error.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'mit' (with).
- Perfect for cooking, hobbies, and creative work.
Meaning
It means trying out new things to see what happens, whether you are playing with a new recipe or testing a theory.
Key Examples
3 of 7Cooking with a friend
Ich experimentiere heute mit neuen Gewürzen.
I am experimenting with new spices today.
In a business meeting
Wir sollten mit verschiedenen Marketing-Strategien experimentieren.
We should experiment with different marketing strategies.
Texting about a hobby
Ich experimentiere gerade ein bisschen mit meiner Kamera.
I'm experimenting a bit with my camera right now.
Cultural Background
The 'Jugend forscht' competition is a famous national contest where students experiment with scientific ideas. It reflects the high value placed on experimentation in education. In Vienna's coffee house culture, 'experimentieren' with coffee mixtures (like the 'Kaisermelange') has a long tradition, though traditionalists might prefer the classics. Swiss precision engineering often starts with 'experimentieren' in high-tech labs, especially in the watchmaking and pharmaceutical industries. In the startup world, 'experimentieren' is often linked to the 'Lean Startup' methodology—failing fast to learn fast.
The '-ieren' Rule
Remember that almost all German verbs ending in '-ieren' (like studieren, telefonieren, experimentieren) never use 'ge-' in the past participle. This will save you from many grammar mistakes!
Don't 'Experiment' Food
If you just want to taste if there's enough salt, say 'probieren'. If you use 'experimentieren', people will think you are adding weird things like chocolate to your pasta.
In 15 Seconds
- To try new things through trial and error.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'mit' (with).
- Perfect for cooking, hobbies, and creative work.
What It Means
Experimentieren is all about the joy of trial and error. It is not just for scientists in white coats. You use it when you are playing around with ideas. It implies a sense of curiosity. You are testing boundaries. You are seeing what works. It is the verb of discovery.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with the preposition mit. For example, you say ich experimentiere mit Farben. It follows standard weak verb conjugation. In a sentence, it often sits at the end if you use a modal verb. Ich möchte mehr experimentieren. It sounds active and creative. Use it when the outcome is uncertain but exciting.
When To Use It
Use it in the kitchen when you ignore the recipe. Use it at work when trying a new workflow. It fits perfectly in artistic hobbies. Text a friend about a new fashion style. Use it in a meeting to suggest a pilot project. It sounds professional yet innovative. It is great for describing personal growth.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that require strict precision. You do not experimentieren with your taxes. Avoid it if the situation is dangerous or life-threatening. Using it for a serious medical procedure sounds scary. It implies a lack of a fixed plan. Do not use it if you want to sound 100% certain. It is about the process, not the final result.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for engineering and precision. However, there is a deep love for Laborversuche (laboratory tests). The culture values thorough testing before a final product. Experimentieren bridges the gap between chaos and order. It reflects the German value of 'learning by doing'. It is a respected way to find 'die Lösung' (the solution).
Common Variations
You will often hear herumexperimentieren. This adds a layer of 'fiddling around'. It is more casual. Another variation is ausprobieren. That means 'to try out' a specific thing. Experimentieren feels more like a continuous process. You can also use the noun das Experiment. Everyone understands a 'Selbstexperiment' (self-experiment).
Usage Notes
The verb is neutral and very versatile. Just remember that it focuses on the process of trying, not necessarily the success of the result.
The '-ieren' Rule
Remember that almost all German verbs ending in '-ieren' (like studieren, telefonieren, experimentieren) never use 'ge-' in the past participle. This will save you from many grammar mistakes!
Don't 'Experiment' Food
If you just want to taste if there's enough salt, say 'probieren'. If you use 'experimentieren', people will think you are adding weird things like chocolate to your pasta.
Use 'mit'
90% of the time, you will need the preposition 'mit'. Just memorize the block 'experimentieren mit + Dativ'.
Innovation
In a German job interview, saying you like to 'experimentieren' shows you are innovative and open to new ideas—a highly valued trait.
Examples
7Ich experimentiere heute mit neuen Gewürzen.
I am experimenting with new spices today.
Shows a casual, creative use in the kitchen.
Wir sollten mit verschiedenen Marketing-Strategien experimentieren.
We should experiment with different marketing strategies.
Suggests innovation in a professional setting.
Ich experimentiere gerade ein bisschen mit meiner Kamera.
I'm experimenting a bit with my camera right now.
The addition of 'ein bisschen' makes it sound very relaxed.
Vorsicht, ich habe beim Abendessen experimentiert!
Watch out, I experimented with dinner!
Implies the food might taste unusual or unexpected.
Sie experimentiert gerne mit ihrer Haarfarbe.
She likes to experiment with her hair color.
Describes a process of self-expression.
Die Forscher experimentieren mit neuen Materialien.
The researchers are experimenting with new materials.
A more literal, formal use of the word.
Ich möchte in meinem Leben mehr experimentieren.
I want to experiment more in my life.
Reflects a deep, emotional desire for growth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'experimentieren' and the preposition.
Ich _________ gerne _________ neuen Rezepten.
The subject is 'Ich' (first person singular) and the standard preposition for recipes is 'mit'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
Verbs ending in -ieren do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Deine neue Frisur ist... interessant. B: Danke! Ich wollte einfach mal _________.
When trying a whole new style or look, 'experimentieren' is the best fit.
Match the verb to the situation.
1. Trying a piece of cake. 2. Testing a new chemical. 3. Trying on a jacket.
Each 'trying' verb has a specific context in German.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Probieren vs. Experimentieren
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch _________ gerne _________ neuen Rezepten.
The subject is 'Ich' (first person singular) and the standard preposition for recipes is 'mit'.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
Verbs ending in -ieren do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
A: Deine neue Frisur ist... interessant. B: Danke! Ich wollte einfach mal _________.
When trying a whole new style or look, 'experimentieren' is the best fit.
1. Trying a piece of cake. 2. Testing a new chemical. 3. Trying on a jacket.
Each 'trying' verb has a specific context in German.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo! It's very common in cooking, art, fashion, and even business strategy.
'Ausprobieren' is more general and common for everyday things. 'Experimentieren' suggests a more creative or systematic process.
No, you must say 'Ich experimentiere MIT einem neuen Auto'. It's an intransitive verb.
You can say 'Versuch und Irrtum', which often involves 'experimentieren'.
No, in standard German it is always 'experimentiert'.
No, use 'anprobieren' for clothes. 'Experimentieren' would mean you are testing the fabric's chemical properties!
Use 'an', for example: 'experimentieren an Mäusen'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a scientific paper.
It's a more casual way to say 'tinkering' or 'playing around' with something.
Yes, 'der Experimentator' (m) or 'die Experimentatorin' (f), but it's mostly used in science.
Yes, e.g., 'mit neuen sozialen Rollen experimentieren'.
It's the 'joy of experimenting'—a very positive German word for being creative and adventurous.
It always takes 'haben'.
Yes, they both come from the Latin root 'experiri'.
Related Phrases
ausprobieren
similarto try out
versuchen
similarto try / attempt
testen
similarto test
herumexperimentieren
specialized formto tinker / play around
anprobieren
contrastto try on (clothes)
probieren
similarto taste / try
