Meaning
To examine something with great care and attention to detail.
Cultural Background
The 'Vier-Augen-Prinzip' (Four-Eyes-Principle) is a standard practice in German offices where a second person must 'genau überprüfen' any important document. Swiss precision in watchmaking and banking relies heavily on the concept of 'genau überprüfen'. It is considered a point of national pride. While Austrians are sometimes seen as more 'gemütlich' (relaxed), their bureaucracy is just as rigorous about 'genau überprüfen' as the German one. In international quality management (ISO standards), 'genau überprüfen' is the equivalent of 'performing a rigorous audit'.
The 'Dass' Trap
When using 'genau überprüfen' in a subordinate clause, remember the verb goes to the very end: '...weil ich es genau überprüfen muss.'
Don't separate!
Never say 'Ich prüfe es genau über.' It sounds very wrong to native ears.
Meaning
To examine something with great care and attention to detail.
The 'Dass' Trap
When using 'genau überprüfen' in a subordinate clause, remember the verb goes to the very end: '...weil ich es genau überprüfen muss.'
Don't separate!
Never say 'Ich prüfe es genau über.' It sounds very wrong to native ears.
The 'Genau' Filler
Don't be confused if people just say 'Genau!' during a conversation. They aren't asking you to check anything; they are just agreeing with you!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'überprüfen' and the adverb 'genau'.
Der {der|m} Chef möchte, dass wir {die|f} Liste ____ ____.
In this sentence, we need the infinitive form at the end of the clause following 'dass' (though here it's a modal-like construction with 'möchte').
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A: Ich habe das Ticket genau geüberprüft. B: Ich habe das Ticket genau überprüft. C: Ich habe das Ticket genau übergeprüft.
'Überprüfen' is non-separable, so it does not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Match the situation to the best use of 'genau überprüfen'.
1. Checking if you have your keys. 2. Verifying a scientific theory. 3. Looking at a meme.
'Genau überprüfen' is for high-stakes verification like science, not for quick glances at keys or memes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ist der {der|m} Bericht fertig? B: Fast, ich muss nur noch die {die|f} Statistiken ____ ____.
Checking statistics for accuracy requires 'überprüfen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer {der|m} Chef möchte, dass wir {die|f} Liste ____ ____.
In this sentence, we need the infinitive form at the end of the clause following 'dass' (though here it's a modal-like construction with 'möchte').
A: Ich habe das Ticket genau geüberprüft. B: Ich habe das Ticket genau überprüft. C: Ich habe das Ticket genau übergeprüft.
'Überprüfen' is non-separable, so it does not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
1. Checking if you have your keys. 2. Verifying a scientific theory. 3. Looking at a meme.
'Genau überprüfen' is for high-stakes verification like science, not for quick glances at keys or memes.
A: Ist der {der|m} Bericht fertig? B: Fast, ich muss nur noch die {die|f} Statistiken ____ ____.
Checking statistics for accuracy requires 'überprüfen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's fine! If you're planning a trip together, saying 'Lass uns die {die|f} Flugzeiten genau überprüfen' is perfectly natural.
Yes, 'checken' is very common now, but 'genau überprüfen' sounds more reliable and thorough.
'Prüfen' is the general act of testing. 'Überprüfen' usually implies a re-examination or a verification of something that already exists.
Yes, you always 'überprüfen' something (direct object).
Related Phrases
unter die Lupe nehmen
synonymTo examine very closely.
checken
similarTo check.
verifizieren
specialized formTo verify.
nachsehen
contrastTo look up / check.
