In 15 Seconds
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to test new experiences.
- Used for hobbies, food, travel, and lifestyle changes.
- A positive, energetic phrase for curious and open-minded people.
Meaning
It's all about breaking your routine and giving something a shot for the first time. Whether it's a weird-looking fruit or a salsa class, you're stepping out of your comfort zone.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant with a friend
Ich bestelle nicht die Pizza, ich will mal was Neues ausprobieren.
I'm not ordering the pizza; I want to try something new for once.
In a job interview
Ich bin immer bereit, in meiner Arbeit Neues auszuprobieren.
I am always ready to try out new things in my work.
Texting a friend about a hobby
Lust auf einen Tanzkurs? Wir sollten mal was Neues ausprobieren!
Fancy a dance class? We should try something new!
Cultural Background
While Germans value reliability, the concept of 'Selbstverwirklichung' (self-realization) is huge. Trying new things is seen as a way to grow as a person. It's particularly popular in urban centers like Berlin, where 'Pop-up' culture thrives on people wanting to try the latest trends.
The 'Aus' Secret
Remember that 'ausprobieren' implies a thorough test. 'Probieren' alone is often just for tasting food. If you want to sound like a pro, use 'ausprobieren' for activities!
Don't confuse with 'Versuchen'
Use 'versuchen' when you are trying to achieve a difficult goal. Use 'ausprobieren' when you are testing something for fun or curiosity.
In 15 Seconds
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to test new experiences.
- Used for hobbies, food, travel, and lifestyle changes.
- A positive, energetic phrase for curious and open-minded people.
What It Means
Neues ausprobieren is your go-to phrase for life's little adventures. It means testing something out to see if you like it. It is not about a deep commitment. It is about curiosity. Think of it as the 'test drive' of life experiences. You use it when you are bored with the usual. It is that spark of 'why not?' that leads to your favorite new hobby.
How To Use It
In a sentence, you usually pair it with a helper. Use ich möchte (I would like) or ich will (I want). Remember that ausprobieren is a separable verb. In a simple sentence, the aus flies to the very end. For example: Ich probiere heute ein neues Rezept aus. If you use it as an infinitive, keep it together. Ich liebe es, Neues auszuprobieren. It is flexible and fits into almost any sentence structure. Don't overthink the grammar too much. Just focus on the 'trying' part.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when you ignore your 'usual' order. Use it when talking to friends about weekend plans. It is perfect for job interviews when you want to sound open-minded. You can even use it when texting a crush about a new bar. It shows you are active and interesting. It suggests you are not stuck in your ways. It is a very positive, energetic expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for serious, life-altering decisions. You don't 'ausprobieren' a marriage or a house purchase. That sounds a bit too casual! Also, avoid it if you are talking about a scientific experiment. For that, use experimentieren. If you are just 'trying' to finish a task, use versuchen. Ausprobieren is for the joy of discovery, not the struggle of effort. Don't use it if you are forced to do something. It should feel like a choice.
Cultural Background
Germans are often seen as lovers of tradition and 'Ordnung'. But there is a huge counter-culture of 'Abenteuerlust' (love of adventure). In modern Germany, being 'offen für Neues' (open for new things) is a highly valued trait. This phrase became a bit of a lifestyle mantra in the last twenty years. It reflects a shift from the post-war focus on security to a modern focus on self-fulfillment. It is the verbal equivalent of a backpacker trip through Southeast Asia.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more intense, say etwas Neues wagen. That means 'to dare something new.' If you are talking about food specifically, you might just say mal was anderes kosten. A very common colloquial version is mal was Neues testen. You will also hear einfach mal machen, which is the German 'just do it.' All of these carry that same spirit of fresh starts.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and carries no negative baggage. Just be careful with the separable prefix 'aus' in main clauses!
The 'Aus' Secret
Remember that 'ausprobieren' implies a thorough test. 'Probieren' alone is often just for tasting food. If you want to sound like a pro, use 'ausprobieren' for activities!
Don't confuse with 'Versuchen'
Use 'versuchen' when you are trying to achieve a difficult goal. Use 'ausprobieren' when you are testing something for fun or curiosity.
The 'Mut' Factor
Germans love the word 'Mut' (courage). If you say 'Ich hatte den Mut, Neues auszuprobieren,' you'll get a lot of respect for your bravery!
Examples
6Ich bestelle nicht die Pizza, ich will mal was Neues ausprobieren.
I'm not ordering the pizza; I want to try something new for once.
A classic way to justify a risky food choice.
Ich bin immer bereit, in meiner Arbeit Neues auszuprobieren.
I am always ready to try out new things in my work.
Shows flexibility and a growth mindset to an employer.
Lust auf einen Tanzkurs? Wir sollten mal was Neues ausprobieren!
Fancy a dance class? We should try something new!
Casual suggestion for a joint activity.
Das Curry schmeckt schrecklich, aber man muss ja mal Neues ausprobieren!
The curry tastes terrible, but you've got to try new things sometimes!
Using the phrase to laugh off a small failure.
Du wirkst gelangweilt. Vielleicht solltest du einfach mal etwas Neues ausprobieren.
You seem bored. Maybe you should just try something new.
Giving gentle life advice to a friend.
Dieses Jahr fahren wir nicht an die Ostsee, wir wollen Neues ausprobieren.
This year we aren't going to the Baltic Sea; we want to try something new.
Explaining a change in long-standing traditions.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Ich habe keine Lust auf Routine, ich möchte __ ___.
The context of 'no desire for routine' requires the phrase for trying new things.
Which word is the prefix that goes to the end in a simple sentence?
Ich probiere heute ein neues Hobby __.
The verb is 'ausprobieren', and 'aus' is the separable prefix.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Neues ausprobieren'
Used with friends for pizza or hobbies.
Lust was Neues auszuprobieren?
The standard way to use the phrase.
Ich möchte Neues ausprobieren.
Used in CVs or interviews to show flexibility.
Ich bin offen dafür, Neues auszuprobieren.
Where to use 'Neues ausprobieren'
At a Restaurant
Ordering the 'Chef's Surprise'
Travel Planning
Choosing a new country
Career Change
Learning a new software
Social Life
Joining a new club
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIch habe keine Lust auf Routine, ich möchte __ ___.
The context of 'no desire for routine' requires the phrase for trying new things.
Ich probiere heute ein neues Hobby __.
The verb is 'ausprobieren', and 'aus' is the separable prefix.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to try out new things or experiences for the first time. For example: Ich möchte in meinem Urlaub Neues ausprobieren.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes, absolutely! It's very common to say Ich probiere gerne neues Essen aus.
Probieren is often just a quick taste, while ausprobieren suggests testing a process or a new activity more fully.
It's a separable verb. Example: Ich probiere heute ein neues Spiel aus. The aus goes to the end.
Yes, it shows you are innovative. Example: Wir müssen neue Strategien ausprobieren.
Yes, you can talk about the Ausprobieren von Neuem, but it's much more common to use the verbal phrase.
Etwas Neues testen or sich an Neues herantrauen (to venture towards new things) are good alternatives.
Not at all. It sounds curious and energetic, which is generally viewed as a positive adult trait.
No, for clothes you use anprobieren. Ausprobieren is for experiences, tools, or methods.
Forgetting to put the aus at the end of the sentence. Don't say Ich ausprobiere das. Say Ich probiere das aus.
Yes, it's a staple of everyday conversation, especially when discussing lifestyle and personal growth.
Related Phrases
Über den Tellerrand schauen
To look beyond one's own nose / think outside the box
Etwas Neues wagen
To dare something new
Experimentierfreudig sein
To be fond of experimenting
Offen für alles sein
To be open to everything
