Meaning
To inspect something very carefully.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Stiftung Warentest' is a famous organization that takes products 'unter die Lupe'. Their seal of approval is highly coveted. Swiss precision in watchmaking is often associated with this phrase, as watchmakers literally use a magnifying glass all day. In Austrian politics, the term is frequently used in 'Untersuchungsausschüssen' (investigative committees).
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ich nehme Details gerne unter die Lupe' shows you are a careful worker.
Don't forget the Akkusativ
It is always 'unter DIE Lupe', never 'unter DER Lupe'.
Meaning
To inspect something very carefully.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ich nehme Details gerne unter die Lupe' shows you are a careful worker.
Don't forget the Akkusativ
It is always 'unter DIE Lupe', never 'unter DER Lupe'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Der Detektiv nimmt die Spur unter ___ Lupe.
The phrase is 'unter die Lupe' (Akkusativ feminine).
Which sentence is correct?
Which one uses the idiom correctly?
The object (Plan) comes before 'unter die Lupe'.
Match the situation to the object being taken under the magnifying glass.
Match them:
These are the logical objects for each context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ist das Auto sicher? B: Ich weiß es nicht. Der Mechaniker muss es erst ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the most natural idiom for a thorough check.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Detektiv nimmt die Spur unter ___ Lupe.
The phrase is 'unter die Lupe' (Akkusativ feminine).
Which one uses the idiom correctly?
The object (Plan) comes before 'unter die Lupe'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the logical objects for each context.
A: Ist das Auto sicher? B: Ich weiß es nicht. Der Mechaniker muss es erst ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the most natural idiom for a thorough check.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it sounds like a formal investigation. 'Ich nehme ihn unter die Lupe' means you are checking his background or behavior very critically.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends.
The plural is {die|f} Lupen, but the idiom almost always uses the singular 'die Lupe'.
Related Phrases
Etwas auf Herz und Nieren prüfen
similarTo check something's vital core.
Ein Auge auf etwas werfen
contrastTo keep an eye on something.
Genau hinschauen
synonymTo look closely.
