versuchen vs probieren
German word comparison
Listen to versuchen
Listen to probieren
| versuchen | probieren |
|---|---|
fer-ZOO-khen verb | /pʁoˈbiːʁən/ verb |
| to try; to attempt (to do something) | to try (something), to taste, to test |
How they differ
Probieren often focuses on sampling or testing something (e.g., food, an action or a method) and is more colloquial; versuchen is a more neutral verb for making an attempt and does not specifically imply tasting or testing.
When to use each
When to use versuchen: Prefer 'versuchen' when describing a neutral attempt to do or achieve something, especially in more general or formal contexts.
When to use probieren: Prefer 'probieren' when you mean to taste something or to try/test something informally or experimentally.
Side-by-side examples
- Ich werde es noch einmal versuchen.
(I'll try it again.) - Probier das Eis — es schmeckt gut!
(Try the ice cream — it tastes good!)
Register & nuance: Probieren is more informal and common in spoken German and everyday contexts; versuchen is neutral and slightly more versatile in formal usage.
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- See the Word of the Day entry for probieren
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