Example: Wir sollten seine Fähigkeiten wirklich auf die Probe stellen, bevor wir entscheiden.
Definition
"Etwas auf die Probe stellen" means to test or challenge something or someone to evaluate their abilities or qualities. It involves putting the subject under conditions that reveal their true performance or reliability before making a decision.
Translations
put something to the test
poner algo a prueba
iets op de proef stellen
posar alguna cosa a prova
mettre quelque chose à l'épreuve
Etymology
The phrase "etwas auf die Probe stellen" comes from German, where "Probe" means a test or trial. The expression literally means 'to place something on the test.' It reflects a practical approach to verifying skills or qualities by direct examination, much like a trial or experiment.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Etwas auf die Probe stellen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select German as the language you want to learn.