The German word for exam or test is die Prüfung.
Prüfung in German is used for school exams, driving tests, certifications, audits, and even metaphorical life challenges. You’ll hear it in academic, legal, and professional settings.

It’s also one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (and included in our free illustrated PDF).

Gender and Pronunciation

It’s a feminine noun: die Prüfung.
Struggling with gender? This video lesson teaches helpful memory strategies.

Pronunciation:
Prüfung is pronounced [PRÜÜ-foong]

• “PRÜÜ” like the French u

• “foong” rhymes with “rung” with a rounded “oo”
  Two syllables: PRÜÜ-foong

Example sentences

Ich habe morgen eine wichtige Prüfung.

I have an important exam tomorrow.

Die Prüfung war sehr schwer.

The test was very difficult.

Sie hat die Prüfung bestanden.

She passed the exam.

How does this word come up in real conversations?

"Hast du schon für die Prüfung gelernt?"

Have you studied for the exam yet?

"Die Prüfung war leichter als gedacht."

The test was easier than expected.

"Ich habe bei der Prüfung total versagt."

I totally failed the exam.

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Mira: Wie war deine Prüfung?
Ben: Schwierig, aber ich glaube, ich hab’s geschafft.
Mira: Super! Dann kannst du jetzt entspannen.
Ben: Endlich!

Translation:
Mira: How was your exam?
Ben: Difficult, but I think I passed.
Mira: Great! Now you can relax.
Ben: Finally!

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Die Prüfung beginnt um neun Uhr.

The exam starts at 9 a.m.

Accusative:
Ich habe die Prüfung bestanden.

I passed the exam.

Dative:
Ich helfe dir bei der Prüfung.

I’ll help you with the test.

Genitive:
Das Ergebnis der Prüfung kommt morgen.

The result of the exam comes tomorrow.

Other ways to say exam or test in German

While Prüfung is the standard noun for exam or test in German, Test is common in informal or scientific contexts, Klausur for school exams, and Examen for major degree-related final exams.

Word variations and tidbits

You’ll encounter Fahrprüfung (driving test), Abschlussprüfung (final exam), Zwischenprüfung (midterm), Prüfungsvorbereitung (exam prep), and Prüfungsangst (test anxiety). The verb is prüfen (to examine, test).

📘 Duden entry for Prüfung
🎥 Want to pass every Prüfung in German? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 nouns—clearly, with examples and a printable PDF.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Projekt means? Every Prüfung seems to come with one.
And what about Protokoll? It’s often reviewed right after the Prüfung.