anprobieren vs probieren in German

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Both anprobieren and probieren mean "to try" (as in trying clothes or food), but they differ primarily in how they are used:

• probieren = "to try" (something, e.g., food, an activity)

  • Translates as "to try" or "to sample"
  • No direct object needed; can be used with "etwas" (something) or with an indirect object like "jmd" (someone)
  • Examples:
    • Ich möchte die Suppe probieren. = "I want to try the soup."
    • Wir probieren das neue Restaurant. = "We're trying the new restaurant."

• anprobieren = "to try on" (clothes, accessories)

  • Means "to try (clothes) on"
  • Usually takes a direct object ('die Jacke') and requires no extra preposition
  • Examples:
    • Ich probiere die Jacke an. = "I'm trying on the jacket."
    • Hast du das Kleid anprobiert? = "Have you tried on the dress?"

In many cases, they are reflexive: sich anprobieren (rare, informal), but standard use is with a direct object in the case of anprobieren (ie, Ich probiere die Schuhe an.).

Related Topics: German separable verbs, Clothing, Shopping, Food tasting

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