Experimentieren

Experimentieren is a German verb meaning to conduct experiments, test ideas, or try something in order to discover or prove something. The term is formed from the noun Experiment, from Latin experimentum meaning a trial or test, plus the verb suffix -ieren.

In scientific contexts, experimentieren refers to systematic investigation that follows a hypothesis-driven method: proposing a hypothesis, designing controlled tests, making observations, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Key principles include control of variables, replication, and falsifiability. The outcome may support or refute a hypothesis, and unexpected results often lead to new questions.

Beyond formal science, experimentieren also appears in education, industry, and everyday life. Learners may tinker with materials, software, or procedures to understand how things work or to prototype solutions. In creative domains, experimental approaches can involve trying unconventional methods or iterative refinement.

Synonyms in German include testen, ausprobieren, erproben; in English, to experiment, to test, or to try out. Safety, ethics, and rigor are context-dependent; human or animal experiments require oversight and ethics approval.

Etymology: Experiment (from Latin experimentum) → German Experiment, adding -ieren to form the verb. The term thus embodies both trial and inquiry, and it remains central to inquiry-based learning and research.