prüf

Prüf is a German bound morpheme derived from the verb prüfen, meaning to examine, test, or inspect. It does not stand alone in standard German; instead it forms the initial element of numerous compound nouns and adjectives that denote the act or result of evaluation. Common examples include Prüfstand (test stand), Prüfbericht (test report), Prüfzeichen or Prüfsiegel (inspection mark), Prüfauftrag (inspection order), Prüfpflicht (duty to be examined), Prüffrist (deadline for inspection), Prüfziffer (check digit) and prüfbar (testable). Longer terms such as Prüfverfahren (testing procedure) and Prüfplan (test plan) also employ the element.

Origin and usage: The morpheme arises from the verb prüfen, which conveys examination or verification. In technical, quality-control, and regulatory language in German-speaking countries, Prüf signals that a device, product, or process has undergone evaluation or is subject to verification.

Name usage: Prüf may occur as a surname in German-speaking areas, though it is uncommon. There are no widely known figures with the surname Prüf, and the element is generally treated as a linguistic component rather than a standalone proper noun.

See also: Prüfung, prüfen, Prüfer, Prüfziffer.