prøve

Prøve is a word used in Danish and Norwegian meaning a test, a trial, or an attempt, and can also refer to a sample of something. As a verb, prøve means to try, to test, or to sample: Jeg vil prøve denne metoden.

Etymology: The term originates from Old Norse prófa, with cognates in other North Germanic languages. In modern Danish and Norwegian, the form prøve is common, while Swedish uses pröva, reflecting a related sense of testing or trying.

Usage: In education, prøve can denote an examination component or a practice assessment, though formal exams are usually called eksamen. In science and industry, prøver denote tests or samples; in everyday language, prøve can mean attempting something, as in Jeg prøver å løse problemet. In consumer contexts, gratis prøve means a free sample.

Across the Nordic languages, spelling and forms vary: Danish and Norwegian use prøve, Swedish uses pröva.