Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob
For this purpose, it was examined whether
Littéralement: To this purpose was examined, whether
Use this phrase to sound professional and objective when explaining the reasoning behind a test or investigation.
En 15 secondes
- Used to justify a specific investigation or test.
- Common in academic papers and professional reports.
- Links a goal to a logical check using 'ob'.
Signification
This phrase is used to explain that a specific investigation or check was carried out to achieve a particular goal. It connects a desired outcome with the logical step taken to verify something.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Writing a scientific report
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob die Temperatur die Reaktion beeinflusst.
For this purpose, it was examined whether the temperature influences the reaction.
Presenting a business strategy
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob der Markt für neue Produkte bereit ist.
For this purpose, it was examined whether the market is ready for new products.
Being ironically formal with a roommate
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob noch Milch im Kühlschrank vorhanden ist.
For this purpose, it was examined whether there is still milk in the fridge.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is deeply rooted in the German academic and bureaucratic tradition of 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). It reflects a cultural preference for passive constructions in formal writing to remove personal bias and focus entirely on the process and facts.
The Passive Power
Using 'wurde untersucht' (it was examined) removes 'I' or 'We' from the sentence. This makes your statement sound more objective and authoritative.
The Ob-Trap
Always remember that 'ob' triggers a subordinate clause. This means your verb must jump to the very end of the sentence. Don't let it hang in the middle!
En 15 secondes
- Used to justify a specific investigation or test.
- Common in academic papers and professional reports.
- Links a goal to a logical check using 'ob'.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate 'detective' phrase. You have a goal in mind. You need to know if something works or is true. So, you conduct a test. This phrase links that goal to the test. It sounds very professional and logical. It tells your listener exactly why you did what you did.
How To Use It
You usually start your sentence with Zu diesem Zweck. This sets the stage. Then comes the passive part: wurde untersucht. This makes it sound objective. Finally, you use ob to introduce the question you were asking. Remember, ob sends the verb to the end of the sentence. It is like building a bridge between a problem and a solution.
When To Use It
This is a star in the world of work and university. Use it in a lab report. Use it in a business presentation. Use it when explaining a complex decision to your boss. It shows you are thinking systematically. If you are writing a thesis, you will probably use this ten times. It makes you sound like a serious expert who values data.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a party. If you say, Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob das Bier kalt ist, people will laugh. It is way too heavy for casual settings. Avoid it when texting your best friend about lunch. Unless you are being intentionally funny, keep it out of small talk. It is a 'suit and tie' kind of phrase.
Cultural Background
Germans love 'Ordnung' (order) and 'Begründung' (justification). In German culture, it is not enough to just do something. You must explain the logic behind it. This phrase is a hallmark of 'Beamtendeutsch' (bureaucratic German). It reflects a society that values thoroughness and evidence-based results. It is about being precise and transparent with your methods.
Common Variations
You might hear In diesem Zusammenhang wurde geprüft, ob. This means 'In this context, it was checked whether'. Another one is Um dies zu verifizieren, wurde analysiert, ob. That one is even more 'science-heavy'. If you want to be slightly less formal, you can say Dafür haben wir geschaut, ob. It means the same thing but feels more like a team meeting.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level B2/C1 phrase. It belongs strictly to the 'Schriftsprache' (written language) or formal oratory. Using it correctly demonstrates a sophisticated command of German syntax and register.
The Passive Power
Using 'wurde untersucht' (it was examined) removes 'I' or 'We' from the sentence. This makes your statement sound more objective and authoritative.
The Ob-Trap
Always remember that 'ob' triggers a subordinate clause. This means your verb must jump to the very end of the sentence. Don't let it hang in the middle!
German Directness
While this phrase is long, it is considered 'direct' because it explicitly states the purpose. Germans prefer this over vague explanations.
Exemples
6Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob die Temperatur die Reaktion beeinflusst.
For this purpose, it was examined whether the temperature influences the reaction.
Classic academic usage focusing on variables.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob der Markt für neue Produkte bereit ist.
For this purpose, it was examined whether the market is ready for new products.
Used here to justify market research.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob noch Milch im Kühlschrank vorhanden ist.
For this purpose, it was examined whether there is still milk in the fridge.
The high formality makes this a joke about a simple task.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob das Kabel einen Wackelkontakt hat.
For this purpose, it was examined whether the cable has a loose connection.
Explaining the diagnostic step in a repair process.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob wir die Frist verlängern können.
For this purpose, it was examined whether we can extend the deadline.
Formal even in a text, showing the seriousness of the delay.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob unsere Ziele noch übereinstimmen.
For this purpose, it was examined whether our goals still align.
Very heavy and clinical; used to bring logic to an emotional talk.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal sentence to explain why you checked the software.
Zu diesem Zweck ___ untersucht, ob die Software kompatibel ist.
The passive voice in the past tense requires 'wurde' to match the formal style of the phrase.
Choose the correct conjunction to introduce the sub-clause.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ___ der Plan funktioniert.
'Ob' is used here because the investigation is checking a 'yes/no' condition (whether the plan works).
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels of Checking Something
Talking to friends.
Ich hab mal geguckt, ob...
Standard office talk.
Wir haben geprüft, ob...
Reports and papers.
Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob...
Where to use 'Zu diesem Zweck...'
University Thesis
Analyzing data sets.
Board Meeting
Justifying a new budget.
Scientific Lab
Testing a hypothesis.
Legal Document
Verifying a claim.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsOnly in very formal speeches or presentations. In a normal conversation, people usually say Deswegen haben wir geschaut... instead.
Yes, geprüft (checked/tested) works well for technical or quality checks, while untersucht (examined/investigated) sounds more scientific.
Zweck means 'purpose' or 'aim'. It is a very common word in formal German to describe the 'why' behind an action.
While Für diesen Zweck is grammatically possible, Zu diesem Zweck is the fixed idiomatic expression used in formal writing.
Yes, in this context, ob introduces an indirect yes/no question, which translates perfectly to 'whether' or 'if'.
Yes, if the email is about a project or a formal report. If you're just asking about a coffee break, it's too much.
Mostly, yes. Starting with Zu diesem Zweck is standard. You could move it, but it would lose its punchy, introductory feel.
Untersuchen is broader (to examine), while analysieren (to analyze) implies breaking something down into parts to understand it better.
Yes, journalists use it frequently when reporting on government studies or police investigations to sound neutral.
Only if you want to sound funny or overly dramatic, like Zu diesem Zweck wurde untersucht, ob ich heute Sport treiben muss.
Forgetting the comma before ob is the most common mistake. In German, sub-clauses must always be separated by a comma.
You could say Dazu wurde untersucht..., but it is slightly less formal than the full Zu diesem Zweck.
Expressions liées
In diesem Zusammenhang
Um dies zu überprüfen
Daraus ergibt sich, dass
Im Rahmen dieser Analyse
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