German Phrase
Prüf die Kabel auf Schäden.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to inspect the cables for any damage. It is concise and typical in technical or maintenance contexts.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving a colleague, apprentice, or technician a quick instruction to look over electrical or data cables during a safety check, troubleshooting, or routine maintenance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
PrüfdieKabelaufSchäden.
Imperativ (du)
For the informal singular 'du', drop the -e from the verb stem: 'prüfen' → 'prüf'.
Definite article (plural)
The plural definite article for feminine and neuter nouns is 'die'. Here 'Kabel' is neuter plural, so 'die Kabel'.
Preposition 'auf' + Accusative
'Auf' can govern the accusative when indicating a target of an action, e.g., 'auf Schäden' (for damage).
Noun plural 'Schäden'
'Schaden' (damage) becomes 'Schäden' in the plural; the umlaut indicates the plural form.
🗨In Conversation
Prüf die Kabel auf Schäden.
Check the cables for damage.
Klar, ich schaue gleich nach.
Sure, I’ll look right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Prüfe die Kabel auf Schäden.
For the informal 'du' imperative, the ending -e is dropped; 'prüfe' sounds overly formal or incorrect in casual speech.
Prüf das Kabel auf Schäden.
The sentence refers to multiple cables, so the plural article 'die' is required.
Prüf die Kabel für Schäden.
The correct preposition is 'auf' with the accusative when indicating the object being checked.
↔Alternatives
Untersuche die Kabel auf Beschädigungen.
Examine the cables for damage.
Sieh nach, ob die Kabel beschädigt sind.
See if the cables are damaged.
Bitte prüfen Sie die Kabel auf Schäden.
Please check the cables for damage.
Cultural Tip
In German workplaces, especially in technical fields, short imperatives like this are common among peers. If you need to be more polite or address a superior, switch to the formal 'Sie' form: 'Bitte prüfen Sie die Kabel auf Schäden.'