The invention relates to a device for examining samples (1) in a liquid (5), comprising a movable shaft (2), to which the sample (1) is fastened, and a cuvette (4), wherein the device further comprises a bath (3), which surrounds the movable shaft (2), and wherein the bath (3) is fillable with the liquid (5), the movable shaft (2) is configured to receive the sample (1) at the upper side (24) thereof, the movable shaft (2) reaches into the cuvette (4) from below, wherein said cuvette is open at least toward the bottom and configured to be immersed into the liquid (5) in the bath (3) with the underside thereof, and, moreover, means are provided to generate a pressure difference between the interior of the cuvette (4) and the region outside of the cuvette (4) such that the fill level (21) of the liquid (5) in the cuvette (4) is adjustable.Moreover, the invention relates to a method for examining samples (1) in a liquid (5).