Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob nicht
This inevitably raises the question whether not
Wörtlich: This throws inevitably the question up, whether not
Use this to highlight a logical doubt that arises naturally from a specific situation or fact.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to introduce a logical question that cannot be ignored.
- Sounds sophisticated, analytical, and very 'German' in its logic.
- Best for debates, meetings, or pointing out obvious contradictions.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to point out a logical consequence of a situation. It suggests that what just happened makes a specific question or doubt absolutely impossible to ignore.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting about a failing project
Die Verkaufszahlen sinken stetig. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob nicht unsere Strategie falsch ist.
Sales figures are constantly falling. This inevitably raises the question whether our strategy might be wrong.
Discussing a friend's strange behavior
Er hat sich seit Wochen nicht gemeldet. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob nicht etwas passiert ist.
He hasn't been in touch for weeks. This inevitably raises the question whether something hasn't happened.
A humorous observation about a cat
Die Katze starrt seit einer Stunde den leeren Napf an. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob ich nicht ein schlechter Diener bin.
The cat has been staring at the empty bowl for an hour. This inevitably raises the question whether I am not a bad servant.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is a staple of German 'Bildungssprache' (educated language). It reflects the German intellectual tradition of critical questioning and logical deduction. It is frequently heard in political talk shows like 'Anne Will' or 'Maybrit Illner' when journalists challenge politicians.
The 'Ob Nicht' Trick
In German, adding 'nicht' after 'ob' often implies you suspect the answer is 'yes'. It's a subtle way to lead the listener to your conclusion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small doubt, you'll sound like a parody of a philosophy professor. Save it for the big 'Aha!' moments.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to introduce a logical question that cannot be ignored.
- Sounds sophisticated, analytical, and very 'German' in its logic.
- Best for debates, meetings, or pointing out obvious contradictions.
What It Means
Imagine you are watching a detective movie. The hero finds a key in a place it shouldn't be. That moment is exactly what this phrase describes. It means that a new fact has appeared. This fact forces you to think about a specific possibility. It is like a logical bridge. You see 'A', so you must now ask 'B'. The word unweigerlich is the star here. It means 'inevitably' or 'unavoidably'. You aren't just asking a random question. You are saying the question is forced upon you by reality.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to introduce a deeper thought. It usually comes after you have stated a fact or observed something strange. In German, aufwerfen means 'to throw up' or 'to raise'. You are 'throwing' the question into the room. The structure is a bit fixed. You start with the observation. Then you say, Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf.... Finally, you add the ob nicht part. This ob nicht is a classic German rhetorical move. It translates to 'whether or not', but it leans toward the 'maybe it is' side. It sounds very smart and analytical.
When To Use It
This is perfect for serious discussions. Use it when you want to sound like a sharp thinker. It works great in business meetings when a plan seems flawed. It also fits in academic writing or journalism. You can even use it with friends when discussing a complex topic like politics or a movie plot. If your friend says they are 'too busy' to call but posts ten vacation photos, this phrase is your best weapon. It highlights the contradiction perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday things. If you're wondering if you need more milk, this is too dramatic. It would sound like you're writing a philosophy thesis about your fridge. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy conversations. It can make you sound a bit stiff or arrogant if used incorrectly. Also, don't use it if the question isn't actually 'inevitable'. If it's just a random thought, use Ich frage mich instead.
Cultural Background
Germans love logic and 'Ursache und Wirkung' (cause and effect). This phrase reflects that cultural trait. It shows that you are paying attention to the details. It stems from a long tradition of German philosophy and legal language. In Germany, being 'sachlich' (objective) is highly valued. Using phrases like this shows you are looking at the facts, not just your feelings. It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a well-tailored suit to a debate.
Common Variations
You can swap Dies for Das to be slightly less formal. Sometimes people use zwangsläufig instead of unweigerlich. Both mean the same thing. You can also shorten it to just Das wirft die Frage auf... if you want to be less intense. If you want to be even more dramatic, you can say Dies wirft die brisante Frage auf (This raises the explosive question).
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-register expression. Use it when you want to emphasize the logical necessity of a doubt or inquiry, especially in professional or academic settings.
The 'Ob Nicht' Trick
In German, adding 'nicht' after 'ob' often implies you suspect the answer is 'yes'. It's a subtle way to lead the listener to your conclusion.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small doubt, you'll sound like a parody of a philosophy professor. Save it for the big 'Aha!' moments.
The Power of 'Unweigerlich'
Germans love words that sound absolute. 'Unweigerlich' is a powerful word that shuts down arguments because it suggests the logic is inescapable.
Beispiele
6Die Verkaufszahlen sinken stetig. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob nicht unsere Strategie falsch ist.
Sales figures are constantly falling. This inevitably raises the question whether our strategy might be wrong.
Here it is used to professionally challenge the current plan.
Er hat sich seit Wochen nicht gemeldet. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob nicht etwas passiert ist.
He hasn't been in touch for weeks. This inevitably raises the question whether something hasn't happened.
A way to express concern using logical deduction.
Die Katze starrt seit einer Stunde den leeren Napf an. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob ich nicht ein schlechter Diener bin.
The cat has been staring at the empty bowl for an hour. This inevitably raises the question whether I am not a bad servant.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Schon wieder abgesagt? Das wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob sie überhaupt kommen wollte.
Cancelled again? That inevitably raises the question whether she even wanted to come.
Slightly more casual 'Das' instead of 'Dies' for a text.
Wir streiten nur noch. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob wir nicht getrennte Wege gehen sollten.
We are only fighting now. This inevitably raises the question whether we shouldn't go our separate ways.
Used to introduce a very serious and difficult topic.
Das Essen ist kalt und die Bedienung unfreundlich. Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob wir nicht lieber gehen sollten.
The food is cold and the service is unfriendly. This inevitably raises the question whether we shouldn't rather leave.
A polite but firm way to express dissatisfaction.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence to sound like a logical observer.
Die Lichter im Haus sind aus. Dies ___ unweigerlich die Frage auf, ob niemand zu Hause ist.
The verb 'aufwerfen' is the correct colocation for 'Frage' in this specific idiomatic expression.
Choose the correct adverb to emphasize the inevitability.
Deine Verspätung wirft ___ die Frage auf, ob du den Termin ernst nimmst.
'Unweigerlich' means 'inevitably' and fits the structure of this formal expression.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of Questioning
Just wondering out loud.
Ich frag mich nur...
Standard way to ask a question.
Da stellt sich die Frage...
Intellectual and logical deduction.
Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf...
Academic or legal phrasing.
In Anbetracht dessen drängt sich die Fragestellung auf...
Where to use 'Dies wirft unweigerlich die Frage auf'
Political Debate
Challenging a policy's logic.
Boardroom
Analyzing market trends.
Detective Story
Connecting clues.
Deep Talk
Discussing life choices.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
11 FragenIt is formal, but you can use it with friends for dramatic effect or when discussing something serious. Just don't use it for trivial things like what to eat for lunch.
Literally, it means 'to throw up'. In this context, it means to raise or bring a topic to the surface for discussion.
Yes, Das wirft... is slightly more common in spoken German and feels a tiny bit less stiff than Dies.
It's a rhetorical device. It translates to 'whether... not', suggesting that the speaker thinks the condition might actually be true.
No, 'vielleicht' means 'maybe'. 'Unweigerlich' means 'inevitably'. It's much stronger and suggests the question is forced by logic.
The comma always goes before 'ob', as it introduces a subordinate clause. For example: ...die Frage auf, ob....
Absolutely! It is a perfect 'Redemittel' (transitional phrase) for academic writing to show logical progression.
Yes, the phrase literally says it raises a 'Frage' (question), so you must follow it with a question clause starting with 'ob'.
Forgetting the 'auf' at the end of the main clause. It's a separable verb: wirft... auf.
You can say Das wirft die Frage auf..., leaving out unweigerlich to make it less intense.
Yes, if you're discussing a problem-solving scenario. It shows you have a structured and analytical way of thinking.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Da stellt sich die Frage
That raises the question (more neutral)
Zwangsläufig führen zu
Inevitably lead to
Es liegt nahe, dass
It stands to reason that
Eine berechtigte Frage
A valid/justified question
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