Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft
It is necessary to clarify to what extent this applies
Literalmente: It is valid to clarify, to what extent this applies
Use this phrase to professionally question the validity of a claim while sounding analytical and objective.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to say 'we must verify if this is true.'
- Used to express professional doubt or the need for investigation.
- Common in business, law, and academic writing contexts.
Significado
This phrase is a sophisticated way of saying we need to investigate if a statement or situation is actually true or relevant. It sounds like you are carefully weighing the facts before making a final judgment.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a business meeting about a new strategy
Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies auf unseren Markt zutrifft.
It is necessary to clarify to what extent this applies to our market.
Discussing a news article with a colleague
Der Bericht ist interessant, aber es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft.
The report is interesting, but it needs to be clarified to what extent this is true.
A sarcastic comment to a friend who claims to be a pro gamer
Du sagst, du bist der Beste? Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft!
You say you're the best? We need to clarify to what extent that's true!
Contexto cultural
This expression is deeply rooted in the German academic and legal tradition of 'Beweisaufnahme' (taking evidence). It reflects the cultural priority of precision over speed in communication. It became a staple in modern corporate German as a way to remain neutral while expressing doubt.
The Power of 'Inwieweit'
Using 'inwieweit' (to what extent) instead of just 'ob' (if) makes you sound much more nuanced. It suggests that the truth might be somewhere in the middle.
Don't Overuse in Casual Settings
If you use this while hanging out at a bar, people might think you're still at work. Use it sparingly to keep its impact.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to say 'we must verify if this is true.'
- Used to express professional doubt or the need for investigation.
- Common in business, law, and academic writing contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you are a detective looking at a piece of evidence. You don't want to jump to conclusions. You want to be precise. This phrase is your best friend for that moment. It means 'We need to figure out if this is actually true.' It is about checking the facts. It sounds very professional and analytical. You are basically saying that the jury is still out. You need more information before you can agree.
How To Use It
The structure Es gilt zu [verb] is a classic German way to say 'It is necessary to' or 'The task is to.' You use klären (to clarify) to show you are looking for answers. The second part, inwieweit dies zutrifft, adds the nuance. You aren't just asking 'is it true?' but 'how much of it is true?' It is a very balanced way to speak. You can use it at the start of a sentence to set a serious tone for a discussion.
When To Use It
This is a heavy hitter for the office. Use it in meetings when someone makes a big claim. It is perfect for academic writing or formal reports. If you are debating a topic with friends and want to sound like an intellectual, drop this in. It shows you are thinking deeply. It is also great for news reports or legal contexts where accuracy is everything.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this when someone asks if you want fries with your burger. It is way too formal for a drive-thru. Avoid it in casual texts like 'Are you coming tonight?' Unless you are being sarcastic, it will sound weird. If your partner asks if you love them, definitely don't say this. You might end up sleeping on the couch. It is a phrase for facts, not for simple emotions or quick errands.
Cultural Background
Germans value Sachlichkeit (objectivity) and Gründlichkeit (thoroughness). This phrase perfectly captures that spirit. It reflects a culture that prefers to verify facts before making a decision. It is part of what people call Beamtendeutsch (bureaucratic German), but it has moved into general professional life. It shows you are a serious person who cares about the truth.
Common Variations
You might hear Es bleibt zu klären (It remains to be clarified). This implies that people have been trying to figure it out for a while. Another one is Inwiefern das stimmt (To what extent that is correct). If you want to be slightly less formal, you can say Wir müssen prüfen, ob das stimmt. But if you want to impress your German boss, stick to the original.
Notas de uso
This phrase is high-register. It requires the 'zu + infinitive' construction. Be careful with the word order in the 'inwieweit' clause; the verb 'zutrifft' must come at the very end.
The Power of 'Inwieweit'
Using 'inwieweit' (to what extent) instead of just 'ob' (if) makes you sound much more nuanced. It suggests that the truth might be somewhere in the middle.
Don't Overuse in Casual Settings
If you use this while hanging out at a bar, people might think you're still at work. Use it sparingly to keep its impact.
The 'Beamtendeutsch' Secret
Germans often use passive-sounding phrases like 'Es gilt zu...' to avoid saying 'I' or 'We.' It makes the statement sound like an objective necessity rather than a personal opinion.
Ejemplos
6Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies auf unseren Markt zutrifft.
It is necessary to clarify to what extent this applies to our market.
The speaker is questioning if a general strategy works for their specific niche.
Der Bericht ist interessant, aber es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft.
The report is interesting, but it needs to be clarified to what extent this is true.
Expressing healthy skepticism about a piece of information.
Du sagst, du bist der Beste? Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft!
You say you're the best? We need to clarify to what extent that's true!
Using a very formal phrase in a casual setting for comedic effect.
Bezüglich Ihrer Forderung gilt es zu klären, inwieweit dies rechtlich zutrifft.
Regarding your claim, it is necessary to clarify to what extent this is legally applicable.
Standard legal-professional tone for checking requirements.
Echt jetzt? Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft. 😂
Really? We need to clarify to what extent that is actually true. 😂
Using the phrase ironically to mock a ridiculous rumor.
Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit unsere Vorstellungen von der Zukunft noch zutreffen.
It is necessary to clarify to what extent our ideas of the future still apply.
Using the precision of the phrase to handle a delicate emotional topic.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the formal sentence to express the need for verification.
Bevor wir den Vertrag unterschreiben, ___ ___ ___ ___, inwieweit dies zutrifft.
The phrase 'gilt es zu klären' fits the formal structure required for a contract situation.
Choose the correct ending for this analytical statement.
Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit diese Theorie auf die ___ ___.
The verb 'zutreffen' is used to mean 'to apply' or 'to be true' in this context.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Level of 'Es gilt zu klären...'
Talking to your sibling about dinner.
Stimmt das wirklich?
Discussing a plan with a coworker.
Wir müssen prüfen, ob das so ist.
Official meeting or academic paper.
Es gilt zu klären, inwieweit dies zutrifft.
Legal documents or high diplomacy.
Es obliegt der Prüfung, inwieweit...
When to Use the Phrase
Business Meeting
Questioning a sales forecast.
University Essay
Analyzing a scientific hypothesis.
News Commentary
Fact-checking a politician's claim.
Sarcastic Banter
Mocking a friend's exaggerated story.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is a formal construction meaning 'It is necessary to' or 'The task at hand is to.' For example, Es gilt zu handeln means 'It is time to act.'
Yes, they are virtually interchangeable. Inwiefern is perhaps slightly more common in spoken German, while inwieweit sounds a bit more formal.
They are close, but zutreffen is more formal and often means 'to be applicable.' Stimmen is the everyday word for 'to be correct.'
Only if you are being funny or discussing something very serious with a colleague. Otherwise, it's too stiff for texting.
Yes! Using this in the writing or speaking part of a B2/C1 exam will earn you high points for 'Ausdrucksweise' (style).
The word Es acts as a placeholder subject. The real action is described by the infinitive clause starting with zu.
Absolutely. You can say inwieweit diese Behauptung zutrifft (to what extent this claim applies) or inwieweit das Ergebnis zutrifft.
It implies skepticism, but in a polite, professional way. It says 'I'm not sure yet' rather than 'You are lying.'
In casual speech, you'd just say: Mal sehen, ob das stimmt (Let's see if that's true).
It is pronounced 'in-vee-vite'. Remember that the 'w' sounds like an English 'v'.
Frases relacionadas
Das bleibt abzuwarten
Inwiefern ist das relevant?
Das muss noch geprüft werden
Es kommt darauf an
In diesem Zusammenhang
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