Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion
Literalmente: It is to question, whether the conclusion
Use this to politely challenge logic or results in professional or academic German settings.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to express doubt about a specific logical result.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious written contexts.
- Uses 'zu + infinitive' to imply a necessary critical evaluation.
Significado
This phrase is a polite, intellectual way of saying 'Hold on, we should probably double-check if that logic actually makes sense.' It suggests that a result or decision might be flawed without being directly rude.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a business meeting about sales data
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung aus diesen Zahlen wirklich stimmt.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion from these numbers is actually correct.
Writing a university essay about a theory
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung des Autors heute noch haltbar ist.
It is to be questioned whether the author's conclusion is still tenable today.
Sarcastic text to a friend who made a bad decision
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung, gestern so viel zu trinken, klug war.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion to drink so much yesterday was wise.
Contexto cultural
The German 'Hinterfragen' culture is rooted in Enlightenment philosophy and a history of critical academic discourse. Questioning authority or established conclusions is seen as a civic duty and a sign of high intelligence in professional environments. It is less about being 'negative' and more about ensuring absolute precision.
The 'Ob' Rule
Always remember that 'ob' triggers subordinate clause word order. Put your verb at the very end of the sentence!
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this too much in casual settings, you might come across as arrogant or 'besserwisserisch' (a know-it-all).
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to express doubt about a specific logical result.
- Best used in professional, academic, or serious written contexts.
- Uses 'zu + infinitive' to imply a necessary critical evaluation.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the ultimate 'polite skeptic' tool. You aren't saying someone is lying. You are saying their logic might have holes. It uses a specific German grammar structure called the 'Gerundivum' replacement. This makes the action feel like a necessary duty. It is a very 'German' way to be critical yet professional.
How To Use It
You start your sentence with Es ist zu hinterfragen. Then you add ob (whether) followed by the rest of your thought. Remember that ob sends the verb to the very end of the sentence. It sounds sophisticated and calm. It moves the focus away from the person and onto the logic itself. This helps avoid personal conflicts in heated debates.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase for university seminars or business meetings. Use it when a colleague presents a plan that seems too good to be true. It is perfect for written reports or academic essays. If you want to sound like a serious intellectual, this is your go-to opener. It shows you are thinking deeply about the topic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your partner during a romantic dinner. If they say 'I love you,' don't respond with Es ist zu hinterfragen... unless you want a lonely night. It is too cold for intimate moments. Avoid it at loud parties or casual bars. You will sound like a professor who forgot to go home. Keep it for professional or academic settings.
Cultural Background
Germans deeply value *Gründlichkeit* (thoroughness) and *Hinterfragen* (questioning). In German culture, being critical is often seen as a sign of respect. It means you are taking the other person's work seriously. This phrase reflects the 'Streitkultur' (debate culture). In Germany, a good argument is a productive argument. It is about finding the truth, not just being nice.
Common Variations
You might hear Man muss hinterfragen which is slightly more direct. Another common one is Es bleibt fraglich, ob... which means 'It remains questionable whether...'. If you want to be even more formal, you could say Es bedarf einer kritischen Prüfung, ob.... All of these serve the same purpose: healthy skepticism.
Notas de uso
This phrase is high-register. It is perfect for exams (TestDaF/DSH) and professional writing. Avoid it in casual chats unless you are being intentionally ironic.
The 'Ob' Rule
Always remember that 'ob' triggers subordinate clause word order. Put your verb at the very end of the sentence!
Don't Overuse with Friends
If you use this too much in casual settings, you might come across as arrogant or 'besserwisserisch' (a know-it-all).
The Power of the Passive
Germans use the 'Es ist zu...' structure to sound objective. It makes the need to question seem like a universal fact rather than just your personal opinion.
Ejemplos
6Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung aus diesen Zahlen wirklich stimmt.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion from these numbers is actually correct.
Uses the phrase to cast doubt on data analysis professionally.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung des Autors heute noch haltbar ist.
It is to be questioned whether the author's conclusion is still tenable today.
Classic academic usage for critiquing literature or theories.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung, gestern so viel zu trinken, klug war.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion to drink so much yesterday was wise.
Using a very formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung der Presse objektiv ist.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion of the press is objective.
Expressing skepticism about media reporting.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob deine Schlussfolgerung über mein Verhalten fair ist.
It is to be questioned whether your conclusion about my behavior is fair.
Uses formal logic to address an emotional misunderstanding.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Schlussfolgerung, dass die Kaffeemaschine kaputt ist, voreilig war.
It is to be questioned whether the conclusion that the coffee machine is broken was premature.
Everyday use for checking if someone gave up too quickly.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to express doubt about a plan.
Es ist zu ___, ob die Schlussfolgerung logisch ist.
`Hinterfragen` specifically means to scrutinize or look behind the surface of something.
Choose the correct word to introduce the doubt clause.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ___ die Schlussfolgerung richtig war.
`Ob` (whether/if) is the standard conjunction used after expressions of doubt or questioning.
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Formality Level of 'Es ist zu hinterfragen...'
Talking to a sibling about dinner.
Bist du sicher?
Discussing a movie with friends.
Ich bezweifle das.
Business meeting or academic paper.
Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob...
Legal document or high diplomacy.
Die Validität der Schlussfolgerung ist einer Revision zu unterziehen.
When to use 'Es ist zu hinterfragen...'
University Seminar
Critiquing a research paper.
Office Meeting
Doubting a marketing strategy.
Serious Debate
Discussing political outcomes.
Sarcastic Joke
Mocking a friend's bad logic.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to look behind (hinter) the question (fragen). It's about looking for hidden flaws or deeper meanings.
Yes, but mostly in professional discussions, news broadcasts, or podcasts. You won't hear it much at a football match.
Absolutely. You can say Ich hinterfrage deine Motive (I am questioning your motives).
No, you can question anything. Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob die Methode... or Es ist zu hinterfragen, ob der Preis... work too.
Hinterfragen is an inseparable verb. Therefore, the zu stays in front and doesn't go in the middle.
Not at all. It sounds very controlled and objective. It's actually a way to be critical without being aggressive.
Phrases like 'It is worth questioning whether...' or 'One must wonder if the conclusion...' are close matches.
Yes, the 'sein + zu + infinitive' construction is a classic B2/C1 topic used to replace passive voice with 'müssen' or 'können'.
Use ob (whether). Falls means 'in case,' which doesn't fit the logic of questioning a fact.
Just say Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob... (I'm not sure if...). That's the casual version.
Frases relacionadas
Es bleibt abzuwarten, ob...
Zweifel anmelden
Kritisch beleuchten
Infrage stellen
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