Position beziehen
To take a stand
Literalmente: To move into/occupy a position
Use this phrase when you want to show you have a firm, clear opinion on something important.
En 15 segundos
- Clearly stating your opinion on a controversial or important topic.
- Moving from being neutral to picking a side decisively.
- Commonly used in professional, political, or serious social contexts.
Significado
It means making your opinion clear on a specific topic. You stop sitting on the fence and finally tell everyone which side you are on.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a serious office meeting about new company policies
Der Chef muss endlich zu den neuen Arbeitszeiten Position beziehen.
The boss finally needs to take a stand on the new working hours.
Discussing a political protest with a friend
Ich finde es wichtig, gegen Rassismus klar Position zu beziehen.
I think it is important to take a clear stand against racism.
Texting a friend about a group argument
Du musst dich nicht immer raushalten, bezieh doch mal Position!
You don't always have to stay out of it, just take a stand for once!
Contexto cultural
The phrase has roots in military terminology, referring to troops moving into a strategic location. In post-war Germany, it evolved into a civic duty, reflecting a culture that encourages individuals to speak out against injustice and participate in public discourse.
The 'Klar' Power-up
If you want to sound 100% certain, always add the word 'klar' before Position. 'Klar Position beziehen' is a very common power-collocation.
Don't be too literal
If you are literally standing in a spot (like in a queue), do not use this. It is for opinions and viewpoints, not physical locations.
En 15 segundos
- Clearly stating your opinion on a controversial or important topic.
- Moving from being neutral to picking a side decisively.
- Commonly used in professional, political, or serious social contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you are watching a heated debate. Everyone is arguing, but you are staying quiet. Suddenly, someone looks at you and asks for your opinion. When you finally speak up and pick a side, you Position beziehen. It is about being brave enough to have a standpoint. You are essentially 'moving into' your mental fortress and defending it.
How To Use It
You usually use the preposition zu with this phrase. For example, zu einem Thema Position beziehen. It sounds very active and decisive. You can use it when talking about politics, office changes, or even family drama. It implies that you have thought about the issue. Now, you are ready to be counted. Just remember to conjugate beziehen correctly (ich beziehe, du beziehst).
When To Use It
Use this phrase when the stakes are a bit higher. It is perfect for a team meeting at work. Use it when discussing social issues with friends over dinner. It works well when a journalist asks a politician a tough question. If your friend is being treated unfairly, you might Position beziehen to support them. It shows you have a backbone and clear values.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday choices. If someone asks if you want pizza or pasta, do not say you are 'occupying a position.' That sounds way too dramatic! It is also a bit heavy for choosing a movie. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy conversations with teenagers. They might think you sound like a news anchor. Keep it for moments that actually matter.
Cultural Background
Germans generally value directness and 'Klartext' (clear speech). Being 'neutral' can sometimes be seen as being indecisive or weak. This phrase has a slightly military history, like a soldier taking a post. In modern German life, it reflects the democratic ideal of having a voice. People expect leaders and companies to Position beziehen on big social topics. It is part of being a responsible citizen.
Common Variations
A very common alternative is Stellung nehmen. It means almost the same thing but feels slightly more bureaucratic. You might also hear Farbe bekennen, which means 'to show your colors.' That one is a bit more idiomatic and colorful. If you want to sound very firm, you can say klar Position beziehen. Adding klar (clear) makes you sound even more determined.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a weight of 'seriousness.' It is most common in journalism, politics, and professional environments, but perfectly acceptable in private life when discussing important values.
The 'Klar' Power-up
If you want to sound 100% certain, always add the word 'klar' before Position. 'Klar Position beziehen' is a very common power-collocation.
Don't be too literal
If you are literally standing in a spot (like in a queue), do not use this. It is for opinions and viewpoints, not physical locations.
The German 'Jein'
Germans love the word 'Jein' (Ja + Nein). If someone asks you to 'Position beziehen' and you can't decide, 'Jein' is your emergency exit!
Ejemplos
6Der Chef muss endlich zu den neuen Arbeitszeiten Position beziehen.
The boss finally needs to take a stand on the new working hours.
Here it implies the boss is being vague and needs to be clear.
Ich finde es wichtig, gegen Rassismus klar Position zu beziehen.
I think it is important to take a clear stand against racism.
A very common way to express moral or social values.
Du musst dich nicht immer raushalten, bezieh doch mal Position!
You don't always have to stay out of it, just take a stand for once!
A bit more direct and pushy, used between close friends.
In der Frage 'Berlin oder München' muss jeder Deutsche Position beziehen.
On the question of 'Berlin or Munich,' every German must take a stand.
Using a serious phrase for a lighthearted, subjective debate.
Wann werden Sie zu den Vorwürfen offiziell Position beziehen?
When will you officially take a position on the allegations?
Standard formal inquiry in media or legal contexts.
Ich danke dir, dass du vor deiner Mutter Position für mich bezogen hast.
I thank you for taking a stand for me in front of your mother.
Shows loyalty and support in a personal relationship.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Der Politiker wollte zu dem Skandal keine ___ ___.
After 'wollte' (modal verb), we need the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.
Choose the correct preposition to go with the phrase.
Wir müssen ___ diesem Thema endlich Position beziehen.
In German, you take a stand 'to' (zu) a topic, not 'about' or 'on' it.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Position beziehen'
Used with friends during deep talks.
Bezieh mal Position!
Standard use in news or discussions.
Sie beziehen Position.
Official statements or legal contexts.
Wir beziehen hiermit Position...
When to use 'Position beziehen'
Political Debates
Voting or protests
Office Meetings
New company strategy
Social Justice
Supporting a cause
Family Conflicts
Defending a sibling
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to stop being neutral and clearly state your opinion or side in a debate. For example: Er bezieht Position gegen den Krieg.
They are very similar. Stellung nehmen is slightly more formal and often used for official comments, while Position beziehen feels a bit more active and personal.
Not really. It sounds too dramatic for food. You wouldn't say it for pizza toppings unless you are making a joke about how serious the choice is.
Always use zu. You take a stand 'to' a topic: Ich beziehe Position zu diesem Plan.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a newspaper or a serious conversation with a friend, but it's not 'slang'.
The past tense (Präteritum) is bezog and the perfect tense is hat bezogen. Example: Er hat gestern Position bezogen.
No, it is generally positive. It implies honesty and courage, though people who disagree with your 'Position' might not like your choice!
Yes, it is very professional. Wir müssen zu diesem Angebot Position beziehen sounds like you are ready to make a decision.
The opposite would be sich neutral verhalten (to stay neutral) or sich heraushalten (to stay out of it).
You could say sich entscheiden (to decide), but it doesn't carry the same weight of public commitment that Position beziehen does.
Frases relacionadas
Stellung nehmen
Farbe bekennen
Sich festlegen
Einen Standpunkt vertreten
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis