Das zweite Kapitel befasst sich mit der Darstellung
The second chapter deals with the presentation of
Littéralement: The second chapter occupies itself with the representation
Use this phrase to professionally signal the topic of a chapter or section in formal writing.
En 15 secondes
- Formal way to introduce a topic in a specific text section.
- Uses the reflexive verb 'sich befassen mit' plus dative case.
- Essential for academic papers, reports, and professional presentations.
Signification
This phrase is a formal way to introduce the topic of a specific section. It tells your reader or listener exactly what subject is being explored or described next.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Writing a university term paper
Das zweite Kapitel befasst sich mit der Darstellung der historischen Hintergründe.
The second chapter deals with the presentation of the historical background.
Giving a business presentation
Dieser Teil meiner Präsentation befasst sich mit der Darstellung unserer Quartalszahlen.
This part of my presentation deals with the presentation of our quarterly figures.
Reviewing a book with a colleague
Das Buch befasst sich intensiv mit der Darstellung von Machtstrukturen.
The book deals intensively with the portrayal of power structures.
Contexte culturel
In Germany, academic and professional writing follows a very linear 'deductive' style. Signposting phrases like this became essential tools for navigating the famously long and complex German sentences. It reflects the value placed on 'Ordnung' (order) and 'Klarheit' (clarity) in intellectual discourse.
The 'Sich' Secret
Don't forget the 'sich'! Without it, the sentence falls apart. It's the engine that makes the verb work.
Dative Trap
Always use the dative case after 'mit'. If you use the accusative, your German teacher might shed a tear.
En 15 secondes
- Formal way to introduce a topic in a specific text section.
- Uses the reflexive verb 'sich befassen mit' plus dative case.
- Essential for academic papers, reports, and professional presentations.
What It Means
This phrase is all about setting expectations for your audience. It identifies the core subject of a specific part of a text. In English, we might say it 'deals with' or 'focuses on' a topic. It is a classic 'signposting' expression used in structured writing. It helps the reader navigate through complex ideas without getting lost.
How To Use It
You need the reflexive verb sich befassen combined with the preposition mit. After mit, you must always use the dative case. The word Darstellung refers to how something is presented or depicted. You can swap zweite for any number or section name. Just remember to keep the reflexive pronoun sich in its place. It is like a little anchor for the sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use this when you are writing a university paper or a thesis. It is also perfect for professional reports at the office. If you are giving a presentation, use it to introduce your next slide. It makes you sound organized, prepared, and very professional. Your boss will likely appreciate the clear structure of your thoughts. It shows you have a solid plan for your communication.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in casual chats with your friends. If you say this at a bar, people might think you're a robot. Do not use it when ordering food or describing your weekend. It is far too stiff for emotional or spontaneous conversations. Using it while texting your crush might make you sound like a textbook. Keep it for moments where structure and formality actually matter.
Cultural Background
German academic culture places a huge value on 'Gliederung' or structure. We love to tell you exactly what we are going to tell you. This transparency is seen as a sign of respect for the reader's time. Clear signposting prevents confusion in long, complex German sentences. It reflects a cultural preference for logic and orderly progression in professional life. A well-structured document is often seen as a sign of a well-structured mind.
Common Variations
You can use behandelt for a slightly shorter, more direct feel. If you want to sound even more academic, try setzt sich auseinander mit. For a simpler approach, es geht um is the common everyday cousin. You might also see thematisiert, which is very popular in modern literary analysis. Each variation shifts the focus slightly but keeps the general meaning intact.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-register academic phrase. It requires the reflexive pronoun 'sich' and the dative case after 'mit'. It is almost exclusively used in written reports or formal oral presentations.
The 'Sich' Secret
Don't forget the 'sich'! Without it, the sentence falls apart. It's the engine that makes the verb work.
Dative Trap
Always use the dative case after 'mit'. If you use the accusative, your German teacher might shed a tear.
The Power of 'Darstellung'
In German, 'Darstellung' can mean a graph, a theatrical performance, or a written description. Context is king here!
Exemples
6Das zweite Kapitel befasst sich mit der Darstellung der historischen Hintergründe.
The second chapter deals with the presentation of the historical background.
A standard way to introduce a context section in an essay.
Dieser Teil meiner Präsentation befasst sich mit der Darstellung unserer Quartalszahlen.
This part of my presentation deals with the presentation of our quarterly figures.
Used to guide the audience through different data sets.
Das Buch befasst sich intensiv mit der Darstellung von Machtstrukturen.
The book deals intensively with the portrayal of power structures.
Used to describe the thematic focus of a piece of literature.
Mein Entwurf befasst sich erst mal nur mit der Darstellung der Probleme.
For now, my draft only deals with the presentation of the problems.
Slightly formal for a text, but appropriate for academic collaboration.
Das zweite Kapitel befasst sich hoffentlich bald mit dem Ende der Vorlesung!
Hopefully, the second chapter will soon deal with the end of the lecture!
Using formal language to complain about a boring situation adds irony.
Der Film befasst sich einfühlsam mit der Darstellung von Trauer.
The film deals sensitively with the portrayal of grief.
Shows how the phrase can be softened with adverbs like 'einfühlsam'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Das Kapitel ___ befasst ___ der Darstellung der Ergebnisse.
The verb 'sich befassen' is reflexive and always takes the preposition 'mit'.
Choose the correct case for the noun following 'mit'.
Der Bericht befasst sich mit der Darstellung ___ (der Erfolg).
While 'mit' takes the dative, 'Darstellung' is followed by a genitive attribute 'des Erfolgs' (of the success).
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Topic Introduction
Talking to friends about a story.
Es geht um...
General description of a text.
Der Text handelt von...
Academic or professional context.
Das Kapitel befasst sich mit...
Highly specialized legal or philosophical text.
Die vorliegende Abhandlung expliziert...
Where to use 'sich befassen mit'
University Thesis
Explaining your research focus.
Business Meeting
Introducing a new project report.
Book Review
Analyzing a novel's themes.
Legal Document
Defining the scope of a contract.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'to deal with' or 'to occupy oneself with' a topic. It is used to show focus in a formal way.
It's a bit too formal for friends. Use Es geht um instead to sound more natural.
No, it often refers to how an idea or fact is described in words. It's about the 'representation' of a concept.
The dative case always follows mit. For example: mit der Darstellung (feminine dative).
Yes, handelt von is a very common and slightly less formal alternative. It works in most situations.
Befassen is reflexive and sounds more like 'exploring' a topic. Behandeln is more direct, like 'covering' a topic.
Only in formal settings like lectures or business meetings. You won't hear it at the dinner table.
You would say Das erste Kapitel. Note the -e ending for the adjective in the nominative case.
Yes, you can say Ich befasse mich mit diesem Autor, meaning you are studying or researching that author.
Forgetting the sich or using the wrong preposition like über instead of mit.
Expressions liées
handelt von
is about / deals with
im Fokus stehen
to be in the focus
thematisiert werden
to be made a subject / themed
auseinandersetzen mit
to grapple with / analyze
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