Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass
It cannot be denied that
Littéralement: It lets itself not from the hand point/reject, that
Use this to introduce an undeniable truth when you want to sound logical, objective, and persuasive.
En 15 secondes
- Used for facts that are impossible to ignore or deny.
- Common in professional, academic, or serious debating contexts.
- Requires a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
Signification
This phrase is used to introduce a fact or reality that is so obvious or well-supported by evidence that nobody can reasonably argue against it. It is like saying a truth is too big to be brushed aside with a simple wave of the hand.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting about declining sales
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass wir unsere Strategie ändern müssen.
It cannot be denied that we must change our strategy.
Discussing climate change with a friend
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass die Sommer immer heißer werden.
It cannot be denied that the summers are getting hotter and hotter.
A teacher talking to a student about their grades
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass du dich dieses Semester sehr verbessert hast.
It cannot be denied that you have improved a lot this semester.
Contexte culturel
The phrase stems from the idea of 'wegweisen' (to point away or dismiss). In German rhetoric, physical metaphors for mental processes are very common, reflecting a culture that values tangible evidence and logical structure. It became a staple of journalistic and academic German in the 20th century.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'dass' kicks the verb to the end. If you forget, the sophisticated effect of the phrase is ruined!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every second sentence, you will sound like a politician trying to dodge a question. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
En 15 secondes
- Used for facts that are impossible to ignore or deny.
- Common in professional, academic, or serious debating contexts.
- Requires a 'dass' clause with the verb at the end.
What It Means
Imagine someone presents you with a mountain of evidence. You try to wave it away with your hand, but it stays right there. That is the essence of Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass. It means something is undeniable or indisputable. You use it when you want to sound convincing and logical. It suggests that the point you are making is not just your opinion. It is a reality that everyone should acknowledge.
How To Use It
This phrase acts as a 'dass-clause' starter. Because it ends with dass, the verb in the following part of the sentence must go to the very end. It sounds a bit sophisticated, so it elevates your speech. You can use it to start a sentence or as a response to someone else's point. Just remember to keep your evidence solid when you use it. It is a powerful tool for building a persuasive argument.
When To Use It
You will hear this a lot in German news, talk shows, or business meetings. It is perfect for professional settings where you need to be objective. However, you can also use it with friends when discussing something serious. Maybe you are debating which Netflix show is better or why the local bakery is the best. It adds a layer of 'I have thought about this' to your conversation. It is great for settling debates with a touch of class.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for purely subjective feelings or trivial matters. If you say, Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass ich heute müde bin, it sounds way too dramatic. It is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Also, do not use it in very casual slang-heavy environments. Your teenage cousin might think you have swallowed a dictionary. Keep it for moments that require a bit of intellectual weight.
Cultural Background
Germans deeply value Sachlichkeit—the quality of being objective and factual. This expression perfectly mirrors that cultural trait. It moves the focus away from 'I think' to 'The facts show.' It has a slightly old-fashioned, rhetorical feel that suggests the speaker is well-educated. It implies that logic should always win over emotion in a serious discussion.
Common Variations
You might also hear Es liegt auf der Hand, dass, which means 'It is obvious.' Another common one is Es ist unbestreitbar, dass. While they are similar, our phrase is slightly more elegant. It specifically uses the imagery of 'pointing away' or 'rejecting' with a hand gesture. This makes it feel more active and descriptive than just saying something is 'clear.'
Notes d'usage
This is a B2/C1 level expression. It is perfect for the 'Schriftlicher Ausdruck' (writing) part of a German exam to show off your range. In speech, use it when you want to sound particularly convincing or when the topic is serious.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always remember that 'dass' kicks the verb to the end. If you forget, the sophisticated effect of the phrase is ruined!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every second sentence, you will sound like a politician trying to dodge a question. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
The Power of Objectivity
In Germany, being 'sachlich' (objective) is a compliment. Using this phrase shows you are focusing on facts rather than just your feelings, which earns you respect in discussions.
Exemples
6Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass wir unsere Strategie ändern müssen.
It cannot be denied that we must change our strategy.
The speaker uses the phrase to make the need for change seem like a logical necessity.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass die Sommer immer heißer werden.
It cannot be denied that the summers are getting hotter and hotter.
A common observation backed by data, making the phrase appropriate here.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass du dich dieses Semester sehr verbessert hast.
It cannot be denied that you have improved a lot this semester.
Used here to give objective praise based on visible results.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass der Film trotz der Stars furchtbar war.
It cannot be denied that the movie was terrible despite the stars.
Adds a bit of mock-seriousness to a casual critique.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass ich ohne Kaffee kein Mensch bin.
It cannot be denied that I am not a human being without coffee.
The formal structure makes the silly statement sound funnier.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass wir uns auseinandergelebt haben.
It cannot be denied that we have grown apart.
Used to acknowledge a painful but obvious reality.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to say that the success of the project is undeniable.
Es ___ sich nicht von der Hand ___, dass das Projekt ein Erfolg war.
The fixed expression is 'Es lässt sich ... weisen'.
Choose the correct word order for the clause.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass Deutsch eine ___ ___.
In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb ('ist') must go to the very end of the sentence.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen'
Talking to siblings about pizza toppings.
Klar ist das lecker.
Discussing the weather or a movie with friends.
Man kann nicht leugnen, dass...
Business meetings, essays, or serious debates.
Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass...
Legal documents or high academic writing.
Es ist unumstößlich festzustellen, dass...
When to use this phrase
Office Meeting
Presenting quarterly results.
Political Debate
Arguing for a new policy.
Serious Friendship Talk
Acknowledging a hard truth.
Academic Essay
Introducing a proven theory.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsLiterally, it means 'to point away from the hand.' It describes the physical action of dismissing or rejecting something with a hand gesture.
It is common in serious conversations or news, but in casual 'Kneipe' (pub) talk, people would more likely say Es ist klar, dass....
Yes! You can say Es lässt sich nicht von der Hand weisen, dass du toll aussiehst (It cannot be denied that you look great). It just sounds very deliberate.
Technically yes, but it makes your opinion sound like a universal fact. Use it when you want to sound very sure of yourself.
Almost. Offensichtlich means 'obvious.' Our phrase is slightly stronger because it implies that someone *tried* to deny it but failed.
No, that is a mistake. The construction is lässt sich + infinitive (without zu). Example: Es lässt sich nicht leugnen.
It can, if used for something trivial. If you say it about your own greatness, people might roll their eyes.
You can say Zweifellos... (Doubtlessly) or Unbestreitbar... (Indisputably) to save some breath.
Absolutely. It is a favorite of journalists and students writing essays because it sounds authoritative.
No, that would be very confusing! The idiom is fixed to the 'Hand'.
Expressions liées
Es liegt auf der Hand, dass
Es steht außer Frage, dass
Unbestreitbar ist, dass
Klar wie Kloßbrühe sein
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