Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen
This concerns a phenomenon
Littéralement: Here-at deals it itself about a phenomenon
Use this phrase to formally introduce or categorize a trend, event, or specific situation as a phenomenon.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to identify or categorize a specific situation.
- Uses the reflexive verb 'sich handeln um' for objective descriptions.
- Perfect for presentations, reports, or sounding like an expert.
Signification
You use this phrase to explain that a specific situation or event is actually a broader, noteworthy trend or occurrence. It is a sophisticated way to say 'This is a phenomenon' while sounding analytical and precise.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining a new social media trend
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen der Generation Z.
This concerns a phenomenon of Generation Z.
Discussing a weird weather event with a neighbor
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein seltenes Wetterphänomen.
This is a rare weather phenomenon.
A scientist presenting data
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen, das wir noch untersuchen.
This concerns a phenomenon that we are still investigating.
Contexte culturel
This expression stems from the German tradition of precise, academic categorization. It reflects the 'Dichter und Denker' (poets and thinkers) heritage where defining the nature of a thing is seen as a sign of intellect. It is particularly common in 'Bildungssprache' (educated language).
The 'Um' Rule
Always remember the 'um'. Without it, the sentence makes no sense. It's like the glue holding the phrase together.
Don't use it for people
Avoid saying 'Hierbei handelt es sich um meinen Bruder.' It makes your brother sound like a scientific specimen. Use 'Das ist...' for people.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to identify or categorize a specific situation.
- Uses the reflexive verb 'sich handeln um' for objective descriptions.
- Perfect for presentations, reports, or sounding like an expert.
What It Means
This phrase is a powerhouse in German. It helps you identify something as a specific category. Think of it as a spotlight. You are pointing at a situation and saying, 'Look, this isn't just a random event.' You are labeling it as a Phänomen. It sounds much more professional than just saying Das ist ein Phänomen. It suggests you have analyzed the situation. You are now presenting your conclusion to the listener.
How To Use It
The structure is a bit tricky. You start with Hierbei. This refers to the thing you just mentioned. Then comes the verb handelt. But wait, you need the reflexive sich. Finally, you use the preposition um. It always follows this pattern: Hierbei handelt es sich um... plus whatever you are describing. It is like a pre-packaged grammatical unit. You don't change much except the noun at the end. Use it when you want to sound smart. It works great in essays or presentations.
When To Use It
Use it in a professional setting. It is perfect for a business meeting. Imagine you are explaining why sales dropped. You could say this phrase to introduce a market trend. It also works in news reports. Journalists love this phrasing. You can also use it when explaining a cultural quirk to a friend. It adds a touch of 'expert' energy to your explanation. If you are writing a university paper, this phrase is your best friend. It makes your German sound polished and high-level.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud party. If you tell a friend 'Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Bier,' they will think you are a robot. It is too stiff for very casual moments. Avoid it when the situation is simple. If you are just pointing at a cat, don't use it. It feels overly dramatic for everyday objects. Also, be careful with the grammar. If you forget the sich or the um, the sentence falls apart. It is a formal tool, so use it with care.
Cultural Background
Germans value Sachlichkeit. This means being objective and matter-of-fact. This phrase is the definition of Sachlichkeit. It removes the 'I' from the sentence. Instead of saying 'I think this is...', you say 'It is...'. This reflects a cultural preference for data and logic. In German academia, being direct but formal is key. This phrase has been a staple of scientific and journalistic German for decades. It shows you are part of the 'educated' conversation.
Common Variations
You might hear Es handelt sich um... which is slightly shorter. Another version is Dabei geht es um.... That one is a bit more common in spoken German. If you want to be even more specific, you can say Hierbei handelt es sich um ein bekanntes Problem. This swaps 'phenomenon' for 'problem'. The structure stays the same. It is a very flexible 'template' sentence for your German vocabulary.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-register expression. Use it in writing or formal speaking to sound objective. Be careful not to use it for people or simple everyday objects unless you are being intentionally funny.
The 'Um' Rule
Always remember the 'um'. Without it, the sentence makes no sense. It's like the glue holding the phrase together.
Don't use it for people
Avoid saying 'Hierbei handelt es sich um meinen Bruder.' It makes your brother sound like a scientific specimen. Use 'Das ist...' for people.
The Academic Secret
Germans use this to avoid saying 'I think'. It makes an opinion sound like an objective fact. Use it in debates to sound more convincing!
Exemples
6Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen der Generation Z.
This concerns a phenomenon of Generation Z.
The speaker is categorizing a behavior as a generational trend.
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein seltenes Wetterphänomen.
This is a rare weather phenomenon.
Using formal language to describe something unusual makes it sound more serious.
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen, das wir noch untersuchen.
This concerns a phenomenon that we are still investigating.
Very standard use in a scientific or research context.
Hierbei handelt es sich wohl um ein modisches Phänomen, das ich nicht verstehe.
This is probably a fashion phenomenon that I don't understand.
The use of 'wohl' (probably) adds a touch of personal opinion to the formal structure.
Hierbei handelt es sich um das Phänomen der Montags-Müdigkeit.
This concerns the phenomenon of Monday-fatigue.
Using high-level language for a mundane problem creates a humorous contrast.
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen der puren Begeisterung.
This is a phenomenon of pure enthusiasm.
The phrase elevates the emotional observation to something more significant.
Teste-toi
Complete the formal sentence to identify the situation.
Hierbei ___ es sich um ein neues Phänomen.
The fixed expression is 'sich handeln um'. 'Handelt' is the correct verb form here.
Which preposition is required in this expression?
Hierbei handelt es sich ___ ein interessantes Phänomen.
The verb 'sich handeln' always takes the preposition 'um' when identifying what something is.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Hierbei handelt es sich um...'
Too stiff for a quick chat with friends.
Das ist ein Ding.
Usable when explaining something clearly.
Es geht um ein Phänomen.
Perfect for work, news, or school.
Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Phänomen.
Where to use this phrase
University Lecture
Explaining a sociological trend.
News Broadcast
Describing a new economic shift.
Office Meeting
Analyzing customer behavior.
Sarcastic Text
Mocking a weird new fad.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt literally means 'at this' or 'herewith'. It refers back to the topic you were just talking about, acting as a bridge.
No, 'handeln von' is used for the plot of a book or movie. 'Sich handeln um' is used to identify what something is.
It is common in formal spoken German, like a speech or a news report. In a casual bar, it would sound very out of place.
'Das ist...' is simple and direct. 'Hierbei handelt es sich um...' is more sophisticated and analytical.
Not necessarily. It can describe something negative, like a 'Phänomen der Gewalt' (phenomenon of violence), or something neutral.
Yes, 'um' always takes the accusative case. So it is 'um ein Phänomen' (neuter accusative).
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails when you are explaining a situation or a problem to a client.
The 'es' stays the same! You just change the end: 'Hierbei handelt es sich um Phänomene.' The verb stays singular because 'es' is the subject.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something serious. Otherwise, it's a bit too much effort to type!
The verb is reflexive in this specific meaning. It's just one of those German grammar rules you have to memorize as a set.
Expressions liées
Es geht um...
It is about... (more common/neutral)
Im Grunde genommen...
Basically... / Fundamentally...
Das lässt sich als... beschreiben
That can be described as...
Dies stellt ein... dar
This represents a...
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