Rede und Antwort stehen
To account/answer for
शाब्दिक अर्थ: To stand speech and answer
Use this when someone in authority requires a serious, honest explanation for your actions.
15 सेकंड में
- Taking full responsibility for your actions.
- Answering difficult questions in a serious context.
- Providing a detailed justification to an authority.
मतलब
It means you are taking responsibility by answering tough questions about your actions or decisions. Imagine standing in front of a group and explaining exactly why you did what you did.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6A politician after an election
Der Minister musste der Presse Rede und Antwort stehen.
The minister had to answer to the press.
Explaining a mistake to a partner
Ich werde dir heute Abend zu meinem Fehler Rede und Antwort stehen.
I will account for my mistake to you this evening.
A manager in a meeting
Unser Chef stand uns wegen der Kündigungen Rede und Antwort.
Our boss answered our questions regarding the layoffs.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
This expression dates back to the 16th century and was often used in legal and religious contexts. It reflects the German cultural emphasis on 'Rechenschaftspflicht' (accountability), where individuals in power are expected to justify their actions publicly.
The Dative Secret
Always remember that the person you are answering to is in the Dative. If you're answering to 'the public', it's 'der Öffentlichkeit'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny question, you'll sound like a character in a historical drama. Save it for when things actually matter.
15 सेकंड में
- Taking full responsibility for your actions.
- Answering difficult questions in a serious context.
- Providing a detailed justification to an authority.
What It Means
Imagine you are in the spotlight. Everyone is waiting for your explanation. You have to justify your choices. It is about being brave and honest. You are not hiding from the truth. You are facing the music. It implies a sense of duty. You owe someone an explanation. It is more than just a simple answer. It is a full accounting of a situation.
How To Use It
You need a person in the dative case. For example, use dem Chef or meiner Mutter. The verb stehen usually goes to the end. In a main clause, you say: Er stand dem Team Rede und Antwort. It sounds quite official and serious. It implies there is some pressure involved. You are not just chatting over coffee. You are defending your position or your work.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings. It is perfect for describing a press conference. Use it at home for serious discussions. If you missed a major deadline, use this phrase. It shows you take the situation very seriously. It is a phrase for adults taking responsibility. Use it when someone has a right to know the truth. It fits well in news reports about politicians.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very light topics. Do not use it for 'What is for dinner?'. It is too dramatic for casual, happy chats. If there is no conflict, do not use it. It implies that someone is questioning your behavior. Do not use it if you are just giving a quick status update. It requires a deeper level of explanation and accountability.
Cultural Background
Germans deeply value Verantwortung or responsibility. This phrase reflects that specific cultural value. It has roots in older legal language. It suggests a formal right to ask questions. In German society, being transparent is a sign of respect. When a leader stands Rede und Antwort, they gain trust. It shows they are not above the rules. It is about maintaining social integrity.
Common Variations
You might hear the phrase jemanden zur Rede stellen. That means 'to confront someone'. Rede und Antwort stehen is the response to that confrontation. They are two sides of the same coin. Sometimes people just say Antwort stehen, but it is less common. The full version carries much more weight and authority. Stick to the full version for the best effect.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase is mostly formal or neutral. In very casual settings, it can sound sarcastic. Always ensure the verb 'stehen' is conjugated correctly for the subject.
The Dative Secret
Always remember that the person you are answering to is in the Dative. If you're answering to 'the public', it's 'der Öffentlichkeit'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny question, you'll sound like a character in a historical drama. Save it for when things actually matter.
The 'Stand' Factor
The verb 'stehen' (to stand) is key. It implies that you aren't running away or sitting comfortably; you are standing firm and taking the heat.
उदाहरण
6Der Minister musste der Presse Rede und Antwort stehen.
The minister had to answer to the press.
This is the most common use in news and media.
Ich werde dir heute Abend zu meinem Fehler Rede und Antwort stehen.
I will account for my mistake to you this evening.
Shows you are taking the relationship conflict seriously.
Unser Chef stand uns wegen der Kündigungen Rede und Antwort.
Our boss answered our questions regarding the layoffs.
Implies the boss was brave enough to face the staff.
Keine Sorge, ich stehe dir morgen beim Lunch Rede und Antwort!
Don't worry, I'll explain everything to you at lunch tomorrow!
A slightly more dramatic way to say 'I'll tell you why'.
Mein Hund muss mir Rede und Antwort stehen, warum die Wurst weg ist.
My dog has to answer to me about why the sausage is gone.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Du musst dem Kunden jetzt Rede und Antwort stehen.
You have to go and answer to the customer now.
Used when a client is unhappy and needs an explanation.
खुद को परखो
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Nach dem Skandal musste der Vorstand den Aktionären ___.
The phrase is a fixed collocation: 'Rede und Antwort stehen'.
Choose the correct dative object for this phrase.
Ich stehe ___ (my boss, masc.) Rede und Antwort.
The person you are answering to must be in the dative case.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Rede und Antwort stehen'
Rarely used, sounds a bit sarcastic or overly dramatic.
Explaining a stolen cookie to a sibling.
Good for serious personal or work discussions.
Explaining a budget error to a colleague.
Perfect for politics, law, and corporate leadership.
A CEO speaking to the board of directors.
Where to use 'Rede und Antwort stehen'
Press Conference
Politicians answering journalists.
Job Interview
Explaining gaps in your CV.
Family Conflict
Explaining why you broke a rule.
Courtroom
A witness testifying.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालIt means to be accountable and provide a detailed explanation for your actions, usually to someone in authority. For example: Er stand seinem Vater Rede und Antwort.
No, antworten is just giving an answer. Rede und Antwort stehen implies a formal or serious process of justification.
Yes, but it sounds a bit dramatic or humorous. Use it if you've done something that really needs an explanation, like Ich stehe dir morgen Rede und Antwort.
Very much so! It is common when managers have to explain project failures or financial losses to their teams or shareholders.
The person or group you are answering to is always in the dative case. Example: dem Lehrer Rede und Antwort stehen.
It has historical roots, but it is still very common in modern German, especially in journalism and professional contexts.
No, the order is fixed. It must always be Rede und Antwort stehen.
Not necessarily, but it does imply that your actions are being questioned or scrutinized by others.
Sich rechtfertigen (to justify oneself) is a synonym, but Rede und Antwort stehen sounds more like a formal process or a duty.
Usually, it is used for problems or mistakes, but it can be positive if you are explaining a successful but complex strategy.
संबंधित मुहावरे
jemanden zur Rede stellen
To confront someone about something
Rechenschaft ablegen
To give an account / be accountable
sich rechtfertigen
To justify oneself
Farbe bekennen
To show one's true colors / take a stand
टिप्पणियाँ (0)
टिप्पणी के लिए लॉगिन करेंमुफ्त में भाषाएं सीखना शुरू करें
मुफ़्त में सीखना शुरू करो