Es ist anzunehmen, dass...
It is to be assumed that...
Literally: It is to assume, that...
Use this phrase to sound objective and logical when making a prediction based on available evidence.
In 15 Seconds
- A logical way to say 'It's likely' or 'I assume.'
- Uses a passive-style structure to sound objective and smart.
- Perfect for professional settings or making logical predictions.
- The verb always moves to the end of the sentence.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'I assume' or 'It's likely.' You use it when you're making a logical guess based on the facts you have at hand.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a colleague's absence
Es ist anzunehmen, dass er im Stau steht.
It is to be assumed that he is stuck in traffic.
Predicting the weather for a hike
Es ist anzunehmen, dass das Wetter am Wochenende besser wird.
It is to be assumed that the weather will get better this weekend.
Analyzing a business trend
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Preise weiter steigen werden.
It is to be assumed that prices will continue to rise.
Cultural Background
This expression stems from the German preference for passive-like constructions to sound objective. It reflects 'Bildungssprache' (educated language), which became the standard for professional and academic discourse in the 19th century. Using it signals that you are thinking critically rather than just reacting emotionally.
The 'Passive' Trick
Using 'Es ist zu + verb' is a great way to avoid saying 'I' all the time. It makes you sound like a neutral observer.
Don't Forget the 'Dass'
Always remember that 'dass' triggers a subordinate clause. If you forget to put the verb at the end, the 'smart' effect is ruined!
In 15 Seconds
- A logical way to say 'It's likely' or 'I assume.'
- Uses a passive-style structure to sound objective and smart.
- Perfect for professional settings or making logical predictions.
- The verb always moves to the end of the sentence.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as your 'detective voice.' It implies you have looked at the evidence. You aren't just guessing wildly. You are making a calculated prediction. In English, we might say 'one can assume' or 'it's safe to say.' It sounds polished and intelligent. It moves the focus away from your personal opinion. Instead, it focuses on the logical conclusion itself.
How To Use It
You start your sentence with Es ist anzunehmen, dass.... Then, you place your main point in a subordinate clause. Remember the golden rule of German grammar. The conjugated verb must go to the very end of that clause. For example: Es ist anzunehmen, dass es heute regnet. You are basically setting the stage for a fact. It works beautifully when you want to sound objective. It’s like wearing a virtual lab coat while you speak.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound professional or precise. It’s perfect for office meetings or writing emails. You can also use it when discussing the news with friends. It’s great for predicting the outcome of a football match. Or perhaps why your roommate is late again. It adds a layer of 'German logic' to your conversation. Use it when you want people to take your opinion seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for very obvious or personal things. If your hair is soaking wet, don't say Es ist anzunehmen, dass ich duschen war. That sounds like a robot trying to be human. Avoid it in high-energy, emotional arguments. If you are shouting at someone, this phrase is too cold. It’s also a bit much for a first date. You might come across as a bit of a know-it-all. Keep it for situations that require a bit of analysis.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Sachlichkeit'—which means being objective and matter-of-fact. This phrase is the poster child for that value. It removes the 'I' (ich) from the sentence. This makes the statement feel more universal and less like a personal bias. It reflects a culture that respects data, logic, and careful observation. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a well-engineered car. It’s sturdy, reliable, and gets the job done without extra fluff.
Common Variations
You might hear Man kann davon ausgehen, dass... which is very similar. Another one is Vermutlich... for a shorter, punchier guess. If you want to be even more formal, try Es steht zu vermuten, dass.... But for your daily life at a B2 level, Es ist anzunehmen is the 'Goldilocks' choice. It’s not too stiff, but it’s definitely not lazy. It shows you’ve mastered the passive-style construction with zu.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a hallmark of upper-intermediate German. It shifts the register from casual conversation to analytical discussion. Ensure your 'dass' clause grammar is perfect to maintain the professional tone.
The 'Passive' Trick
Using 'Es ist zu + verb' is a great way to avoid saying 'I' all the time. It makes you sound like a neutral observer.
Don't Forget the 'Dass'
Always remember that 'dass' triggers a subordinate clause. If you forget to put the verb at the end, the 'smart' effect is ruined!
The German 'Sachlichkeit'
Germans love being 'sachlich' (objective). Using this phrase shows you respect the facts more than your own ego.
Examples
6Es ist anzunehmen, dass er im Stau steht.
It is to be assumed that he is stuck in traffic.
A logical guess based on the fact that he is late.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass das Wetter am Wochenende besser wird.
It is to be assumed that the weather will get better this weekend.
Based on the weather report you likely saw earlier.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Preise weiter steigen werden.
It is to be assumed that prices will continue to rise.
Sounds authoritative and analytical in a meeting.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Party sowieso erst um 22 Uhr losgeht.
It's safe to assume the party won't start until 10 PM anyway.
A slightly more 'fancy' way to joke about late friends.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Katze wieder Hunger hat.
It is to be assumed that the cat is hungry again.
Using formal language for a mundane cat behavior is funny.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass der Brief verloren gegangen ist.
It is to be assumed that the letter has been lost.
A polite way to express a negative realization.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb position.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass der Chef heute nicht ___.
In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb must go to the very end of the sentence.
Choose the correct phrase to sound objective.
___ dass die Züge heute streiken.
'Es ist anzunehmen' is the most objective and formal choice among the options.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Assumptions
Casual guessing with friends.
Ich schätze mal...
Standard everyday assumption.
Ich nehme an, dass...
Objective, logical conclusion.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass...
Academic or legal context.
Es steht zu vermuten, dass...
When to use 'Es ist anzunehmen'
Office Meeting
Predicting project delays.
News Discussion
Talking about politics.
Scientific Context
Hypothesizing results.
Polite Disagreement
Correcting someone gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot quite. Ich glaube is a personal belief, while Es ist anzunehmen suggests there is logical evidence for the assumption.
Yes, but it might sound a bit ironic or very serious. Use it when you're discussing something that requires a bit of thought, like Es ist anzunehmen, dass der Film gut ist.
Usually, yes. It sets up a statement. You could technically say Das ist anzunehmen (That is to be assumed) as a standalone response.
It's perfect for B2/C1 levels. It’s formal enough for a job interview but not so stiff that you can't use it in a nice restaurant.
No, Es ist zu denken isn't a standard phrase. Stick with anzunehmen or vermuten for this specific structure.
Vermutlich is just an adverb meaning 'presumably.' Es ist anzunehmen is a full introductory clause that adds more weight to your sentence.
You can say Anzunehmenderweise, but that is very rare and sounds quite bureaucratic. Stick to the full phrase.
Yes! You can say Es war anzunehmen, dass... (It was to be assumed that...). It’s great for saying 'I told you so' politely.
Extremely common. You'll see it in newspapers, reports, and academic essays all the time.
Only if you use it for everything. If you use it for common sense things, you might sound like a 'Besserwisser' (know-it-all).
Related Phrases
Man kann davon ausgehen, dass...
Ich nehme an, dass...
Allem Anschein nach...
Es liegt nahe, dass...
Vermutlich...
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