Berichtsverben: Wer hat was gesagt?
lebendig und präzise.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use passive reporting to talk about general beliefs or news without naming a specific person as the source.
- Use 'It + is + said + that' for general statements like 'It is said that he is rich.'
- Use 'Subject + is + thought + to' for specific focus like 'He is thought to be rich.'
- Common verbs include: say, think, believe, consider, report, know, and expect.
Overview
said oder told zu verwenden, wählst du mit reporting verbs wie admitted, suggested oder denied genau das Wort, das die Absicht oder den Tonfall des Sprechers trifft. Das macht dein Englisch präziser und lebendiger.backshift (die Zeitverschiebung in die Vergangenheit) aus. Wenn du im Büro, an der Uni oder beim Feierabendbier erzählst, was jemand anderes gesagt hat, wirken diese Verben viel natürlicher als eine Aneinanderreihung von „He said that, and then he said that...“.He said he was late, sondern vielleicht He admitted that he was late, was sofort mehr Kontext liefert. Das ist der Schlüssel zu flüssigerem, idiomatischem Englisch.direct speech (direkte Rede) in indirect speech (indirekte Rede). Im Deutschen benutzen wir dafür oft den Nebensatz mit „dass“ oder den Konjunktiv. Der größte Unterschied: Während das Deutsche bei der indirekten Rede den Konjunktiv nutzt, um Distanz zum Gesagten zu schaffen, nutzt das Englische das backshift.“I am busy” wird He said he was busy.to-infinitive (Infinitiv mit „to“), ein gerund (-ing Form) oder ein that-Satz folgt.It is said that... oder He is believed to be.... Im Deutschen sagen wir „Man sagt, dass...“. Die englische passive Konstruktion wirkt oft formeller und wird in Nachrichten oder akademischen Texten ständig verwendet.He admitted that he was wrong. | Er gab zu, dass er falsch lag. |She advised me to study. | Sie riet mir zu lernen. |He offered to help. | Er bot an zu helfen. |She suggested going out. | Sie schlug vor, auszugehen. |The client requested that we send the report by Friday, nutzt du ein reporting verb (requested), um den Befehlston des Kunden höflich, aber bestimmt weiterzugeben.He claimed that he had seen a ghost. Hier unterstreicht claimed den Zweifel an der Aussage. Im Deutschen würdest du vielleicht „Er behauptete, er habe...“ sagen. Die englische Variante ist hier viel direkter.The landlord promised to fix the radiator. Hier ersetzt das to-infinitive den komplexen deutschen Nebensatz „dass er den Heizkörper reparieren würde“. Es ist kürzer, knackiger und klingt einfach besser.- 1L1 Interference (The 'Tell/Say' Trap): Deutsche sagen oft
He said me that.... Das ist falsch, weilsaykein direktes Objekt (Person) erlaubt. Im Deutschen sagen wir „Er sagte mir“, was das Gehirn dazu verleitet,menachsaidzu setzen. Korrekt ist:He told me that...oderHe said to me that....
- 1Wrong verb structure: Deutsche versuchen oft, alles mit
that-Sätzen zu lösen, z.B.He suggested that we go to the cinema(was korrekt ist) vs.He suggested to go to the cinema(falsch). Nachsuggestfolgt entwederthatoder eingerund, aber niemals einto-infinitive.
- 1Ignoring the Backshift: Deutsche vergessen oft, die Zeit anzupassen, weil sie im Deutschen einfach den Konjunktiv nehmen. Wenn jemand sagt „Ich komme“, sagen Deutsche im Englischen oft
He said he comes. Das klingt für Muttersprachler falsch. Es muss heißen:He said he was coming(oderwould come).
suggest + that | I suggested that we leave. | Kein to-infinitive nach suggest. |advise + object + to | I advised him to leave. | Braucht ein Objekt vor dem to. |promise + to | I promised to leave. | Kein Objekt, direkt der Infinitiv. |- 1Muss ich immer 'that' benutzen? Nein,
thatist optional. Es wegzulassen klingt natürlicher und weniger formell.He said he was tiredist völlig in Ordnung.
- 1Wann benutze ich den Konjunktiv im Englischen? Eigentlich gar nicht in diesem Kontext. Wenn du „würde“ ausdrücken willst, nimmst du
wouldalsfuture in the past.
- 1Warum ist 'suggest' so schwierig? Weil es kein
to-infinitiveerlaubt. Viele Deutsche denken an „vorschlagen zu“, aber im Englischen istsuggestein Verb, das entweder einen Nebensatz oder eingerundbraucht.undverlangt. Übe das:I suggest goingstattI suggest to go`.
Common Reporting Verbs in the Passive
| Verb | It-Structure (Present) | Subject-Structure (Present) | Past Meaning (Subject-Structure) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Say
|
It is said that...
|
He is said to be...
|
He is said to have been...
|
|
Think
|
It is thought that...
|
He is thought to be...
|
He is thought to have been...
|
|
Believe
|
It is believed that...
|
He is believed to be...
|
He is believed to have been...
|
|
Know
|
It is known that...
|
He is known to be...
|
He is known to have been...
|
|
Report
|
It is reported that...
|
He is reported to be...
|
He is reported to have been...
|
|
Expect
|
It is expected that...
|
He is expected to be...
|
He is expected to have been...
|
Meanings
A formal way to report what people generally say, think, or believe without identifying the specific speakers.
General Belief
Reporting a widely held opinion or fact using 'It is said that...'
“It is thought that the earth was once much hotter.”
“It is known that smoking causes cancer.”
Specific Subject Focus
Starting the sentence with the person or thing being talked about.
“She is said to be the best doctor in town.”
“The thief is believed to have escaped through the window.”
Rumors and Allegations
Reporting something that hasn't been proven yet, often in legal or journalistic contexts.
“He is alleged to have stolen the car.”
“The suspect is reported to be hiding in the forest.”
Reference Table
| Berichtsverb | Muster | Beispiel (Aktiv) | Beispiel (Passiv) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Admit
|
that-clause / V-ing
|
She admitted that she made a mistake.
|
It was admitted that a mistake was made.
|
|
Advise
|
object + to-infinitive
|
He advised me to save money.
|
I was advised to save money.
|
|
Announce
|
that-clause
|
They announced that tickets were sold out.
|
It was announced that tickets were sold out.
|
|
Apologize
|
for + V-ing
|
He apologized for being late.
|
An apology was made for the delay.
|
|
Claim
|
that-clause
|
She claimed that she saw a ghost.
|
It is claimed that ghosts exist.
|
|
Deny
|
V-ing
|
He denied stealing the car.
|
The theft was denied by him.
|
|
Insist
|
on + V-ing / that-clause
|
She insisted on paying.
|
It was insisted that she pay.
|
|
Order
|
object + to-infinitive / that-clause
|
The teacher ordered us to sit down.
|
We were ordered to sit down.
|
|
Promise
|
to-infinitive / that-clause
|
They promised to help us.
|
It was promised that they would help.
|
|
Suggest
|
V-ing / that-clause
|
I suggested going for a walk.
|
It was suggested that we go for a walk.
|
Formalitätsspektrum
He is considered to be a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
It is thought that he is a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
Everyone thinks he's a genius. (Academic or social evaluation)
People say he's got a massive brain. (Academic or social evaluation)
Berichtsverben: Nuancen entdecken
Zweck
- Einstellung Emotion/Absicht zeigen
- Zusammenfassen Originalrede verdichten
- Wiederholung vermeiden Wortschatz variieren
Häufige Muster
- That-Satz Verb + (that) + S + V
- To-Infinitiv Verb + (Object) + to + V
- Gerundium Verb + V-ing
Passive Formen
- Es wird gesagt, dass Allgemeine Annahme/Bericht
- Es wird geglaubt, dass Subjekt + Passivverb + to-V
Beispielverben
- Suggest Empfehlung
- Admit Geständnis
- Demand Starke Forderung
- Warn Warnung
Berichtsverben: Strukturen auf einen Blick
Das richtige Berichtsverb & die richtige Struktur wählen
Musst du wiedergeben, was jemand gesagt hat?
Möchtest du eine Einstellung, Emotion oder Absicht vermitteln?
Ist die Originalrede eine Aussage, Bitte oder Frage?
Benötigt dein gewähltes Verb 'that', 'to-Infinitiv' oder 'Gerundium'?
Liegt das ursprüngliche Ereignis in der Vergangenheit?
Ist die Quelle unbekannt oder allgemein (formeller Kontext)?
Berichtsverben in modernen Kontexten
Textnachrichten/DMs
- • Said (that)
- • Asked if
- • Replied that
- • Admitted
- • Complained
Online-Meetings/Kurse
- • Announced that
- • Explained that
- • Reminded us to
- • Suggested reviewing
- • Ordered them to
Soziale Medien (Bildunterschriften)
- • Claimed that
- • Boasted about
- • Wondered if
- • Shared that
- • Posted that
Gaming/Voice Chat
- • Shouted that
- • Warned us to
- • Suggested waiting
- • Agreed to
- • Ordered to attack
Beispiele nach Niveau
People say he is a good teacher.
People say he is a good teacher.
They think the movie is funny.
They think the movie is funny.
Everyone knows her name.
Everyone knows her name.
I believe you are right.
I believe you are right.
It is said that the food here is great.
It is said that the food here is great.
It is known that he is very rich.
It is known that he is very rich.
People believe the story is true.
People believe the story is true.
It is thought that the cat is lost.
It is thought that the cat is lost.
It is believed that the strike will end soon.
It is believed that the strike will end soon.
The painting is thought to be a fake.
The painting is thought to be a fake.
He is said to live in a huge mansion.
He is said to live in a huge mansion.
It is expected that the team will win.
It is expected that the team will win.
The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.
The CEO is reported to have resigned yesterday.
It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.
It is widely considered that his work is revolutionary.
The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.
The suspect is alleged to have stolen the jewels.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The virus is known to spread through the air.
The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.
The manuscript is reputed to have been written by Dickens.
It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.
It is understood that negotiations are at a delicate stage.
He is thought to have been working for the government for years.
He is thought to have been working for the government for years.
The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.
The company is estimated to be worth over ten billion dollars.
The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.
The artifact is purportedly to have originated from the Ming Dynasty.
It is contended by some scholars that the text is a later addition.
It is contended by some scholars that the text is a later addition.
The defendant is claimed to have been being coerced at the time of the crime.
The defendant is claimed to have been being coerced at the time of the crime.
The policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.
The policy is widely acknowledged to have been a failure.
Leicht verwechselbar
Learners think every passive sentence needs 'by someone'.
Mixing 'He said that...' with 'He is said to...'.
Using 'that' after a person-subject.
Häufige Fehler
People says he is good.
People say he is good.
Is said that he is rich.
It is said that he is rich.
He is said that he lives in London.
He is said to live in London.
It is believed to be true.
It is believed that it is true.
He is thought to be a thief last year.
He is thought to have been a thief last year.
He is alleged to steal the money yesterday.
He is alleged to have stolen the money yesterday.
Satzmuster
It is ___ that ___.
The ___ is thought to be ___.
He is said to have ___.
It is widely ___ that ___.
Real World Usage
The suspect is believed to be heading south.
It is generally accepted that the data is accurate.
It is rumored that the boss is quitting.
I am known to be a very hard worker.
This temple is thought to have been built in 500 BC.
The defendant is alleged to have committed fraud.
Achte auf die Nuance!
He admitted his mistake.
Verwechsle keine Muster!
suggested going (Gerundium), nicht suggested to go (Infinitiv). Lerne die Muster für gängige Verben genau! She denied stealing the car.
Denk an die 'Absicht'!
He promised to help.
Kontext ist alles!
state oder assert benutzen, aber mit Freunden eher grumble oder exclaim. Wähle dein Verb passend zu deinem Publikum! She announced the results.
Smart Tips
Replace 'I think' with 'It is often argued that' or 'It is generally believed that'.
Always look for the 'to'. If there is no 'to', the sentence is likely wrong.
Use 'It is rumored that...'. It completely removes you from the gossip.
Remember: 'to have' is your time machine. Use it to go back in time.
Aussprache
Weak 'to'
In the structure 'is said to be', the word 'to' is usually reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Linking 'is'
The 'is' often links to the following past participle.
Reporting Stress
It is SAID that he is RICH.
Stress the reporting verb and the key information at the end.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Remember 'IT THAT' or 'SUBJECT TO'. It's either 'It... that' or 'Subject... to'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a news anchor behind a desk. They don't say 'My friend told me'; they say 'It is reported that...'. The desk is the 'It is' structure—it's formal and hides the person.
Rhyme
When 'It' is the start, 'that' plays the part. When the Subject is first, 'to' quenches the thirst.
Story
A detective is investigating a crime. He doesn't know who the witness is, so he writes in his notebook: 'The suspect is thought to have fled.' He uses this to sound professional and avoid blaming a specific person for the rumor.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Look at a news headline today. Try to rewrite it using 'It is said that...' or 'The [Subject] is said to...'.
Kulturelle Hinweise
British news (like the BBC) uses these structures very frequently to maintain a 'neutral' and 'unbiased' tone.
In Western universities, using 'I think' in an essay is often discouraged. Students are taught to use 'It is argued that...' or 'It is generally accepted that...'.
Lawyers use 'alleged' to avoid lawsuits. If you say 'He is a thief' and it's not proven, you can be sued. If you say 'He is alleged to be a thief', you are safe.
This structure evolved from Old English 'man' (similar to German 'man'), which was an indefinite pronoun meaning 'one' or 'people'.
Gesprächseinstiege
It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do you agree?
Your favorite celebrity is rumored to be moving to your city. What do you do?
It is expected that AI will change every job. How will it change yours?
Which historical figure is considered to be the most influential?
Tagebuch-Impulse
Häufige Fehler
Test Yourself
She ___ on arriving early to get good seats for the concert.
insist wird oft von on + Gerundium oder einem that-Satz gefolgt. In diesem Kontext passt insisted am besten zur Idee, bei etwas standhaft zu bleiben.Find and fix the mistake:
My coach advised me to don't give up on my dream.
to-Infinitiv wiedergibst, kommt die Verneinung not vor to.Choose the correct sentence:
Suggest wird typischerweise von einem Gerundium (-ing Form) gefolgt. Obwohl 'He suggested that I join the club' auch korrekt ist, ist 'suggested me to join' ein häufiger Fehler.Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Promise ist ein Berichtsverb, das oft von einem to-Infinitiv gefolgt wird.Score: /4
Ubungsaufgaben
8 exercisesIt ___ that the company is losing money.
He is said ___ live in a castle.
Find and fix the mistake:
She is thought that she is the best singer.
People say that he is a genius.
We use 'to have + past participle' to talk about the past in reporting structures.
A: Is the new movie good? B: Well, it ___ to be the best of the year.
Pick the odd one out.
1. People think he is rich. 2. People say he was rich.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe news report ___ that the new stadium would be completed by next year.
She apologized for miss her flight.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella me recordó que enviara el correo electrónico.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with their patterns:
It ___ that the ancient city was built by an unknown civilization.
My friend said me to buy more milk.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Sugirió pedir comida para llevar.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with the prepositions:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, 'It is said' implies a general consensus or rumor. For your own opinion, use `I think` or `In my opinion`.
Yes, much more formal. It is preferred in writing and professional contexts.
No, only 'reporting' or 'mental' verbs like `say, think, believe, know, expect, report, consider, allege`.
The first is about the present ('He is rich now'). The second is about the past ('He was rich before').
In English, every sentence needs a subject. 'It' acts as a 'dummy subject' to fill the space when we don't want to name a person.
Yes, it is common in both British and American English, especially in news and formal writing.
Yes, but it's more common to say `It is said that it is true` or `The story is said to be true`.
Mostly, yes. It means something is claimed but not yet proven in a court of law.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se dice que...
Spanish lacks the 'He is said to be' structure.
On dit que...
French uses an active pronoun 'on' instead of a passive verb.
Man sagt, dass...
German uses the modal verb 'sollen' for reporting.
...to iwarete iru
Japanese word order is reversed, with the reporting verb at the end.
Yuqal 'anna...
Arabic usually keeps the 'that' (anna) structure.
Jùshuō (据说)
Chinese doesn't use verb conjugation or a 'to-infinitive' structure.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Verwandte Videos
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