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A1 verb #27 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

says

Top 27

At the A1 level, 'says' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe what other people are doing. It is used in very simple sentences to report direct speech or basic facts. For example, 'He says hello' or 'She says yes.' At this stage, the focus is on getting the subject-verb agreement right—remembering to add the 's' for 'he', 'she', and 'it'. You also learn that 'says' is used for things like signs ('The sign says STOP') and books. The goal for an A1 learner is to use 'says' to communicate basic needs and report simple information from others. You might use it to tell a teacher what a classmate said, or to tell a friend what is written on a menu. It is a vital tool for basic survival in an English-speaking environment.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'says' in more varied ways, including indirect speech. Instead of just quoting someone ('He says, "I am tired"'), you start to report the idea ('He says he is tired'). You also learn to use 'says' with time expressions and in the context of daily routines. For example, 'My mom always says I should eat my vegetables.' You become more aware of the difference between 'says' and 'tells', though you might still make mistakes. You also start to encounter 'says' in simple stories and news headlines. At this level, you are building the confidence to use 'says' to relay messages between people and to describe the content of simple texts like emails or short articles.

At the B1 level, you use 'says' to handle more complex social and professional situations. You can use it to report opinions, advice, and instructions with more detail. For example, 'The manual says that you should connect the red wire first, but my colleague says it doesn't matter.' You are also learning to use 'says' in the 'historical present' to tell engaging stories about your past experiences. You start to recognize that 'says' can be replaced by other verbs like 'suggests' or 'mentions' to add variety to your speaking. In writing, you are expected to use 'says' correctly in formal letters or reports to attribute information to specific sources. You also become more sensitive to the tone that 'says' conveys compared to more emotional verbs.

At the B2 level, you have a strong grasp of 'says' and begin to use it with more nuance. you understand how 'says' can be used to distance yourself from a statement ('The report says that...', implying you are just the messenger). You also use it to discuss abstract concepts and theories. For example, 'The theory says that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.' You are comfortable using 'says' in parenthetical positions within a sentence to improve the flow of your writing. At this level, you are also aware of the idiomatic uses of 'says', such as 'Whatever she says goes' or 'If you say so' (using the base form). You can distinguish between the neutral 'says' and more loaded terms like 'claims' or 'alleges' in news reports and academic texts.

At the C1 level, you use 'says' with a high degree of precision and style. You understand the subtle implications of using 'says' versus more sophisticated reporting verbs in academic and professional writing. You might use 'says' intentionally to simplify a complex idea or to create a more direct, punchy tone in a speech. You are also adept at using 'says' to analyze literature and film, discussing what a character's dialogue 'says' about their underlying motivations. You have mastered the irregular pronunciation and use it flawlessly in rapid, natural conversation. You also understand the cultural and rhetorical weight of the word in different contexts, such as how 'says' is used in legal testimony versus a casual blog post.

At the C2 level, your use of 'says' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to convey irony, sarcasm, or profound emphasis. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can appreciate its use in classical literature. In your own writing, you use 'says' as part of a wide and varied vocabulary, knowing exactly when a simple 'says' is more effective than a complex alternative. You can handle 'says' in the most complex grammatical structures, such as inverted sentences or long, multi-clause reports. You are also aware of the most obscure idioms and dialectal variations of the word, and you can use it to navigate the most sensitive and nuanced communicative situations with ease and grace.

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The word 'says' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'to say', used with subjects like he, she, and it to report communication.
It is pronounced /sɛz/, which is irregular compared to the base form 'say' /seɪ/, making it a common point of phonetic error for learners.
Beyond people, 'says' is frequently used for inanimate objects that provide information, such as signs, books, clocks, and digital displays.
In writing and speech, it serves as a neutral reporting verb, though it can be replaced by more descriptive alternatives like 'claims' or 'states'.

The word says is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the English language. At its core, it is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to say'. This means we use it specifically when we are talking about one person (he, she, or it) or a single entity (like a company, a book, or a sign) that is communicating information right now or as a general habit. While it seems simple, the word 'says' carries the weight of human communication, acting as the bridge between a speaker and their message. It is the primary tool we use to report what others are thinking, feeling, or stating as fact. Whether you are reading a news article, listening to a friend gossip, or following instructions in a manual, 'says' is the signal that information is being transferred from one source to another.

Direct Speech: This is when we use 'says' to introduce the exact words someone is using. For example, 'She says, "I am hungry."' In this context, 'says' acts as a literal transcript marker.
Indirect Speech: This is more common in daily conversation. We use 'says' to report the general idea of what someone mentioned without quoting them exactly. For example, 'He says he will be late.'
Inanimate Subjects: Interestingly, 'says' isn't just for people. We use it for objects that convey information. A sign 'says' stop, a book 'says' the hero wins, and a clock 'says' it is noon.

In social contexts, 'says' is used to establish authority or relay instructions. When a child tells their sibling, 'Mom says you have to clean your room,' the word 'says' is being used to transfer the authority of the mother to the child's statement. In the professional world, 'says' is used to attribute quotes in journalism. A reporter might write, 'The CEO says the company is expanding,' which provides a direct link between the statement and the person responsible for it. It is a word of attribution, clarity, and connection.

The weather forecast says it will rain this afternoon, so don't forget your umbrella.

My doctor says that I need to drink more water and exercise daily.

The sign on the door says 'Push', but everyone always tries to pull it.

He says he loves the gift, but I think he is just being polite.

Every time I ask her, she says the same thing over and over again.

Furthermore, 'says' is often used in the 'historical present' when telling stories or jokes to make the action feel more immediate and exciting. For example, 'So then he says to me, "You can't do that!" and I says...' (though 'I says' is non-standard, it is common in some dialects). In formal writing, 'says' is often replaced by more specific verbs like 'argues', 'claims', or 'suggests' to provide more nuance to the speaker's intent, but in everyday life, 'says' remains the king of communication.

Using says correctly requires an understanding of subject-verb agreement. Because it is the third-person singular form, it must always follow a singular subject that is not 'I' or 'you'. This includes pronouns like 'he', 'she', and 'it', as well as singular nouns like 'the teacher', 'my brother', or 'the newspaper'. If the subject is plural (they, the students, my parents), the 's' is dropped, and we use 'say' instead. This is a common point of confusion for English learners, but mastering it is essential for basic fluency.

With 'That' Clauses: We often follow 'says' with the word 'that' to introduce a statement. For example, 'She says that she is coming.' Note that in informal English, 'that' is often omitted: 'She says she is coming.'
Reporting Questions: While 'asks' is more common for questions, 'says' can be used if you are reporting the fact that someone spoke. 'He says, "Where are you?"' is grammatically correct for direct quotes.
The 'It says' Pattern: This is a very common idiomatic way to refer to written information. 'It says in the book that...' or 'It says on the label to wash in cold water.' Here, 'it' refers to the source of the text.

One of the most important things to remember about 'says' is that it does not take an indirect object directly without the preposition 'to'. You cannot say 'He says me hello.' You must say 'He says hello to me' or 'He tells me hello' (though 'tells' is better here). This distinction between 'say' and 'tell' is a frequent hurdle. 'Say' focuses on the words spoken, while 'tell' focuses on the person receiving the information. Therefore, 'says' is almost always followed by the message itself, not the listener.

The manual says to charge the battery for four hours before the first use.

Whenever he is nervous, he says 'um' and 'like' far too often.

She says she doesn't like pizza, which I find very hard to believe.

In more complex sentences, 'says' can be part of a parenthetical phrase. For example, 'The economy, the expert says, is likely to improve next year.' Here, 'the expert says' is inserted into the middle of the main statement to provide attribution. This is a sophisticated way to use the word in writing. Additionally, 'says' is used in the present tense to discuss the contents of literature or films, even if they were created long ago. We say, 'In Hamlet, Shakespeare says...' because the work is considered a living piece of communication that 'speaks' to us in the present.

You will encounter the word says everywhere, from the most casual conversations to the most formal news broadcasts. In everyday life, it is the workhorse of storytelling. When people recount their day, they use 'says' (often in the historical present) to make the story feel alive. 'So I'm at the store, and the clerk says to me...' This usage creates a sense of immediacy, as if the conversation is happening right now in front of the listener.

News and Media: Journalists use 'says' constantly to attribute information. 'The police chief says the investigation is ongoing.' It is preferred over 'said' in headlines to save space and create urgency: 'President says no to new tax.'
Social Media: On platforms like Twitter or Facebook, you'll see phrases like 'The caption says...' or 'My friend says...' used to share content and opinions quickly.
Academic Contexts: When discussing theories or authors, students and professors use 'says' to describe a person's stance. 'Plato says that reality is a shadow of the forms.'

In the workplace, 'says' is used to clarify instructions or relay messages from management. 'The boss says we can leave early on Friday.' It is also common in legal or official contexts, where what a document 'says' is of utmost importance. If you are reading a contract, you might say, 'Clause 4 says that I am responsible for repairs.' In this case, the word 'says' is synonymous with 'states' or 'stipulates'.

The radio says there is a big traffic jam on the highway, so we should take the back roads.

My mom always says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Finally, 'says' is a staple of childhood games and nursery rhymes. 'Simon Says' is a classic game played by children worldwide to practice listening skills and following directions. In this game, the word 'says' is the ultimate command. If Simon 'says' it, you must do it. This early exposure to the word helps cement its meaning as a marker of instruction and authority from a very young age.

Even though says is a basic word, it is a frequent source of errors for learners at all levels. The most common mistake is, without a doubt, the pronunciation. Because 'say' is pronounced /seɪ/, many people assume 'says' is /seɪz/. However, the correct pronunciation is /sɛz/. This discrepancy between spelling and sound is a classic example of English irregularity. Another major mistake is failing to add the 's' for third-person singular subjects, resulting in 'He say' instead of 'He says'. This is often due to the influence of the speaker's native language if it does not have similar verb conjugations.

Confusing 'Says' and 'Tells': As mentioned before, 'says' does not take a direct object. You cannot say 'He says me the truth.' You must say 'He tells me the truth' or 'He says the truth to me.' 'Tell' requires a listener; 'say' focuses on the words.
Tense Confusion: Learners often use 'says' when they should use 'said'. If someone spoke yesterday, you must use 'said'. 'Says' is only for things people say regularly, general truths, or reporting what a text currently states.
Overuse: In writing, using 'says' for every single quote can become repetitive and boring. While it's a safe word, advanced writers should look for alternatives like 'argues', 'explains', or 'insists'.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of 'says' with plural subjects. Some learners get into the habit of adding 's' to all present tense verbs, leading to 'They says'. Remember: 's' is only for one person (he, she, it). If there is more than one person, use 'say'. Also, be careful with 'says' in negative sentences. We do not say 'He not says'. We say 'He does not say' or 'He doesn't say'. The 's' moves from the main verb to the auxiliary 'does'.

Incorrect: He say he is tired.
Correct: He says he is tired.

Incorrect: She says me hello.
Correct: She says hello to me.

Finally, be aware of the phrase 'it says'. While it's perfectly fine to say 'It says in the newspaper...', some learners try to use 'says' for things that don't actually communicate. You wouldn't say 'The rock says it is hard.' 'Says' is reserved for people, animals in stories, or objects that contain text or data (like signs, books, or computers).

While says is the most common reporting verb, English offers a rich variety of alternatives that can make your speech and writing more precise. Choosing the right word depends on the *way* something is said and the *intent* of the speaker. For example, if someone is stating something very firmly, 'insists' or 'asserts' might be better. If they are just giving information, 'states' or 'mentions' could work. If they are complaining, 'grumbles' or 'laments' adds much-needed color to the description.

States vs. Says: 'States' is more formal than 'says'. It is often used in legal, official, or academic contexts. 'The law states...' sounds much more authoritative than 'The law says...'
Claims vs. Says: 'Claims' suggests that what the person is saying might not be true. 'He claims he was at home' implies there is some doubt about his statement, whereas 'He says he was at home' is more neutral.
Mentions vs. Says: 'Mentions' is used when someone says something briefly or in passing. 'She mentioned she might come' suggests it wasn't the main topic of conversation.

Other alternatives include 'explains' (when providing reasons), 'argues' (when presenting a point of view in a debate), and 'suggests' (when being less direct). In creative writing, you can use verbs that describe the sound of the voice, such as 'shouts', 'whispers', 'mumbles', or 'stammers'. These words do double duty: they report the speech and describe the action at the same time, making the writing more efficient and engaging.

The professor explains the theory in great detail during every lecture.

The witness claims to have seen the suspect leaving the building at midnight.

Understanding these nuances helps you not only speak more clearly but also interpret what others are saying more accurately. If a news report 'claims' something, you know to be skeptical. If a friend 'whispers' something, you know it's a secret. The word 'says' is the foundation, but these alternatives are the decorations that make the language beautiful and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"The document says that all parties must agree."

Neutral

"He says he will be here at five."

Informell

"So he says to me, 'What's up?'"

Child friendly

"The cow says 'moo'."

Umgangssprache

"Says you!"

Wusstest du?

The irregular pronunciation /sɛz/ developed in the 15th century as the word became so common that the vowel shortened for speed of speech.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /sɛz/

US /sɛz/

Single syllable, no internal stress.

Reimt sich auf

beds reds fez heads spreads treads sheds weds

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as /seɪz/ (rhyming with 'plays').
Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's' instead of a 'z'.
Confusing it with 'says' in some non-standard dialects where it might be pronounced differently.
Forgetting the word is only one syllable.
Mumbling the 'z' sound at the end.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires remembering the 's' for third-person singular.

Sprechen 3/5

Tricky due to the irregular 'e' pronunciation.

Hören 2/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'said' if spoken quickly.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

say he she it is

Als Nächstes lernen

said tells asks speaks talks

Fortgeschritten

claims asserts stipulates alleges maintains

Wichtige Grammatik

Third-Person Singular Agreement

He says (correct) vs. He say (incorrect).

Indirect Speech Tense Shift

She says she is tired (present) vs. She said she was tired (past).

Say vs. Tell

He says hello (to me) vs. He tells me hello.

Historical Present

So I'm walking down the street and this guy says to me...

Negative Construction

He doesn't say much during the meetings.

Beispiele nach Niveau

He says hello to everyone.

Il dit bonjour à tout le monde.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'say'.

She says she is happy today.

Elle dit qu'elle est heureuse aujourd'hui.

Indirect speech without 'that'.

The sign says 'Stop'.

Le panneau indique 'Arrêt'.

Using 'says' for a written message.

My teacher says 'Good job!'

Mon professeur dit 'Bon travail !'

Direct quote after 'says'.

It says 'Open' on the door.

Il est écrit 'Ouvert' sur la porte.

The 'It says' pattern for signs.

The book says the cat is black.

Le livre dit que le chat est noir.

Using 'says' for book content.

He says his name is Tom.

Il dit que son nom est Tom.

Simple reporting of a fact.

She says 'No' to the cake.

Elle dit 'Non' au gâteau.

Direct speech for a simple response.

My dad says we are going to the park.

Mon père dit que nous allons au parc.

Reporting a future plan.

The weather report says it will be sunny.

Le bulletin météo dit qu'il fera beau.

Reporting information from a source.

She says she doesn't like spicy food.

Elle dit qu'elle n'aime pas la nourriture épicée.

Reporting a preference.

The email says the meeting is at ten.

L'e-mail dit que la réunion est à dix heures.

Reporting digital text.

He says he can help us tomorrow.

Il dit qu'il peut nous aider demain.

Reporting an offer.

The clock says it is already noon.

L'horloge indique qu'il est déjà midi.

Using 'says' for a measurement tool.

She says her brother is a doctor.

Elle dit que son frère est médecin.

Reporting personal information.

The menu says the soup is fresh.

Le menu dit que la soupe est fraîche.

Reporting information from a menu.

The doctor says I should take this medicine.

Le médecin dit que je devrais prendre ce médicament.

Reporting advice or instructions.

He says he has never been to London before.

Il dit qu'il n'est jamais allé à Londres auparavant.

Reporting a past experience in the present.

The article says that the climate is changing.

L'article dit que le climat change.

Reporting a general fact or finding.

She says she might be late for the party.

Elle dit qu'elle pourrait être en retard pour la fête.

Reporting a possibility.

The boss says we need to finish this today.

Le patron dit que nous devons finir cela aujourd'hui.

Reporting a requirement.

He says he is sorry for what happened.

Il dit qu'il est désolé pour ce qui s'est passé.

Reporting an apology.

The label says to wash this in cold water.

L'étiquette dit de laver cela à l'eau froide.

Reporting instructions from an object.

She says she thinks the movie was boring.

Elle dit qu'elle pense que le film était ennuyeux.

Reporting an opinion.

The report says the economy is slowly recovering.

Le rapport indique que l'économie se redresse lentement.

Reporting formal data.

He says he is innocent, but no one believes him.

Il dit qu'il est innocent, mais personne ne le croit.

Reporting a claim with implied doubt.

The contract says we must pay by the first.

Le contrat stipule que nous devons payer avant le premier.

Reporting a legal obligation.

She says she has a lot of experience in marketing.

Elle dit qu'elle a beaucoup d'expérience en marketing.

Reporting professional qualifications.

The author says that love is a powerful force.

L'auteur dit que l'amour est une force puissante.

Reporting a literary theme.

He says he'll be there, rain or shine.

Il dit qu'il sera là, qu'il pleuve ou qu'il vente.

Reporting a firm commitment.

The guide says the museum is closed on Mondays.

Le guide indique que le musée est fermé le lundi.

Reporting factual information from a guide.

She says she doesn't mind waiting for a while.

Elle dit que cela ne la dérange pas d'attendre un moment.

Reporting a state of mind.

The critic says the film lacks emotional depth.

Le critique dit que le film manque de profondeur émotionnelle.

Reporting an expert opinion.

He says the project's success depends on us.

Il dit que le succès du projet dépend de nous.

Reporting a critical dependency.

The study says that sleep is vital for memory.

L'étude indique que le sommeil est vital pour la mémoire.

Reporting scientific findings.

She says the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder.

Elle dit que la beauté de l'art est dans l'œil de celui qui regarde.

Reporting a philosophical statement.

The law says that ignorance is no excuse.

La loi dit que l'ignorance n'est pas une excuse.

Reporting a legal principle.

He says he is motivated by a desire for change.

Il dit qu'il est motivé par un désir de changement.

Reporting internal motivation.

The manual says to calibrate the sensor daily.

Le manuel dit de calibrer le capteur quotidiennement.

Reporting technical instructions.

She says the results are consistent with her theory.

Elle dit que les résultats sont cohérents avec sa théorie.

Reporting a professional conclusion.

The philosopher says that existence precedes essence.

Le philosophe dit que l'existence précède l'essence.

Reporting a complex philosophical tenet.

He says the current political climate is volatile.

Il dit que le climat politique actuel est instable.

Reporting a sophisticated social observation.

The data says there is a correlation, not causation.

Les données indiquent qu'il y a une corrélation, pas une causalité.

Reporting a nuanced scientific distinction.

She says the nuance of the poem is lost in translation.

Elle dit que la nuance du poème se perd dans la traduction.

Reporting a subtle linguistic observation.

The constitution says that all men are created equal.

La constitution dit que tous les hommes sont créés égaux.

Reporting a foundational legal text.

He says the company's ethos is built on integrity.

Il dit que l'ethos de l'entreprise est fondé sur l'intégrité.

Reporting corporate values.

The evidence says the defendant was not at the scene.

Les preuves indiquent que le défendeur n'était pas sur les lieux.

Reporting a legal finding.

She says the architectural style is postmodern.

Elle dit que le style architectural est postmoderne.

Reporting an expert classification.

Häufige Kollokationen

always says

the sign says

the report says

everyone says

he says to me

it says here

whatever he says

the Bible says

science says

who says

Häufige Phrasen

He says so.

She says otherwise.

It says a lot.

As the saying says...

He says his piece.

She says her prayers.

The clock says...

My gut says...

The law says...

He says hello.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

says vs tells

'Tells' requires a person as an object (tells me), while 'says' focuses on the words (says hello).

says vs said

'Said' is for the past, while 'says' is for the present or general truths.

says vs speaks

'Speaks' refers to the ability or act of using a language, while 'says' refers to specific words.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Simon says"

A children's game where players only follow instructions preceded by 'Simon says'.

Simon says touch your nose!

child-friendly

"Whatever someone says goes"

That person has the final authority and their word must be followed.

In this house, whatever Mom says goes.

informal

"Says who?"

A defiant way of questioning someone's authority or the truth of their statement.

You can't sit here! Says who?

informal/slang

"So he says"

Used to express doubt about whether what someone is saying is true.

He's the best player in the world—or so he says.

informal

"What he says and what he does"

Used to point out a contradiction between someone's words and actions.

There's a big gap between what he says and what he does.

neutral

"It says it all"

A situation or action that perfectly explains everything without needing words.

The look on her face says it all.

neutral

"Before you can say Jack Robinson"

Extremely quickly; almost instantly.

He was out the door before you could say Jack Robinson.

informal/old-fashioned

"Never say never"

Don't assume that something is impossible or will never happen.

I don't think I'll ever get married, but never say never.

neutral

"Easier said than done"

Something that sounds simple to talk about but is difficult to actually do.

Quitting smoking is easier said than done.

neutral

"To say the least"

Used to suggest that something is even more extreme than what has been stated.

The party was loud, to say the least.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

says vs tells

Both involve communicating information.

'Says' is followed by the message; 'tells' is followed by the person receiving the message.

He says 'hi'. He tells me 'hi'.

says vs states

Both report information.

'States' is much more formal and used for official declarations.

The law states the rules. He says the rules.

says vs claims

Both attribute a statement to someone.

'Claims' suggests the statement might be false or unproven.

He claims he is rich. He says he is rich.

says vs mentions

Both involve saying something.

'Mentions' implies the information was shared briefly or as an aside.

She mentions her dog. She says she has a dog.

says vs talks

Both involve vocal communication.

'Talks' refers to the act of having a conversation, not the specific words said.

He talks a lot. He says he is happy.

Satzmuster

He/She says [greeting/simple word].

She says goodbye.

The [object] says [text].

The sign says 'Exit'.

He/She says (that) [sentence].

He says he is hungry.

The [source] says to [verb].

The manual says to wait.

[Clause], he/she says.

It will rain, he says.

As [Author] says, [Quote].

As Smith says, 'Time is money.'

What [Subject] says is [Noun/Clause].

What he says is true.

It is not so much what he says as how he says it.

It is not so much what he says as how he says it that matters.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 50 most common words in English.

Häufige Fehler

He say he is coming. → He says he is coming.
You must add the 's' for third-person singular subjects in the present tense.
Pronouncing 'says' as /seɪz/. → Pronouncing 'says' as /sɛz/.
The vowel sound changes from the base form 'say'. It rhymes with 'reds'.
She says me the story. → She tells me the story.
'Says' cannot take an indirect object (me) without 'to'. 'Tells' is better here.
The sign said 'Stop' (when looking at it now). → The sign says 'Stop'.
Use the present tense for signs and texts that are still there.
They says they are ready. → They say they are ready.
Do not add 's' to the verb when the subject is plural (they).

Tipps

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always pair 'says' with a singular third-person subject like 'he', 'she', or 'the teacher'.

The 'Short E' Rule

Remember that 'says' sounds like 'sez'. Practice saying 'He sez' five times fast.

Vary Your Verbs

If you use 'says' once, try 'states' or 'notes' the next time to keep your writing interesting.

Reading Signs

When you see a sign, practice saying 'The sign says...' to get used to using it for objects.

Context Clues

If you hear /sɛz/, it's almost always 'says'. Don't confuse it with other similar sounds.

Indirect Speech

Practice turning direct quotes into indirect ones using 'says'. 'He says, "I'm hungry"' becomes 'He says he's hungry'.

Nuance Matters

Use 'claims' if you don't believe the speaker, and 'says' if you are being neutral.

Simon Says

Play the game 'Simon Says' with friends to practice listening for the word in commands.

Reporting Research

In essays, use 'The study says' to introduce evidence from your sources.

No 'Says Me'

Never follow 'says' directly with a person. It's always 'says to me' or 'tells me'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'says' as 'SEZ'. He SEZ it's easy! This helps you remember the irregular 'e' sound instead of the 'ay' sound.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a speech bubble coming out of a person's mouth with the word 'SEZ' written inside it.

Word Web

Speaker Message Quote Report Voice Text Information Communication

Herausforderung

Try to use 'says' in five different sentences today: one about a person, one about a sign, one about a book, one about a clock, and one about a feeling.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old English 'secgan', which means to utter, inform, or speak. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*sagjanan'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To tell, relate, or make known through speech.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'says' to report sensitive information; ensure the attribution is accurate to avoid spreading misinformation.

Very common in both formal news and casual gossip.

Simon Says (game) The Bible: 'The Lord says...' Shakespeare: 'The play's the thing... as he says.'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Reporting Speech

He says that...
She says, '...'
They say...
Everyone says...

Reading Signs/Text

The sign says...
It says here...
The book says...
The email says...

Telling Stories

So he says...
Then she says...
And I says... (informal)
The guy says...

Giving Instructions

The manual says...
My boss says...
The doctor says...
The recipe says...

Expressing Opinions

My heart says...
My gut says...
Common sense says...
Logic says...

Gesprächseinstiege

"What is something your best friend always says that makes you laugh?"

"If a sign says 'Do Not Enter', do you always follow it or are you curious?"

"When someone says they are 'fine', do you always believe them or look for more?"

"What does the weather forecast say for the upcoming weekend in your city?"

"If your inner voice says you should take a risk, do you usually listen to it?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a piece of advice your grandmother always says and why it is important to you.

Describe a time when what someone says was completely different from what they actually did.

What does your favorite book say about the meaning of life or the nature of happiness?

Think about a famous quote. What does it say to you personally when you read it today?

Write a dialogue where one person says something very surprising and describe the other person's reaction.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, this is a common mistake. 'Says' is pronounced /sɛz/, rhyming with 'beds' or 'reds'. The 'ay' sound in 'say' changes to a short 'e' sound in 'says'.

Use 'says' when the subject is one person or thing (he, she, it, the boy, the book). Use 'say' for 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they'.

No, you cannot. You must say 'He says to me' or use the verb 'tells' instead: 'He tells me'.

Yes! In English, we often use 'says' for written information. For example, 'The book says the world is round' or 'The sign says Stop'.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual talk ('My friend says...') and in formal writing ('The research says...').

The past tense is 'said', which is also pronounced irregularly as /sɛd/.

You can use it to report a question: 'He says, "How are you?"' but 'asks' is more common: 'He asks how I am'.

This is a non-standard dialectal form. In standard English, you should always say 'I say' or 'I said'.

Yes, especially when describing the sounds they make or in stories where animals talk. 'The cat says meow'.

Try using 'argues', 'suggests', 'notes', 'explains', or 'highlights' to make your writing more professional.