En 15 segundos
- To seriously weigh a specific option or possibility.
- More formal and deliberate than simply 'thinking about' something.
- Common in both professional settings and serious personal discussions.
Significado
It is like putting an idea on a mental table to look at it closely. You are not saying 'yes' yet, but you are giving the option a fair chance before deciding.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing a job offer
Ich ziehe das Angebot in Betracht, aber ich brauche Zeit.
I am considering the offer, but I need time.
Planning a trip with a partner
Sollten wir Italien als Urlaubsziel in Betracht ziehen?
Should we consider Italy as a vacation destination?
A boss talking to an employee
Wir müssen alle Möglichkeiten in Betracht ziehen.
We must consider all possibilities.
Contexto cultural
In German meetings, 'in Betracht ziehen' is often used to keep options open without making a commitment. It signals that a proposal is being taken seriously and will be analyzed. Austrian German often uses even more formal variations like 'in Erwägung ziehen' in official documents, reflecting the historical influence of the Habsburg bureaucracy. In Switzerland, while the standard phrase is used in writing, in spoken Swiss German, people might prefer 'überlegge' (überlegen) unless the context is strictly professional. In German universities, students are expected to 'alle Perspektiven in Betracht ziehen' (consider all perspectives) in their theses. It is a marker of academic rigor.
Use it in Emails
Whenever you want to sound professional in an email, use 'Wir ziehen Ihr Angebot in Betracht' instead of 'Wir denken über Ihr Angebot nach'.
No 'an'!
Never say 'in Betracht ziehen an'. It's a common mistake because of 'denken an'. Just use the direct object.
En 15 segundos
- To seriously weigh a specific option or possibility.
- More formal and deliberate than simply 'thinking about' something.
- Common in both professional settings and serious personal discussions.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing at a crossroads. You have three different paths you could take. You aren't walking down any of them yet. Instead, you are looking at each one carefully. That is exactly what in Betracht ziehen feels like. It is the act of weighing an option. You are telling someone that an idea is officially 'on the table.' It is more than just a passing thought. It is a serious evaluation of a possibility.
How To Use It
This phrase is a 'Functional Verb Construction.' That sounds scary, but it just means a group of words acting together. You will usually see it with the verb ziehen at the end of the sentence. For example: Ich ziehe einen Umzug nach Berlin in Betracht. The thing you are considering (the move) sits right in the middle. You can also use it with 'dass' sentences. Ich ziehe in Betracht, dass er recht hat. It makes you sound very organized and thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound deliberate. It is perfect for big life decisions. Think about career changes, buying a car, or choosing a vacation spot. It works great in meetings when you want to show you are open to suggestions. You can also use it with friends when discussing plans. It adds a touch of 'I am thinking about this seriously' to the conversation. It is a step up from just saying ich denke darüber nach.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, impulsive choices. If you are choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice cream, this phrase is too heavy. Using it there makes you sound like a philosopher overthinking a snack. Avoid it for things that are already decided. If you have already bought the tickets, you are no longer 'pulling it into consideration.' Also, do not use it if you are 100% sure. It implies there is still a chance you might say no.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for being thorough and logical. This is often called *Gründlichkeit*. This phrase is the linguistic embodiment of that trait. It shows that you don't just jump into things. You analyze. You weigh the pros and cons. Historically, German administrative language loves these types of 'noun-verb' combinations. Using it makes you sound like you have integrated into the structured German way of thinking. It is a very 'adult' way to speak.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more formal, you can use in Erwägung ziehen. That is the 'fancy tuxedo' version of this phrase. For a more casual vibe, you might just say darüber nachdenken. Another close cousin is berücksichtigen, which means 'to take into account.' However, in Betracht ziehen remains the most versatile. It strikes the perfect balance between being polite, professional, and clear.
Notas de uso
This is a very safe, mid-level phrase. It works in 90% of situations where you want to say 'I'm thinking about it' with a bit more weight. Just remember to keep 'ziehen' at the end of your main clause.
Use it in Emails
Whenever you want to sound professional in an email, use 'Wir ziehen Ihr Angebot in Betracht' instead of 'Wir denken über Ihr Angebot nach'.
No 'an'!
Never say 'in Betracht ziehen an'. It's a common mistake because of 'denken an'. Just use the direct object.
The 'Maybe' Power
In Germany, this is a powerful way to say 'No' politely. If a salesperson is pushy, say 'Ich ziehe es in Betracht' and walk away.
Passive Voice
In formal reports, use the passive: 'Diese Option muss in Betracht gezogen werden.' (This option must be considered.)
Ejemplos
6Ich ziehe das Angebot in Betracht, aber ich brauche Zeit.
I am considering the offer, but I need time.
Shows you are interested but not yet committed.
Sollten wir Italien als Urlaubsziel in Betracht ziehen?
Should we consider Italy as a vacation destination?
A polite way to suggest a new idea for discussion.
Wir müssen alle Möglichkeiten in Betracht ziehen.
We must consider all possibilities.
Commonly used in business to ensure thoroughness.
Ich ziehe es in Betracht zu kommen, wenn ich früher fertig werde.
I'm considering coming if I finish earlier.
A bit more formal than 'maybe', sounds more intentional.
Ich ziehe in Betracht, eine zweite Pizza zu bestellen.
I am taking into consideration ordering a second pizza.
Using a formal phrase for a silly decision creates humor.
Ich ziehe eine Trennung ernsthaft in Betracht.
I am seriously considering a breakup.
The word 'ernsthaft' (seriously) adds weight to the decision.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Wir ______ eine Preiserhöhung in Betracht.
The subject is 'Wir' (we), so the verb 'ziehen' must be in the first person plural present tense.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct word order:
In a main clause, the verb 'ziehen' is in position 2, and the fixed part 'in Betracht' goes to the end.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Chef: 'Haben Sie über meinen Vorschlag nachgedacht?' Angestellter: 'Ja, ich ______ ______ ______.'
'Ihn' (it/him) refers to 'der Vorschlag'. The phrase is 'in Betracht ziehen'.
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
'Wir ziehen eine Fusion mit der Konkurrenz in Betracht.'
'Fusion' (merger) and 'in Betracht ziehen' are highly formal business terms.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Levels
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWir ______ eine Preiserhöhung in Betracht.
The subject is 'Wir' (we), so the verb 'ziehen' must be in the first person plural present tense.
Choose the correct word order:
In a main clause, the verb 'ziehen' is in position 2, and the fixed part 'in Betracht' goes to the end.
Chef: 'Haben Sie über meinen Vorschlag nachgedacht?' Angestellter: 'Ja, ich ______ ______ ______.'
'Ihn' (it/him) refers to 'der Vorschlag'. The phrase is 'in Betracht ziehen'.
'Wir ziehen eine Fusion mit der Konkurrenz in Betracht.'
'Fusion' (merger) and 'in Betracht ziehen' are highly formal business terms.
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Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasYes, almost exactly. However, 'in Betracht ziehen' is slightly more formal than the English 'consider' in casual contexts.
Yes, e.g., 'Wir ziehen Herrn Müller für die Stelle in Betracht.' (We are considering Mr. Müller for the position.)
'Erwägen' is a single verb that is even more formal. 'In Betracht ziehen' is more common in spoken professional German.
No, in this specific idiom, it is always 'in Betracht', never 'in den Betracht' or 'im Betracht'.
Yes, 'Ich ziehe in Betracht, dass er recht hat.' (I am considering that he might be right.)
No, it's too formal for slang. Using it in a very casual setting might sound ironic.
It takes the Accusative case for the object being considered.
You say: 'Das habe ich nicht in Betracht gezogen.'
Extremely common. You will hear it daily on news programs like Tagesschau.
Only if you are being very serious or funny. 'Ich ziehe {den|m} Salat in Betracht' sounds like a major life decision.
'Ausschließen' (to exclude) or 'außer Acht lassen' (to ignore).
Yes, it is {der|m} Betracht, though the article is omitted in the phrase.
This is an older form. Stick to 'in Betracht ziehen' for modern German.
Yes: 'Das wäre in Betracht zu ziehen.' (That would be worth considering.)
Frases relacionadas
in Erwägung ziehen
synonymTo consider (highly formal)
berücksichtigen
similarTo take into account
ins Auge fassen
similarTo eye something/plan
außer Acht lassen
contrastTo ignore/disregard
abwägen
builds onTo weigh up
