Significado
To possess the capacity or skill to do something.
Contexto cultural
In German business culture, using 'in der Lage sein' is a sign of 'Professionalität'. It avoids the 'Ich'-centered 'können' and focuses on the objective possibility. Swiss High German uses this phrase frequently in official documents, often preferring it over 'imstande sein', which can sound slightly more dramatic. In Austrian administrative German (Amtssprache), this phrase is ubiquitous. It is part of the polite, slightly indirect way officials communicate. In German universities, this phrase is used to describe the limits of a model or a study. It is considered 'wissenschaftlicher Stil' (scientific style).
The 'Dazu' Shortcut
If the action was already mentioned, you can just say 'Ich bin dazu in der Lage' (I am able to do that) instead of repeating the whole 'zu' clause.
Don't over-formalize
Using this with your family might make you sound cold or like you're avoiding a task.
Significado
To possess the capacity or skill to do something.
The 'Dazu' Shortcut
If the action was already mentioned, you can just say 'Ich bin dazu in der Lage' (I am able to do that) instead of repeating the whole 'zu' clause.
Don't over-formalize
Using this with your family might make you sound cold or like you're avoiding a task.
The 'Leider' Buffer
When saying you are NOT in the position to do something, always add 'leider' (unfortunately) to soften the blow: 'Ich bin leider nicht in der Lage...'
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal sentence.
Ich bin leider nicht ____ ____ ____, Ihre E-Mail sofort zu beantworten.
The phrase 'in der Lage sein' is the standard way to express situational inability in a formal email.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) Wir sind in der Lage das Problem lösen. B) Wir sind in der Lage, das Problem zu lösen. C) Wir sind in die Lage, das Problem zu lösen.
B is correct because it uses the dative 'der' and the mandatory 'zu' + infinitive.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate formal response.
Chef: 'Können Sie das Projekt bis Freitag fertigstellen?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ja, ich denke, ich ____ ____ ____ ____ ____, die Deadline einzuhalten.'
The employee uses 'bin in der Lage' to sound professional and confident.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. 'Ich kann schwimmen.' 2. 'Das Unternehmen ist in der Lage, zu expandieren.'
'Können' is for basic skills; 'in der Lage sein' is for institutional/formal capacity.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Können vs. In der Lage sein
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIch bin leider nicht ____ ____ ____, Ihre E-Mail sofort zu beantworten.
The phrase 'in der Lage sein' is the standard way to express situational inability in a formal email.
A) Wir sind in der Lage das Problem lösen. B) Wir sind in der Lage, das Problem zu lösen. C) Wir sind in die Lage, das Problem zu lösen.
B is correct because it uses the dative 'der' and the mandatory 'zu' + infinitive.
Chef: 'Können Sie das Projekt bis Freitag fertigstellen?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ja, ich denke, ich ____ ____ ____ ____ ____, die Deadline einzuhalten.'
The employee uses 'bin in der Lage' to sound professional and confident.
1. 'Ich kann schwimmen.' 2. 'Das Unternehmen ist in der Lage, zu expandieren.'
'Können' is for basic skills; 'in der Lage sein' is for institutional/formal capacity.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, in meaning, but 'in der Lage sein' is much more formal and often implies having the necessary resources or being in the right situation.
Yes, but usually in a medical or formal context. 'Der Patient ist wieder in der Lage zu gehen.'
Yes, if you follow it with a verb, you must use 'zu' + infinitive. If you don't use a verb, you must use 'dazu'.
It is very common in both, but in speaking, it is reserved for professional or serious situations.
The opposite is 'nicht in der Lage sein' or the more formal 'außerstande sein'.
No, that is a common mistake. It is always 'in der Lage' (dative).
Yes, 'war in der Lage' is very common in reports and stories.
No, it sounds professional. However, using it for very simple things like 'eating' can sound sarcastic.
No, for permission use 'dürfen' or 'die Erlaubnis haben'.
They are interchangeable, but 'in der Lage sein' is slightly more common in business.
Put 'nicht' before 'in der Lage': 'Ich bin nicht in der Lage...'
Yes: 'Sind Sie in der Lage, uns zu helfen?'
Frases relacionadas
imstande sein
synonymTo be capable of
außerstande sein
contrastTo be unable to
fähig sein
similarTo be talented/able
vermögen
specialized formTo be able to (literary)
die Kompetenz haben
builds onTo have the competence
