Methodisch wird dabei wie folgt vorgegangen

You will mostly encounter this in writing or formal presentations. It almost always sits at the start of a paragraph or a new section in a document. You use it when you are about to list steps, phases, or logical points. Because it uses the passive voice (wird vorgegangen), it removes the focus from 'who' is doing it and puts it entirely on the 'process.' This makes it sound objective and scientific. If you are writing a Master's thesis or a business proposal, this phrase is a must-have. Just don't use it when explaining how to make toast to your roommate—unless you want to be incredibly sarcastic.

This is as formal as it gets without wearing a tuxedo. It belongs in the 'Very Formal' category. You will find it in academic papers, white papers, official government reports, and corporate strategy slides. In these settings, it creates a sense of authority. In casual settings, it is way too stiff. Imagine using a power drill to hang a tiny picture frame—it’s overkill. Using it on a first date might result in a second date only if your date is a fan of administrative procedures. Stick to the office, the university, or serious LinkedIn articles.

You might see this on a company’s 'About Us' page explaining how they handle data security. Or, a YouTube tutorial on advanced engineering might use it in the subtitles to signal the start of the simulation phase. In a Zoom meeting, a project manager might say it before sharing their screen to show a Gantt chart. It is common in the 'Methodology' section of any scientific study you read on Google Scholar. Even in high-end journalism, like an article in 'Die Zeit' or 'Der Spiegel,' it appears when complex social issues are being analyzed step-by-step. It is the language of people who have a plan.

Use it when the 'process' is the star of the show. If you are describing a research project, use it. If you are explaining a complex software implementation to a client, use it. It is perfect for the 'Methods' section of any formal report. Use it when you want to sound organized and prepared. It works great in emails to professors or high-level managers when you are detailing how you solved a problem. Basically, if there is a 'Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3' coming up, this is your intro.

Avoid this phrase in any situation where you are using slang or casual language. Don't use it in WhatsApp chats, unless you're being funny. Never use it in a romantic context or when talking to children—they will think you’ve turned into a robot. It is also not suitable for quick, informal instructions. If you’re telling someone how to get to the nearest U-Bahn station, keep it simple. Using this phrase for directions would make it sound like you’re planning a military invasion of the local subway system.

Many learners try to force a subject into the sentence, but the beauty of this phrase is its 'subjectless' passive form. Let the process speak for itself.

While the main phrase is the gold standard, you might see Dabei wird methodisch wie folgt vorgegangen (switching the order) or Das methodische Vorgehen gestaltet sich wie folgt (even more formal). A slightly 'lighter' version is Wir gehen dabei wie folgt vor, which is still formal but uses 'we' to sound more like a team. In very technical manuals, you might see Der Ablauf ist wie folgt, which is shorter and punchier. However, none of these carry the same weight of 'expert methodology' as the original C1 expression.

Is this phrase too long? In German academic writing, length often equals precision, so no, it’s just right. Can I use it in an interview? Yes, especially if you are describing your work process for a technical role. Does it only apply to science? No, it works for any structured process, from marketing to logistics. Is dabei necessary? Yes, it links the method to the specific task you just mentioned. Does it sound like AI? No, but it sounds like a very well-educated human who loves spreadsheets.