Signification
To promise or indicate that something might happen.
Contexte culturel
In German business culture, this phrase is a 'soft' promise. It is taken seriously, but both parties understand it depends on future performance. Austrians might use this phrase with a bit more 'Schmäh' (charm/irony). It can sometimes be a polite way to say 'maybe never,' depending on the tone. In Switzerland, precision is key. If someone 'stellt etwas in Aussicht,' they usually have a very specific plan, even if it's not yet official. International teams working with Germans should know that this isn't just a 'maybe.' It's a 'probably, if things go well.'
Use the Passive
In reports, use 'Mir wurde ... in Aussicht gestellt' to sound very professional and objective.
Don't over-promise
If you use this with friends, they might think you are being sarcastic or too formal.
Signification
To promise or indicate that something might happen.
Use the Passive
In reports, use 'Mir wurde ... in Aussicht gestellt' to sound very professional and objective.
Don't over-promise
If you use this with friends, they might think you are being sarcastic or too formal.
The 'German Maybe'
Remember that in Germany, this is often a serious commitment, even if it's not a contract yet.
Noun-Verb Pair
Memorize this as one unit. Don't try to translate 'prospect' and 'place' separately.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct Dative pronoun.
Mein Chef hat ____ (me) eine Gehaltserhöhung in Aussicht gestellt.
The person receiving the prospect must be in the Dative case. 'Mir' is the dative form of 'ich'.
Which sentence is correct?
A) Er stellt mir einen Bonus an Aussicht. B) Er stellt mir einen Bonus in Aussicht. C) Er stellt mir einen Bonus auf Aussicht.
The fixed preposition for this idiom is always 'in'.
Complete the dialogue in a professional way.
Bewerber: 'Gibt es Aufstiegsmöglichkeiten?' Chef: 'Ja, wir ______ Ihnen eine Beförderung nach zwei Jahren ______ ______.'
The verb 'stellen' completes the collocation 'in Aussicht stellen'.
Match the phrase to the most likely speaker.
'Wir stellen Ihnen eine baldige Senkung der Mehrwertsteuer in Aussicht.'
Politicians frequently use this phrase to discuss future policy changes without committing to a date.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMein Chef hat ____ (me) eine Gehaltserhöhung in Aussicht gestellt.
The person receiving the prospect must be in the Dative case. 'Mir' is the dative form of 'ich'.
A) Er stellt mir einen Bonus an Aussicht. B) Er stellt mir einen Bonus in Aussicht. C) Er stellt mir einen Bonus auf Aussicht.
The fixed preposition for this idiom is always 'in'.
Bewerber: 'Gibt es Aufstiegsmöglichkeiten?' Chef: 'Ja, wir ______ Ihnen eine Beförderung nach zwei Jahren ______ ______.'
The verb 'stellen' completes the collocation 'in Aussicht stellen'.
'Wir stellen Ihnen eine baldige Senkung der Mehrwertsteuer in Aussicht.'
Politicians frequently use this phrase to discuss future policy changes without committing to a date.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'versprechen' is a firm promise. 'In Aussicht stellen' is a prospect or a possibility that is likely but not guaranteed.
Usually no. It is almost always used for positive prospects like bonuses, jobs, or improvements.
It takes the Dative for the person and the Accusative for the thing being promised.
No, the preposition 'in' is fixed. Using 'auf' is a common mistake.
Rarely. It sounds quite formal. Use 'vielleicht' or 'ich hab dir ... versprochen' in casual settings.
'Stellen' is active (someone promises). 'Stehen' is passive (something is likely to happen).
Yes, very common in political and economic news reporting.
Yes: 'Er stellte mir in Aussicht, dass ich bald befördert werde.'
No, it is very modern and standard in professional German.
You can say 'Hoffnung machen' or 'in Aussicht stellen'. The latter is more formal.
Expressions liées
in Aussicht stehen
similarTo be in prospect / likely to happen
versprechen
similarTo promise
andeuten
similarTo hint
verheißen
similarTo bode / promise well
hoffen lassen
similarTo give hope
