B2 Expression 중립

ehrlich gesagt

Honestly, to be honest

Introducing a statement that expresses one's true feelings or opinion.

🌍

문화적 배경

Directness is valued. Using 'ehrlich gesagt' is seen as a sign of respect because you are not wasting the other person's time with false praise. Austrians tend to be slightly more indirect than Northern Germans. They might use 'ehrlich gesagt' followed by a very soft, cushioned critique. In Swiss German, honesty is often paired with extreme politeness. 'Ehrlich gseit' is used, but often with many modal particles like 'halt' or 'eifach'. In German meetings, 'ehrlich gesagt' signals that the 'small talk' or 'polite phase' is over and the real negotiation is beginning.

🎯

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Ehrlich gesagt' if it's followed by a full clause, but remember the verb comes next!

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say it every two sentences, people might think you're lying the rest of the time.

Introducing a statement that expresses one's true feelings or opinion.

🎯

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Ehrlich gesagt' if it's followed by a full clause, but remember the verb comes next!

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say it every two sentences, people might think you're lying the rest of the time.

💬

The 'German No'

Use this phrase to say 'no' politely. It's much better than a flat 'nein'.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the correct verb form (remember the V2 rule!).

Ehrlich gesagt, ________ (haben) ich keine Lust auf {das|n} Konzert.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: habe

After 'Ehrlich gesagt', the verb must come in position 2. Since the subject is 'ich', the verb is 'habe'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Select the correct sentence:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt ist das Wetter schlecht.

The verb 'ist' must follow the phrase 'Ehrlich gesagt'.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

A: Wie findest du mein neues Auto? B: ________, es ist mir ein bisschen zu groß.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt

'Ehrlich gesagt' is the standard phrase for introducing a critical opinion.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are at a party and someone asks if you like the music, but you find it too loud.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt, ist {die|f} Musik mir zu laut.

This uses the phrase correctly to express a negative opinion politely.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

When to use 'Ehrlich gesagt'

👎

Criticism

  • Bad food
  • Weak plan
  • Boring movie
🙊

Confession

  • Forgot birthday
  • No time
  • Don't know
💭

Opinions

  • Modern art
  • Politics
  • New clothes

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the correct verb form (remember the V2 rule!). Fill Blank B1

Ehrlich gesagt, ________ (haben) ich keine Lust auf {das|n} Konzert.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: habe

After 'Ehrlich gesagt', the verb must come in position 2. Since the subject is 'ich', the verb is 'habe'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A2

Select the correct sentence:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt ist das Wetter schlecht.

The verb 'ist' must follow the phrase 'Ehrlich gesagt'.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion B1

A: Wie findest du mein neues Auto? B: ________, es ist mir ein bisschen zu groß.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt

'Ehrlich gesagt' is the standard phrase for introducing a critical opinion.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A2

You are at a party and someone asks if you like the music, but you find it too loud.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ehrlich gesagt, ist {die|f} Musik mir zu laut.

This uses the phrase correctly to express a negative opinion politely.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is always 'Ehrlich gesagt' (past participle). 'Ehrlich sagen' is grammatically incomplete.

Yes, in a semi-formal or informal email it's very common to introduce a personal opinion.

There is no difference in meaning. 'Um ehrlich zu sein' is just slightly more formal/wordy.

No, you can tuck it into the middle of a sentence: 'Ich weiß, ehrlich gesagt, nicht weiter.'

No, it's actually a way to be polite while being direct.

Yes, in casual speech 'Ehrlich, ich hab's vergessen' works fine.

It's the soft 'Ich-Laut', like a cat hissing softly.

Yes, as 'Ehrlich gseit'.

You could say 'Ganz ehrlich gesagt...', but 'wirklich' doesn't fit here.

Use 'Offen gestanden'.

관련 표현

🔄

um ehrlich zu sein

synonym

to be honest

🔗

offen gestanden

similar

openly confessed

🔗

eigentlich

similar

actually

🔗

im Grunde genommen

builds on

basically / fundamentally

🔗

ehrlich währt am längsten

specialized form

honesty is the best policy

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