Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die
By means of repeated measurement, the ... could be
Literally: By-hand of-a measurement-repetition let itself the...
In 15 Seconds
- Used to confirm findings through repeated testing or checking.
- Highly formal and common in academic or scientific writing.
- Uses the genitive case and a passive-style reflexive construction.
Meaning
This phrase is used to explain that by checking or measuring something a second or third time, a specific result or fact was confirmed. It's a very professional way to say 'we double-checked the data and found this.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university lab report
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Fehlerquote deutlich reduzieren.
By means of a repeated measurement, the error rate could be significantly reduced.
Explaining a technical error to a manager
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Ursache des Systemabsturzes isolieren.
By means of repeated measurement, the cause of the system crash could be isolated.
A fitness enthusiast talking about their progress
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich mein Körperfettanteil genau bestimmen.
By repeating the measurement, my body fat percentage could be accurately determined.
Cultural Background
In Germany, the 'Nominalstil' (using nouns instead of verbs) is a sign of high status and precision. Using 'Messwiederholung' instead of 'wir haben wiederholt' is expected in a Master's or PhD thesis. Swiss technical reports often use even more precise terms like 'Präzisionsmesswiederholung' to emphasize the quality of their instrumentation. In Austrian officialese ('Amtsdeutsch'), this phrase might appear in environmental or construction permits to justify a decision based on technical data. The phrase is a 'Shibboleth'—using it correctly immediately identifies you as someone trained in the German scientific tradition.
Master the Genitive
Always check the gender of the noun following 'anhand'. If it's plural, it's 'anhand von' or 'anhand der' (Genitive plural).
Don't over-use 'sich lassen'
While elegant, using it in every sentence makes your text feel repetitive. Mix it with 'konnte ... werden'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to confirm findings through repeated testing or checking.
- Highly formal and common in academic or scientific writing.
- Uses the genitive case and a passive-style reflexive construction.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate 'I checked my work' statement. It means you didn't just look at something once. You measured it again to be absolutely sure. In English, we might say, 'After checking it again, we found...' But in German, it sounds much more official. It implies a systematic approach to finding the truth. You are letting the data speak for itself. It’s about objectivity and scientific rigor. It tells the listener that your conclusion isn't just a guess; it's backed by a process.
How To Use It
You start with anhand followed by the genitive case. In this case, it’s einer Messwiederholung. Then you use the reflexive verb construction ließ sich. This is a clever way to avoid saying 'I' or 'we.' It makes the result feel like a natural fact rather than a personal opinion. The sentence usually ends with an infinitive verb like feststellen (to determine) or bestätigen (to confirm). It’s like building a LEGO set of logic. Each piece fits perfectly to create a solid argument.
When To Use It
Use this when you are writing a lab report or a university essay. It’s perfect for technical documentation. If you’re a software developer explaining a bug, use this. It shows you were thorough in your testing. You can also use it in high-level business meetings. It tells your boss you didn't just pull the numbers out of thin air. It adds a layer of professional polish to your speech that commands respect.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a Saturday night party. If you tell a friend, Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Bierkälte bestätigen, they will think you've spent too much time in the lab. It’s way too stiff for casual settings. Avoid it when emotions are high or when speed is key. It’s a slow, deliberate phrase. Using it while ordering coffee would be very weird. Keep it for the office, the classroom, or the research paper.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for being precise and methodical. This phrase is a linguistic reflection of that Gründlichkeit (thoroughness). It’s not enough to do something; you must do it correctly. The concept of Messwiederholung is central to German engineering and science. It’s the idea that a result is only valid if it’s repeatable. This phrase isn't just words; it's a philosophy. It shows respect for the process and the data, which is highly valued in German professional culture.
Common Variations
You might hear Aufgrund einer Messwiederholung. This focuses more on the reason why something happened. Another option is Mittels einer Messwiederholung. This sounds even more technical and tool-oriented. Some people might say Durch wiederholtes Messen konnte.... That’s a bit more active but still formal. If you want to be really fancy, try Infolge einer Messwiederholung. All of these show you’ve done the hard work and didn't take shortcuts.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register construction. Use it in writing or formal presentations to establish authority and objectivity. Avoid it in casual conversation unless you are intentionally being humorous.
Master the Genitive
Always check the gender of the noun following 'anhand'. If it's plural, it's 'anhand von' or 'anhand der' (Genitive plural).
Don't over-use 'sich lassen'
While elegant, using it in every sentence makes your text feel repetitive. Mix it with 'konnte ... werden'.
Examples
6Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Fehlerquote deutlich reduzieren.
By means of a repeated measurement, the error rate could be significantly reduced.
This is the textbook use of the phrase in a scientific context.
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Ursache des Systemabsturzes isolieren.
By means of repeated measurement, the cause of the system crash could be isolated.
Shows thoroughness in a professional troubleshooting scenario.
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich mein Körperfettanteil genau bestimmen.
By repeating the measurement, my body fat percentage could be accurately determined.
A slightly more everyday use, but still very precise.
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich feststellen: Die Waage lügt immer noch!
By means of repeated measurement, it was determined: the scale is still lying!
Using a very formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Erwärmung der Meere zweifelsfrei nachweisen.
By means of repeated measurement, the warming of the oceans could be proven beyond doubt.
Used to emphasize the certainty of a serious scientific fact.
Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich die Unstimmigkeit in den Daten leider bestätigen.
By means of a repeated measurement, the discrepancy in the data was unfortunately confirmed.
Used to deliver disappointing but verified news.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct Genitive article and the reflexive pronoun.
Anhand ______ Messwiederholung ließ ______ die Fehlerquote bestimmen.
Messwiederholung is feminine, so the Genitive is 'einer'. The passive substitute requires 'sich'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a scientific paper?
How would you report that a second test confirmed the temperature?
Option B uses the correct C1-level vocabulary ('verifizieren') and grammar ('anhand' + Genitive + 'ließ sich').
Match the German phrase component with its English function.
Match the following:
These are the direct functional equivalents in a technical context.
Complete the dialogue between two scientists.
A: Sind die Ergebnisse der ersten Testreihe valide? B: Ich bin unsicher. Aber ____________________________________ (use the phrase) die Abweichung erklären.
This fits the formal tone and correct grammar required for the context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnhand ______ Messwiederholung ließ ______ die Fehlerquote bestimmen.
Messwiederholung is feminine, so the Genitive is 'einer'. The passive substitute requires 'sich'.
How would you report that a second test confirmed the temperature?
Option B uses the correct C1-level vocabulary ('verifizieren') and grammar ('anhand' + Genitive + 'ließ sich').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the direct functional equivalents in a technical context.
A: Sind die Ergebnisse der ersten Testreihe valide? B: Ich bin unsicher. Aber ____________________________________ (use the phrase) die Abweichung erklären.
This fits the formal tone and correct grammar required for the context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, in standard German. In casual speech, people use 'anhand von' + Dative, but avoid this in exams.
No, you wouldn't say 'Anhand einer Messwiederholung ließ sich der Charakter meines Bruders feststellen.' It's for data and physical properties.
'Messwiederholung' is the general process; 'Zweitmessung' specifically refers to the second time.
Related Phrases
In Betracht ziehen
similarTo take into consideration
Außer Acht lassen
contrastTo ignore/disregard
Aufschluss geben über
builds onTo provide information about
Zur Anwendung kommen
specialized formTo be applied
