Meaning
To voice doubts or worries about something.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Bedenken äußern' is not seen as being difficult. It is seen as 'Pflichtbewusstsein' (sense of duty). If you see a problem and don't say it, you are not doing your job. In Austria, people might use 'Bedenken äußern' but wrap it in more 'Konjunktiv II' (would/could) to sound even softer. Swiss business culture also values this phrase, especially regarding quality control and financial stability. News anchors use this phrase daily when reporting on politics, making it a key part of 'Tagesschau' vocabulary.
The 'Leider' Sandwich
To sound extra polite, use 'leider' (unfortunately): 'Ich muss da leider Bedenken äußern.'
Don't use 'sagen'
Saying 'Ich sage Bedenken' sounds very non-native. Always use 'äußern'.
Meaning
To voice doubts or worries about something.
The 'Leider' Sandwich
To sound extra polite, use 'leider' (unfortunately): 'Ich muss da leider Bedenken äußern.'
Don't use 'sagen'
Saying 'Ich sage Bedenken' sounds very non-native. Always use 'äußern'.
Constructive Criticism
In Germany, voicing concerns is seen as helping the project, not attacking the person.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb form and preposition.
Der Experte _______ Bedenken _______ den neuen Plan. (Present tense)
'Äußert' is the correct verb and 'gegen' is the standard preposition for opposing a plan.
Which sentence is the most professional way to express doubt in a meeting?
You think the deadline is too short.
This uses the formal collocation and the professional preposition 'hinsichtlich'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wir bauen die Fabrik direkt am Fluss. B: Da muss ich __________________.
This is the standard professional response to a risky proposal.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the most accurate translations for the specific nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Experte _______ Bedenken _______ den neuen Plan. (Present tense)
'Äußert' is the correct verb and 'gegen' is the standard preposition for opposing a plan.
You think the deadline is too short.
This uses the formal collocation and the professional preposition 'hinsichtlich'.
A: Wir bauen die Fabrik direkt am Fluss. B: Da muss ich __________________.
This is the standard professional response to a risky proposal.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most accurate translations for the specific nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsMostly, yes. In private life, it's used for very serious matters (like buying a car or marriage). For small things, use 'Ich bin nicht sicher'.
It's grammatically possible but rare. Usually, it's plural: 'Ich äußere Bedenken'.
'Bedenken' are specific worries about risks. 'Zweifel' is a more general feeling that something might be wrong or untrue.
No, it's often expected! It shows you are paying attention to the details.
Related Phrases
Zweifel anmelden
similarTo register doubts
Einwände erheben
specialized formTo raise objections
Kritik üben
builds onTo practice criticism
Zustimmung finden
contrastTo find agreement
Veto einlegen
specialized formTo cast a veto
