Meaning
Used to confirm the accuracy of a statement.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Saying 'Das ist richtig' or 'Das ist falsch' is not considered rude; it is considered efficient and honest. In Austria, you might hear 'Das stimmt' or 'Genau' more frequently in casual settings, as the tone can be slightly more 'gemütlich' (cozy/relaxed) than in Northern Germany. Swiss German speakers often use 'Das isch richtig' (in dialect) but also use 'Genau' as a constant filler word to show they are listening. In German business culture, 'Das ist richtig' is a sign of respect for the facts. It shows you are paying attention to the details.
The 'Genau' Alternative
If you forget 'Das ist richtig' in a conversation, just say 'Genau!' It works 99% of the time for agreement.
Don't be a robot
Using 'Das ist richtig' for every single agreement can sound a bit robotic. Mix it up with 'Stimmt' or 'Ja, klar!'
Meaning
Used to confirm the accuracy of a statement.
The 'Genau' Alternative
If you forget 'Das ist richtig' in a conversation, just say 'Genau!' It works 99% of the time for agreement.
Don't be a robot
Using 'Das ist richtig' for every single agreement can sound a bit robotic. Mix it up with 'Stimmt' or 'Ja, klar!'
Directness is Kindness
Don't be offended if a German says 'Das ist nicht richtig' to you. They aren't being mean; they are just being accurate!
Test Yourself
Which is the most natural response to confirm a fact?
A: Kommst du aus Spanien? B: Ja, _______.
'Das ist richtig' is the standard way to confirm a fact about yourself or a situation.
Fill in the missing word.
Zwei und zwei ist fünf? Nein, das ist nicht _______.
When something is factually wrong, we say 'Das ist nicht richtig.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a meeting and want to confirm a colleague's data.
'Das ist richtig' is professional and factual for meetings.
Complete the dialogue.
Kellner: 'Ein Schnitzel und ein Bier?' Kunde: 'Ja, _______.'
Use 'Das ist richtig' to confirm an order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Richtig vs. Rechts vs. Recht haben
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: Kommst du aus Spanien? B: Ja, _______.
'Das ist richtig' is the standard way to confirm a fact about yourself or a situation.
Zwei und zwei ist fünf? Nein, das ist nicht _______.
When something is factually wrong, we say 'Das ist nicht richtig.'
You are in a meeting and want to confirm a colleague's data.
'Das ist richtig' is professional and factual for meetings.
Kellner: 'Ein Schnitzel und ein Bier?' Kunde: 'Ja, _______.'
Use 'Das ist richtig' to confirm an order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Just saying 'Richtig!' is very common and sounds very natural, especially when someone is explaining something to you.
'Richtig' is more common in everyday life. 'Korrekt' sounds more like a teacher grading a paper or a computer validating a password.
'Das ist wahr' means 'That is true.' It's used for deeper truths or when someone makes a profound point, rather than simple facts.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, from your best friend to the President of Germany.
Use 'Du hast recht' (informal) or 'Sie haben recht' (formal).
Yes, in informal German, 'richtig' can be an intensifier, like 'Das ist richtig teuer' (That is really expensive).
Not in the phrase 'Das ist richtig.' It only changes if it comes before a noun, like 'die richtige Antwort.'
The opposite is 'falsch' (wrong). 'Das ist falsch.'
It's better to use 'Gute Idee' or 'Abgemacht' (Deal) for suggestions. 'Das ist richtig' sounds like you are evaluating the suggestion's logic.
In some regions (like the South), yes. In standard German, it's a soft 'ch' sound.
Related Phrases
Das stimmt.
synonymThat's true / I agree.
Genau.
similarExactly.
Das ist korrekt.
specialized formThat is correct.
Recht haben
builds onTo be right.
