Meaning
Introducing a statement that expresses one's true feelings or opinion.
Cultural Background
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.
Meaning
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'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb form (remember the V2 rule!).
Ehrlich gesagt, ________ (haben) ich keine Lust auf {das|n} Konzert.
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:
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.
'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.
This uses the phrase correctly to express a negative opinion politely.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
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
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEhrlich gesagt, ________ (haben) ich keine Lust auf {das|n} Konzert.
After 'Ehrlich gesagt', the verb must come in position 2. Since the subject is 'ich', the verb is 'habe'.
Select the correct sentence:
The verb 'ist' must follow the phrase 'Ehrlich gesagt'.
A: Wie findest du mein neues Auto? B: ________, es ist mir ein bisschen zu groß.
'Ehrlich gesagt' is the standard phrase for introducing a critical opinion.
You are at a party and someone asks if you like the music, but you find it too loud.
This uses the phrase correctly to express a negative opinion politely.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt 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'.
Related Phrases
um ehrlich zu sein
synonymto be honest
offen gestanden
similaropenly confessed
eigentlich
similaractually
im Grunde genommen
builds onbasically / fundamentally
ehrlich währt am längsten
specialized formhonesty is the best policy
