Meaning
To state something as a fact, often without proof.
Cultural Background
In German academic and professional life, 'eine Behauptung aufstellen' is the first step of the 'Sandwich-Method' of arguing: Claim -> Evidence -> Example. Austrians might use the phrase with a bit more 'Konjunktiv II' (subjunctive) to sound even more polite and indirect. In Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), the formal 'Behauptung aufstellen' is used in High German contexts like news (SRF), but in dialect, they might use 'behauptä'. In German law, there is a 'Behauptungslast' (burden of assertion), meaning you must formally 'aufstellen' your facts before the court considers them.
Use the Subjunctive
When reporting someone else's claim, use Konjunktiv I (e.g., 'er habe') to show you are being objective and not necessarily agreeing.
Don't use 'machen'
Using 'eine Behauptung machen' is the #1 sign of an English speaker. Always use 'aufstellen'.
Meaning
To state something as a fact, often without proof.
Use the Subjunctive
When reporting someone else's claim, use Konjunktiv I (e.g., 'er habe') to show you are being objective and not necessarily agreeing.
Don't use 'machen'
Using 'eine Behauptung machen' is the #1 sign of an English speaker. Always use 'aufstellen'.
Baseless Claims
If you want to sound like a native, use the adjective 'haltlos' (baseless). 'Das ist eine haltlose Behauptung!' is a very strong way to defend yourself.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'aufstellen' and the article for 'Behauptung'.
Der Politiker ______ gestern eine gewagte __________ ______.
In the past tense (Präteritum), 'aufstellen' becomes 'stellte ... auf'. 'Behauptung' is feminine.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which one is right?
The perfect tense of 'aufstellen' is 'aufgestellt'. 'Machen' is incorrect here.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Warum glaubst du ihm nicht? B: Weil er ständig ____________________, für die er keine Beweise hat.
The plural 'Behauptungen' fits here, and 'aufstellt' is the correct verb.
Match the 'Behauptung' to the most likely context.
Context: 'Die Erde ist eine Scheibe.'
'Unhaltbar' means untenable/baseless, which fits the flat earth claim.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Politiker ______ gestern eine gewagte __________ ______.
In the past tense (Präteritum), 'aufstellen' becomes 'stellte ... auf'. 'Behauptung' is feminine.
Which one is right?
The perfect tense of 'aufstellen' is 'aufgestellt'. 'Machen' is incorrect here.
A: Warum glaubst du ihm nicht? B: Weil er ständig ____________________, für die er keine Beweise hat.
The plural 'Behauptungen' fits here, and 'aufstellt' is the correct verb.
Context: 'Die Erde ist eine Scheibe.'
'Unhaltbar' means untenable/baseless, which fits the flat earth claim.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be true or false. It just means the statement is being presented as a fact, regardless of its actual truth value.
No, 'setzen' is not used here. Stick to 'aufstellen'.
'Behaupten' is the verb (to claim). 'Eine Behauptung aufstellen' is the formal collocation. The latter is preferred in writing and formal speeches.
You say 'eine falsche Behauptung aufstellen'.
Yes, very often. Scientists 'aufstellen' hypotheses or claims before they test them.
Yes, if you want to present your opinion as a structured argument. 'Ich möchte die Behauptung aufstellen, dass...'
Die Behauptungen aufstellen.
Extremely. Journalists use it to report what people say without taking responsibility for the truth of the statement.
It can, if you use it to challenge someone. 'Das ist eine gewagte Behauptung!' can be a polite way of saying 'I think you're lying/wrong'.
Yes, to describe your skills or to challenge a point made by the interviewer politely.
Related Phrases
eine These aufstellen
similarTo put forward a thesis
etwas behaupten
synonymTo claim something
eine Behauptung widerlegen
contrastTo refute a claim
eine Behauptung untermauern
builds onTo back up a claim
eine Vermutung anstellen
similarTo make a guess
