Es ist anzunehmen, dass...
It is to be assumed that...
Literally: It is to assume, that...
In 15 Seconds
- A logical way to say 'It's likely' or 'I assume.'
- Uses a passive-style structure to sound objective and smart.
- Perfect for professional settings or making logical predictions.
- The verb always moves to the end of the sentence.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'I assume' or 'It's likely.' You use it when you're making a logical guess based on the facts you have at hand.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a colleague's absence
Es ist anzunehmen, dass er im Stau steht.
It is to be assumed that he is stuck in traffic.
Predicting the weather for a hike
Es ist anzunehmen, dass das Wetter am Wochenende besser wird.
It is to be assumed that the weather will get better this weekend.
Analyzing a business trend
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Preise weiter steigen werden.
It is to be assumed that prices will continue to rise.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, directness is valued, but so is evidence. Using 'Es ist anzunehmen' shows you are not just talking—you have data to back it up. Austrian German is often perceived as slightly more polite or 'indirect'. You might hear 'Es wäre anzunehmen' (subjunctive) to sound even more cautious. In Swiss High German (Schriftdeutsch), this phrase is just as common in newspapers like the NZZ to maintain a serious, neutral tone. Global academic culture values the 'impersonal voice'. This phrase is a universal tool for German scholars to sound objective.
The 'Writing Exam' Trick
Use this phrase in the first paragraph of your B2/C1 writing exam to immediately signal to the examiner that you know formal structures.
Comma Alert
Never forget the comma before 'dass'. It is a major spelling error in German exams.
In 15 Seconds
- A logical way to say 'It's likely' or 'I assume.'
- Uses a passive-style structure to sound objective and smart.
- Perfect for professional settings or making logical predictions.
- The verb always moves to the end of the sentence.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as your 'detective voice.' It implies you have looked at the evidence. You aren't just guessing wildly. You are making a calculated prediction. In English, we might say 'one can assume' or 'it's safe to say.' It sounds polished and intelligent. It moves the focus away from your personal opinion. Instead, it focuses on the logical conclusion itself.
How To Use It
You start your sentence with Es ist anzunehmen, dass.... Then, you place your main point in a subordinate clause. Remember the golden rule of German grammar. The conjugated verb must go to the very end of that clause. For example: Es ist anzunehmen, dass es heute regnet. You are basically setting the stage for a fact. It works beautifully when you want to sound objective. It’s like wearing a virtual lab coat while you speak.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound professional or precise. It’s perfect for office meetings or writing emails. You can also use it when discussing the news with friends. It’s great for predicting the outcome of a football match. Or perhaps why your roommate is late again. It adds a layer of 'German logic' to your conversation. Use it when you want people to take your opinion seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for very obvious or personal things. If your hair is soaking wet, don't say Es ist anzunehmen, dass ich duschen war. That sounds like a robot trying to be human. Avoid it in high-energy, emotional arguments. If you are shouting at someone, this phrase is too cold. It’s also a bit much for a first date. You might come across as a bit of a know-it-all. Keep it for situations that require a bit of analysis.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Sachlichkeit'—which means being objective and matter-of-fact. This phrase is the poster child for that value. It removes the 'I' (ich) from the sentence. This makes the statement feel more universal and less like a personal bias. It reflects a culture that respects data, logic, and careful observation. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a well-engineered car. It’s sturdy, reliable, and gets the job done without extra fluff.
Common Variations
You might hear Man kann davon ausgehen, dass... which is very similar. Another one is Vermutlich... for a shorter, punchier guess. If you want to be even more formal, try Es steht zu vermuten, dass.... But for your daily life at a B2 level, Es ist anzunehmen is the 'Goldilocks' choice. It’s not too stiff, but it’s definitely not lazy. It shows you’ve mastered the passive-style construction with zu.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a hallmark of upper-intermediate German. It shifts the register from casual conversation to analytical discussion. Ensure your 'dass' clause grammar is perfect to maintain the professional tone.
The 'Writing Exam' Trick
Use this phrase in the first paragraph of your B2/C1 writing exam to immediately signal to the examiner that you know formal structures.
Comma Alert
Never forget the comma before 'dass'. It is a major spelling error in German exams.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this with your friends while eating pizza, they will think you are being sarcastic or weirdly formal.
Past Tense
Use 'Es war anzunehmen' to say 'It was obvious' when something goes wrong. It sounds very sophisticated.
Examples
6Es ist anzunehmen, dass er im Stau steht.
It is to be assumed that he is stuck in traffic.
A logical guess based on the fact that he is late.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass das Wetter am Wochenende besser wird.
It is to be assumed that the weather will get better this weekend.
Based on the weather report you likely saw earlier.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Preise weiter steigen werden.
It is to be assumed that prices will continue to rise.
Sounds authoritative and analytical in a meeting.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Party sowieso erst um 22 Uhr losgeht.
It's safe to assume the party won't start until 10 PM anyway.
A slightly more 'fancy' way to joke about late friends.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Katze wieder Hunger hat.
It is to be assumed that the cat is hungry again.
Using formal language for a mundane cat behavior is funny.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass der Brief verloren gegangen ist.
It is to be assumed that the letter has been lost.
A polite way to express a negative realization.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb at the end of the sentence.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass {die|f} Firma bald neue Mitarbeiter ________. (einstellen)
In a 'dass-clause', the conjugated verb (einstellt) goes to the end.
Which sentence is the most formal and appropriate for a news report?
Reporting on a likely tax increase:
'Es ist anzunehmen' is the standard formal register for news.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Glaubst du, er hat {den|m} Brief erhalten? B: Ja, ________, dass er ihn gestern bekommen hat.
The phrase is always 'Es ist anzunehmen'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A scientific paper discussing a hypothesis.
Scientific writing requires formal, objective language.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Register Levels of Probability
Formal
- • Es ist anzunehmen
- • Es steht zu vermuten
Neutral
- • Wahrscheinlich
- • Vermutlich
Informal
- • Ich schätze
- • Bestimmt
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEs ist anzunehmen, dass {die|f} Firma bald neue Mitarbeiter ________. (einstellen)
In a 'dass-clause', the conjugated verb (einstellt) goes to the end.
Reporting on a likely tax increase:
'Es ist anzunehmen' is the standard formal register for news.
A: Glaubst du, er hat {den|m} Brief erhalten? B: Ja, ________, dass er ihn gestern bekommen hat.
The phrase is always 'Es ist anzunehmen'.
Context: A scientific paper discussing a hypothesis.
Scientific writing requires formal, objective language.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo. 'Vielleicht' is a 50/50 guess. 'Es ist anzunehmen' implies a much higher probability based on logic.
Only if you are being funny or discussing something very serious (like a legal matter). Otherwise, it's too formal.
'Annehmen' is a separable verb. For separable verbs, the 'zu' goes in the middle: an-zu-nehmen.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. It must be one word: 'anzunehmen'.
Usually no. You use the indicative because you are stating what is likely true in reality.
Use 'Es war anzunehmen, dass...'.
Yes, but mostly in professional contexts like meetings, presentations, or news broadcasts.
'Ich schätze, dass...' or 'Wahrscheinlich...'.
No, it almost always introduces a 'dass-clause' or stands alone as a reaction: 'Das ist anzunehmen.'
Yes, especially in detective novels or philosophical texts.
It's rare. Usually, you state *what* is assumed with 'dass'. If you want to give a reason, use a separate sentence.
No, it is standard German (Hochdeutsch) used across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Related Phrases
Man kann davon ausgehen, dass...
synonymOne can assume that...
Es steht zu vermuten, dass...
similarIt is to be suspected that...
Es ist zu befürchten, dass...
specialized formIt is to be feared that...
Es ist zu erwarten, dass...
similarIt is to be expected that...
Allem Anschein nach...
similarBy all appearances...
Feststehen
contrastTo be certain
