Meaning
Something that is obvious or generally accepted without needing explanation.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Es versteht sich von selbst' is often linked to the concept of 'Pflichtbewusstsein' (sense of duty). If a task is part of your duty, it shouldn't need to be mentioned. Swiss communication often values understatement. Using this phrase can be a way to avoid being overly 'instructive' or 'bossy' by assuming the other person already knows the right thing to do. While similar to Germany, Austrians might use 'selbstverständlich' slightly more often in service contexts, but 'Es versteht sich von selbst' remains a mark of high-level education and politeness. In modern German startups, this phrase is used to define 'Core Values'—things that are so fundamental to the company culture they are not up for negotiation.
Use 'Das' for emphasis
Instead of 'Es versteht sich...', use 'Das versteht sich...' to point directly at what someone just said. It sounds more natural in conversation.
Don't overdo it
If you say this too often, you might sound like you think everything is obvious, which can come across as dismissive.
Meaning
Something that is obvious or generally accepted without needing explanation.
Use 'Das' for emphasis
Instead of 'Es versteht sich...', use 'Das versteht sich...' to point directly at what someone just said. It sounds more natural in conversation.
Don't overdo it
If you say this too often, you might sound like you think everything is obvious, which can come across as dismissive.
The 'Versteht sich!' shortcut
In casual settings, just say 'Versteht sich!' as a quick 'Of course!' It's very idiomatic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Dass wir pünktlich sind, versteht ___ ___ selbst.
The phrase is a fixed idiom: 'sich von selbst verstehen.'
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It goes without saying' in a business meeting?
In a meeting about data security:
Option B uses the correct reflexive verb and idiom.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss asks if you will finish the report on time.
This confirms the expectation without sounding defensive.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: 'Bringst du zum Picknick etwas zu essen mit?' B: 'Klar, ___'
Using 'das' instead of 'es' is very common in spoken German to refer back to the previous statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Obviousness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDass wir pünktlich sind, versteht ___ ___ selbst.
The phrase is a fixed idiom: 'sich von selbst verstehen.'
In a meeting about data security:
Option B uses the correct reflexive verb and idiom.
Situation: Your boss asks if you will finish the report on time.
This confirms the expectation without sounding defensive.
A: 'Bringst du zum Picknick etwas zu essen mit?' B: 'Klar, ___'
Using 'das' instead of 'es' is very common in spoken German to refer back to the previous statement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it sounds more sophisticated and logical. 'Natürlich' is a simple 'of course,' while this phrase implies a deeper logical necessity.
No, that would be 'Ich verstehe mich selbst.' The idiom 'sich von selbst verstehen' is only for facts or situations being obvious.
They are very similar, but 'von selbst' is the standard part of this specific idiom. 'Von alleine' is often used for physical things happening without help (e.g., 'The door opened by itself').
Yes: 'Es verstand sich von selbst.' It's common in storytelling to describe things that were obvious at the time.
Not if you are confirming a positive expectation (like working hard). It can be rude if you use it to imply the boss asked a stupid question.
No. You can just say 'Das versteht sich von selbst' as a standalone reaction to a statement.
The closest slang would be 'Logisch!' or 'Is' klar!'.
No, that is incorrect. The 'selbst' refers to the thing/situation, not to you.
Related Phrases
Selbstverständlich
synonymOf course / self-evident
Das liegt auf der Hand
similarThat is obvious / lies on the hand
Ohne Weiteres
similarWithout further ado / easily
Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass...
similarIt is no secret that...
