Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass
Against this view, however, speaks that
Literally: Against this view, however, speaks that
In 15 Seconds
- Introduces a counter-argument politely.
- Signals reasoned disagreement with evidence.
- Best used in formal/academic settings.
- Avoid in casual chats or texts.
Meaning
This phrase is your polite, academic way of saying, 'Hold on a second, there's another side to this story!' It’s like a friendly but firm handshake to acknowledge a point, then gently but surely introduce a counter-argument or a piece of evidence that challenges it. Think of it as the sophisticated way to say, 'Yeah, but...' when you want to sound thoughtful and well-reasoned.
Key Examples
3 of 10Writing an academic essay
Die Studie behauptet, das Produkt sei ein voller Erfolg. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die Verkaufszahlen weit hinter den Erwartungen zurückblieben.
The study claims the product was a complete success. Against this view, however, speaks that the sales figures fell far short of expectations.
Presenting in a business meeting
Unser Team glaubt, die neue Strategie wird die Kundenzufriedenheit steigern. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass ähnliche Ansätze in der Vergangenheit gescheitert sind.
Our team believes the new strategy will increase customer satisfaction. Against this view, however, speaks that similar approaches have failed in the past.
Debating a topic in a seminar
Manche argumentieren, dass künstliche Intelligenz keine ethischen Probleme aufwirft. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die Entwicklung autonomer Systeme bereits komplexe moralische Fragen aufwirft.
Some argue that artificial intelligence poses no ethical problems. Against this view, however, speaks that the development of autonomous systems already raises complex moral questions.
Cultural Background
German universities emphasize 'Kritisches Denken' (critical thinking). Students are taught that no theory is sacred. Using this phrase shows you have mastered the art of 'Hinterfragen' (questioning). In Switzerland, directness is often tempered with extreme politeness. This phrase is perfect because it is grammatically 'impersonal'—it's the facts speaking, not you. Austrians might use even more 'Konjunktiv' (subjunctive) to soften the blow, but the core phrase remains a staple of formal Viennese discourse. Quality newspapers (Qualitätsmedien) use this phrase to maintain 'Objektivität'. It signals to the reader that the journalist is considering all sides of an issue.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always check your verb position at the end of the sentence. It's the #1 reason students lose points in exams.
Be Objective
Use this phrase to sound like an expert. It removes 'I think' from the sentence, making your argument sound like a universal truth.
In 15 Seconds
- Introduces a counter-argument politely.
- Signals reasoned disagreement with evidence.
- Best used in formal/academic settings.
- Avoid in casual chats or texts.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for introducing a counter-argument. It's a sophisticated way to say 'However, there's a problem with that idea.' It signals that you've heard the previous point but have a reason to disagree. It's like saying, 'I see your point, but let me offer a different perspective.' It adds a touch of formality and intellectual rigor to your disagreement. It's not aggressive; it's reasoned. You're not just saying 'no,' you're explaining *why*.
How To Use It
Use this when you want to present a contrasting idea or fact. It usually follows a statement or argument from someone else. You've listened, and now you're ready to present your evidence against it. Imagine someone says, 'This new app is perfect.' You might reply, 'Well, *gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* its user interface is quite confusing.' It sets up your next sentence to explain the contradiction. It's perfect for debates, essays, or even just a thoughtful discussion. It’s a bridge to your counterpoint.
Formality & Register
This phrase leans formal. You'll find it in academic papers, serious discussions, and professional settings. Think university lectures, policy debates, or well-written articles. It's not something you'd typically text your best friend about the latest Netflix show, unless you're being deliberately funny. Using it in a super casual setting might sound a bit stiff, like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party. But in the right context, it sounds incredibly smart.
Real-Life Examples
- In an essay: 'The author claims the protagonist is purely heroic. *Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* he exhibits several morally ambiguous traits.'
- In a business meeting: 'We believe the new marketing strategy will boost sales. *Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* our competitor launched a similar campaign last year with minimal success.'
- In a debate club: 'My opponent argues for stricter regulations. *Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* such measures often stifle innovation and economic growth.'
- In a historical analysis: 'Many historians view this treaty as a success. *Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* it ultimately sowed the seeds for future conflict.'
When To Use It
Use it when you need to introduce a strong counter-argument based on logic or evidence. It's ideal when someone presents a viewpoint, and you have a specific reason to doubt it. Think of situations where you need to be persuasive and well-supported. It's great for academic writing, formal presentations, and structured debates. It signals you're engaging critically with the topic. It’s your signal for a well-considered objection. You’re not just disagreeing; you’re dissecting.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual chats, text messages, or informal social media comments. It's too formal for everyday banter. Don't use it if you're just expressing a personal preference or a gut feeling. It's also not suitable if you want to sound super laid-back or buddy-buddy. Using it in these contexts would sound pretentious or out of place, like a penguin trying to blend in at a tropical resort. Save it for when you mean business, intellectually speaking.
Common Mistakes
- ✗ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht, dass*' → ✓ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass*' (Forgetting 'jedoch' makes it sound incomplete and less emphatic.)
- ✗ '*Gegen diese Meinung spricht, dass*' → ✓ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass*' (While 'Meinung' is opinion, 'Auffassung' is a more formal term for view/conception, fitting the phrase's register better.)
- ✗ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht, aber dass*' → ✓ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass*' (The 'aber' is redundant and grammatically awkward here.)
- ✗ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht, weil*' → ✓ '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass*' ('Weil' introduces a reason, but this phrase sets up the *existence* of a counter-argument itself.)
Common Variations
While the phrase is quite standard, slight variations exist in emphasis. Sometimes, 'allerdings' might replace 'jedoch' for a similar nuance: '*Gegen diese Auffassung spricht allerdings, dass...*'. In very academic contexts, you might see slightly more complex sentence structures built around it. Regional differences are minimal for this specific phrase, as it's rooted in standard written German. Think of it as a fixed expression, like a trusty old friend who always shows up dressed appropriately.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: 'Ich denke, die neue Software ist benutzerfreundlich genug.' (I think the new software is user-friendly enough.)
Speaker B: 'Hmm, *gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* viele Nutzer über die komplexen Menüs klagen. Hast du die Foren gelesen?' (Hmm, *against this view, however, speaks that* many users complain about the complex menus. Did you read the forums?)
Speaker A: 'Die Umweltschutzmaßnahmen waren ein voller Erfolg.' (The environmental protection measures were a complete success.)
Speaker B: 'Das mag teilweise stimmen, aber *gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* die langfristigen Auswirkungen noch unklar sind und die Kosten explodiert sind.' (That might be partly true, but *against this view, however, speaks that* the long-term effects are still unclear and the costs have exploded.)
Quick FAQ
- Is it always formal? Yes, generally. It's best reserved for situations where you need to sound thoughtful and well-reasoned, not for casual chats.
- Can I use it in spoken German? Yes, but only in formal spoken contexts like presentations or debates, not in everyday conversation.
- What if I want to disagree more casually? You'd use phrases like 'Aber...', 'Ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob...', or 'Das sehe ich anders.'
- Does it sound aggressive? No, it sounds reasoned and objective. It's a polite way to introduce a dissenting point.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal and best suited for written German like academic papers or essays. While it can appear in formal spoken contexts (lectures, debates), avoid it in everyday conversations or casual digital communication. Using it inappropriately can make you sound overly academic or pretentious.
The 'Dass' Trap
Always check your verb position at the end of the sentence. It's the #1 reason students lose points in exams.
Be Objective
Use this phrase to sound like an expert. It removes 'I think' from the sentence, making your argument sound like a universal truth.
Examples
10Die Studie behauptet, das Produkt sei ein voller Erfolg. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die Verkaufszahlen weit hinter den Erwartungen zurückblieben.
The study claims the product was a complete success. Against this view, however, speaks that the sales figures fell far short of expectations.
Here, the phrase directly contrasts the study's claim with contradictory sales data.
Unser Team glaubt, die neue Strategie wird die Kundenzufriedenheit steigern. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass ähnliche Ansätze in der Vergangenheit gescheitert sind.
Our team believes the new strategy will increase customer satisfaction. Against this view, however, speaks that similar approaches have failed in the past.
This introduces a historical reason to doubt the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Manche argumentieren, dass künstliche Intelligenz keine ethischen Probleme aufwirft. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die Entwicklung autonomer Systeme bereits komplexe moralische Fragen aufwirft.
Some argue that artificial intelligence poses no ethical problems. Against this view, however, speaks that the development of autonomous systems already raises complex moral questions.
This sets up a discussion about the ethical implications often overlooked.
Der Film wird oft als Meisterwerk gefeiert. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die Handlung vorhersehbar und die Charakterentwicklung mangelhaft ist.
The film is often celebrated as a masterpiece. Against this view, however, speaks that the plot is predictable and the character development is lacking.
A critical review using the phrase to introduce specific plot and character flaws.
Der Artikel stellt die Maßnahme als notwendig dar. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die langfristigen sozialen Kosten ignoriert werden.
The article presents the measure as necessary. Against this view, however, speaks that the long-term social costs are being ignored.
Used to introduce a critical perspective in a public forum, maintaining a serious tone.
Du sagst, der Protagonist ist ein Held. Aber *gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* er viele egoistische Entscheidungen trifft.
You say the protagonist is a hero. But *against this view, however, speaks that* he makes many selfish decisions.
Slightly more conversational but still using the formal phrase for a structured point.
✗ Hey, ich hab gehört, das Konzert war super! Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass mein Freund meinte, der Sound war mies.
✗ Hey, I heard the concert was great! Against this view, however, speaks that my friend said the sound was bad.
This is too formal for a casual text message; it sounds unnatural and overly academic.
✗ Ich mag Pizza, gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass sie ungesund ist.
✗ I like pizza, against this view, however, speaks that it is unhealthy.
This is grammatically awkward and overly complex for a simple preference. 'Aber sie ist ungesund' is sufficient.
Mein Gegner behauptet, er könne fliegen. Nun, *gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass* er gerade versucht, von diesem Stuhl aufzustehen.
My opponent claims he can fly. Well, *against this view, however, speaks that* he is currently trying to get up from this chair.
Using the formal phrase for comedic effect to highlight the absurdity of a claim.
Ich verstehe deine optimistische Sichtweise. Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die wirtschaftliche Lage sich verschlechtert hat.
I understand your optimistic perspective. Against this view, however, speaks that the economic situation has worsened.
This conveys a sense of concern while acknowledging the other person's viewpoint.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form and word order.
Gegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die {die|f} Preise im nächsten Jahr ________. (steigen)
In a 'dass'-clause, the conjugated verb 'steigen' (plural for Preise) must go to the end.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for a formal university essay?
The author claims that technology solves all problems.
This is the standard academic register for introducing a counter-argument.
Complete the dialogue in a professional manner.
Chef: 'Wir sollten alle Mitarbeiter zurück ins Büro rufen.' Mitarbeiter: '________________, dass die meisten im Homeoffice produktiver sind.'
This allows the employee to disagree politely and professionally.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesGegen diese Auffassung spricht jedoch, dass die {die|f} Preise im nächsten Jahr ________. (steigen)
In a 'dass'-clause, the conjugated verb 'steigen' (plural for Preise) must go to the end.
The author claims that technology solves all problems.
This is the standard academic register for introducing a counter-argument.
Chef: 'Wir sollten alle Mitarbeiter zurück ins Büro rufen.' Mitarbeiter: '________________, dass die meisten im Homeoffice produktiver sind.'
This allows the employee to disagree politely and professionally.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but 'jedoch' is more formal and elegant in written German. 'Aber' is better for speaking.
Almost, but 'Auffassung' sounds more like a considered, intellectual position, while 'Meinung' can be just a gut feeling.
Related Phrases
Dagegen spricht, dass...
similarAgainst that speaks, that...
Im Widerspruch dazu steht...
similarIn contradiction to that stands...
Einerseits... andererseits...
builds onOn one hand... on the other hand...
