Im Folgenden wird dargelegt, wie

This phrase relies on the passive voice (wird dargelegt). In German, the passive voice is the darling of academic and professional writing. It takes the focus off the 'who' and puts it squarely on the 'what.' You aren't saying *I* am explaining it; you are saying the explanation *is happening*. To use it correctly, you usually place it at the very beginning of a paragraph or a section. It acts as a bridge between your introduction and the 'meat' of your content. Following the wie, you will need a subordinate clause. This means the verb in the rest of your sentence will go all the way to the end. It is like a little linguistic race where the verb is the last one to cross the finish line. Just remember to keep your back straight while saying it—metaphorically speaking, of course.

This phrase is purely in the 'Formal' to 'Very Formal' territory. You would never use this while ordering a Döner at 2 AM or texting your best friend about a bad date. It belongs in university papers, business reports, legal documents, and high-level journalism. If you used this in a casual WhatsApp group, your friends would probably ask if you’ve been replaced by a robot or a 19th-century philosopher. However, in a professional email to a client or a presentation for your boss, it is absolute gold. It shows that you have a high command of the language and understand the 'rules' of German professional decorum. It’s the linguistic version of a firm, dry handshake.

You will see this phrase everywhere in the German 'Fachliteratur' (specialist literature). If you are reading a manual for a complex software, the first chapter might start with this. In a corporate setting, if you are sending a PDF proposal to a potential partner, this phrase will likely appear in the executive summary. Even on high-quality YouTube channels that focus on science or history, the narrator might use this to transition into a deep-dive segment. It’s also very common in the 'Handelsblatt' or other serious newspapers when they are about to explain a complex economic shift. It is the bread and butter of people who get paid to explain things clearly.

Use this when you have a lot of information to share and you want to look like you have it all under control. It is perfect for the introduction of a bachelor's thesis or a master's project. If you are writing a 'How-To' guide for a professional blog, this phrase adds a layer of 'Premium' feel to your content. It is also great for cover letters when you want to explain how your skills match the job description. Essentially, any time you need to transition from 'Hello, I have a topic' to 'Here is the complicated stuff,' this is your go-to move. It provides a roadmap for the reader so they don't get lost in your genius.

Avoid this phrase in any situation involving beer, pizza, or emojis. It is too heavy for casual conversation. If you say Im Folgenden wird dargelegt, wie man die Pizza schneidet to your roommates, they will think you are being incredibly sarcastic or just plain weird. Also, don't use it if your explanation is only one sentence long. This phrase promises a *detailed* layout. If you use it and then only give a tiny bit of info, it feels like a movie trailer that shows all the best parts and leaves the audience disappointed. It’s a big promise, so make sure you have the content to back it up.

The most common mistake is forgetting the passive voice. People often try to say Im Folgenden dargelegt... without the wird. That makes the sentence collapse like a poorly baked souffle. Another classic error is the preposition. It must be Im Folgenden (In the following), not In Folgenden or Nach Folgenden. Also, watch your word order! Because wie starts a subordinate clause, your verb needs to pack its bags and move to the end of the sentence. If you keep the verb in the middle, it sounds like 'broken' German that ruins the professional vibe you were trying so hard to create. Don't let the verb stay in the 'VIP' middle section; send it to the 'Economy' end section.

If you want to mix things up, you can use Im Folgenden wird erläutert, wie.... This is almost identical but uses erläutert (explained) instead of dargelegt. It’s like choosing between a blue tie and a navy tie—both look great. Another option is Nachstehend wird aufgezeigt, wie.... Nachstehend means 'below' and aufgezeigt means 'pointed out.' This is very common in technical manuals. If you want to be slightly less formal but still professional, you could say Im Anschluss sehen wir uns an, wie... (Following this, we will look at how...). It’s the 'business casual' version of our phrase. Use it if you’re wearing a blazer but no tie.

Is this phrase too old-fashioned? Not at all! It is used every single day in modern German offices and universities. It is timeless. Can I use it in a blog post? Yes, if it is a professional or educational blog. It helps build trust with your readers. Does it work for spoken German? Only in formal speeches or presentations. If you use it in a normal chat, you’ll sound like you’re reading from a textbook. Why is the passive voice used? Because it sounds objective. It makes the facts seem more important than the person speaking. It’s the 'Science' vibe.