Meaning
Expressing one's personal view or belief on a matter.
Cultural Background
In German universities, students are expected to use 'hedging' phrases like 'meines Erachtens' to show they are aware of the limits of their own arguments. Using formal opinion markers is a way to maintain 'Distanz' (professional distance), which is highly valued in German workplaces. The phrase is a favorite in {das|n} Beamtendeutsch (bureaucratic German), where precision and formality are paramount. While standard German is used in writing, Swiss speakers might use 'Meines Erachtens' in formal 'Schriftdeutsch' contexts, but never in their local dialect.
Drop the 'nach' for extra points
In high-level writing, just use 'Meines Erachtens'. It's cleaner and more 'correct'.
Watch the Verb!
Always put the verb immediately after the phrase if it starts the sentence.
Meaning
Expressing one's personal view or belief on a matter.
Drop the 'nach' for extra points
In high-level writing, just use 'Meines Erachtens'. It's cleaner and more 'correct'.
Watch the Verb!
Always put the verb immediately after the phrase if it starts the sentence.
The 'Expert' Shield
Use this phrase when you want to disagree with someone politely but firmly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive pronoun in the genitive case.
_______ Erachtens nach ist das Projekt ein Erfolg.
The phrase requires the genitive masculine/neuter form 'meines'.
Which sentence follows the correct German word order?
Choose the correct sentence:
The phrase occupies Position 1, so the verb 'ist' must come in Position 2.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these varying levels of formality.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate formal phrase.
A: Glauben Sie, wir sollten die Firma verkaufen? B: ________, ist der Markt momentan zu instabil.
In a formal business context about selling a company, 'Meines Erachtens nach' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of Opinions
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ Erachtens nach ist das Projekt ein Erfolg.
The phrase requires the genitive masculine/neuter form 'meines'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The phrase occupies Position 1, so the verb 'ist' must come in Position 2.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these varying levels of formality.
A: Glauben Sie, wir sollten die Firma verkaufen? B: ________, ist der Markt momentan zu instabil.
In a formal business context about selling a company, 'Meines Erachtens nach' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically, 'nach' is redundant because 'meines Erachtens' already means 'according to my view'. However, it is so common that it is accepted in almost all contexts.
You can, but it might sound a bit stiff or funny. It's like saying 'In my professional estimation' to your best friend.
'Meiner Meinung nach' is neutral and common. 'Meines Erachtens nach' is formal and sounds more analytical.
No, it can also be used in the middle as a parenthetical, e.g., 'Das ist, meines Erachtens nach, ein Fehler.'
Related Phrases
meiner Meinung nach
similarIn my opinion
meiner Ansicht nach
synonymIn my view
meines Wissens
similarTo my knowledge
nach meinem Dafürhalten
specialized formIn my judgment
ich bin der Auffassung, dass
builds onI am of the view that
