Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass
The claim that ... is to be viewed skeptically
Literally: Skeptically to view is the claim, that
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to express doubt about a specific claim.
- Uses a 'dass' clause, pushing the verb to the end.
- Common in academic writing, journalism, and professional debates.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way of saying you don't quite believe something. It suggests that a specific statement needs more evidence before it can be accepted as true.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university essay about history
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass dieser Krieg unvermeidbar war.
The claim that this war was inevitable is to be viewed skeptically.
In a business meeting discussing sales forecasts
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass wir den Umsatz im nächsten Monat verdoppeln werden.
The claim that we will double our revenue next month is to be viewed skeptically.
Discussing a new 'miracle' diet with a friend
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass man nur durch Schokolade abnehmen kann.
The claim that you can lose weight just by eating chocolate is to be viewed skeptically.
Cultural Background
In German academic and political culture, 'Skepsis' is seen as a civic duty. Being skeptical doesn't mean being cynical; it means being a responsible, thinking citizen (mündiger Bürger). In Austria, the register might be even more formal or 'höflich' (polite), sometimes using 'Es wäre wohl skeptisch zu betrachten...' to add a layer of subjunctive politeness. Swiss German formal writing (Schriftdeutsch) follows the same pattern, but in spoken Swiss German, this phrase is almost never used, as the dialect prefers much simpler structures. Globally, German scientific writing influenced many other languages. The 'impersonal' style was a hallmark of 19th-century German research universities, which were models for the world.
Use Konjunktiv I
When using this phrase, the 'dass' clause often sounds even more professional if you use Konjunktiv I (e.g., 'dass dies der Fall sei') to show you are reporting someone else's claim.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than once in a short essay makes your writing feel repetitive and 'formulaic'. Use it for your strongest counter-argument.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to express doubt about a specific claim.
- Uses a 'dass' clause, pushing the verb to the end.
- Common in academic writing, journalism, and professional debates.
What It Means
This phrase is the linguistic equivalent of a raised eyebrow. When you say Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass, you aren't calling someone a liar. Instead, you are taking a step back. You are saying that a statement is questionable or lacks proof. It sounds very objective and intellectual. It moves the focus away from your personal feelings. It focuses on the logic of the claim itself. It is a classic tool for critical thinking in German.
How To Use It
You use this as a sentence starter. It is followed by a dass-clause. This means your verb moves to the very end of the sentence. For example: Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass Pizza gesund ist. Notice how ist sits at the end? That is the tricky part. You can use it to introduce a counter-argument. It makes you sound like a deep thinker. It is perfect for writing or serious discussions.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you are in a formal setting. It works great in university essays or business reports. Use it during a meeting when a colleague makes a wild prediction. It is also fun to use with friends when you want to sound jokingly academic. Imagine your friend says they can run a marathon without training. You can drop this phrase to show your doubt with style. It signals that you are analyzing the situation carefully.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual or emotional moments. If your partner asks if you love them, do not use this! It will sound cold and robotic. Don't use it for simple facts either. If someone says 'The sun is out,' using this makes you sound like a contrarian. It is too heavy for quick text messages about dinner plans. Keep it for claims that actually deserve a debate.
Cultural Background
Germans have a strong tradition of Hinterfragen (questioning things). This comes from a history of philosophy and scientific rigor. Being skeptical isn't seen as being rude in Germany. It is often seen as being thorough. This phrase reflects that cultural value. It shows you aren't easily fooled by big words or empty promises. It is a sign of a well-educated speaker.
Common Variations
You might hear Es ist zweifelhaft, ob... (It is doubtful whether...). Another version is Kritisch zu hinterfragen ist... (To be critically questioned is...). You can also say Man sollte die Behauptung mit Vorsicht genießen (One should enjoy the claim with caution). All of these express a similar level of doubt. However, our main phrase is the most elegant for formal writing.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. It is most effective in written German (essays, reports) or formal oral arguments. Be careful with the 'dass' clause word order, as it is the most common point of failure for learners.
Use Konjunktiv I
When using this phrase, the 'dass' clause often sounds even more professional if you use Konjunktiv I (e.g., 'dass dies der Fall sei') to show you are reporting someone else's claim.
Don't Overuse
Using this phrase more than once in a short essay makes your writing feel repetitive and 'formulaic'. Use it for your strongest counter-argument.
The 'German' Way of Disagreeing
Remember that being 'skeptisch' is a compliment to the argument's complexity in Germany. It means the argument is worth a serious look.
Examples
6Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass dieser Krieg unvermeidbar war.
The claim that this war was inevitable is to be viewed skeptically.
This adds an academic tone to your historical analysis.
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass wir den Umsatz im nächsten Monat verdoppeln werden.
The claim that we will double our revenue next month is to be viewed skeptically.
A polite way to tell your boss their goals are unrealistic.
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass man nur durch Schokolade abnehmen kann.
The claim that you can lose weight just by eating chocolate is to be viewed skeptically.
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a funny contrast.
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist deine Behauptung, dass die Bahn schon wieder Verspätung hatte.
The claim that the train was delayed again is to be viewed skeptically.
A playful, slightly sarcastic way to call out a friend.
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass soziale Medien nur negative Auswirkungen haben.
The claim that social media only has negative effects is to be viewed skeptically.
Shows you are considering both sides of a complex issue.
Skeptisch zu betrachten ist die Behauptung, dass die Katze die Kekse gegessen hat.
The claim that the cat ate the cookies is to be viewed skeptically.
Used here to show the parent doesn't believe the child's excuse.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal expression.
Skeptisch ___ __________ ist {die|f} Behauptung, dass die Steuern gesenkt werden.
'Betrachten' is the standard academic verb used in this specific construction.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a university essay?
You want to say that a theory might be wrong.
This option uses the correct register and the Konjunktiv I ('sei') for indirect speech/claims.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A formal debate about climate change.
In a formal debate, you need a high-register distancing device.
Complete the dialogue between two journalists.
A: 'Der Konzern sagt, sie haben keine Giftstoffe eingeleitet.' B: '__________, dass die Filteranlagen funktioniert haben.'
Journalists use this phrase to maintain professional distance from corporate claims.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Register Levels of Disagreement
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSkeptisch ___ __________ ist {die|f} Behauptung, dass die Steuern gesenkt werden.
'Betrachten' is the standard academic verb used in this specific construction.
You want to say that a theory might be wrong.
This option uses the correct register and the Konjunktiv I ('sei') for indirect speech/claims.
Context: A formal debate about climate change.
In a formal debate, you need a high-register distancing device.
A: 'Der Konzern sagt, sie haben keine Giftstoffe eingeleitet.' B: '__________, dass die Filteranlagen funktioniert haben.'
Journalists use this phrase to maintain professional distance from corporate claims.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'kritisch' is a very common alternative. It is slightly less negative than 'skeptisch' and suggests a more balanced evaluation.
Only in very formal contexts like a university lecture, a political debate, or a high-level business presentation. You won't hear it at a party.
The subject is '{die|f} Behauptung'. The 'skeptisch zu betrachten' part acts as a predicative adjective/infinitive block.
Literally, yes. But in this context, it means 'to analyze' or 'to evaluate intellectually'.
Only if you are being ironic or joking about being overly formal. Otherwise, it's too stiff.
It is always feminine: {die|f} Behauptung.
You could say 'Diese Behauptung ist skeptisch zu sehen', but it's slightly less sophisticated.
This is called 'Topikalisierung'. It puts the emphasis on the *way* we should look at the claim (with skepticism).
No, 'skeptisch' always implies doubt or a potential problem. For positive things, you might say 'Erfreulich zu betrachten ist...'
It is always 'dass' (with two s) because it introduces a subordinate clause.
Related Phrases
Kritisch hinterfragen
similarTo question something critically.
Mit Vorsicht zu genießen
similarTo be taken with a grain of salt.
Außer Acht lassen
contrastTo ignore or disregard.
Einer Prüfung unterziehen
builds onTo subject something to an examination.
