Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen
Under these circumstances, it can be said
Literally: Under these circumstances lets itself say
In 15 Seconds
- Used to draw a logical conclusion from a specific situation.
- Common in professional settings or serious personal discussions.
- Signals that you have weighed the facts before speaking.
Meaning
You use this phrase to introduce a conclusion you've reached after looking at all the facts. It's like saying, 'Based on everything happening right now, here is the final verdict.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding to cancel an outdoor event due to rain
Es regnet in Strömen; unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass das Picknick ausfällt.
It's pouring rain; under these circumstances, it can be said that the picnic is cancelled.
A boss summarizing a successful project
Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass das Projekt ein voller Erfolg war.
Under these circumstances, it can be said that the project was a complete success.
Texting a friend about a bad date
Er hat nur von sich erzählt. Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen: kein zweites Date!
He only talked about himself. Under these circumstances, it can be said: no second date!
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the German cultural emphasis on 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). It is a staple in German journalism and academic writing because it signals a transition from observation to analysis. It became particularly common in legal and political discourse during the 20th century.
The 'Dass' Connection
Almost 90% of the time, you'll follow this phrase with 'dass' (that). Just remember that 'dass' sends the verb to the very end of the sentence!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small decision, you'll sound like a robot or a very stiff professor. Save it for when you actually have 'circumstances' to weigh.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to draw a logical conclusion from a specific situation.
- Common in professional settings or serious personal discussions.
- Signals that you have weighed the facts before speaking.
What It Means
Imagine you are a detective. You have gathered all the clues. Now, you are ready to give your verdict. That is exactly what Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen does. It tells your listener that you have thought about the situation. You aren't just guessing. You are making a logical point based on the facts. It sounds a bit smart. It sounds very sure of itself.
How To Use It
You usually put this right at the start of your sentence. It acts as a heavy anchor. In German, the verb lässt comes right after the phrase. Then comes the sich sagen. You will often follow it with the word dass. For example: Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass wir Erfolg hatten. It feels like you are wearing a suit, even if you are in pajamas.
When To Use It
Use this when the situation is a bit complex. Maybe your car broke down and it's raining. You look at your friend and say, 'Well, we aren't getting home tonight.' That’s a perfect moment. It works great in business meetings too. It shows you are professional. It shows you are analyzing the data. It’s also good for serious life decisions. It adds a layer of authority to your words.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, silly things. If you are choosing between chocolate or vanilla, skip it. It would sound like you are mocking the ice cream. 'Under these circumstances, it can be said I want chocolate.' Your friends might think you are being a bit too dramatic. Keep it for moments that actually have 'circumstances' to consider. It's too heavy for a quick text about what's for dinner.
Cultural Background
Germans value logic and clarity. We like to know *why* someone thinks something. This phrase provides that bridge. It connects the 'why' to the 'what.' It’s a very 'adult' way to speak. It reflects a culture that appreciates a well-thought-out Fazit. That’s the German word for a final conclusion or summary. It’s about being objective rather than just emotional.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even fancier, try In Anbetracht der Tatsachen. That means 'considering the facts.' For something a bit shorter, use Alles in allem. That just means 'all in all.' If you are feeling more casual, you might just say So wie es aussieht. This means 'the way it looks.' But Unter diesen Umständen remains the classic choice for a solid argument.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional writing and structured arguments, but can feel slightly 'stiff' in very casual, fast-paced slang-heavy conversations.
The 'Dass' Connection
Almost 90% of the time, you'll follow this phrase with 'dass' (that). Just remember that 'dass' sends the verb to the very end of the sentence!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small decision, you'll sound like a robot or a very stiff professor. Save it for when you actually have 'circumstances' to weigh.
The German 'Fazit'
Germans love the word 'Fazit' (conclusion). Using this phrase is the perfect way to introduce your 'Fazit' in a conversation.
Examples
6Es regnet in Strömen; unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass das Picknick ausfällt.
It's pouring rain; under these circumstances, it can be said that the picnic is cancelled.
A logical conclusion based on the weather.
Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass das Projekt ein voller Erfolg war.
Under these circumstances, it can be said that the project was a complete success.
Used to provide a professional summary.
Er hat nur von sich erzählt. Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen: kein zweites Date!
He only talked about himself. Under these circumstances, it can be said: no second date!
Adds a bit of dramatic, humorous weight to a personal decision.
Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass wir eine Pause brauchen.
Under these circumstances, it can be said that we need a break.
Used to introduce a heavy emotional conclusion.
Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass wir sparen müssen.
Under these circumstances, it can be said that we must save money.
A sober assessment of a financial situation.
Die Reparatur kostet 5000 Euro. Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass ein neues Auto besser wäre.
The repair costs 5000 Euros. Under these circumstances, it can be said that a new car would be better.
Evaluating options based on cost.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to express that the team did a good job despite the stress.
Wir hatten wenig Zeit, aber ___ lässt sich sagen, dass das Team super gearbeitet hat.
The phrase fits perfectly here to show that the conclusion (good work) is based on the situation (little time).
Choose the correct verb form to follow the phrase.
Unter diesen Umständen ___ sich sagen, dass wir Glück hatten.
The phrase uses the singular verb 'lässt' because it refers to the impersonal 'it' (es) which is often implied or part of the 'sich lassen' construction.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Talking to a sibling about lunch.
So wie es aussieht...
Discussing a plan with a colleague.
Alles in allem...
Giving a summary in a meeting.
Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen...
A legal or academic report.
In Anbetracht der Umstände...
When to use this phrase
Business Meeting
Summarizing quarterly results.
Serious Talk
Deciding on a breakup or move.
Bad Luck
Reacting to a flight cancellation.
Medical Advice
Doctor explaining a diagnosis.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesWir hatten wenig Zeit, aber ___ lässt sich sagen, dass das Team super gearbeitet hat.
The phrase fits perfectly here to show that the conclusion (good work) is based on the situation (little time).
Unter diesen Umständen ___ sich sagen, dass wir Glück hatten.
The phrase uses the singular verb 'lässt' because it refers to the impersonal 'it' (es) which is often implied or part of the 'sich lassen' construction.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it for good news too, like saying Unter diesen Umständen lässt sich sagen, dass wir gewonnen haben. (Under these circumstances, it can be said that we won.)
Yes, but it sounds a bit more serious or dramatic. It’s great if you are giving advice or summarizing a long story.
It is a passive-like construction. It literally means 'lets itself be said,' which translates to 'it can be said' or 'one can say.'
Yes! That is a very common and slightly less formal alternative. Both mean exactly the same thing.
In this specific phrase, yes. You are referring to the collection of facts or conditions surrounding a situation.
No, it sounds analytical. It shows you are basing your opinion on evidence rather than just feelings.
No, it almost always comes at the beginning to set the stage for the conclusion that follows.
Umstände refers to the specific details or conditions *within* a situation. Situation is the broader event.
Very common! You will see it in newspapers, reports, and formal emails constantly.
It's UM-shten-den. Remember the 'st' in German sounds like 'sht' when it's at the start of a syllable.
Related Phrases
In Anbetracht der Lage
Alles in allem
So wie es aussieht
Kurz gesagt
Fazit ist
