Meaning
Said to introduce a confidential remark, only for the listener.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Datenschutz' (data protection) and privacy highly. Using 'unter uns gesagt' is a social contract that the information must not be shared. In Austria, this phrase might be used with a bit more 'Schmäh' (sarcasm/humor). It can introduce a witty observation about someone else. Swiss German speakers might use 'unter eus gseit' in dialect. It is often used to maintain 'Konkordanz' (harmony) by keeping criticisms private. In German business, 'unter uns gesagt' is the verbal equivalent of an 'NDA' (Non-Disclosure Agreement) for informal talk.
The Whisper Rule
Lower your voice slightly when using this phrase to make it sound more authentic.
Don't Overuse
If you start every sentence with this, people will think you are a gossip and might stop trusting you.
Meaning
Said to introduce a confidential remark, only for the listener.
The Whisper Rule
Lower your voice slightly when using this phrase to make it sound more authentic.
Don't Overuse
If you start every sentence with this, people will think you are a gossip and might stop trusting you.
The 'Vier Augen' Combo
If you really want to be serious, say: 'Können wir kurz unter vier Augen sprechen? Unter uns gesagt...'
Trust Building
Using this phrase is a great way to build 'Duz-Freundschaften' (friendships where you use 'du').
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
________ uns ________, ich finde das neue Design schrecklich.
The correct idiom is 'Unter uns gesagt'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to share a secret?
A) Ich sage das unter uns. B) Unter uns gesagt, ich kündige bald. C) Das ist gesagt unter uns.
B uses the idiom as a standard sentence starter for confidentiality.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Context: You are telling a friend that you didn't like the gift your aunt gave you.
This is a private, slightly negative opinion, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wie findest du {den|m} {neuen|m} {Kollegen|m}? B: ________, er ist ein {ein|m} {bisschen|n} arrogant.
The speaker is sharing a personal, critical opinion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Secrecy Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises________ uns ________, ich finde das neue Design schrecklich.
The correct idiom is 'Unter uns gesagt'.
A) Ich sage das unter uns. B) Unter uns gesagt, ich kündige bald. C) Das ist gesagt unter uns.
B uses the idiom as a standard sentence starter for confidentiality.
Context: You are telling a friend that you didn't like the gift your aunt gave you.
This is a private, slightly negative opinion, which fits the idiom perfectly.
A: Wie findest du {den|m} {neuen|m} {Kollegen|m}? B: ________, er ist ein {ein|m} {bisschen|n} arrogant.
The speaker is sharing a personal, critical opinion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you have a very friendly, informal relationship. Otherwise, use 'im Vertrauen'.
Always 'gesagt'. It's a fixed idiomatic form.
Not necessarily. It can just be a very honest or controversial opinion.
'Unter vier Augen' is a setting (a private meeting), while 'unter uns gesagt' is a way of speaking.
Yes, in informal or semi-formal emails to colleagues you trust.
No, it's actually a sign of trust toward the listener.
No, that is not a phrase. Stick to 'gesagt'.
Usually 2 to 4. If the group is larger, it's no longer a secret.
Younger people might just say 'Ganz ehrlich' (Quite honestly) or 'Real talk'.
No, the phrase 'unter uns gesagt' remains exactly the same regardless of the sentence tense.
Related Phrases
unter vier Augen
similarBetween two people only.
im Vertrauen
synonymIn confidence.
hinter vorgehaltener Hand
similarSecretly/Gossip.
Hand aufs Herz
builds onHand on heart / honestly.
streng vertraulich
specialized formStrictly confidential.
