In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce a specific, often serious, topic for discussion.
- More formal and intentional than just 'mentioning' or 'saying' something.
- Commonly used in professional meetings or serious personal conversations.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to introduce a specific topic or problem into a conversation. It is like taking a thought that was hidden and giving it a voice so everyone can discuss it.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Ich möchte heute die neuen Projektfristen zur Sprache bringen.
I would like to bring up the new project deadlines today.
Talking to a partner about chores
Wir müssen endlich die Hausarbeit zur Sprache bringen.
We finally need to bring up the housework.
Texting a roommate about the bill
Kannst du die Stromrechnung beim Abendessen zur Sprache bringen?
Can you bring up the electricity bill during dinner?
Cultural Background
In German corporate culture, 'zur Sprache bringen' is seen as a sign of 'Zivilcourage' (civil courage). It is expected that employees bring up issues rather than letting them fester. Austrians might use this phrase in political contexts, but in social settings, they might prefer more indirect ways of addressing conflict, though 'zur Sprache bringen' remains the formal standard. In Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), the high German phrase is used in formal writing and news, while the spoken dialect has its own variations, but the concept of 'bringing to language' is well-understood. In international German-speaking business environments, this phrase is a 'power phrase' that signals you are ready to lead a discussion.
Use it in Writing
This phrase is a 'cheat code' for German writing exams (B1/B2). It makes your essays sound much more sophisticated than just using 'sagen'.
Don't forget the Accusative
The thing you are bringing up must be in the accusative case. 'Ich bringe DEN (masculine) Fehler zur Sprache.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce a specific, often serious, topic for discussion.
- More formal and intentional than just 'mentioning' or 'saying' something.
- Commonly used in professional meetings or serious personal conversations.
What It Means
Imagine you have a nagging thought or a serious issue. It is just sitting there in your head. When you use zur Sprache bringen, you are finally saying it out loud. You are giving that topic a seat at the table. It is more intentional than just 'mentioning' something. It implies that the topic needs attention or a decision. Think of it as opening a door for a specific discussion to walk through.
How To Use It
This phrase is a fixed expression, or a 'Funktionsverbgefüge'. You usually place the topic you want to discuss right before the phrase. For example: Ich möchte das Problem zur Sprache bringen. Notice how zur is a contraction of zu and der. Since Sprache is feminine and we are moving 'towards' it, we use the dative case. You can use it in various tenses easily. Just conjugate the verb bringen. Er brachte es zur Sprache or Sie hat es zur Sprache gebracht.
When To Use It
Use this when a topic is important or perhaps a bit uncomfortable. It is perfect for office meetings when you need to discuss a budget. It works well in relationships when you need to talk about the future. You might use it at a restaurant if the service was poor. It signals to others that you are about to say something meaningful. It is the adult way to say, 'Hey, we need to talk about this.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, trivial things. You would not 'bring to language' that you want more salt. That would sound way too dramatic! Avoid it in very casual, fast-paced banter with best friends. In those cases, just use sagen or erzählen. Also, do not use it if the topic is already being discussed. You only 'bring' it there if it is not yet part of the conversation. Using it for gossip might make you sound a bit too formal or stiff.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for being direct and valuing clear communication. This phrase is the linguistic tool for that cultural trait. It provides a polite, structured way to be blunt. It allows you to transition from small talk to 'Tacheles' (plain speaking). Historically, it reflects the idea that something only truly exists once it is spoken. By bringing it to 'language', you make it a reality that others must acknowledge.
Common Variations
A very common alternative is the verb ansprechen. It is a bit shorter and more versatile for daily life. You might also hear etwas thematisieren in very academic or professional circles. If you want to be more metaphorical, you can say etwas auf den Tisch bringen. That literally means 'to bring something to the table'. All of these share the goal of starting a serious conversation. Choose zur Sprache bringen when you want to sound professional yet sincere.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a 'Nomen-Verb-Verbindung'. It is highly effective in professional settings to signal that you are initiating a serious discussion point.
Use it in Writing
This phrase is a 'cheat code' for German writing exams (B1/B2). It makes your essays sound much more sophisticated than just using 'sagen'.
Don't forget the Accusative
The thing you are bringing up must be in the accusative case. 'Ich bringe DEN (masculine) Fehler zur Sprache.'
The 'Elephant' Phrase
Germans don't usually say 'the elephant in the room.' They say 'ein Thema, das zur Sprache gebracht werden muss.'
Examples
6Ich möchte heute die neuen Projektfristen zur Sprache bringen.
I would like to bring up the new project deadlines today.
A classic professional use to set the agenda.
Wir müssen endlich die Hausarbeit zur Sprache bringen.
We finally need to bring up the housework.
Used here to address a recurring domestic issue.
Kannst du die Stromrechnung beim Abendessen zur Sprache bringen?
Can you bring up the electricity bill during dinner?
Asking someone else to initiate a difficult conversation.
Wer wird endlich den hässlichen Teppich zur Sprache bringen?
Who is finally going to bring up the ugly carpet?
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates irony.
Die Lehrerin brachte die Fehlzeiten meines Sohnes zur Sprache.
The teacher brought up my son's absences.
Describing someone else initiating a serious topic.
Ich bin froh, dass ich meine Sorgen endlich zur Sprache gebracht habe.
I am glad that I finally brought up my concerns.
Reflecting on the emotional relief of speaking out.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal request.
Herr Müller, ich möchte gerne das {das|n} Problem mit der {die|f} Lieferung ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom is 'zur Sprache bringen'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a business meeting?
How do you say: 'We should bring up the costs'?
'Zur Sprache bringen' is the standard formal way to introduce a topic.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the most accurate translations based on register and meaning.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: 'Hast du dem Chef von dem Fehler erzählt?' B: 'Nein, aber ich werde es morgen in der Sitzung ___.'
In a 'Sitzung' (meeting), 'zur Sprache bringen' is the most professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHerr Müller, ich möchte gerne das {das|n} Problem mit der {die|f} Lieferung ___ ___ ___.
The fixed idiom is 'zur Sprache bringen'.
How do you say: 'We should bring up the costs'?
'Zur Sprache bringen' is the standard formal way to introduce a topic.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most accurate translations based on register and meaning.
A: 'Hast du dem Chef von dem Fehler erzählt?' B: 'Nein, aber ich werde es morgen in der Sitzung ___.'
In a 'Sitzung' (meeting), 'zur Sprache bringen' is the most professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsMostly, yes. It's usually used for problems, concerns, or difficult topics. You wouldn't typically use it for good news like 'I won the lottery.'
Yes! That is the passive version. 'Das Thema kam zur Sprache' means 'The topic came up (on its own or was brought up).'
'Ansprechen' is like tapping someone on the shoulder to talk. 'Zur Sprache bringen' is like standing up in a meeting to make a formal point.
Always 'zur Sprache'. The full form 'zu der' sounds very outdated and unnatural in this idiom.
No. You bring *topics* or *problems* to the language, not people. To confront a person, use 'zur Rede stellen'.
Not really. It's a bit too formal for a quick WhatsApp. Use 'ansprechen' or 'reden über' instead.
No, it only implies that the discussion has *started*. The solution comes later.
No, the word order is fixed. It is always [Object] + zur Sprache + bringen.
Related Phrases
ansprechen
synonymTo address or mention something.
thematisieren
synonymTo make something a subject of discussion.
zur Rede stellen
contrastTo confront someone about something.
ins Gespräch bringen
similarTo suggest something or someone for consideration.
