Em 15 segundos
- Taking full responsibility for your actions.
- Answering difficult questions in a serious context.
- Providing a detailed justification to an authority.
Significado
It means you are taking responsibility by answering tough questions about your actions or decisions. Imagine standing in front of a group and explaining exactly why you did what you did.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6A politician after an election
Der Minister musste der Presse Rede und Antwort stehen.
The minister had to answer to the press.
Explaining a mistake to a partner
Ich werde dir heute Abend zu meinem Fehler Rede und Antwort stehen.
I will account for my mistake to you this evening.
A manager in a meeting
Unser Chef stand uns wegen der Kündigungen Rede und Antwort.
Our boss answered our questions regarding the layoffs.
Contexto cultural
In German politics, the 'Fragestunde' (question time) in parliament is a high-stakes environment where ministers must 'Rede und Antwort stehen.' It is seen as a vital part of 'Demokratie.' German corporate culture values 'Direktheit' (directness). If a project fails, 'Rede und Antwort stehen' is expected as a sign of professional maturity and 'Verantwortungsbewusstsein.' The phrase reflects the German legal principle of being heard ('Recht auf Gehör'). Even an accused person has the right—and sometimes the duty—to 'Rede und Antwort stehen.' German journalists use this phrase as a litmus test for transparency. A politician who doesn't 'Rede und Antwort stehen' is often portrayed as 'öffentlichkeitsscheu' (media-shy) or guilty.
Use with Dative
Always remember the person you are answering to is in the Dative case. 'Ich stehe DIR (not dich) Rede und Antwort.'
Don't over-use
It's a heavy phrase. Using it for small things makes you sound like a character in a historical drama.
Em 15 segundos
- Taking full responsibility for your actions.
- Answering difficult questions in a serious context.
- Providing a detailed justification to an authority.
What It Means
Imagine you are in the spotlight. Everyone is waiting for your explanation. You have to justify your choices. It is about being brave and honest. You are not hiding from the truth. You are facing the music. It implies a sense of duty. You owe someone an explanation. It is more than just a simple answer. It is a full accounting of a situation.
How To Use It
You need a person in the dative case. For example, use dem Chef or meiner Mutter. The verb stehen usually goes to the end. In a main clause, you say: Er stand dem Team Rede und Antwort. It sounds quite official and serious. It implies there is some pressure involved. You are not just chatting over coffee. You are defending your position or your work.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings. It is perfect for describing a press conference. Use it at home for serious discussions. If you missed a major deadline, use this phrase. It shows you take the situation very seriously. It is a phrase for adults taking responsibility. Use it when someone has a right to know the truth. It fits well in news reports about politicians.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very light topics. Do not use it for 'What is for dinner?'. It is too dramatic for casual, happy chats. If there is no conflict, do not use it. It implies that someone is questioning your behavior. Do not use it if you are just giving a quick status update. It requires a deeper level of explanation and accountability.
Cultural Background
Germans deeply value Verantwortung or responsibility. This phrase reflects that specific cultural value. It has roots in older legal language. It suggests a formal right to ask questions. In German society, being transparent is a sign of respect. When a leader stands Rede und Antwort, they gain trust. It shows they are not above the rules. It is about maintaining social integrity.
Common Variations
You might hear the phrase jemanden zur Rede stellen. That means 'to confront someone'. Rede und Antwort stehen is the response to that confrontation. They are two sides of the same coin. Sometimes people just say Antwort stehen, but it is less common. The full version carries much more weight and authority. Stick to the full version for the best effect.
Notas de uso
This phrase is mostly formal or neutral. In very casual settings, it can sound sarcastic. Always ensure the verb 'stehen' is conjugated correctly for the subject.
Use with Dative
Always remember the person you are answering to is in the Dative case. 'Ich stehe DIR (not dich) Rede und Antwort.'
Don't over-use
It's a heavy phrase. Using it for small things makes you sound like a character in a historical drama.
Integrity
In Germany, saying 'Ich stehe dazu und stehe Rede und Antwort' is a very strong way to show you have integrity and aren't hiding anything.
Exemplos
6Der Minister musste der Presse Rede und Antwort stehen.
The minister had to answer to the press.
This is the most common use in news and media.
Ich werde dir heute Abend zu meinem Fehler Rede und Antwort stehen.
I will account for my mistake to you this evening.
Shows you are taking the relationship conflict seriously.
Unser Chef stand uns wegen der Kündigungen Rede und Antwort.
Our boss answered our questions regarding the layoffs.
Implies the boss was brave enough to face the staff.
Keine Sorge, ich stehe dir morgen beim Lunch Rede und Antwort!
Don't worry, I'll explain everything to you at lunch tomorrow!
A slightly more dramatic way to say 'I'll tell you why'.
Mein Hund muss mir Rede und Antwort stehen, warum die Wurst weg ist.
My dog has to answer to me about why the sausage is gone.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Du musst dem Kunden jetzt Rede und Antwort stehen.
You have to go and answer to the customer now.
Used when a client is unhappy and needs an explanation.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Der Minister ______ gestern der Presse Rede und Antwort.
The phrase is 'Rede und Antwort stehen.' In the past tense, 'stehen' becomes 'stand.'
Which sentence uses the correct case for the person being answered to?
Choose the correct sentence:
The person being answered to must be in the Dative case ('dem Chef').
In which of these situations would you MOST likely use 'Rede und Antwort stehen'?
Select the appropriate situation:
The phrase is for serious accountability and formal justifications.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Warum hast du das Geld ausgegeben? B: Beruhige dich, ich werde dir morgen ____.
The full fixed phrase is 'Rede und Antwort stehen.'
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formal vs. Informal Accountability
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosDer Minister ______ gestern der Presse Rede und Antwort.
The phrase is 'Rede und Antwort stehen.' In the past tense, 'stehen' becomes 'stand.'
Choose the correct sentence:
The person being answered to must be in the Dative case ('dem Chef').
Select the appropriate situation:
The phrase is for serious accountability and formal justifications.
A: Warum hast du das Geld ausgegeben? B: Beruhige dich, ich werde dir morgen ____.
The full fixed phrase is 'Rede und Antwort stehen.'
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasUsually, yes. It implies that there is something to explain or justify. You wouldn't use it if everything went perfectly.
Yes, that is a very common and professional way to say you take responsibility for your work.
'Sich rechtfertigen' often sounds like you are making excuses. 'Rede und Antwort stehen' sounds like you are fulfilling a duty.
Only if the conversation is very serious. In a casual chat, it sounds too formal.
Yes: 'Er stand Rede und Antwort.' It is very common in news reports about past events.
No, the phrase 'Rede und Antwort' is a fixed singular block.
Politicians, CEOs, managers, or anyone who has made a decision that affects others.
Not necessarily, but it implies that people *think* you might be or that they have serious doubts.
Yes, 'müssen' is very common with this phrase: 'Er muss Rede und Antwort stehen.'
It is common in both, but especially in formal writing (news) and formal speaking (interviews).
Frases relacionadas
Rechenschaft ablegen
synonymTo give a formal account of one's actions, often financial.
Jemanden zur Rede stellen
builds onTo confront someone and demand an explanation.
Sich rechtfertigen
similarTo justify oneself.
Stellung nehmen
similarTo give an official statement on a topic.
Farbe bekennen
similarTo show one's true colors / to take a stand.
