Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit gerichtet

Using this phrase requires a bit of grammatical gymnastics because it uses the passive voice. The core is wird die Aufmerksamkeit gerichtet (attention is directed). You usually follow it with the preposition auf plus the accusative case. For example, Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit auf die Marktforschung gerichtet. Notice how gerichtet (directed) hangs out at the very end of the sentence. That’s classic German structure for you! It’s like a little surprise waiting for the listener. You use Im Anschluss daran (following that) to connect it to whatever you just finished talking about. Think of it as a LEGO brick that snaps two big ideas together. It’s most common in writing or prepared speeches. You won't hear this much at a late-night kebab stand. It’s too "buttoned-up" for that. Use it when you want to sound organized and professional.

This phrase is at the top of the formality mountain. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a text to your mom and 10 being a speech to the United Nations, this is a solid 9. It’s "very formal." You’ll find it in academic papers, corporate reports, and high-level moderated discussions. It belongs in the world of "Beamtendeutsch" (bureaucratic German). If you use this while hanging out with friends at a bar, they might think you’ve swallowed a textbook. It’s a great tool for your professional toolkit, though. It shows you have a high level of German and understand the nuances of formal transitions. It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a sharp suit to a job interview. It says, "I am serious, I am prepared, and I know exactly where this conversation is going."

Imagine you are watching a high-end tech keynote on YouTube. The speaker just finished explaining the new battery life. They say, Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit auf das neue Display gerichtet. It sounds seamless. Or think about a LinkedIn post where a CEO is explaining a company merger. They might write, Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit verstärkt auf unsere Nachhaltigkeitsziele gerichtet. It adds a layer of professional gravity to the announcement. In a university lecture, a professor might use it to transition between two complex theories. It’s a signal to the students: "Stop taking notes on Theory A, start focusing on Theory B." Even in a formal email to a client, you could use it to transition from a project update to a request for feedback. It’s versatile as long as the setting is professional. It’s the ultimate "grown-up" transition.

You should pull this phrase out when you are in a situation that demands structure. Use it during a job interview on Zoom when you want to move from your experience to your goals. Use it in a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis to guide the reader through your methodology. It’s perfect for presentations where you have a lot of data and need to keep the audience on track. It’s also great for formal news broadcasts or podcast introductions where you are laying out the segments of the show. If you are writing a white paper or a formal report, this phrase will make your writing feel more cohesive. It’s for those moments when you want to be the smartest person in the room—but in a polite, structured way.

Whatever you do, don't use this at a casual dinner party. If your friend asks what you want to do after eating, don't say, Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit auf den Nachtisch gerichtet. You’ll sound like a robot trying to pass for human. It’s also too heavy for casual WhatsApp chats or Instagram captions unless you’re being intentionally ironic. Don't use it in a heated argument with a partner; it will sound dismissive and overly clinical. Avoid it in any situation where you want to sound approachable, warm, and "chilled out." It’s a tool for precision, not for building cozy vibes. If you’re at a festival or a gaming convention, leave this one at home. It’s for the boardroom, not the breakroom.

One big mistake learners make is forgetting the preposition auf. You can't just direct attention *to* something with zu. It’s always auf plus the Accusative. ✗ Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit zu dem Thema gerichtet → ✓ Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit auf das Thema gerichtet. Another common slip-up is the word order. Remember that in a main clause starting with Im Anschluss daran, the verb wird must be in the second position. ✗ Im Anschluss daran die Aufmerksamkeit wird gerichtet... → ✓ Im Anschluss daran wird die Aufmerksamkeit gerichtet. Also, don't confuse Anschluss with Abschluss. Anschluss is the connection or following part, while Abschluss is the ending or graduation. Using the wrong one changes the whole meaning!

You can tweak this phrase slightly to fit different formal needs. Instead of wird... gerichtet, you could say richtet sich.... For example, Im Anschluss daran richtet sich die Aufmerksamkeit auf.... This is a bit more active but still very formal. You can also swap Im Anschluss daran for Im Folgenden (In the following) or Nachfolgend (Subsequently). If you want to emphasize *whose* attention is being directed, you can say wird unsere Aufmerksamkeit gerichtet (our attention is directed). Another variation is Im Anschluss daran rückt das Thema X in den Fokus (Following that, topic X moves into focus). This has a similar structural feel but uses different imagery. All of these keep you in the "expert level" of German communication.

Is this phrase common in daily life? Not really, it's mostly for formal presentations, news, or academic writing. How do I remember the preposition? Just think of "directing focus ONTO" something—auf means on! Can I use it in a formal letter? Yes, it's perfect for transitioning between points in a professional business letter. Is it always passive? Usually, yes, because it sounds more objective and professional that way. What's the short version? You could just say Danach schauen wir uns ... an, but that's much more casual and lacks the same "oomph."