German Transitions: Politely Changing the Subject
Learn to shift topics politely in German conversation using phrases like 'Apropos' and 'Übrigens', with examples and a dialogue.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In German conversations, changing the subject smoothly is a valuable skill. Whether you're in a meeting or chatting with friends, using the right transition phrases helps you steer the discussion without seeming abrupt. This lesson focuses on polite ways to introduce a new topic, such as 'Apropos' (speaking of which), 'Übrigens' (by the way), and 'Was ich noch sagen wollte' (what I wanted to say). You'll learn when to use each phrase and how they differ in formality. We'll also cover common mistakes and give you practice to master these transitions.
By the end, you can…
- use 'Apropos' to connect a new topic to something just mentioned.
- use 'Übrigens' to introduce a related aside politely.
- use 'Was ich noch sagen wollte' to bring up a new point.
- choose the appropriate transition based on formality and context.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Apropos
Speaking of which
ah-pro-POH (ah as in 'father', final 'o' long)
Used to link a new topic to something just said. Often followed by a noun or a clause. Example: 'Apropos Urlaub, hast du schon gebucht?'
Übrigens
By the way
EW-bri-gens (EW like 'oy' in 'boy' with rounded lips; 'g' as in 'go')
Introduces an additional point or a slight change of subject. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example: 'Übrigens, das Meeting wurde verschoben.'
Was ich noch sagen wollte
What I wanted to say
vahs ikh nokh ZAH-gen VOL-te
A polite way to introduce a new topic after a pause. Often used in meetings or conversations. Example: 'Was ich noch sagen wollte: Wir brauchen mehr Zeit.'
Da fällt mir ein
That reminds me
dah felt meer AYN
Used when something in the conversation triggers a related thought. Example: 'Da fällt mir ein, wir müssen noch einkaufen.'
Nebenbei bemerkt
Incidentally
NAY-ben-bye be-MERKT
Slightly formal, used to add a side note or change topic. Example: 'Nebenbei bemerkt, das Projekt läuft gut.'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Many German transition phrases can be placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. For example: 'Apropos, ich habe eine Frage.' or 'Übrigens, das ist wichtig.' When using 'Apropos', it often connects to a previous topic: 'Apropos Deutsch lernen, ich habe eine neue App gefunden.' This pattern helps you smoothly introduce a new subject without abruptness.
When to use it
Use 'Apropos' when you want to link to something just mentioned. Use 'Übrigens' for a casual aside or additional information. 'Was ich noch sagen wollte' is more deliberate and works well in formal discussions. 'Da fällt mir ein' is spontaneous and conversational. Choose based on how closely related the new topic is and the level of formality. For instance, in a business meeting, 'Was ich noch sagen wollte' is appropriate, while 'Übrigens' is fine with friends.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Wir müssen unbedingt über die Marketingstrategie sprechen.
We definitely need to talk about the marketing strategy.veer MOO-sen OON-be-dingt EW-ber dee MAR-ke-ting-shtra-tee-ghee SHPRE-khenJa, das ist wichtig. Apropos Marketing, hast du den neuen Werbespot gesehen?
Yes, that's important. Speaking of marketing, have you seen the new commercial?yah, das ist VIKH-tikh. ah-pro-POH MAR-ke-ting, hast doo dane NOY-en VER-be-shpot ge-ZAY-enNein, noch nicht. Was ich noch sagen wollte: Wir brauchen mehr Budget.
No, not yet. What I wanted to say: We need more budget.nine, nokh nikht. vahs ikh nokh ZAH-gen VOL-te: veer BROW-khen mair BOO-dgetÜbrigens, das Budget wurde bereits erhöht.
By the way, the budget has already been increased.EW-bri-gens, das BOO-dget VOOR-de be-RITES er-HÖHTA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is valued, but polite transitions still matter in formal settings. 'Übrigens' is common in both formal and informal contexts, while 'Apropos' tends to be slightly more casual and usually needs a clear link to what was just said. 'Nebenbei bemerkt' is somewhat formal and more typical of written German than everyday speech. Regional differences exist across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but these phrases are generally understood everywhere; usage varies more by individual and situation than by country.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Apropos' without a clear connection to the previous topic, making it sound random.
Try this instead: Ensure 'Apropos' refers back to something just mentioned. For example, if someone talks about a vacation, you can say 'Apropos Urlaub, ich habe eine Frage.' If there's no link, use 'Übrigens' instead.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely change the subject to a related topic after someone mentions 'Umwelt' (environment)?
Show a sample answer
Apropos Umwelt, hast du den neuen Recyclingplan gesehen?
'Apropos' directly links to 'Umwelt', making the transition smooth. Alternatively, 'Übrigens' could work if the connection is looser.
2Which phrase is more appropriate in a formal meeting to introduce a new point: 'Übrigens' or 'Was ich noch sagen wollte'?
Show a sample answer
Was ich noch sagen wollte
'Was ich noch sagen wollte' is more deliberate and formal, suitable for meetings. 'Übrigens' is also acceptable but slightly more casual.
3Translate: 'That reminds me, we need to buy milk.'
Show a sample answer
Da fällt mir ein, wir müssen Milch kaufen.
'Da fällt mir ein' is the idiomatic phrase for 'that reminds me'. Other phrases like 'Übrigens' would not capture the triggered thought as precisely.
Use 'Apropos' to link to a just-mentioned topic, 'Übrigens' for casual asides, and 'Was ich noch sagen wollte' for formal introductions. Practice these to change subjects politely and naturally.
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