German for Confirming Understanding: Key Phrases to Check You Got It Right
Learn essential German phrases to confirm you understood correctly, such as 'So you're saying that...' and 'Did I get that right?' Perfect for intermediate learners.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you're in a German conversation, it's crucial to confirm that you've understood the other person correctly. This lesson teaches you intermediate-level phrases to check comprehension, such as 'So you're saying that...' and 'Did I get that right?' You'll learn to paraphrase and seek confirmation, ensuring clear communication without asking for clarification of unknown words. We'll focus on standard German, with notes on regional variations where relevant.
By the end, you can…
- confirm my understanding by paraphrasing what someone said.
- use phrases like 'So you're saying that...' to check comprehension.
- ask 'Did I get that right?' in German.
- distinguish between formal and informal ways to confirm understanding.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Du sagst also, dass...
So you're saying that...
doo ZAHKST AL-zoh, dahs
Informal, used with friends or peers. Follow with a paraphrased statement.
Sie sagen also, dass...
So you're saying that... (formal)
zee ZAH-gen AL-zoh, dahs
Formal, used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
Habe ich das richtig verstanden?
Did I understand that correctly?
HAH-buh ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTAN-den
Neutral, works in both formal and informal contexts. Use to double-check your understanding.
Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass...?
Did I understand correctly that...?
HAH-buh ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTAN-den, dahs
Introduce a subordinate clause to confirm specific details.
Also, wenn ich das richtig verstehe, ...
So, if I understand correctly, ...
AL-zoh, ven ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTEH-uh
Use to summarize and confirm your understanding before responding.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To confirm understanding, you can paraphrase what you heard and add a tag question. For example: 'Du sagst also, dass du morgen nicht kommen kannst, richtig?' (So you're saying that you can't come tomorrow, right?). The word 'also' here means 'so' or 'therefore', and 'dass' introduces a subordinate clause. Another pattern is 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass...?' followed by the statement. This structure allows you to repeat the key information and seek confirmation.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to ensure you've understood the speaker's message accurately, especially in important conversations. For instance, if your boss gives you instructions, you might say: 'Sie sagen also, dass ich den Bericht bis Freitag fertigstellen soll?' (So you're saying that I should finish the report by Friday?). In casual chats, use the informal 'du' version. Avoid using these phrases when you simply didn't hear; instead, ask for repetition. These are for confirming comprehension, not for asking clarification of unknown words.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Also, ich denke, wir sollten das Meeting auf nächste Woche verschieben.
So, I think we should postpone the meeting to next week.AL-zoh, ikh DEN-kuh, veer ZOL-ten dahs MEE-ting ouf NAYS-tuh VOKH fer-SHEE-benDu sagst also, dass du das Meeting verschieben möchtest. Habe ich das richtig verstanden?
So you're saying that you want to postpone the meeting. Did I understand that correctly?doo ZAHKST AL-zoh, dahs doo dahs MEE-ting fer-SHEE-ben MURKH-test. HAH-buh ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTAN-den?Ja, genau. Und wenn ich das richtig verstehe, bist du damit einverstanden?
Yes, exactly. And if I understand correctly, you agree with that?yah, guh-NOW. oont ven ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTEH-uh, bist doo dah-MIT AYN-fer-shtan-den?Ja, das passt für mich. Danke, dass du nachgefragt hast.
Yes, that works for me. Thanks for asking.yah, dahs PAST fewr mikh. DAN-kuh, dahs doo NAHKH-guh-frahkt hastA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, direct communication is valued, so confirming understanding is common and appreciated. Using the formal 'Sie' form is important with strangers or in professional settings, while 'du' is used with friends, family, and peers. In some regions, like Bavaria or Austria, you might hear 'Hast du das richtig verstanden?' instead of 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden?' but the meaning is similar. Always pay attention to the context to choose the appropriate formality level.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Verstehst du?' (Do you understand?) to confirm your own understanding.
Try this instead: 'Verstehst du?' asks if the other person understands you, not if you understood them. To confirm your understanding, say 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden?' or 'Du sagst also, dass...'. For example, instead of 'Verstehst du, was ich meine?' (Do you understand what I mean?), use 'Habe ich richtig verstanden, was du meinst?' (Did I understand correctly what you mean?).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you informally say 'So you're saying that you're tired?' in German?
Show a sample answer
Du sagst also, dass du müde bist?
This uses the informal 'du' form and the pattern 'Du sagst also, dass...' to confirm understanding. Alternatively, 'Du sagst also, du bist müde?' is also acceptable in casual speech.
2What is the formal way to ask 'Did I understand that correctly?'
Show a sample answer
Habe ich das richtig verstanden?
This phrase is neutral and works in both formal and informal contexts. For extra formality, you could say 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass...?' with a subordinate clause.
3Translate: 'So, if I understand correctly, you don't have time tomorrow.'
Show a sample answer
Also, wenn ich das richtig verstehe, hast du morgen keine Zeit.
This uses the phrase 'wenn ich das richtig verstehe' to confirm understanding. Note the word order: the subordinate clause 'wenn ich das richtig verstehe' comes first, so the main clause starts with the verb 'hast'.
Use phrases like 'Du sagst also, dass...' and 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden?' to confirm you've understood correctly. Choose formal or informal based on your relationship with the speaker, and always paraphrase to ensure clarity.
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