German for Changing the Topic: 'So, any plans this weekend?' and 'Anyway...'
Learn German phrases to change the subject casually or to ease discomfort, with examples, dialogue, and practice.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Changing the topic in German is not just about saying 'anyway'. You need different phrases for casual shifts and for rescuing a conversation from awkwardness. This lesson teaches you how to say 'So, any plans this weekend?' to pivot naturally, and how to use 'Jedenfalls...' or 'Wie auch immer...' to change direction when things get uncomfortable. You'll learn the register, when each phrase fits, and how to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you can…
- change the topic casually with a friendly question like 'Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?'
- use 'Jedenfalls...' or 'Wie auch immer...' to shift away from an uncomfortable topic.
- distinguish between a neutral topic change and one that addresses discomfort.
- respond appropriately when someone changes the topic in German.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?
So, any plans this weekend?
unt vas hast doo am VOKH-en-en-deh for
Casual, friendly topic change. Use with friends or colleagues you know well. 'Und' at the start signals a shift.
Jedenfalls...
Anyway...
YAY-den-fals
Neutral to slightly formal. Used to return to a previous topic or to move on. Common in both Germany and Austria.
Wie auch immer...
Anyway... / However...
vee oukh IM-mer
Often used to dismiss a detail or change topic after a digression. Can sound slightly impatient.
Lass uns über etwas anderes reden.
Let's talk about something else.
las uns OO-ber ET-vas AN-deh-res RAY-den
Direct but polite. Use when you explicitly want to change the subject, especially if uncomfortable.
Das ist jetzt vielleicht nicht so wichtig.
That's maybe not so important right now.
das ist yetst fy-LYKHT nisht zo VIKH-tikh
Softens a topic change by downplaying the current topic. Good for avoiding discomfort without confrontation.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To change the topic casually, start with 'Und,' followed by a question. 'Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?' works like 'So, any plans this weekend?' The 'und' acts as a conversational hinge. For a more explicit shift, use 'Jedenfalls...' or 'Wie auch immer...' at the beginning of a sentence. Example: 'Jedenfalls, ich wollte noch sagen, dass...' (Anyway, I wanted to say that...). To address discomfort, use 'Lass uns über etwas anderes reden' or 'Das ist jetzt vielleicht nicht so wichtig.' These phrases are direct but polite.
When to use it
Use 'Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?' in informal settings to steer toward a light topic. 'Jedenfalls' is neutral and works in most contexts, including with acquaintances. 'Wie auch immer' can sound dismissive, so use it with care. When a topic is uncomfortable, 'Lass uns über etwas anderes reden' is clear and respectful. 'Das ist jetzt vielleicht nicht so wichtig' is softer and avoids direct confrontation. 'Jedenfalls' is common throughout the German-speaking area, including Austria and Switzerland; 'Wie auch immer' is used everywhere but tends to sound more dismissive.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?
So, any plans this weekend?unt vas hast doo am VOKH-en-en-deh forNicht viel. Und du?
Not much. And you?nisht feel. unt dooJedenfalls, ich wollte noch fragen, ob du mitkommen willst.
Anyway, I wanted to ask if you want to come along.YAY-den-fals, ikh VOL-te nokh FRA-gen op doo MIT-kom-en vilstKlar, gerne. Aber lass uns über etwas anderes reden, ja?
Sure, gladly. But let's talk about something else, okay?klar, GER-neh. AH-ber las uns OO-ber ET-vas AN-deh-res RAY-den, yaA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is often valued, but topic changes still require tact. 'Jedenfalls' is a safe, neutral choice in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 'Wie auch immer' can sound brusque in formal contexts. When addressing discomfort, German speakers may prefer explicit phrases like 'Lass uns über etwas anderes reden' over subtle hints. 'Jedenfalls' is common throughout the German-speaking area, and 'Wie auch immer' is widely understood as well, though it can come across as more dismissive. Always consider your relationship with the person.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Wie auch immer' in a formal business meeting to change the topic.
Try this instead: 'Wie auch immer' can sound dismissive or impatient. In formal contexts, use 'Jedenfalls' or 'Lass uns über etwas anderes reden' instead. Example: 'Jedenfalls, kommen wir zum nächsten Punkt.' (Anyway, let's move to the next point.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you casually ask 'So, any plans this weekend?' in German?
Show a sample answer
Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?
This uses 'Und' as a conversational hinge and a friendly question. 'Was machst du am Wochenende?' is also correct but less of a topic-change signal.
2Which phrase would you use to change the topic after an awkward silence?
Show a sample answer
Lass uns über etwas anderes reden.
This directly addresses discomfort by suggesting a new topic. 'Jedenfalls' could also work, but it is less explicit about discomfort.
3What is a softer way to say 'That's not important right now' in German?
Show a sample answer
Das ist jetzt vielleicht nicht so wichtig.
This downplays the topic without being rude. 'Das ist jetzt nicht wichtig' is more direct and can sound harsh.
Use 'Und, was hast du am Wochenende vor?' for casual topic changes, 'Jedenfalls' for neutral shifts, and 'Lass uns über etwas anderes reden' when addressing discomfort. Match the phrase to the situation and your relationship with the speaker.
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