German: Repeat Back 'So you're saying...' to Prevent Misunderstanding
Learn to paraphrase in German with phrases like 'Du sagst also...' to confirm understanding before problems arise.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
When you repeat back what someone said in German, you prevent misunderstandings before they happen. This lesson teaches you to use 'Du sagst also...' (So you're saying...) and similar phrases to confirm you understood correctly. Unlike repairing a misunderstanding after it occurs, this proactive strategy keeps conversations smooth. You'll learn the key phrases, when to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you can…
- repeat back what someone said in German to confirm understanding.
- use paraphrasing phrases like 'Du sagst also...' and 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden...' appropriately.
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, family, or peers. Follow with a subordinate clause.
Sie sagen also, dass...
So you're saying that... (formal)
zee ZAH-gen AL-zoh, dahs
Formal, used with strangers, superiors, or in professional settings.
Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass...?
Did I understand correctly that...?
HAH-buh ikh dahs RIKH-tikh fer-SHTAN-den, dahs
Polite way to double-check, works in both formal and informal contexts.
Meinst du also, dass...?
So do you mean that...?
MYNST doo AL-zoh, dahs
Informal, focuses on the speaker's intention rather than just the words.
Mit anderen Worten: ...
In other words: ...
mit AN-der-en VOR-ten
Used to rephrase what was said, often followed by your own summary.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: [Subject] sagst/sagen also, dass + [rest of sentence]. In German, 'dass' introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb moves to the end. For example: 'Du sagst also, dass du morgen keine Zeit hast.' (So you're saying that you don't have time tomorrow.) With 'Meinst du also, dass...?', the same rule applies: 'Meinst du also, dass wir zu spät kommen?' (So do you mean that we'll be late?) For formal situations, replace 'du' with 'Sie': 'Sie sagen also, dass Sie uns helfen können.' (So you're saying that you can help us.)
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to confirm understanding before responding. For example, if a colleague gives you instructions, you might say: 'Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass die Präsentation am Freitag sein muss?' (Did I understand correctly that the presentation must be on Friday?) This prevents errors. In casual conversation, if a friend tells you about their plans, you can say: 'Du sagst also, dass du umziehst?' (So you're saying that you're moving?) This shows you're listening and gives them a chance to correct you. Avoid using these phrases when you're simply agreeing; they are for clarification, not for expressing opinion.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich finde, wir sollten das Meeting auf nächste Woche verschieben.
I think we should postpone the meeting to next week.ikh FIN-duh, veer ZOL-ten dahs MEE-ting ouf NAYKH-stuh VOKH-uh 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 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. Es passt mir zeitlich nicht.
Yes, exactly. It doesn't work for me time-wise.yah, guh-NOW. es PAST meer TSYT-likh nikhtAlles klar, dann verschieben wir es.
All right, then we'll postpone it.AL-es klahr, dan fer-SHEE-ben veer esA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness is valued, but repeating back can still be polite if done with a friendly tone. Using 'Sie' in formal contexts is essential; switching to 'du' without invitation can seem rude. In Austria and Switzerland, 'Sie' is also standard in formal settings, but regional variations in pronunciation exist (e.g., 'sagen' may sound like 'sogen' in some Austrian dialects).
One thing to watch for
Forgetting to move the verb to the end after 'dass', e.g., 'Du sagst also, dass du hast keine Zeit.'
Try this instead: In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb goes to the end: 'Du sagst also, dass du keine Zeit hast.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you informally repeat back '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 correctly places 'bist' at the end of the subordinate clause. Alternatively, 'Du meinst also, dass du müde bist?' is also correct.
2What is the formal way to ask 'Did I understand correctly that you are coming tomorrow?'
Show a sample answer
Habe ich das richtig verstanden, dass Sie morgen kommen?
This uses the formal 'Sie' and the polite question structure. The verb 'kommen' is at the end of the 'dass' clause.
3Rephrase 'In other words, you don't agree' in German.
Show a sample answer
Mit anderen Worten: Du stimmst nicht zu.
'Mit anderen Worten' introduces a rephrasing. The verb 'zustimmen' is separable, so 'zu' goes to the end.
Use 'Du sagst also...' or 'Sie sagen also...' to repeat back and confirm understanding, preventing misunderstandings before they happen. Remember verb-final in 'dass' clauses.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s German into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr