ehrlich gesagt
/ˈeːɐ̯lɪç ɡəˈzaːkt/
The German phrase for "honestly" is ehrlich gesagt.
ehrlich gesagt is used as a speech act to mean "frankly". It is frequently used to introduce a statement that might be blunt, unpopular or potentially offensive.
Meaning: (speech act) frankly (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal construction meaning "honestly said."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the regional variation ehrlich g'sagt is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as a parenthetical or sentence-initial adverbial phrase, much like the English "honestly" or "to be honest."
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːɐ̯lɪç ɡəˈzaːkt/
Did you know?
- In old legal contexts, being ehrlich referred to 'honest' births, meaning a person was born to legitimate parents and was not socially 'dishonorable'.
- If you say ehrlich gesagt too often in a single conversation, Germans may suspect you are actually being untruthful or overcompensating.
- The word ehrlich is a direct relative of the English word 'earl', which refers to a nobleman.
Examples in context
- Es ist mir, ehrlich gesagt, egal.I honestly don't care.The first sentence shows how to use ehrlich gesagt to express indifference.Tatoeba #6879685 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2477093 by Hybrid
- Ehrlich gesagt mag ich dich nicht.Honestly I don't like you.The second sentence uses ehrlich gesagt to introduce a blunt personal feeling.Tatoeba #11069824 by Rosaburgs, translation #8965642 by SirCourgette
- Ehrlich gesagt ist mir das völlig egal.Honestly, I don't care one bit.The third sentence demonstrates how ehrlich gesagt can start a sentence to emphasize a point of indifference.Tatoeba #13829366 by Naina, translation #13828349 by tieguy
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing a movie they just watched.
- FelixWie fandest du den Film, Laura?How did you like the movie, Laura?
- LauraEhrlich gesagt fand ich ihn ziemlich langweilig.Honestly, I found it quite boring.
- FelixWirklich? Ich fand ihn super!Really? I thought it was great!
- LauraDas ist okay, Felix. Geschmäcker sind verschieden.That's okay, Felix. Tastes differ.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ehrlich gesagt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ehrlich, ehrlich gesagt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
