Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| zum Schluss |
| abschließend |
There are several ways to express a conclusion depending on the context. Zusammenfassend is a straightforward and neutral way to say "in conclusion." If you are wrapping up a discussion or providing a final opinion, you can use the expression Alles in allem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase zum Schluss is a contraction of zu dem Schluss, which literally means "to the end".
Which one should you use?
zum Schluss is used to mean "in conclusion" or "finally" and is more common in spoken language or casual presentations. In contrast, abschließend emphasizes the finality of the conclusion and is typically used in written academic texts or formal speeches.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland and parts of southern Germany, Am Schluss can be used interchangeably with zum Schluss.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb abschließend is often used in the fixed construction abschließend lässt sich sagen, dass… to introduce a final summary in formal German, which translates to "concluding, it can be said that…".
Did you know?
- While abschließend is used for formal conclusions, a German speaker might say Ich mache jetzt Schluss to abruptly end a phone call or a relationship.
- In German, the concept of a 'conclusion' is tied to the verb schließen, which means both 'to conclude' and 'to lock a door'.
- The word Schluss in zum Schluss shares an ancestor with the English word 'slot', as both stem from a root meaning to close or a narrow opening.
Examples in context
- Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass…In conclusion, it can be said that…
- Abschließend kann festgestellt werden, dass…In conclusion, it can be determined that…
- Schlussendlich lässt sich festhalten, dass…Ultimately, it can be concluded that…
- Kurz gesagt, wir hatten viel Spaß!In short, we had a lot of fun!
- Alles in allem denke ich, dass…All in all, I think that…
- Zum Schluss möchte ich sagen…In conclusion, I would like to say…
- Zum Schluss möchte ich mich bedanken.In conclusion, I would like to say thank you.
- Zum Schluss kommt noch ein kurzer Film.In conclusion, there will be a short film at the end.
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing the schedule for their presentation.
- LauraWas machen wir zum Schluss?What are we doing in conclusion?
- JulianJulian sagt zum Schluss eine kurze Zusammenfassung.Julian will give a short summary in conclusion.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee, Julian.That is a good idea, Julian.
- JulianIch bereite das jetzt vor.I will prepare that now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in conclusion” translations and entries abschließend, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schluss, zum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
