When learning a new language, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common phrases and expressions. One such phrase is “that makes sense,” which is commonly used in English to indicate understanding or agreement. If you’re looking to communicate the same idea in German, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express “that makes sense,” as well as some additional tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “That Makes Sense” in German
In formal settings, such as professional or academic environments, it’s crucial to use appropriate language. These phrases will help you convey the notion of “that makes sense” in a formal manner:
- Das ergibt Sinn. This is a straightforward translation of “that makes sense” in a neutral and formal manner. It can be used in various situations and is universally understood.
- Das ist logisch. This phrase translates to “that is logical.” It conveys the same idea as “that makes sense” in a more formal and structured way.
- Das ist nachvollziehbar/verständlich. These two phrases mean “that is understandable.” They are both formal and appropriate for professional settings where clarity and comprehension are important.
- Ich kann dem folgen. This phrase translates to “I can follow that.” It is used when you understand and agree with the reasoning or explanation presented.
Informal Ways to Say “That Makes Sense” in German
Informal situations call for a more relaxed tone and vocabulary choices. Here are some phrases you can use to express “that makes sense” in an informal way:
- Klar! This is a common and versatile phrase to convey understanding or agreement. It can be used to mean “that makes sense” in an informal setting.
- Verstehe ich. This phrase literally translates to “I understand.” It is frequently used colloquially and implies that something is clear and comprehensible.
- Macht Sinn. This is a casual way of saying “that makes sense.” It is widely used in informal conversations among friends, family, or peers.
- Da steig ich durch. This phrase means “I’m on board with that” or “I get it.” It implies understanding and agreement, especially in a less formal setting.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use these phrases correctly:
- When speaking German, remember to use the appropriate pronunciations and intonations to convey your message effectively.
- If you’re unsure which version to use, the phrases listed above are generally understood across different regions and dialects of German.
- When in doubt, observe native German speakers or consult language resources to learn more about regional variations of “that makes sense” in specific areas.
Example 1: A formal situation
Person A: Die Forschungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die neue Behandlungsmethode sehr effektiv ist. (The research results indicate that the new treatment method is very effective.)
Person B: Das ergibt Sinn. (That makes sense.)
Example 2: An informal conversation
Friend A: Wir sollten den Bus nehmen, weil die U-Bahn heute nicht fährt. (We should take the bus since the subway isn’t running today.)
Friend B: Klar! (That makes sense!)
Remember, practice is key to mastering a new language. Incorporate these phrases into your everyday conversations, and don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for feedback and guidance. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
