In German, sagen and sprechen are two fundamental verbs that describe different aspects of communication. Sagen means "to say" and is used when focusing on the words being expressed, often requiring attention to what is said, to whom, and sometimes including indirect speech. Sprechen means "to speak" and is used for the act of talking, discussing, or holding a conversation, often with reference to the language spoken or the act of verbal exchange.
- sagen = to say (expressing words)
- sprechen = to speak (talking, conversing, language use)
Sagen: To Say
Sagen is used when someone expresses words, a message, or information. The focus is on the content of what is said, not the manner of speaking.
- The subject (who says) controls the verb.
- The exact words (direct speech) or message (indirect speech) can be conveyed.
- Often paired with a recipient (to whom something is said).
Usage Notes
- No need to use the person being spoken to as the subject—only the speaker matters.
- You can say just the verb, but often use etwas (something) if the object isn’t explicit.
Typical Constructions
| Pattern | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + sagen | Er sagt viel. | He says a lot. |
| Subject + sagen + ... | Sie sagt die Wahrheit. | She says the truth. |
| ... + sagen + zu + Dativ | Ich sage es dir. | I say it to you. |
| Sagen + dass | Er sagt, dass er kommt. | He says that he’s coming. |
*sagen* is used for 'to say,' focusing on the words expressed.
*sagen* is used when focusing on the content or message of what is said.
Sprechen: To Speak
Sprechen is used when referring to the act of speaking or conversing, or when talking about the ability to use a language. The emphasis is on verbal communication or exchange, not just expressing isolated words.
- Can stand alone when referring to talking or discussing.
- Used for conversations or discussions (sprechen über = to talk about).
- Used for language (eine Sprache sprechen = to speak a language).
Usage Notes
- Common for describing conversations or exchanges (use mit for “with”).
- Can be reflexive (sich unterhalten) for “to converse.”
Typical Constructions
| Pattern | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + sprechen | Wir sprechen Deutsch. | We speak German. |
| Sprechen + mit + Dativ | Er spricht mit ihr. | He speaks with her. |
| Sprechen + über + Akkusativ | Ihr sprecht über Politik. | You (pl.) talk about politics. |
| Eine Sprache sprechen | Ich spreche Englisch. | I speak English. |
*sprechen* is used for the act of speaking or for knowing/using a language.
*sprechen* is used for talking, conversing, or speaking a language.
Comparison
| Aspect | Sagen | Sprechen |
|---|---|---|
| Core Meaning | To say (words, message) | To speak (talk, converse) |
| Focus | The content or message expressed | The act of talking or language use |
| Typical Use | Saying something, reporting | Talking, conversing, language |
| Common Constructions | ... sagen, sagen + zu, sagen + dass | sprechen, sprechen mit, sprechen über, eine Sprache sprechen |
You use *sagen* when focusing on the words someone 'says.'
For conversations or discussions, use *sprechen*.
For 'We speak German,' use *sprechen*.
You use *sagen* for reported speech: 'Sie sagt, dass sie müde ist.'
*sprechen* is commonly used with 'mit' (with) and 'über' (about).
Yes, you can use *sagen* generally, e.g., 'Er sagt etwas.'
You would use *sprechen* for invitation to converse: 'Sprich mit mir!'
Conclusion
German distinguishes between expressing words (sagen) and the act of verbal exchange (sprechen).
- sagen focuses on the message or words delivered.
- sprechen is about speaking, conversing, and using language.
- Mastery of both verbs helps clarify different communication contexts.