statement
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statement
An oral or written utterance in which something is communicated, claimed, or explained. This can be simple information, an opinion, or a formal statement.
Seine Aussage bei der Polizei war widersprüchlich.
His statement to the police was contradictory.
The noun 'die Aussage' (statement) derives directly from the verb 'aussagen' (to state). This verb means to communicate something orally or in writing, and is made up of 'aus' and 'sagen' (to say). So the basic idea is to 'say something out.'
Der Zeuge wollte keine Aussage machen.
The witness did not want to make a statement.
When a person says something, especially in an official context (police, court), the first meaning is intended. If it is about the message or meaning of a work (film, book, art), the second meaning is intended.
Die Aussage des Angeklagten überzeugte den Richter nicht.
The defendant's statement did not convince the judge.
In legal or police contexts, 'Aussage' (statement) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical expressions are 'eine Aussage machen' (to make a statement), 'eine Aussage treffen' (to make a statement), or 'die Aussage verweigern' (to refuse to testify).
Er hat das Recht, die Aussage zu verweigern.
He has the right to refuse to testify.
When referring to the message of a work, 'Aussage' (message/statement) is often made more precise by an adjective or a genitive object. Common phrases are 'die eigentliche Aussage' (the actual message), 'die politische Aussage' (the political message), or 'die Aussage des Films' (the message of the film).
Die eigentliche Aussage des Gedichts erschließt sich erst beim zweiten Lesen.
The actual message of the poem only becomes clear on a second reading.
The meaning as a sentence that can be true or false is limited to specialized fields such as logic, linguistics, or philosophy. In normal everyday language, 'Aussage' (statement/proposition) is not used this way.
In der Logik ist jede Aussage entweder wahr oder falsch.
In logic, every proposition is either true or false.
question
'die Frage' and 'die Aussage' are often opposites when it comes to sentences and communication. A question asks for an answer or information. A statement, on the other hand, gives information, an opinion, or a claim. Learners may confuse the words because both are things that someone says or writes. The difference lies in the direction: with a question, you seek information; with a statement, you give information. In grammar and logic, this contrast is especially clear: a statement states something; a question does not.
Am Bahnhof war seine Aussage klar: Der Zug fällt wegen der Arbeit am Gleis aus.
At the train station, his statement was clear: the train is canceled because of work on the track.
Sie stellt dem Arzt eine Frage, weil sie die Rechnung nicht versteht.
She asks the doctor a question because she does not understand the bill.