01
aussagen
to testify
To give an official, usually oral statement before an authority, especially in court or to the police.
example
Der Zeuge weigerte sich, ohne seinen Anwalt auszusagen.
The witness refused to testify without his lawyer.
aussagen
to testify / indicate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aussagen' (to testify / to indicate) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Experte sagt gleich im Fernsehen aus.
The expert is about to testify on television.
Context clue
The meaning often depends on the subject. When a person 'aussagt' (testifies), it usually means 'to give an official statement'. When a thing (e.g., a statistic or a text) 'aussagt' (indicates), it means 'to express or show something'.
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte wollte nicht aussagen.
The defendant did not want to testify.
Legal context
In the meaning 'to give a statement', 'aussagen' (to testify) is almost always used in an official or legal context. Typical phrases are 'vor Gericht aussagen' (to testify in court), 'bei der Polizei aussagen' (to give a statement to the police), or 'als Zeuge aussagen' (to testify as a witness).
EXAMPLE
Er musste bei der Polizei zu dem Vorfall aussagen.
He had to testify to the police about the incident.
Preposition 'gegen'
When you make a statement that harms another person or accuses them, you use the preposition 'gegen' (against) with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Hauptzeuge hat gegen den Angeklagten ausgesagt.
The main witness testified against the defendant.
Compare with
aussagen vs heißen
to be called / to mean
'heißen' and 'aussagen' can both express what something means or what information is in it. 'heißen' is very common in everyday language, especially in questions like 'Was heißt das?' (What does that mean?) or when explaining a consequence. 'aussagen' sounds more factual and fits better with texts, numbers, results, or official information. It is less about asking for the meaning of a single word and more about what message or meaning something has. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with meaning. A good rule of thumb: for simple meanings in everyday life, 'heißen' often fits; for information from data, texts, or statements, 'aussagen' is more likely to fit.
aussagen
Die Zahlen sagen aus, dass mehr Kunden online bestellen.
The figures indicate that more customers are ordering online.
heißen
Was heißt dieses Zeichen auf dem Formular?
What does this symbol on the form mean?
In real life
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