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
aussagen
to indicate
To mean, express, or contain something specific as information.
EXAMPLE
Was soll diese Statistik über die Kundenzufriedenheit aussagen?
What is this statistic supposed to indicate about customer satisfaction?
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 äußern
to express
Both words refer to communicating something. “Äußern” is especially suitable for a personal opinion, feeling, or wish, while “aussagen” is more likely to refer to factual information or a specific meaning. For your own assessment, you generally use “äußern”; for the information contained in a statement, you use “aussagen”.
aussagen
Der Bericht sagt aus, dass die Straße dringend repariert werden muss.
The report indicates that the road urgently needs to be repaired.
äußern
Die Bürgerin äußerte ihre persönliche Meinung zur geplanten Straße.
The citizen expressed her personal opinion about the planned road.
In real life
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