to pronounce / express
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to pronounce
To articulate words or sounds with the voice; to use a particular stress pattern or pronunciation.
Ich habe Schwierigkeiten, den französischen Namen richtig auszusprechen.
I have trouble pronouncing the French name correctly.
'Aussprechen' (to pronounce / express) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er spricht das Wort deutlich aus.
He pronounces the word clearly.
The phrase 'sich für oder gegen etwas aussprechen' (to speak out for or against something) is reflexive and uses fixed prepositions. 'Für' or 'gegen' is always followed by the accusative.
Die Mehrheit sprach sich für den neuen Vorschlag aus.
The majority spoke out in favor of the new proposal.
The reflexive form 'sich aussprechen' (to talk things out) means to clarify a conflict through a conversation. The person you speak with is often added with the preposition 'mit' and the dative.
Nach dem Streit müssen wir uns unbedingt aussprechen.
After the argument, we absolutely have to talk things out.
The construction 'jemanden aussprechen lassen' (to let someone finish speaking) is a very common and important expression in conversations. It means not interrupting someone and letting them speak to the end.
Könnten Sie mich bitte aussprechen lassen?
Could you please let me finish speaking?
When expressing something, 'aussprechen' (to express) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'einen Dank aussprechen' (to express thanks), 'ein Lob aussprechen' (to express praise), 'eine Warnung aussprechen' (to issue a warning), or 'einen Verdacht aussprechen' (to express a suspicion).
Ich möchte Ihnen meinen herzlichen Dank für Ihre Hilfe aussprechen.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for your help.
to say
'sagen' and 'aussprechen' can both mean that someone expresses something in words. 'sagen' is the normal, general word for communicating something. 'aussprechen' often has a special focus: either it is about how a word sounds, or about someone putting something clearly and deliberately into words. For example, you can pronounce a name correctly or express a wish. There is a risk of confusion because both have to do with speaking. If only the content is being communicated, 'sagen' is usually more natural. If the pronunciation or clear formulation is important, 'aussprechen' fits.
Wegen des schwierigen Namens spricht die Lehrerin jedes Wort langsam aus.
Because of the difficult name, the teacher pronounces each word slowly.
Vor dem Termin sagt der Kunde, dass er noch eine Frage hat.
Before the appointment, the customer says that he still has a question.