besagt
said / aforementioned
Refers to a person or thing that has already been mentioned earlier in the conversation or text.
EXAMPLE
Der besagte Brief wurde nie abgeschickt.
The aforementioned letter was never sent.
besagt
said / aforementioned
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Besagt' is the past participle of the verb 'besagen' (to state, to mean). It literally means “that which has already been said” and thus refers to something mentioned previously.
EXAMPLE
Der Experte bestätigte die Echtheit des besagten Dokuments.
The expert confirmed the authenticity of the aforementioned document.
Only before nouns
The word 'besagt' is almost always used as an adjective directly before a noun and must be declined. Predicative use, e.g. 'Der Brief ist besagt.' (The letter is aforementioned), is not common.
EXAMPLE
Die besagte Person war zum Zeitpunkt des Anrufs nicht im Haus.
The person in question was not in the house at the time of the call.
Written style
'Besagt' belongs more to written, formal, or official language. It is often found in reports, minutes, or legal texts in order to create clarity.
EXAMPLE
Am besagten Tag war der Angeklagte nachweislich in einer anderen Stadt.
On the day in question, the defendant was demonstrably in another city.
Compare with
besagt vs genannt
mentioned / called
Both words can refer to something that has already been mentioned in the text or conversation. „genannt“ sounds neutral and can deliberately name the thing, while „besagt“ is more closely tied to the preceding text and often sounds more detached. Use „genannt“ for a normal designation and „besagt“ for a more formal reference back to something mentioned earlier.
besagt
Die besagte Regel steht auch in der Einladung.
The aforementioned rule is also in the invitation.
genannt
Der genannte Termin steht auch in der Einladung.
The date mentioned is also in the invitation.
In real life
Loading video examples...