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background information
Additional information that contributes to a better understanding of a matter, person, or event by explaining the context.
Für den Artikel sammelte der Reporter wichtige Hintergrundinformationen über die politische Lage.
For the article, the reporter gathered important background information about the political situation.
This word is made up of 'Hintergrund' (background) and 'Information' (information). The 's' in between is a linking s, which connects the two parts of the word.
Der Sprecher gab keine weiteren Hintergrundinformationen zu dem Vorfall.
The spokesperson gave no further background information about the incident.
Although the singular form exists, the word is very often used in the plural ('Hintergrundinformationen' — background information / background details), because people usually refer to several details or facts that form a context.
Wir benötigen mehr Hintergrundinformationen, um die Situation beurteilen zu können.
We need more background information in order to assess the situation.
Common verbs used with this noun are 'sammeln' (to collect/gather), 'recherchieren' (to research), 'geben' (to give), 'bekommen' (to receive/get), or 'liefern' (to provide). The topic is often introduced with 'zu' (on/about) or 'über' (about).
Die Journalistin recherchiert Hintergrundinformationen über den Politiker.
The journalist is researching background information about the politician.
explanation / statement
'die Erklärung' and 'die Hintergrundinformation' both help you understand something better. An 'Erklärung' says directly how something works, what something means, or why something happened. A 'Hintergrundinformation' gives additional information about the context, for example about the backstory or the circumstances. Learners may confuse the words because both provide knowledge. In practice: when someone answers a question directly, 'Erklärung' fits better. When additional information makes the whole picture clearer, 'Hintergrundinformation' fits better.
Die Hintergrundinformation zu dem Projekt hilft Julia, die Entscheidung besser zu verstehen.
The background information about the project helps Julia understand the decision better.
Bei der Arbeit gibt Aylin morgen eine kurze Erklärung zum neuen Plan.
At work, Aylin is giving a brief explanation of the new plan tomorrow.