remark / speaker
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remark
A concise, often quoted or attention-grabbing statement, usually by a public figure. The term is used especially in Austria.
Der Politiker wurde für seinen umstrittenen Sager in den Medien stark kritisiert.
The politician was heavily criticized in the media for his controversial remark.
'Der Sager' is derived directly from the verb 'sagen' (to say). While the ending '-er' often refers to a person, as in 'Sprecher' (speaker), here the meaning has shifted to the result of the action, that is, what was said.
Sein unüberlegter Sager führte zu einer langen Diskussion.
His thoughtless remark led to a long discussion.
In the meaning of a striking statement, the word 'Sager' is especially common in Austria and is part of Austrian Standard German. In Germany, the term is less commonly used.
Der Kanzler wurde für seinen Sager zur Wirtschaftslage gelobt.
The chancellor was praised for his remark about the economic situation.
Common phrases are 'einen Sager machen' (to make a memorable remark) or 'einen Sager landen' (to land a memorable remark). The word is often combined with adjectives such as 'umstritten' (controversial), 'legendär' (legendary), or 'unfassbar' (unbelievable).
Mit diesem Satz hat die Moderatorin einen echten Sager gelandet.
With that sentence, the presenter really landed a memorable remark.
The meaning 'a person who says something' is outdated and now appears almost only in historical or literary texts. If you come across the word 'Sager' today, it almost always refers to a notable statement.
Der Sager des Ministers dominierte tagelang die Nachrichten.
The minister's remark dominated the news for days.
statement
'die Aussage' and 'der Sager' can both mean something that someone said. 'Aussage' is neutral and general. It is used in many situations, including written or formal ones. 'Sager', by contrast, means a particularly short, striking, or often quoted remark, often from a well-known person. The word is used mainly in Austria. The words can be confused because a 'Sager' is also a kind of statement. In normal Standard German, however, 'Aussage' is usually more natural; 'Sager' fits better in media, politics, or Austrian usage.
Nach dem Interview wurde der freche Sager der Politikerin überall zitiert.
After the interview, the politician's cheeky remark was quoted everywhere.
Die Aussage des Verkäufers klingt klar, aber ich möchte sie schriftlich haben.
The seller's statement sounds clear, but I would like to have it in writing.