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.
speaker / teller
A person who says or tells something. This meaning is very rare today and is considered outdated.
Der alte Sager von Märchen und Legenden war im Dorf bekannt.
The old teller of fairy tales and legends was known in the village.
'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The meaning 'a person who says something' is outdated and now appears almost only in historical or literary texts.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
An “Aussage” neutrally refers to the content of a statement. “Sager” emphasizes that the remark is concise, quotable, or attention-grabbing; this word is used mainly in Austria. Use “Aussage” for factual information and “Sager” for a striking remark.
Mit ihrem pointierten Sager über den neuen Fahrplan sorgte die Bürgermeisterin für Schlagzeilen.
With her pointed remark about the new timetable, the mayor made headlines.
Die Aussage der Bürgermeisterin informiert sachlich über den neuen Fahrplan.
The mayor’s statement gives factual information about the new timetable.
