German Phrase
Wie wichtig Blickkontakt ist, variiert stark.
Meaning
The sentence states that the significance of eye contact differs greatly depending on the situation or cultural context. It highlights that there is no universal rule for how crucial eye contact is.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing communication styles, cultural differences, or when comparing how eye contact is perceived in various settings such as business meetings, classrooms, or social gatherings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WiewichtigBlickkontaktist,variiertstark.
Wie‑Einleitung (subordinate clause)
‘Wie’ introduces a subordinate clause that describes the degree of something. In such clauses the finite verb moves to the end: ‘Wie wichtig Blickkontakt ist’.
Verb‑First main clause
When a whole clause functions as the subject, the main clause often starts with the verb (V1 order): ‘variiert stark’.
Komma‑Regel
A comma separates the subordinate clause from the main clause, even if the main clause begins with the verb.
Adverb placement
‘stark’ is an adverb that follows the verb in the main clause, modifying ‘variiert’.
🗨In Conversation
Wie wichtig Blickkontakt ist, variiert stark.
How important eye contact is, varies greatly.
Ja, in manchen Ländern gilt direkter Blick als Zeichen von Ehrlichkeit, in anderen kann er als unhöflich empfunden werden.
Yes, in some countries direct eye contact is seen as a sign of honesty, while in others it can be considered rude.
✕Common Mistakes
Wie wichtig Blickkontakt ist variiert stark
Missing comma after the subordinate clause; German punctuation requires a comma here.
Wie wichtig ist Blickkontakt, variiert stark
The verb ‘ist’ must stay at the end of the ‘wie’-clause, not after ‘wichtig’.
Wie wichtig Blickkontakt ist, stark variiert
In the main clause the adverb ‘stark’ follows the verb, not precedes it.
↔Alternatives
Die Bedeutung von Blickkontakt schwankt stark.
The importance of eye contact fluctuates a lot.
Wie bedeutsam Blickkontakt ist, hängt stark vom Kontext ab.
How significant eye contact is depends heavily on the context.
Ob Blickkontakt wichtig ist, variiert stark.
Whether eye contact is important varies a lot.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking cultures, steady eye contact is often interpreted as confidence and honesty, but in many Asian, Middle‑Eastern, or Latin American cultures the appropriate amount of eye contact can be much less. When speaking German with native speakers, observe their non‑verbal cues and adapt your own eye contact accordingly.