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German Phrase

Ich will sicherstellen, dass ich Unterstützung habe.

/ɪç vɪl ˈzɪçɐˌʃtɛlən das ɪç ˌʊntɐˈʃtʏtsʊŋ ˈhaːbə/
Meaning"I want to make sure that I have support."
💡

Meaning

This phrase expresses a desire to ensure that one has the necessary help or backing. It implies a proactive approach to securing resources or assistance, often in preparation for a task or challenge. The 'dass' clause introduces the specific condition that the speaker wants to confirm.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are planning something important and need to confirm that you will have help, resources, or agreement from others. It's suitable in professional settings, project planning, or personal situations where you need to feel secure about your backing.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichwillsicherstellen,dassichUnterstützunghabe.

1

wollen (will)

The verb 'wollen' means 'to want'. It's a modal verb, so the main verb ('sicherstellen') goes to the end of the main clause in its infinitive form.

2

sicherstellen

This is a separable verb meaning 'to ensure' or 'to make sure'. In this sentence, it's used as the main verb in the infinitive form after the modal verb 'will'.

3

dass-clause

'Dass' introduces a subordinate clause. In these clauses, the conjugated verb ('habe') always moves to the very end of the clause.

4

Unterstützung haben

This literally means 'to have support'. 'Unterstützung' is a feminine noun, and 'haben' is the verb 'to have'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Bevor wir das Projekt starten, ich will sicherstellen, dass ich Unterstützung habe.

Before we start the project, I want to make sure that I have support.

Keine Sorge, das Team steht hinter dir.

Don't worry, the team is behind you.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich will sicherstellen, dass ich Unterstützung bin.

    The verb 'haben' (to have) is required here, not 'sein' (to be). You 'have' support, you don't 'are' support.

  • Ich will sicherstellen, dass ich habe Unterstützung.

    In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb ('habe') must go to the very end of the clause.

  • Ich will machen sicher, dass ich Unterstützung habe.

    The correct verb for 'to make sure' is 'sicherstellen', not 'machen sicher'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich möchte sichergehen, dass ich Unterstützung habe.

    I would like to make sure that I have support.

  • Mir ist wichtig, dass ich Unterstützung bekomme.

    It's important to me that I get support.

  • Ich brauche Gewissheit, dass ich Unterstützung habe.

    I need certainty that I have support.

de

Cultural Tip

Germans often value thorough planning and reliability. Expressing a desire to 'sicherstellen' (make sure) something is in place aligns with this cultural emphasis on preparation and avoiding potential issues. It's a common and well-understood way to communicate a need for security or confirmation, especially in professional or formal contexts.