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German Phrase

Also, willst du sagen…?

/ˈalzoː ˈvɪlst duː ˈzaːɡən…/
Meaning"So, do you mean…?"
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Meaning

Literally, ‘So, do you want to say…?’ It is used to ask someone to clarify or restate what they think the other person means, often with a hint of surprise or mild challenge.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you think you have understood the gist of a conversation but want the speaker to confirm or elaborate. It works well in informal settings among friends, classmates, or colleagues.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Alsowillstdusagen

1

Also

A discourse particle meaning ‘so’, ‘well’, or ‘anyway’; it signals a transition or a summary of what has just been said.

2

willst

Second‑person singular present of the modal verb *wollen* (to want). Here it forms a question: ‘do you want…?’

3

du

The informal singular pronoun ‘you’. In spoken German it is usually placed after the verb in questions.

4

sagen

The infinitive of *sagen* ‘to say’. With *willst* it creates a verb‑infinitive construction: ‘do you want to say…?’

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich habe das Projekt bis Freitag fertig gemacht.

I finished the project by Friday.

Also, willst du sagen, dass du das schon letzte Woche erledigt hast?

So, are you saying you already finished it last week?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Willst du sagen, dass du fertig bist?

    The verb *wollen* expresses desire; in this context you really want the infinitive construction, not *willst du sagen* as a statement.

  • Also, willst du sagen…?

    Do not place a comma after *also* when it directly precedes the question; the pause is spoken, not written.

  • Du willst sagen, dass…?

    Word order in a yes‑no question must be verb‑first: *Willst du…?* not *Du willst…?*

↔Alternatives

  • Meinst du…?

    Do you mean…?

  • Willst du damit sagen…?

    Do you want to say…?

  • Sagst du also…?

    So you’re saying…?

de

Cultural Tip

In German conversation ‘also’ is a very common filler that can soften a question or make it sound more natural. However, overusing it may sound overly informal. When speaking with strangers or in a formal setting, you might replace it with ‘also’ with a pause or simply start with ‘Möchtest du sagen…?’ to keep the tone polite.