German Phrase
Im Wetterbericht steht, dass es ein bisschen schneien soll.
Meaning
This phrase is used to convey information from a weather forecast. The verb 'stehen' (to stand) is commonly used in German to indicate that something is written or stated in a report or document. The modal verb 'soll' (should) implies that the snow is expected or predicted, rather than a certainty.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to share information you've heard or read from a weather forecast. It's perfect for casual conversations about upcoming weather, especially when there's a prediction of something specific like snow or rain.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ImWetterberichtsteht,dasseseinbisschenschneiensoll.
Im (in dem)
'Im' is a contraction of 'in dem' (in the). It's used here with the dative case because 'Wetterbericht' is masculine and the preposition 'in' indicates location (where does it stand?).
stehen
The verb 'stehen' (to stand) is idiomatically used in German to mean 'it says' or 'it is written' when referring to information in a document, report, or newspaper.
dass-clause
'Dass' (that) introduces a subordinate clause. In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb ('soll' in this case) always moves to the very end of the clause.
soll (sollen)
'Soll' is the conjugated form of the modal verb 'sollen' (should/is supposed to). Here, it indicates that the information is a prediction or a report from an external source (the weather report), not a personal obligation or certainty.
ein bisschen
This phrase means 'a little bit' or 'a little'. It's a common way to quantify small amounts.
🗨In Conversation
Was machen wir am Wochenende?
What are we doing this weekend?
Im Wetterbericht steht, dass es ein bisschen schneien soll. Vielleicht bleiben wir drinnen.
In the weather report it says that it should snow a little. Maybe we'll stay inside.
✕Common Mistakes
Im Wetterbericht sagt, dass es ein bisschen schneien soll.
While 'sagen' (to say) is generally correct for speaking, 'stehen' is the idiomatic verb used when referring to what is written or stated in a report or document like a weather forecast.
Im Wetterbericht steht, dass es ein bisschen schneien wird.
Using 'wird' (will) implies a more definite future event. 'Soll' is better here as it conveys that the information is a prediction or a report from an external source, not a personal certainty.
Im Wetterbericht steht, dass es soll ein bisschen schneien.
In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb ('soll') must go to the very end of the clause. The infinitive verb ('schneien') precedes it.
↔Alternatives
Der Wetterbericht sagt, dass es ein bisschen schneien soll.
The weather report says that it should snow a little.
Laut Wetterbericht soll es ein bisschen schneien.
According to the weather report, it should snow a little.
Es soll ein bisschen schneien, laut Wetterbericht.
It should snow a little, according to the weather report.
Cultural Tip
Germans often discuss the weather, and forecasts are a common topic of conversation, especially when planning outdoor activities. While 'soll' indicates a prediction, people generally take weather reports seriously. It's common to hear people refer to 'der Wetterbericht' (the weather report) or 'die Wettervorhersage' (the weather forecast) when discussing future weather.