das  Statement

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈsteɪtmənt/

🗣️ What does "das Statement" mean?

The word das Statement (neuter gender) is a loanword from English and primarily means in German:

• A (formal) statement or declaration: This is the most common meaning. It often refers to a public, sometimes formal, utterance on a specific topic, e.g., by politicians, companies, or organizations (eine Aussage, eine Erklärung).
• A position statement: Similar to a declaration, this term often emphasizes the speaker's position or opinion on a matter (eine Stellungnahme).
• A (pointed) remark: Sometimes it's also used for a striking, meaningful remark that expresses a clear stance (e.g., ein modisches Statement - a fashion statement).

It's a noun of neuter gender (sächlich).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: "das Statement"

"Das Statement" is a neuter noun (sächliches Geschlecht). Its declension is as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Politiker gab nach der Sitzung ein kurzes Statement ab. (The politician made a brief statement after the meeting.)
2. Das Unternehmen veröffentlichte ein offizielles Statement zu den Vorwürfen. (The company published an official statement regarding the allegations.)
3. Ihr Outfit war ein modisches Statement. (Her outfit was a fashion statement.)
4. Wir warten noch auf das Statement der Geschäftsführung. (We are still waiting for the management's statement.)
5. Die verschiedenen Statements der Zeugen widersprachen sich. (The various statements of the witnesses contradicted each other.)

💡 How to Use "das Statement"

"Das Statement" is often used in more formal contexts, particularly in politics, business, media, and public relations.

• Official announcements: "Die Presse wartete gespannt auf das Statement des Ministers." (The press eagerly awaited the minister's statement.)
• Corporate communication: "In unserem Statement distanzieren wir uns von jeglicher Form der Diskriminierung." (In our statement, we distance ourselves from any form of discrimination.)
• Public positions: "Die Organisation gab ein klares Statement zur aktuellen Umweltsituation ab." (The organization issued a clear statement on the current environmental situation.)
• Fashion/Design (less common, but possible): "Mit diesem auffälligen Schmuck setzt sie ein modisches Statement." (With this conspicuous jewelry, she makes a fashion statement.)

Compared to German words like Aussage (statement, utterance), Erklärung (explanation, declaration), or Stellungnahme (position statement, opinion), "Statement" often sounds more modern or international, sometimes also a bit more detached or formal. Aussage is more general, Erklärung often emphasizes explaining reasons, and Stellungnahme highlights the position taken. "Statement" can encompass aspects of all three but often carries the connotation of a deliberate, public utterance.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (das): Many nouns borrowed from English ending in "-ment" are neuter (sächlich) in German. Think of: das Argument, das Dokument, das Experiment... and also das Statement. It's a clear thing, das is the statement!

For the meaning: A "State-ment" is something that is "stated". It's a declaration or assertion (eine Fest-Stellung or Aus-Sage).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Although similar, synonyms often have subtle differences in meaning depending on context and formality.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Journalist den Politiker: "Können Sie uns ein klares Statement zur aktuellen Lage geben?"

Antwortet der Politiker: "Mein Statement ist klar: Die Lage ist aktuell!"

(Journalist asks politician: "Can you give us a clear statement on the current situation?"
Politician replies: "My statement is clear: The situation is current!")

📜 Poem about the Word

Ein Wort, gewichtig, klar und fest,
ein Statement, das nichts offen lässt.
Gesagt, geschrieben, oft zitiert,
hat Meinung klar positioniert.

Mal kurz, mal lang, mal laut, mal leis',
es bricht das Schweigen, liefert Beweis.
Ob Politik, ob Kunst, ob Wirtschaftswelt,
das Statement ist's, was oft gefällt – oder eben nicht zählt.

(A word, weighty, clear and firm,
a statement that leaves nothing open.
Said, written, often cited,
has clearly positioned opinion.

Sometimes short, sometimes long, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
it breaks the silence, provides proof.
Whether politics, art, or the business world,
the statement is what often pleases – or simply doesn't count.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin oft offiziell und klar,
man gibt mich ab, das ist doch wahr.
Ich zeige Haltung, Position,
manchmal auch nur als Reaktion.
Im Englischen mein Ursprung liegt,
mein Artikel neutral wiegt.

Was bin ich?

(I am often official and clear,
people issue me, that is true.
I show stance, position,
sometimes just as a reaction.
My origin lies in English,
my article carries neutral weight.

What am I?)

(Answer: das Statement)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: As mentioned, "das Statement" is an Anglicism, directly adopted from the English word statement. It became established in German primarily from the second half of the 20th century onwards, especially in the language of media, politics, and business.

Compounds: Sometimes you might find compounds like Presse-Statement (press statement) or Abschluss-Statement (closing statement).