All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| sprechen | speak; talk | languages and conversations | strong; mit + dative, über + accusative |
| besprechen | discuss something | plans, problems and arrangements | inseparable; accusative topic; mit + dative |
| aussprechen | pronounce; express explicitly | words, wishes and stated positions | separable; accusative object; hat ausgesprochen |
| versprechen | promise; misspeak reflexively | commitments and slips of the tongue | inseparable; dative recipient; reflexive mich for misspeaking |
sprechen
Meaning and usage: Sprechen names the act of speaking, a language you speak, or a conversation. For a conversation topic, German commonly uses über. It is broader than discussing a specific issue to reach a decision.
Grammar: Strong, nonseparable: spricht, sprach, hat gesprochen. Say eine Sprache sprechen, mit jemandem sprechen (dative), and über etwas sprechen (accusative).
Ich spreche mit meiner Kollegin über den neuen Stundenplan.
I am talking to my colleague about the new timetable.
besprechen
Meaning and usage: Besprechen makes the issue the direct object of the discussion. It often suits practical matters requiring shared attention. The reflexive sich besprechen means consulting or discussing with one another.
Grammar: Strong and inseparable: bespricht, besprach, hat besprochen. Use an accusative topic: den Plan besprechen. Add mit + dative for the other person. The usual direct-object construction does not require über.
Wir besprechen die Aufgabenverteilung nach der Pause.
We will discuss the allocation of tasks after the break.
aussprechen
Meaning and usage: Aussprechen refers to articulating a word, but also to putting a thought, wish or sympathy into words. Sich für or gegen etwas aussprechen means declaring support or opposition. It is not limited to pronunciation practice.
Grammar: Strong and separable: spricht aus, sprach aus, hat ausgesprochen. Usually takes an accusative object. For a position, sich aussprechen für/gegen + accusative is a common reflexive construction; nonreflexive wording is also possible in this sense.
Kannst du diesen Ortsnamen langsam aussprechen?
Can you pronounce this place name slowly?
versprechen
Meaning and usage: Versprechen commits the speaker to something. Add a reflexive pronoun in sich versprechen and the meaning changes to saying something unintended. Another construction, sich etwas von etwas versprechen, describes hoping for a benefit.
Grammar: Strong and inseparable: verspricht, versprach, hat versprochen. Promise someone (dative) something (accusative), a dass-clause or an infinitive with zu. In the slip-of-the-tongue sense: ich verspreche mich.
Ich verspreche dir, die Unterlagen heute zu schicken.
I promise you that I will send the documents today.
Bei der Zahl habe ich mich versprochen.
I misspoke when I said the number.
Overlap and context
Sprechen über and besprechen can describe the same discussion. Besprechen packages the topic as a direct object. Aussprechen describes what you articulate or state; versprechen adds commitment. Reflexive pronouns sometimes change the meaning substantially, so read the whole construction.
Common mistakes
- Say Wir besprechen den Plan, rather than automatically inserting über after besprechen.
- Do not confuse hat ausgesprochen with hat versprochen.
- Sich versprechen means misspeaking, not promising something to oneself.
Memory aid: Speak generally, discuss the issue, say it out loud, then promise an action.
Try it
Complete: Wir ___ morgen die Reisekosten. You mean 'discuss the travel expenses' without über.
Show the answer
besprechen
Besprechen takes the discussed topic directly as an accusative object.