Meaning: Honestly / To be honest
When to use it:
When you want to say your true opinion — politely but clearly.
Example:
Ehrlich gesagt, gefällt mir das nicht.
(To be honest, I don’t like that.)
Confidence Tip:
Use this at the beginning of a sentence when you want to sound natural and direct.
ehrlich gesagt
grob genommen
Meaning: Roughly speaking / Generally speaking
When to use it:
When you don’t want to be too precise.
Example:
Grob genommen kostet es 50 Euro.
(Roughly speaking, it costs 50 euros.)
Confidence Tip:
Great phrase when you’re unsure about exact numbers.
Meaning: Basically / In principle
When to use it:
When something is generally true but may have exceptions.
Example:
Im Prinzip hast du recht.
(Basically, you’re right.)
Confidence Tip:
This makes your German sound more advanced instantly.