ehrlich gesagt

honestly

adverb AYR-likh ge-ZAHKT Rare

Also means

to be honest

Usage Note

ehrlich gesagt is a set discourse phrase prefacing a candid, often unwelcome opinion: Ehrlich gesagt gefällt mir das nicht. It signals frankness and softens the bluntness of what follows.

Examples

"Ehrlich gesagt habe ich keine Ahnung."

Natural Translation

Honestly, I have no idea.

Literal Translation

Honestly said have I no idea.

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