Verb

aus|sagen

Translation

to testify, to state, to depose, to express

Der Zeuge wird morgen aussagen.

The witness will testify tomorrow.

Was soll dieses Bild aussagen?

What is this picture supposed to express?

Er sagte vor Gericht aus.

He testified in court.

aussagen to testify The witness refused to testify.

((sth.)) aussagen to state, express (sth.) His actions state everything.

((über+4)) aussagen to testify about (sth.) He testified about the incident.

Synonyms: bezeugen (to witness), erklären (to declare), bekunden (to express)

Composed of 'aus-' (out) and 'sagen' (to say). The literal sense is 'to speak out', often in an official capacity.

Visualize 'saying' (sagen) something 'out' (aus) for the record, as a witness does in court. This connects to the meaning 'to testify'.