The German phrase "Bescheid sagen" is a widely used expression that means to inform someone or to let someone know about something. It is a combination of the noun "Bescheid" and the verb "sagen," and it functions as a fixed phrase rather than a literal combination of its parts. The noun "Bescheid" originally referred to an official decision or notification, which still appears in bureaucratic contexts, such as "ein amtlicher Bescheid" (an official notice). In everyday language, however, it has taken on the broader meaning of information or knowledge about a situation, making "Bescheid sagen" a natural way to indicate that someone will be informed.
This phrase is used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to workplace communication. When making arrangements, it is common to say "Sag mir Bescheid, wenn du fertig bist" ("Let me know when you're ready"). It also appears in professional settings, such as "Bitte sagen Sie mir Bescheid, sobald die Unterlagen bereit sind" ("Please let me know as soon as the documents are ready"). In requests, it often implies a level of expectation that the person will follow up, as in "Sag mir Bescheid, ob du mitkommst" ("Let me know whether you're coming along").
A closely related phrase is "Bescheid geben," which carries the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably. While there is little difference between them, "Bescheid geben" is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal. In spoken language, "Bescheid sagen" tends to be more common, though both are widely understood.
The phrase "Bescheid sagen" follows a grammatical structure that differs from typical English phrasing, which can make it seem awkward to an English speaker at first. In German, "Bescheid" functions as a noun, but in this fixed phrase, it behaves similarly to an abstract concept rather than a concrete object. The construction is verb + noun, where "Bescheid" refers to the information or decision that is being communicated, while "sagen" is the verb that carries the action of speaking or informing.
A direct word-for-word translation into English would be something like "Tell me decision" or "Say me notification," which is not how English expresses this concept. A grammatical parallel in English is the phrase "make a decision," where "decision" is a noun but is used in a fixed combination with a verb rather than relying on the verb itself to express the meaning. In German, "Bescheid sagen" works in a similar way: the noun "Bescheid" contains the meaning of the information being conveyed, while the verb "sagen" provides the speech-related action.
Another close comparison in English is the phrase "give notice," as in "Give me notice when the report is ready." This structure, although somewhat formal in English, mirrors "Bescheid sagen" in that it combines a verb with a noun that encapsulates the concept of informing.
The word "Bescheid" itself comes from the Middle High German "bescheit," which referred to a decision or judgment. This meaning is still preserved in legal language, as seen in "der Steuerbescheid" (the tax assessment notice). The verb "bescheiden" once meant "to decide" or "to grant," and traces of this usage remain in formal expressions, though it has largely fallen out of common use.
Other expressions can sometimes replace "Bescheid sagen". In a casual setting, "mich informieren" (to inform me) or "mich wissen lassen" (to let me know) might be alternatives. In formal situations, "eine Rückmeldung geben" (to give feedback) or "benachrichtigen" (to notify) might be more suitable. While these alternatives exist, "Bescheid sagen" remains one of the most natural and frequently used ways to request or promise information in everyday German.