verb
to say
A1
Sagen means "to say". Common transitive verb: state, tell. Regular weak verb: Präsens sag-, Präteritum sagte, participle gesagt. Uses auxiliary haben. Non‑reflexive. Often introduces reported speech or complements with dass/zu + infinitive. No separable prefix. Extremely frequent in everyday and reported contexts.
Examples
Ich habe dir alles gesagt.
I told you everything.
Er sagte nichts.
He didn't say anything.
Ich sage dir die Wahrheit.
I'm telling you the truth.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a person opening their mouth with speech bubbles labeled 'sagen'.
Sounds like 'saying' — 'sagen' ≈ 'say-gen' (to say).
Notes
Common verb for reporting speech. Past participle 'gesagt'.