German word

Klartext

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklaːɐ̯ˌtɛkst/

Meaning

  • masculine nounplain language

Example

Ich verstehe den Klartext.

I understand the plain language.

Illustration for Klartext (plain language)

More examples

Im Meeting sprach er Klartext.

In the meeting, he spoke plainly.

Core concept

A message with no code or cushioning, so its meaning reaches the listener directly.

Common phrases

  • Klartext sprechen

    speak plainly

  • Klartext verlangen

    demand a straight answer

Similar words

Direktheit: The quality of expressing something directly rather than indirectly.
Offenheit: The quality of keeping thoughts and feelings open rather than hidden.
Geradlinigkeit: A clear and direct manner without winding explanations or delays.
Eindeutigkeit: The quality of having one definite meaning and no ambiguity.

Definition in German

Deutliche und unverblümte Ausdrucksweise; eine Aussage, die ohne Umschweife sagt, was gemeint ist.

Word origin

Klartext combines German klar, meaning clear, with Text, meaning text; it denotes unencrypted text and metaphorically direct speech.

Usage tips

  • Klartext often appears in the phrase Klartext reden, which can sound forceful because it signals a demand for directness.

Other meanings

  • straight talknoun

Opposites

  • Verschleierungconcealmentnoun
  • Beschönigungsugarcoatingnoun

Word lists with this word