Oftgesagte

Oftgesagte is a German expression that denotes statements or positions that are repeated frequently. In standard usage, the sense is usually conveyed with the two-word form das oft Gesagte or, when used as a noun, das oft Gesagte. The closed compound oftgesagte is uncommon and typically appears only in stylistic or creative writing, or as a typographic variant.

Etymology and form: the expression combines oft, an adverb meaning “often,” with Gesagte, the nominalized past participle of sagen meaning “what has been said.” As a result, oft Gesagte or das oft Gesagte can function as an attributive phrase or as a nominal phrase referring to frequently stated things.

Usage: the term refers to commonplaces, platitudes, or clichés that recur in discourse. It is often used in literary criticism, rhetoric, or political analysis to describe statements that a speaker relies on because they are widely presumed to be true or uncontroversial. The concept helps analysts discuss how repetition of familiar claims can shape argumentation or persuade an audience without presenting new evidence.

Example: Das oft Gesagte in politischen Reden dient häufig dazu, Komplexität zu vermeiden. In English, this translates roughly to “the oft-uttered statements in political speeches are often used to avoid complexity.”

Variants and related terms: related ideas include clichés, platitudes, and rhetorical devices that rely on familiar, well-worn phrases. See also discourse analysis and rhetoric for broader context.