Statt zu reden klären wir das Problem schnell.

Instead of talking we clarify the problem quickly.

Breakdown of Statt zu reden klären wir das Problem schnell.

• wir: we
• schnell: quickly
• das Problem: the problem
• statt: instead of
• klären: to clarify
• reden: to talk

Questions & Answers about Statt zu reden klären wir das Problem schnell.

Should there be a comma after "reden"?

Yes. After "statt/anstatt" introducing a zu-infinitive group, a comma is required. Correct: "Statt zu reden, klären wir das Problem schnell."

Why is it "klären wir" (verb before subject) instead of "wir klären"?

German main clauses are verb-second (V2). When you front "Statt zu reden" into the first position, the finite verb must come next, and the subject follows: "Statt zu reden, klären wir …". Without a fronted element, you’d say "Wir klären …".

What does the "statt zu + infinitive" construction do, and when would I use "statt dass"?

"statt zu + infinitive" means "instead of doing X" and normally shares its subject with the main clause ("we"): "Statt zu reden, klären wir …". If you need a different subject or want to make it explicit, use "statt dass" + finite clause: "Statt dass sie reden, klären wir …".

Can I use "anstatt" instead of "statt"?

Yes. "Anstatt" is a slightly more formal variant; both are correct: "Anstatt zu reden, klären wir …".

Do I always need "zu" after "statt" when a verb follows?

Yes. With a verb, use "statt/anstatt zu + infinitive": "statt zu reden". Alternatively, "statt" can take a noun phrase (genitive preferred): "Statt des Redens klären wir …". Plain "statt reden" is nonstandard in careful writing.

Why "reden" and not "sprechen"?

Both are possible. "reden" is more colloquial/general ("to talk"); "sprechen" is slightly more formal or focuses on the act/ability of speaking. "Statt zu sprechen, …" sounds a bit more formal than "Statt zu reden, …".

Is "klären" the right verb with "Problem"? Shouldn’t it be "lösen"?

Both occur, but the nuance differs:

• "ein Problem lösen" = solve/fix a problem.
• "ein Problem klären" = clarify/settle a problem (resolve uncertainty, get things straight). Use "lösen" if you mean a concrete fix; use "klären" if you mean clearing up issues or deciding a matter.

What case is "das Problem" here, and why "das"?

Accusative (direct object of "klären"). "Problem" is neuter, and neuter has "das" in both nominative and accusative singular, so it appears as "das Problem".

Can I move "schnell" to a different place?

Yes. Common options:

• "Wir klären das Problem schnell." (neutral)
• "Wir klären schnell das Problem." (slight emphasis on doing it quickly) With the fronted phrase: "Statt zu reden, klären wir das Problem schnell." / "Statt zu reden, klären wir schnell das Problem." All are acceptable; choose by emphasis and rhythm.

Does "schnell" need an ending like English "-ly"?

No. In German, adverbs often look like their adjective form. "schnell" works as both adjective and adverb.

How would I say this with "stattdessen"?

Use two main clauses, because "stattdessen" is an adverb, not a subordinator:

• "Wir reden nicht; stattdessen klären wir das Problem schnell." A comma is also possible: "Wir reden nicht, stattdessen klären wir …".

Would "ohne zu reden" work here, and what’s the difference?

"ohne zu reden" = "without talking (at all)"; it emphasizes the absence of speech: "Ohne zu reden, klären wir das Problem schnell." "Statt zu reden" emphasizes the alternative action (we do X instead of talking).

Is "Statt" a preposition or a conjunction here?

Here it heads an infinitive group ("statt/anstatt + zu + infinitive"), functioning preposition-like. With a noun phrase it’s clearly a preposition ("statt des Redens"). With "statt dass" it’s a subordinating conjunction.

Can I omit the subject "wir"?

No. German finite clauses generally require the subject pronoun. You need "…, klären wir …", not "…, klären …".

Where does "zu" go with separable verbs?

Between the prefix and the stem: "statt anzurufen" (from "anrufen"), not "statt zu anrufen". Here "reden" isn’t separable, so "zu reden" is straightforward.

Is "Wir klären das Problem schnell" equally correct if I don’t front anything?

Yes. That’s the neutral order without a fronted element. Only when you front "Statt zu reden" do you need the inversion: "Statt zu reden, klären wir …".

Any pronunciation tips for tricky parts?

• "Statt": initial "St" is pronounced like "sht" in Standard German: [ʃtat].
• "klären": long "ä" [ɛː], approx. "KLEH-ren": [ˈklɛːʁən].
• "reden": long "e"
• "Problem": stress on the second syllable, long "e": [pʁoˈbleːm].
• "schnell": [ʃnɛl].