Light-verb construction 'zur Sprache bringen' (to bring up)

What it is: zur Sprache bringen is a light-verb construction (Funktionsverbgefüge) meaning to bring up or to raise a topic. The noun Sprache in the fixed phrase zur Sprache carries the meaning; bringen is the grammatical light verb.

When it is used: It is formal and typical of discussions, meetings and reports - raising a matter so that it gets discussed. The everyday equivalent is ansprechen or erwähnen.

How it is formed: The topic raised stands in the accusative, followed by the fixed phrase zur Sprache and the verb bringen:

• Accusative object + zur Sprache + bringen

The related intransitive variant zur Sprache kommen means "to come up / be raised" (without an agent).

Examples:

• Er bringt das Problem zur Sprache. - He brings up the problem.
• Im Gespräch brachte sie die Gehaltsfrage zur Sprache. - In the conversation she raised the question of pay.
• Dieses Thema kam erst spät zur Sprache. - This topic only came up late.

Common mistakes: Do not alter the fixed elements - it is zur Sprache (= zu der Sprache), never in die Sprache. Keep agentive bringen (someone raises it) distinct from intransitive kommen (it comes up by itself).

'zur Sprache bringen' = to bring up / raise (a topic).

Means 'to raise/bring up a topic'; a fixed combination.

'zur Sprache bringen' = ein Thema ansprechen.