Significado
To have an important matter or concern that one wants to discuss.
Contexto cultural
In Germany, directness is valued, but 'etwas auf dem Herzen haben' provides a socially acceptable 'soft' entry into emotional topics, which might otherwise feel too private. In Austria, the phrase is often used with a bit more 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness/warmth). It's very common in social settings over a glass of wine or coffee. Swiss German speakers use similar imagery. It fits the Swiss value of discretion—you don't just blurt things out; you wait until someone asks what's on your heart. Modern German corporate culture uses this phrase to promote 'Mental Health' and open communication, moving away from the old 'leave your feelings at the door' mentality.
The 'Door Opener'
Use this phrase if you want to be a good listener. It shows you care about the other person's feelings.
Not for Small Talk
Don't use this as a casual 'How are you?' It's too heavy for a quick greeting.
Significado
To have an important matter or concern that one wants to discuss.
The 'Door Opener'
Use this phrase if you want to be a good listener. It shows you care about the other person's feelings.
Not for Small Talk
Don't use this as a casual 'How are you?' It's too heavy for a quick greeting.
The Dative 'n'
Always remember the 'n' at the end of 'Herzen'. It's what makes you sound like a pro!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ich sehe, dass du traurig bist. Hast du etwas ___ ___ ___?
The idiom always uses 'auf' + dative 'dem Herzen'.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Situation: Your colleague looks very stressed and isn't working well.
This is the empathetic way to ask if something is bothering them.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kann ich kurz mit dir reden?' B: 'Klar, was ___ ___ ___ ___?'
The verb in this idiom is always 'haben'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
In the Perfekt tense, 'haben' is conjugated and 'gehabt' goes to the end. 'Herzen' remains in the dative.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Heart vs. Mind
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIch sehe, dass du traurig bist. Hast du etwas ___ ___ ___?
The idiom always uses 'auf' + dative 'dem Herzen'.
Situation: Your colleague looks very stressed and isn't working well.
This is the empathetic way to ask if something is bothering them.
A: 'Kann ich kurz mit dir reden?' B: 'Klar, was ___ ___ ___ ___?'
The verb in this idiom is always 'haben'.
Choose the correct sentence.
In the Perfekt tense, 'haben' is conjugated and 'gehabt' goes to the end. 'Herzen' remains in the dative.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is very common in 1-on-1 meetings to ask if an employee has concerns.
Mostly yes, but it can also be used for a big secret or a deep wish you want to share.
It's an old dative ending that survived in this specific idiom.
Yes, 'etwas liegt mir auf dem Herzen' is a very common variation that emphasizes the weight of the concern.
No, that sounds like you have a person physically on your heart. Say 'Du liegst mir am Herzen' (You are dear to me) instead.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
If you have a problem, say 'Ja, eigentlich schon...' and explain. If not, say 'Nein, danke, alles bestens.'
No, for physical pain use 'Ich habe Schmerzen in der Brust' or 'Mein Herz tut weh'.
Yes, it is standard German and understood in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Very often! It's one of the top idioms for emotional communication.
Frases relacionadas
jemandem sein Herz ausschütten
builds onTo pour one's heart out to someone.
sich etwas von der Seele reden
similarTo talk something off one's soul.
ein Herz und eine Seele sein
relatedTo be inseparable/in total agreement.
das Herz auf der Zunge tragen
contrastTo wear one's heart on one's sleeve/tongue.
