Significado
To take advice or criticism seriously and reflect on it.
Contexto cultural
In German business culture, 'Kritikfähigkeit' (the ability to take criticism) is a key soft skill. Saying you take something to heart is seen as a sign of maturity, not weakness. Austrians might use the phrase with a slightly more 'gemütlich' (cozy/relaxed) tone, but the meaning remains identical. It is often used in family contexts. In Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), the phrase exists as 'öppis zu Herze näh'. It is used frequently in the highly consensus-driven Swiss political and social life. The phrase reflects the common European 'Heart-Center' metaphor, where the heart is the judge of truth and value.
The Dative Secret
Always remember it's 'mir' or 'dir'. If you say 'mich', Germans will still understand you, but it's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Don't Overuse
If you take *everything* to heart, you sound like a drama queen. Save it for things that actually matter.
Significado
To take advice or criticism seriously and reflect on it.
The Dative Secret
Always remember it's 'mir' or 'dir'. If you say 'mich', Germans will still understand you, but it's a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Don't Overuse
If you take *everything* to heart, you sound like a drama queen. Save it for things that actually matter.
The 'Not' Version
The most common way you'll hear this is 'Nimm dir das nicht zu Herzen.' It's the standard German way of saying 'Don't let it get to you.'
Writing Tip
In a formal letter of apology or a follow-up, this phrase shows great sincerity.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct dative reflexive pronoun.
Ich werde ____ {deinen|m} Rat zu Herzen nehmen.
For 'ich', the dative reflexive pronoun is 'mir'.
Which sentence is correct?
A friend is crying because of a mean comment. What do you say?
This is the standard way to tell someone not to let criticism affect them.
Complete the dialogue.
Chef: 'Ihre Berichte müssen präziser werden.' Angestellter: 'Danke für {das|n} Feedback. Ich ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.'
Future tense 'werde...nehmen' is most appropriate for a promise of future improvement.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A student finally starts studying after a warning from the teacher.
This describes internalizing the warning and changing behavior.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Head vs. Heart
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIch werde ____ {deinen|m} Rat zu Herzen nehmen.
For 'ich', the dative reflexive pronoun is 'mir'.
A friend is crying because of a mean comment. What do you say?
This is the standard way to tell someone not to let criticism affect them.
Chef: 'Ihre Berichte müssen präziser werden.' Angestellter: 'Danke für {das|n} Feedback. Ich ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.'
Future tense 'werde...nehmen' is most appropriate for a promise of future improvement.
Situation: A student finally starts studying after a warning from the teacher.
This describes internalizing the warning and changing behavior.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is always 'zu Herzen'. This is an old dative plural form that has survived in this idiom.
Usually, it's for advice or criticism. For positive things, we usually say 'Das hat mich sehr gefreut' or 'Das hat mich berührt'.
'Ernst nehmen' is more intellectual. 'Zu Herzen nehmen' is more emotional and implies a deeper change.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, you take *things* (advice, words) to heart, not people. You could say 'Ich nehme mir deine Worte zu Herzen'.
Yes, 'beherzigen', but it's much more formal.
No! 'Learning by heart' is 'auswendig lernen'.
Yes: 'Ich habe mir das zu Herzen genommen.'
Yes, it's standard in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Ignoring something, or 'etwas auf {die|f} leichte Schulter nehmen' (to take something lightly).
Frases relacionadas
beherzigen
synonymTo follow advice or a rule.
etwas geht jemandem zu Herzen
similarSomething is touching or moving.
auswendig lernen
contrastTo learn by heart/memorize.
sich etwas hinter {die|f} Ohren schreiben
similarTo make sure to remember a lesson.
jemandem etwas ans Herz legen
builds onTo warmly recommend something to someone.
