Signification
To speak very directly and frankly, without hesitation.
Contexte culturel
In German meetings, 'kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen' is often seen as a professional virtue. Efficiency is prioritized over saving face. In Vienna, communication can be slightly more 'durch die Blume' (through the flower/indirect). Using this phrase might be seen as more aggressive than in Berlin. Swiss German culture often values consensus. Taking no leaf before the mouth is reserved for very clear, necessary corrections.
Use it as a Warning
Start a difficult sentence with 'Ich nehme jetzt mal kein Blatt vor den Mund...' to prepare the listener for honesty.
Don't say 'das Blatt'
The idiom usually uses 'kein' (no) leaf. Using 'das' (the) leaf makes it literal.
Signification
To speak very directly and frankly, without hesitation.
Use it as a Warning
Start a difficult sentence with 'Ich nehme jetzt mal kein Blatt vor den Mund...' to prepare the listener for honesty.
Don't say 'das Blatt'
The idiom usually uses 'kein' (no) leaf. Using 'das' (the) leaf makes it literal.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Er ______ kein Blatt vor den Mund.
The subject is 'Er' (3rd person singular), so 'nehmen' becomes 'nimmt'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right case for 'Mund'.
The idiom uses 'vor' + accusative (den Mund).
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Your friend asks for your honest opinion on a bad haircut.
The phrase is used for frankness and honesty.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Soll ich dir die Wahrheit sagen?' B: 'Ja, bitte ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______!'
The imperative form for 'du' is 'nimm'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen'
Feedback
- • Work reviews
- • Critiquing art
- • Correcting friends
Conflict
- • Arguments
- • Setting boundaries
- • Defending opinions
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEr ______ kein Blatt vor den Mund.
The subject is 'Er' (3rd person singular), so 'nehmen' becomes 'nimmt'.
Choose the right case for 'Mund'.
The idiom uses 'vor' + accusative (den Mund).
Your friend asks for your honest opinion on a bad haircut.
The phrase is used for frankness and honesty.
A: 'Soll ich dir die Wahrheit sagen?' B: 'Ja, bitte ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______!'
The imperative form for 'du' is 'nimm'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot necessarily. It describes honesty. Whether it's rude depends on your tone and the situation.
Yes: 'Ich nahm kein Blatt vor den Mund' or 'Ich habe kein Blatt vor den Mund genommen'.
Historically, it's often thought to be a fig leaf, but in the idiom, it's just a generic 'Blatt'.
Expressions liées
Klartext reden
synonymTo speak plainly.
Durch die Blume sagen
contrastTo say something indirectly/euphemistically.
Frei von der Leber weg sprechen
similarTo speak from the heart/liver.
