Meaning
To be a kind and good-natured person.
Cultural Background
Danes value 'autenticitet' (authenticity). Having your heart in the right place is often seen as more important than being polite or following strict social etiquette. The concept of 'The Law of Jante' (Janteloven) means you shouldn't think you are better than others. Having your heart in the right place is a humble way to be a 'good' person without being 'superior'. In Danish flat hierarchies, managers are often judged more on their character and whether they have their 'heart in the right place' than on their title. The high level of trust in Denmark is built on the assumption that most people have their heart in the right place until proven otherwise.
The 'Defense' Move
Use this phrase when you need to defend someone who just made a social mistake. It instantly softens the mood.
Don't use 'Rigtige'
Even though 'rigtige' is the modern word for 'right', it sounds wrong in this idiom. Stick to 'rette'.
Meaning
To be a kind and good-natured person.
The 'Defense' Move
Use this phrase when you need to defend someone who just made a social mistake. It instantly softens the mood.
Don't use 'Rigtige'
Even though 'rigtige' is the modern word for 'right', it sounds wrong in this idiom. Stick to 'rette'.
Inner Values
Danes value 'det indre' (the inner) over 'det ydre' (the outer). This phrase is the perfect way to express that.
Test Yourself
Udfyld det manglende ord i idiomet.
Selvom han glemte aftalen, ved jeg, at han har hjertet på _____ sted.
Idiomet bruger altid den arkaiske form 'rette'.
Hvilken sætning er korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige brug af idiomet:
Det kræver 'på', 'hjertet' (bestemt form) og 'sted'.
Match situationen med den bedste brug af idiomet.
Din ven kommer til at ødelægge din yndlingskop, men han er meget ked af det.
Vi bruger det til at forsvare nogen, der har gode intentioner trods et uheld.
Færdiggør dialogen.
A: Jeg synes, den nye chef er meget streng. B: Ja, men hvis du lærer ham at kende, vil du se, at han ____.
Dette passer perfekt til at beskrive en persons sande karakter bag en streng facade.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSelvom han glemte aftalen, ved jeg, at han har hjertet på _____ sted.
Idiomet bruger altid den arkaiske form 'rette'.
Vælg den rigtige brug af idiomet:
Det kræver 'på', 'hjertet' (bestemt form) og 'sted'.
Din ven kommer til at ødelægge din yndlingskop, men han er meget ked af det.
Vi bruger det til at forsvare nogen, der har gode intentioner trods et uheld.
A: Jeg synes, den nye chef er meget streng. B: Ja, men hvis du lærer ham at kende, vil du se, at han ____.
Dette passer perfekt til at beskrive en persons sande karakter bag en streng facade.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt sounds a bit boastful to say about yourself. It's better to let others say it about you.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Hjerte af guld' is stronger. 'Hjertet på rette sted' is more about basic decency and good intentions.
Yes, adding 'det' is grammatically correct and common, though the shorter version is more idiomatic.
Related Phrases
at have et hjerte af guld
similarTo be exceptionally kind and generous.
at mene det godt
similarTo have good intentions.
at have hjertet i halsen
contrastTo be very nervous or scared (heart in throat).
at tabe hjertet til nogen
contrastTo fall in love with someone.
