Meaning
To almost remember something, but not quite.
Cultural Background
In German schools, teachers often encourage students by saying 'Es liegt dir doch auf {der|f} Zunge!', implying the student actually knows the answer. The phrase is identical in Austria, but you might hear it with a softer 'l' sound in regional dialects. Swiss German speakers use 'uf de Zunge ligge', which is the dialect version of the same idiom.
Use it as a filler
If you forget a word in a German exam, say this phrase. It shows the examiner you have the vocabulary to describe your memory lapse.
Dative check
Always use 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm', etc. Never use 'ich' or 'mich'.
Meaning
To almost remember something, but not quite.
Use it as a filler
If you forget a word in a German exam, say this phrase. It shows the examiner you have the vocabulary to describe your memory lapse.
Dative check
Always use 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm', etc. Never use 'ich' or 'mich'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative pronoun.
Wie heißt er? Es liegt ___ auf {der|f} Zunge. (I)
The idiom requires the dative case for the person forgetting.
Which preposition is correct?
Das Wort liegt mir ___ der Zunge.
The idiom always uses 'auf' (on).
Match the German to the English.
Match the phrases.
Understanding the nuances of memory-related phrases.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kennst du {den|m} Song? B: Ja, {der|m} Titel liegt ___ ___ ___ ___.
The full phrase is 'mir auf der Zunge liegen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWie heißt er? Es liegt ___ auf {der|f} Zunge. (I)
The idiom requires the dative case for the person forgetting.
Das Wort liegt mir ___ der Zunge.
The idiom always uses 'auf' (on).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances of memory-related phrases.
A: Kennst du {den|m} Song? B: Ja, {der|m} Titel liegt ___ ___ ___ ___.
The full phrase is 'mir auf der Zunge liegen'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's only for words, names, or specific facts. For a face, you would say 'Das Gesicht kommt mir bekannt vor.'
Not at all. It's a very common and neutral expression.
'Vergessen' means it's gone. 'Auf der Zunge liegen' means it's there but temporarily blocked.
Related Phrases
auf der Zunge brennen
similarTo be eager to say something.
nicht auf etwas kommen
synonymTo not be able to remember something.
wie weggeblasen
contrastTotally forgotten (blown away).
