Meaning
To consider something important or significant.
Cultural Background
Pünktlichkeit (punctuality) is the most cited thing Germans 'Wert legen' on. Being 5 minutes early is considered 'on time'. Discretion and privacy are highly valued. Swiss people 'Wert legen' on not discussing their salary or wealth openly. While similar to Germany, Austrians often 'Wert legen' on 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) and formal titles in professional settings. Direct feedback is a sign of respect. Managers 'Wert legen' on employees who speak their mind clearly rather than 'sugarcoating'.
The 'Darauf' Trick
If you are unsure how to finish the sentence, just say 'Ich lege Wert darauf...' and then add a full sentence starting with 'dass'.
Don't use 'an'
Many learners say 'Wert legen an', but this is always wrong. Stick to 'auf'.
Meaning
To consider something important or significant.
The 'Darauf' Trick
If you are unsure how to finish the sentence, just say 'Ich lege Wert darauf...' and then add a full sentence starting with 'dass'.
Don't use 'an'
Many learners say 'Wert legen an', but this is always wrong. Stick to 'auf'.
Job Interviews
This is the #1 phrase to use when asked about your strengths. It sounds professional and self-aware.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and article.
Ich lege großen Wert ______ ______ (m) Respekt.
The phrase always takes 'auf' + Accusative. 'Respekt' is masculine, so 'den'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A: Ich lege Wert darauf, dass du pünktlich bist. B: Ich lege Wert, dass du pünktlich bist.
When followed by a 'dass' clause, the placeholder 'darauf' is mandatory.
Match the value to the situation.
Situation: Ein Vorstellungsgespräch (Job interview). Welchen Wert legt der Chef?
Reliability is a professional value; the others are personal/lifestyle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ist dir das {das|n} Design wichtig? B: Nein, ich lege ______ Wert ______ das Aussehen, sondern nur auf die Funktion.
'Keinen Wert auf' means you don't care about it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch lege großen Wert ______ ______ (m) Respekt.
The phrase always takes 'auf' + Accusative. 'Respekt' is masculine, so 'den'.
A: Ich lege Wert darauf, dass du pünktlich bist. B: Ich lege Wert, dass du pünktlich bist.
When followed by a 'dass' clause, the placeholder 'darauf' is mandatory.
Situation: Ein Vorstellungsgespräch (Job interview). Welchen Wert legt der Chef?
Reliability is a professional value; the others are personal/lifestyle.
A: Ist dir das {das|n} Design wichtig? B: Nein, ich lege ______ Wert ______ das Aussehen, sondern nur auf die Funktion.
'Keinen Wert auf' means you don't care about it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's grammatically possible but sounds very strange. It implies you have a list of requirements for that person. Better say: 'Du bist mir wichtig.'
'Wichtig sein' is passive (Something is important to me). 'Wert legen' is active (I choose to make this important).
It is 'großen Wert' (Accusative) because it is the direct object of 'legen'.
Yes, 'Ich lege keinen Wert auf...' means 'I don't care about...'.
Yes, it is standard High German used in all German-speaking countries.
Yes, e.g., 'Ich lege Wert auf Bio-Qualität.'
The opposite is 'etwas vernachlässigen' (to neglect) or 'keinen Wert auf etwas legen'.
No, it sounds clear and principled. It's very common in professional settings.
Yes: 'Er legte immer Wert auf seine Kleidung.'
The concept is 'die Wertlegung', but this is very rare and bureaucratic. Stick to the verb phrase.
Related Phrases
etwas schätzen
similarTo appreciate or value something.
etwas großschreiben
synonymTo prioritize something highly.
Gewicht beimessen
specialized formTo attribute weight/importance to an argument.
wichtig sein
similarTo be important.
