Meaning
Expresses that something is personally significant or dear.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty). Using this phrase shows you are being authentic. Austrians often use this in a slightly more poetic or formal way in public life. Swiss German speakers use the same phrase, often in professional contexts to show reliability. In international business, using this phrase in German shows a high level of cultural integration and sincerity.
Use it in interviews
It shows you are a person of values, not just a worker.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for everything, it loses its power.
Meaning
Expresses that something is personally significant or dear.
Use it in interviews
It shows you are a person of values, not just a worker.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for everything, it loses its power.
Combine with 'sehr'
Adding 'sehr' makes it sound more natural and emphatic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative pronoun.
Das liegt ____ am Herzen.
The verb 'liegen' requires the dative case for the person.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage.
Only the first option uses the correct dative pronoun and preposition.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the German phrase to the English equivalent.
The phrase expresses deep importance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you working so hard on this? B: ____.
This is the most natural way to express that the work is personally significant.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDas liegt ____ am Herzen.
The verb 'liegen' requires the dative case for the person.
Choose the correct usage.
Only the first option uses the correct dative pronoun and preposition.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase expresses deep importance.
A: Why are you working so hard on this? B: ____.
This is the most natural way to express that the work is personally significant.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it usually refers to their well-being or your relationship with them.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
It is a contraction of 'an dem'.
Yes, 'Das lag mir am Herzen' (That was important to me).
Yes, it is a very standard and well-understood idiom.
That means something is bothering you (like a burden).
Yes, if you are very passionate about it.
Yes, it is very common in letters and emails.
Only if used for unimportant things.
You don't usually pluralize the phrase itself.
No, it is used by everyone regardless of gender.
Yes, 'Das liegt mir sehr am Herzen' is very common.
Related Phrases
Herzensangelegenheit
specialized formA matter of the heart
Jemandem ans Herz wachsen
similarTo grow dear to someone
Etwas zu Herzen nehmen
similarTo take something to heart
Ein Herz für etwas haben
similarTo have a heart for something
