Meaning
To speak to someone formally about a serious matter.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'ein ernstes Wort' is often the final step before a formal legal or professional warning. It is a sign of respect to give someone this talk before taking harsher action. In Austria, the phrase is used similarly, but might be delivered with a slightly softer tone initially, though the underlying seriousness remains the same. Swiss German speakers use the High German phrase in formal settings, but in dialect, they might use 'es ernschts Wort rede'. The Swiss value of consensus means this talk is often aimed at bringing someone back into the group agreement. In modern start-up culture in Berlin, this phrase is sometimes replaced by 'Feedback-Gespräch', but 'ein ernstes Wort' is still used when the feedback is specifically about a failure or boundary violation.
Use the Diminutive for Kids
If you are talking to a child or a younger sibling, use 'ein ernstes Wörtchen'. It sounds more natural in a family setting.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'zu jemandem reden' with this phrase. It's always 'mit'.
Meaning
To speak to someone formally about a serious matter.
Use the Diminutive for Kids
If you are talking to a child or a younger sibling, use 'ein ernstes Wörtchen'. It sounds more natural in a family setting.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'zu jemandem reden' with this phrase. It's always 'mit'.
The 'Vorgespräch'
In German offices, this talk is often a precursor to formal HR involvement. Take it seriously if you hear it!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Der Lehrer muss ein _______ Wort _______ dem Schüler reden.
The adjective must be 'ernstes' (neuter accusative) and the preposition must be 'mit'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
A) Ich rede ein ernstes Wort mit dem Mittagessen. B) Der Chef redet ein ernstes Wort mit dem Mitarbeiter über seine Verspätungen. C) Wir reden ein ernstes Wort mit dem Wetter. D) Ein ernstes Wort redet mit mir.
Option B is the only one where a serious topic (tardiness) is addressed to a person.
Complete the dialogue.
Mutter: 'Lukas, komm sofort her!' Lukas: 'Was ist los?' Mutter: 'Ich muss ein _______ _______ mit dir reden!'
In a disciplinary context, 'ernstes Wort' is the standard idiom.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
1. 'Ein ernstes Wörtchen' | 2. 'Ein ernstes Wort' | 3. 'Tacheles reden'
The diminutive is common for parents, the standard for work, and Tacheles for direct/slang contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Lehrer muss ein _______ Wort _______ dem Schüler reden.
The adjective must be 'ernstes' (neuter accusative) and the preposition must be 'mit'.
A) Ich rede ein ernstes Wort mit dem Mittagessen. B) Der Chef redet ein ernstes Wort mit dem Mitarbeiter über seine Verspätungen. C) Wir reden ein ernstes Wort mit dem Wetter. D) Ein ernstes Wort redet mit mir.
Option B is the only one where a serious topic (tardiness) is addressed to a person.
Mutter: 'Lukas, komm sofort her!' Lukas: 'Was ist los?' Mutter: 'Ich muss ein _______ _______ mit dir reden!'
In a disciplinary context, 'ernstes Wort' is the standard idiom.
1. 'Ein ernstes Wörtchen' | 2. 'Ein ernstes Wort' | 3. 'Tacheles reden'
The diminutive is common for parents, the standard for work, and Tacheles for direct/slang contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is stern and serious, but not necessarily aggressive. It's about authority and clarity, not shouting.
Yes, if there is a serious issue to discuss, like finances or future plans. It signals that the topic is not for small talk.
The plural 'ernste Worte reden' exists but is much rarer and sounds more like a formal speech or a series of statements.
Yes, 'Wir müssen ein ernstes Wort reden' is the German equivalent of the dreaded 'We need to talk'.
Related Phrases
jemanden ins Gebet nehmen
similarTo lecture someone or take them to task.
Klartext reden
similarTo speak plainly and directly.
jemanden zur Rede stellen
similarTo confront someone and demand an explanation.
ein Machtwort sprechen
builds onTo put one's foot down / to make a final decision.
