Meaning
To be willing to listen sympathetically to someone's problems.
Cultural Background
In German work culture, 'ein offenes Ohr' is a key part of 'flache Hierarchien' (flat hierarchies). It suggests that even a CEO is approachable. The phrase is equally common across all German-speaking countries and carries the same warm, supportive connotation.
The 'Für' Connection
Always pair this with 'für' if you want to say WHAT you are listening to (e.g., für deine Probleme).
Not for Physical Ears
If you are at the doctor because your ear is literally blocked, do NOT use this phrase. Use 'Mein Ohr ist verstopft'.
Meaning
To be willing to listen sympathetically to someone's problems.
The 'Für' Connection
Always pair this with 'für' if you want to say WHAT you are listening to (e.g., für deine Probleme).
Not for Physical Ears
If you are at the doctor because your ear is literally blocked, do NOT use this phrase. Use 'Mein Ohr ist verstopft'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct adjective ending.
Mein Lehrer hat immer ein offen___ Ohr für Fragen.
'Ohr' is neuter, and in the accusative case with 'ein', the adjective takes '-es'.
Which situation best fits the phrase?
When would you say 'Ich habe ein offenes Ohr für dich'?
The phrase is used for emotional support and listening.
Choose the correct verb.
Wir ___ ein offenes Ohr für Ihre Probleme.
The idiom is 'ein offenes Ohr haben'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kann ich mit dir reden? B: Klar, ich habe ____.
This is the standard way to say 'I'm listening'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMein Lehrer hat immer ein offen___ Ohr für Fragen.
'Ohr' is neuter, and in the accusative case with 'ein', the adjective takes '-es'.
When would you say 'Ich habe ein offenes Ohr für dich'?
The phrase is used for emotional support and listening.
Wir ___ ein offenes Ohr für Ihre Probleme.
The idiom is 'ein offenes Ohr haben'.
A: Kann ich mit dir reden? B: Klar, ich habe ____.
This is the standard way to say 'I'm listening'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically yes, but the idiom is almost always singular: 'ein offenes Ohr'.
Yes, it is very common in modern German workplaces to show approachability.
'Zuhören' is the action of listening. 'Ein offenes Ohr haben' is the willingness or the character trait of being a listener.
Related Phrases
ganz Ohr sein
similarTo be all ears / listening intently
jemandem sein Ohr leihen
similarTo lend someone one's ear
auf taube Ohren stoßen
contrastTo fall on deaf ears
