Meaning
To be willing to listen sympathetically to someone's problems.
Cultural Background
In Germany, being a good listener is highly valued in both personal and professional relationships. It is seen as a sign of maturity and emotional intelligence. Similar to Germany, Austrians value the 'offenes Ohr' as a way to build trust and maintain social cohesion in smaller communities. In Swiss German culture, the phrase is also used, often reflecting the value of 'Zuverlässigkeit' (reliability) and being there for others. Across the DACH region, the phrase is a standard way to show empathy without necessarily having to offer a solution immediately.
Use it with 'schenken'
For a more poetic or formal tone, try 'jemandem ein offenes Ohr schenken'.
Active listening
In Germany, saying you have an open ear implies you are ready to listen actively, not just hear the words.
Meaning
To be willing to listen sympathetically to someone's problems.
Use it with 'schenken'
For a more poetic or formal tone, try 'jemandem ein offenes Ohr schenken'.
Active listening
In Germany, saying you have an open ear implies you are ready to listen actively, not just hear the words.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Ich habe immer ein offenes Ohr ___ dich.
The idiom is 'ein offenes Ohr haben für'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best sentence.
Only 'für' is the correct preposition for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich bin so gestresst.' B: 'Keine Sorge, ich ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ für dich.'
The correct phrase is 'ein offenes Ohr haben'.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Your friend is sad. What do you say?
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe immer ein offenes Ohr ___ dich.
The idiom is 'ein offenes Ohr haben für'.
Choose the best sentence.
Only 'für' is the correct preposition for this idiom.
A: 'Ich bin so gestresst.' B: 'Keine Sorge, ich ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ für dich.'
The correct phrase is 'ein offenes Ohr haben'.
Your friend is sad. What do you say?
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it shows you are a good communicator. You could say: 'Ich habe immer ein offenes Ohr für die Anliegen meines Teams.'
No, it can also be for ideas, suggestions, or just chatting.
It is usually used in the singular, but you could say 'Wir haben offene Ohren für Ihre Ideen' (We have open ears for your ideas).
It is neutral and works in almost any situation.
No, that is incorrect. Always use 'für'.
Because 'Ohr' is neuter and it is in the accusative case, requiring the adjective ending '-es'.
Yes, it is standard German used across all DACH countries.
No, it just means you are willing to listen. Solving is a separate step.
Yes, 'Ich habe bei ihm ein offenes Ohr gefunden' means he listened to me.
No, it is a standard idiom.
Then don't use it! It creates an expectation of availability.
Like 'Oar' with a soft 'r' at the end.
Related Phrases
ganz Ohr sein
similarto be all ears
jemandem zuhören
builds onto listen to someone
auf taube Ohren stoßen
contrastto fall on deaf ears
ein offenes Ohr finden
specialized formto find an open ear
