Meaning
It is clearly apparent or evident.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'es liegt auf der Hand' is often used to shut down unnecessary debate. It appeals to the German value of 'Effizienz' (efficiency). Austrians might use this phrase, but they also frequently use 'Das ist doch aufgelegt' (That's laid out/obvious), which comes from card games or billiards. In Swiss High German, the phrase is common, but in Swiss German dialects, you might hear 'Das isch doch klar' more often in casual speech. In German academia, this phrase is a 'Signalwort' (signal word) for a logical conclusion. It helps structure an argument by marking the most important point.
Use with 'Dass'
90% of the time, this phrase is followed by a 'dass'-clause. Master this structure to sound native.
Don't overdo it
If you say everything 'liegt auf der Hand', you might sound arrogant or dismissive of other opinions.
Meaning
It is clearly apparent or evident.
Use with 'Dass'
90% of the time, this phrase is followed by a 'dass'-clause. Master this structure to sound native.
Don't overdo it
If you say everything 'liegt auf der Hand', you might sound arrogant or dismissive of other opinions.
The 'Klar' factor
Germans love the word 'klar'. Adding 'klar' (Es liegt klar auf der Hand) makes you sound very convinced.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and article.
Es liegt ____ ____ Hand, dass wir gewinnen werden.
The fixed expression always uses 'auf' + dative feminine 'der'.
Which sentence means 'The reason is obvious'?
Choose the correct German translation.
'Liegen auf der Hand' is the standard idiom for being obvious.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs.
Each phrase uses 'Hand' but with very different meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum hast du den Job nicht bekommen? B: Ich habe keine Erfahrung. Es ____ ____ ____ ____.
The speaker is saying the reason (lack of experience) is obvious.
In which situation would you use 'Es liegt auf der Hand'?
Select the best context.
It's used for things that are immediately evident and undeniable.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Preposition Power
Practice Bank
5 exercisesEs liegt ____ ____ Hand, dass wir gewinnen werden.
The fixed expression always uses 'auf' + dative feminine 'der'.
Choose the correct German translation.
'Liegen auf der Hand' is the standard idiom for being obvious.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase uses 'Hand' but with very different meanings.
A: Warum hast du den Job nicht bekommen? B: Ich habe keine Erfahrung. Es ____ ____ ____ ____.
The speaker is saying the reason (lack of experience) is obvious.
Select the best context.
It's used for things that are immediately evident and undeniable.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing to introduce a logical conclusion.
It is always 'auf der Hand' (dative) because it describes a position, not a movement.
'Offensichtlich' is an adjective/adverb, while 'es liegt auf der Hand' is a full idiomatic expression. The latter is more idiomatic and slightly more emphatic.
No, the idiom is fixed in the singular: 'auf der Hand'.
Yes, 'Es lag auf der Hand' is common when describing past events that were obvious in hindsight.
It can sound a bit 'know-it-all' if used too much, but generally, it's just seen as being direct.
No, you wouldn't say 'Er liegt auf der Hand'. You say 'Es liegt auf der Hand, dass er...' (It's obvious that he...).
Slang would be 'Ist doch logisch' or 'Checkst du's nicht?'.
Sometimes people add 'flach' (flat) for extra emphasis, but it's not necessary.
Yes, it is standard High German used across all German-speaking countries.
That would be 'to have it under control' or 'to hold it in one's hand'.
Yes, it shows confidence in your reasoning.
No, it is a pure German idiom with deep historical roots.
Think of an object sitting ON (auf) your palm.
Related Phrases
offensichtlich sein
synonymTo be obvious
auf der Hand haben
similarTo have something ready/available
in der Hand haben
contrastTo have control over something
Hand aufs Herz
builds onHonestly / Cross my heart
sonnenklar sein
synonymTo be clear as day
