Meaning
To no longer be thinking or worrying about something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Feierabend' is sacred. Using this idiom often signals that one is ready to transition from 'work mode' to 'life mode'. In Vienna, you might hear 'Das hab ich schon längst aus dem Kopf,' often said with a bit of 'Schmäh' (sarcastic charm) to indicate that a problem is beneath them now. Swiss German speakers use 'us em Chopf' in a similar way, but often emphasize the cleanliness and order of having things 'erledigt' (done). In the age of 'burnout' and 'mental load,' this idiom is increasingly used in German social media to talk about mental health and setting boundaries.
Use 'aus'm' for native flow
In casual conversation, shorten 'aus dem' to 'aus'm'. 'Ich hab's aus'm Kopf!'
Don't use with 'vergessen'
Saying 'Ich habe es aus dem Kopf vergessen' is redundant and wrong. Pick one!
Meaning
To no longer be thinking or worrying about something.
Use 'aus'm' for native flow
In casual conversation, shorten 'aus dem' to 'aus'm'. 'Ich hab's aus'm Kopf!'
Don't use with 'vergessen'
Saying 'Ich habe es aus dem Kopf vergessen' is redundant and wrong. Pick one!
The 'Feierabend' connection
Use this phrase at 5 PM on a Friday to instantly bond with German colleagues.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article (Dative).
Ich bin froh. Ich habe {die|f} Prüfung endlich ___ ___ Kopf.
The idiom always uses 'aus dem Kopf'.
What does this sentence mean? 'Er hat {den|m} Streit aus dem Kopf.'
Er hat {den|m} Streit aus dem Kopf.
The idiom refers to mental relief from a burden.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Warum bist du so entspannt? B: Weil ich ________________ (the work / off my mind / have).
In a 'weil' clause, the verb 'habe' goes to the end.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: You just finished your tax return after weeks of stress.
'Aus dem Kopf haben' expresses the relief of being finished.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch bin froh. Ich habe {die|f} Prüfung endlich ___ ___ Kopf.
The idiom always uses 'aus dem Kopf'.
Er hat {den|m} Streit aus dem Kopf.
The idiom refers to mental relief from a burden.
A: Warum bist du so entspannt? B: Weil ich ________________ (the work / off my mind / have).
In a 'weil' clause, the verb 'habe' goes to the end.
Situation: You just finished your tax return after weeks of stress.
'Aus dem Kopf haben' expresses the relief of being finished.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you were worrying about them or couldn't stop thinking about an ex-partner. 'Ich habe ihn endlich aus dem Kopf.'
Both are possible, but 'aus dem Kopf' is the standard idiom. Using 'meinem' makes it more personal.
It's neutral-informal. It's fine for the office, but maybe not for a formal speech to the CEO.
'Haben' is the state (it's already gone). 'Bekommen' is the process (you are trying to make it go away).
Yes! 'Das geht mir nicht aus dem Kopf' means 'I can't stop thinking about it.'
Yes, it is standard German and understood everywhere from Hamburg to Vienna.
Usually, it's for burdens. You wouldn't say you have a 'great party' out of your head unless the planning was stressful.
Use: 'Ich kriege dieses Lied nicht aus dem Kopf.'
No. 'Auswendig' means by heart/memorized. 'Aus dem Kopf' means off your mind.
No, the idiom is always singular: 'aus dem Kopf'.
Related Phrases
Sich etwas aus dem Kopf schlagen
similarTo force oneself to stop thinking about something.
Den Kopf frei haben
builds onTo have a clear mind.
Etwas im Hinterkopf haben
contrastTo have something in the back of one's mind.
Aus den Augen, aus dem Sinn
similarOut of sight, out of mind.
