Meaning
To do something very quickly and impulsively.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Vorsorge' (precaution). Acting 'Hals über Kopf' is often a plot point in German movies to show a character is undergoing a crisis or a massive life change. In Vienna, the phrase is often used with a bit of 'Schmäh' (sarcasm) to describe someone who is being overly dramatic.
The 'Verlieben' Rule
90% of the time you hear this in songs, it's about love. Learn 'Hals über Kopf verliebt' as one single chunk.
Word Order
Never say 'Kopf über Hals'. It sounds like you are describing a medical deformity!
Meaning
To do something very quickly and impulsively.
The 'Verlieben' Rule
90% of the time you hear this in songs, it's about love. Learn 'Hals über Kopf verliebt' as one single chunk.
Word Order
Never say 'Kopf über Hals'. It sounds like you are describing a medical deformity!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing idiom.
Sie hat sich ________ verliebt.
The standard idiom is 'Hals über Kopf'.
Which situation fits 'Hals über Kopf'?
Markus...
Impulsive actions without planning are 'Hals über Kopf'.
Match the German to the English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the most common words used with the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum ist Maria weg? B: Sie musste ________ nach Berlin.
Maria left suddenly, so the idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Verbs with Hals über Kopf
Action
- • abreisen
- • verlassen
- • kündigen
- • flüchten
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSie hat sich ________ verliebt.
The standard idiom is 'Hals über Kopf'.
Markus...
Impulsive actions without planning are 'Hals über Kopf'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common words used with the idiom.
A: Warum ist Maria weg? B: Sie musste ________ nach Berlin.
Maria left suddenly, so the idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes! Falling in love or going on a surprise vacation are positive 'Hals über Kopf' moments.
No, it is a standard idiom used by everyone from teenagers to news anchors.
Related Phrases
überstürzt
synonymrushed
knall auf fall
similarall of a sudden
mit dem Kopf durch die Wand
contraststubbornly forcing something
