Meaning
Emphasizing sincerity or the importance of one's statement or intention.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness. This phrase is a tool for clarity. Austrians might use this phrase slightly more softly, often combined with 'wirklich'. Swiss German speakers might use 'Ich meine das ernst' more frequently than 'es'. In a professional setting, this phrase is seen as a sign of reliability.
The 's' contraction
In casual speech, you will almost always hear 'Ich mein's ernst' instead of 'Ich meine es ernst'.
Meaning
Emphasizing sincerity or the importance of one's statement or intention.
The 's' contraction
In casual speech, you will almost always hear 'Ich mein's ernst' instead of 'Ich meine es ernst'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Ich meine ____ ernst.
'Es' is the required placeholder object.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct version.
This is the only grammatically correct structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIch meine ____ ernst.
'Es' is the required placeholder object.
Choose the correct version.
This is the only grammatically correct structure.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it shows you are committed to the role.
No, it is direct, but not inherently rude unless the tone is aggressive.
Related Phrases
Das ist mein Ernst
similarThat is my seriousness.
Meinst du das ernst?
similarDo you mean that seriously?
