Meaning
To monitor or remember something for future reference or action.
Cultural Background
Reflects the value of 'Kontrolle' and 'Sicherheit'. Being told someone has something 'im Blick' is a sign of reliability. Often used in the context of precision and punctuality, especially regarding public transport or watchmaking. Used similarly, but sometimes replaced by 'im Aug' behalten' in more casual Viennese dialect. A key phrase in 'Management by Objectives'. It signals that a manager is not micromanaging but is aware of the big picture.
Use it in Job Interviews
It makes you sound organized and responsible. Say: 'Ich behalte die Details im Blick, ohne das große Ganze zu vergessen.'
Don't forget the 'im'
Saying 'in Blick' is a dead giveaway that you are a learner. Always use 'im'.
Meaning
To monitor or remember something for future reference or action.
Use it in Job Interviews
It makes you sound organized and responsible. Say: 'Ich behalte die Details im Blick, ohne das große Ganze zu vergessen.'
Don't forget the 'im'
Saying 'in Blick' is a dead giveaway that you are a learner. Always use 'im'.
Eye Contact
Germans value direct eye contact. This phrase reflects that cultural preference for directness and attention.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Wir müssen die Deadline unbedingt ___ ___ behalten.
The standard phrase is 'im Blick behalten'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A: Ich behalte den Plan im Blick. B: Ich behalte dem Plan im Blick.
'Behalten' requires the accusative case ('den Plan').
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du kurz auf mein Fahrrad aufpassen? B: Klar, ich ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the most natural way to say you will watch over something.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A manager talking about the company's future.
'Vision' fits the professional/strategic context of a manager.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWir müssen die Deadline unbedingt ___ ___ behalten.
The standard phrase is 'im Blick behalten'.
A: Ich behalte den Plan im Blick. B: Ich behalte dem Plan im Blick.
'Behalten' requires the accusative case ('den Plan').
A: Kannst du kurz auf mein Fahrrad aufpassen? B: Klar, ich ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the most natural way to say you will watch over something.
Situation: A manager talking about the company's future.
'Vision' fits the professional/strategic context of a manager.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but be careful. It's fine for children or suspects, but with friends, it can sound a bit like you're supervising them.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Almost none. 'Im Auge' is slightly more common in idioms, 'im Blick' is slightly more common in professional contexts.
No, it must be 'behalten'. 'Halten' sounds like you are physically holding a gaze.
Related Phrases
im Auge behalten
synonymTo keep an eye on
auf dem Schirm haben
similarTo have on the radar
aus den Augen verlieren
contrastTo lose sight of
beobachten
similarTo observe
