In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'with regard to' or 'considering'.
- Always followed by the accusative case in German.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'regarding' or 'considering' something. It helps you point to a specific topic or factor that is influencing your current decision or opinion.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a job offer
Im Hinblick auf das Gehalt ist das Angebot akzeptabel.
With regard to the salary, the offer is acceptable.
Planning a trip with a friend
Im Hinblick auf die Zeit sollten wir den Zug nehmen.
Considering the time, we should take the train.
A formal business meeting
Im Hinblick auf die Konkurrenz müssen wir unsere Strategie ändern.
In view of the competition, we must change our strategy.
Cultural Background
In German companies, 'im Hinblick auf' is used to signal that a decision is based on data and logic rather than personal preference. It is part of the 'Versachlichung' (objectification) of workplace conflicts. German academia values 'Präzision' (precision). Using this phrase allows scholars to define the exact 'Blickwinkel' (angle) of their research, which is a key requirement for high grades in university essays. The German 'Behördendeutsch' (officialese) is famous for its complexity. 'Im Hinblick auf' is a staple in letters from the 'Finanzamt' (tax office) or 'Arbeitsagentur' (employment agency). Quality newspapers like 'Die Zeit' or 'FAZ' use this phrase to link current events to historical or social frameworks, reflecting the German value of 'Kontextualisierung' (contextualization).
The 'Dative Trap'
Many native speakers make mistakes with the case after 'auf' in casual speech. If you use the Accusative correctly, you will sound more educated than many natives!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every sentence of an email, you will sound like a parody of a German bureaucrat. Use it once or twice per document.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'with regard to' or 'considering'.
- Always followed by the accusative case in German.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and serious discussions.
What It Means
Im Hinblick auf is your go-to phrase for connecting two ideas. It literally means you are looking toward a specific point. Think of it as a mental spotlight. You use it to tell people exactly what you are focusing on. It is like saying 'given the fact that' or 'in light of'. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.
How To Use It
Grammar alert: this phrase always takes the accusative case. You place it at the start of a sentence or a clause. For example: Im Hinblick auf das Wetter bleiben wir zu Hause. You are basically setting the stage. It is common in writing and professional speech. In casual talk, it adds a touch of seriousness. Don't let the length of the phrase scare you. It flows quite naturally once you say it a few times.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to justify a choice. Imagine you are at a car dealership. You might say, Im Hinblick auf den Preis ist dieses Auto besser. It works perfectly in business meetings. Use it when discussing budgets, deadlines, or strategies. It is also great for academic writing. Even in a text to a friend, it can work. Use it if you want to sound slightly more 'adult' about a decision.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for very simple, emotional reactions. If you just love a pizza, don't say Im Hinblick auf den Käse ist es lecker. That sounds like a robot wrote a food review. Do not use it if you are in a huge rush. It is a 'slow' phrase that requires a bit of breath. In a loud club, stick to wegen (because of). It is too clunky for high-energy, chaotic moments.
Cultural Background
Germans love precision and structure. This phrase is a reflection of that cultural trait. It allows for a clear 'cause and effect' logic. It stems from the word Anblick or Blick (view). Historically, it implies a forward-looking perspective. It suggests you have weighed the options carefully. Using it shows you value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). It is a hallmark of the educated middle class (Bildungsbürgertum).
Common Variations
If you want to switch it up, try In Bezug auf. It means almost the same thing. You can also use Hinsichtlich, which is even more formal. For a shorter version, use Bezüglich. If you are feeling very casual, just use Wegen. But remember, Im Hinblick auf has a special 'visionary' feel. It implies you are looking at the big picture. It is the 'premium' version of 'about'.
Usage Notes
This expression sits firmly in the formal to neutral register. It is a 'signpost' phrase that alerts the listener to the specific context you are about to address. Avoid using it in high-speed, casual slang-filled conversations.
The 'Dative Trap'
Many native speakers make mistakes with the case after 'auf' in casual speech. If you use the Accusative correctly, you will sound more educated than many natives!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase in every sentence of an email, you will sound like a parody of a German bureaucrat. Use it once or twice per document.
The 'Job Interview' Magic
Using this phrase when discussing your CV instantly signals to a German recruiter that you have a high level of professional language competence.
Examples
6Im Hinblick auf das Gehalt ist das Angebot akzeptabel.
With regard to the salary, the offer is acceptable.
Focuses the conversation specifically on the financial aspect.
Im Hinblick auf die Zeit sollten wir den Zug nehmen.
Considering the time, we should take the train.
Used here to justify a logical choice in a neutral setting.
Im Hinblick auf die Konkurrenz müssen wir unsere Strategie ändern.
In view of the competition, we must change our strategy.
Standard professional usage for strategic planning.
Im Hinblick auf meine Prüfung kann ich leider nicht kommen.
With regard to my exam, I unfortunately can't come.
Slightly dramatic/formal for a text, showing the exam is a serious priority.
Im Hinblick auf das Chaos in der Küche erkläre ich den Krieg.
In view of the chaos in the kitchen, I declare war.
Using a formal phrase for a trivial matter creates a funny, hyperbolic effect.
Im Hinblick auf unsere Zukunft mache ich mir Sorgen.
With regard to our future, I am worried.
Adds weight and seriousness to an emotional topic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article (Accusative).
Im Hinblick auf ______ (der) Erfolg des Projekts sind wir zufrieden.
'Hinblick auf' requires the Accusative case. 'Erfolg' is masculine, so 'der' becomes 'den'.
Which sentence is appropriate for a formal business report?
How would you mention the budget as a reason for a delay?
This uses the correct register and the correct preposition/case combination.
Complete the dialogue in a job interview.
Interviewer: 'Warum möchten Sie bei uns arbeiten?' Bewerber: 'Im Hinblick auf ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______.'
'Leidenschaft' is feminine, so 'meine' remains 'meine' in the Accusative.
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
'Im Hinblick auf die aktuelle Sicherheitslage...'
The phrase is highly formal and analytical, typical of news reporting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal 'Regarding'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIm Hinblick auf ______ (der) Erfolg des Projekts sind wir zufrieden.
'Hinblick auf' requires the Accusative case. 'Erfolg' is masculine, so 'der' becomes 'den'.
How would you mention the budget as a reason for a delay?
This uses the correct register and the correct preposition/case combination.
Interviewer: 'Warum möchten Sie bei uns arbeiten?' Bewerber: 'Im Hinblick auf ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______.'
'Leidenschaft' is feminine, so 'meine' remains 'meine' in the Accusative.
'Im Hinblick auf die aktuelle Sicherheitslage...'
The phrase is highly formal and analytical, typical of news reporting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct, but 'im Hinblick auf' (with the article) is more common and sounds more complete in formal writing.
Yes, but it sounds very analytical. 'Im Hinblick auf Herrn Müller...' means you are evaluating him as a factor, not just talking about him.
Not exactly. It means 'considering' or 'with an eye on'. It sets a perspective, while 'wegen' (because of) is a direct cause.
Always the Accusative (Akkusativ).
Only if you are being ironic or talking to a colleague about a very serious work matter.
Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with this phrase to set the topic immediately.
'Hinsichtlich' is a single word and takes the Genitive. They mean the same thing, but 'im Hinblick auf' is slightly more common in speech.
Absolutely. It is one of the most common phrases in German academic writing.
Use 'im Hinblick darauf'.
Yes, it is standard throughout the entire German-speaking world (D-A-CH).
Related Phrases
in Anbetracht
similarconsidering / in view of
hinsichtlich
synonymregarding / concerning
bezüglich
similarreferring to
ungeachtet
contrastregardless of
