Meaning
To verbally support and inspire confidence in someone.
Cultural Background
In German schools, 'Mut zusprechen' is a key part of the 'Klassengemeinschaft' (class community). Teachers often explicitly teach students how to support each other before big tests. In Austrian culture, there's a specific kind of 'Zuspruch' found in mountain climbing traditions—encouraging someone to finish the last few meters of a peak. The Swiss value 'Besonnenheit' (calmness). 'Mut zusprechen' here often involves encouraging someone to stay calm and focused rather than being overly emotional. In modern German startups, 'Mut zusprechen' is seen as part of 'Fehlerkultur' (error culture)—encouraging employees to take risks even if they might fail.
Use with 'ganz viel'
To sound more natural and warm, say: 'Ich spreche dir **ganz viel** Mut zu!'
Dative Alert
Always check if you are using 'ihm' (him) or 'ihr' (her). Using 'ihn' or 'sie' (Accusative) is the most common learner error.
Meaning
To verbally support and inspire confidence in someone.
Use with 'ganz viel'
To sound more natural and warm, say: 'Ich spreche dir **ganz viel** Mut zu!'
Dative Alert
Always check if you are using 'ihm' (him) or 'ihr' (her). Using 'ihn' or 'sie' (Accusative) is the most common learner error.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct Dative pronoun.
Mein Freund hat Angst. Ich spreche ___ Mut zu.
The friend is masculine (mein Freund), and 'zusprechen' requires the Dative case. 'Ihm' is the masculine Dative pronoun.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct word order:
'Zusprechen' is a separable verb, so 'zu' goes to the end.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ich schaffe die Prüfung nie! B: Doch! Ich ____ ____ ____ ____.
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMein Freund hat Angst. Ich spreche ___ Mut zu.
The friend is masculine (mein Freund), and 'zusprechen' requires the Dative case. 'Ihm' is the masculine Dative pronoun.
Select the correct word order:
'Zusprechen' is a separable verb, so 'zu' goes to the end.
A: Ich schaffe die Prüfung nie! B: Doch! Ich ____ ____ ____ ____.
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in professional settings like a hospital or office.
It's better to say 'Ich mache mir selbst Mut.' 'Zusprechen' usually implies an interpersonal action.
Related Phrases
jemanden ermutigen
synonymto encourage someone
jemandem gut zureden
similarto talk persuasively to someone
jemanden entmutigen
contrastto discourage someone
Zuspruch erhalten
builds onto receive encouragement/support
