Meaning
To deal with or attend to a matter.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the German value of 'Dienstleistung' (service) and 'Verlässlichkeit' (reliability). In a professional context, using this phrase is seen as a sign of high competence. In Austria, the phrase is also common in formal settings, but might be accompanied by more 'Höflichkeitsfloskeln' (polite phrases). Swiss German speakers use this in High German contexts (like formal writing), while in Swiss German dialect, they would use simpler forms like 'luege für' (look for/after). In the 'Startup' world in Berlin, this phrase might be seen as too 'old school' or 'corporate'. Younger teams prefer 'Ich rocke das' or 'Ich kümmere mich'.
Master the Genitive
If you use this phrase correctly with the genitive in a B2 exam, you will impress the examiners immensely.
Don't overdo it
Don't use this for trivial things like washing dishes. It's for matters of substance.
Meaning
To deal with or attend to a matter.
Master the Genitive
If you use this phrase correctly with the genitive in a B2 exam, you will impress the examiners immensely.
Don't overdo it
Don't use this for trivial things like washing dishes. It's for matters of substance.
Professionalism
In a German office, saying this shows you are a 'Macher' (a doer) who takes responsibility seriously.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct genitive article.
Der Chef wird sich ______ (die) Problems annehmen.
Problem is neuter ({das|n}), and the genitive masculine/neuter article is 'des'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct formal response.
It requires the accusative reflexive 'mich' and the genitive 'Ihrer Beschwerde'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Wer kümmert sich um den neuen Praktikanten? B: Keine Sorge, ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
The object is 'der Praktikant'. The genitive of 'er' is 'seiner'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Situation: A lawyer telling a client they will handle their divorce.
This is the most professional and legally appropriate phrasing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer Chef wird sich ______ (die) Problems annehmen.
Problem is neuter ({das|n}), and the genitive masculine/neuter article is 'des'.
Choose the correct formal response.
It requires the accusative reflexive 'mich' and the genitive 'Ihrer Beschwerde'.
A: Wer kümmert sich um den neuen Praktikanten? B: Keine Sorge, ich ______ ______ ______ ______.
The object is 'der Praktikant'. The genitive of 'er' is 'seiner'.
Situation: A lawyer telling a client they will handle their divorce.
This is the most professional and legally appropriate phrasing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, absolutely. It is very common in professional emails, news, and formal discussions.
Yes, 'sich einer Person annehmen' means to look after or mentor someone.
'Sich annehmen' is more formal and implies a higher level of official or moral responsibility.
It's a historical grammatical structure where the object of concern was expressed in the genitive case.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. It must be 'des Problems'.
In formal meetings or serious conversations, yes. In casual chat, it's rare.
Ich nahm mich der Sache an (Präteritum) or Ich habe mich der Sache angenommen (Perfekt).
No, it sounds competent and helpful if used in the right context.
Yes! It's a great way to describe how you handle responsibilities.
Yes, without 'sich', the meaning changes to 'to accept'.
Related Phrases
sich um etwas kümmern
similarTo take care of something
etwas bearbeiten
specialized formTo process something
etwas in Angriff nehmen
similarTo tackle something
jemandem unter die Arme greifen
similarTo help someone out
Verantwortung übernehmen
builds onTo take responsibility
