Significado
Wanting to discuss a concern.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'bespreekbaarheid' (discussability). Using this phrase is a polite way to bypass the usual 'everything is fine' social script. Flemish speakers use this phrase similarly, but might lean more towards 'iets op de lever hebben' for even minor complaints. In Surinamese Dutch, the heart is also a central metaphor for honesty, though expressions might be more colorful. In modern Dutch offices, 'psychological safety' is often checked using this phrase during 1-on-1s.
The 'Lever' vs 'Hart' trick
If you are crying, use 'hart'. If you are shouting, use 'lever'.
Don't use 'in'
Never say 'in mijn hart' for a worry. That sounds like you have a medical condition.
Significado
Wanting to discuss a concern.
The 'Lever' vs 'Hart' trick
If you are crying, use 'hart'. If you are shouting, use 'lever'.
Don't use 'in'
Never say 'in mijn hart' for a worry. That sounds like you have a medical condition.
Wait for the right moment
This is a 'deep' phrase. Use it when you have time for a real conversation, not in a hallway.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct possessive pronoun.
Ik ben verdrietig. Ik heb iets op ___ hart.
The subject is 'Ik' (I), so the possessive pronoun must be 'mijn' (my).
Which sentence is the most natural for a doctor to say?
A doctor wants to know if you have more concerns.
'Op uw hart' is the polite, empathetic way to ask for concerns. 'Op je lever' sounds too informal/annoyed.
Match the idiom to the situation.
Situation: You are very annoyed with your roommate for not cleaning.
In Dutch, 'lever' (liver) is used for irritation and grudges, while 'hart' is for worries and secrets.
Complete the dialogue.
Sanne: 'Je kijkt zo serieus, Mark.' Mark: 'Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.'
The correct structure is 'heb [iets] op [possessive] hart'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Dutch Organ Idioms
Heart (Hart)
- • Worries
- • Secrets
- • Love
Liver (Lever)
- • Anger
- • Grudges
- • Irritation
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosIk ben verdrietig. Ik heb iets op ___ hart.
The subject is 'Ik' (I), so the possessive pronoun must be 'mijn' (my).
A doctor wants to know if you have more concerns.
'Op uw hart' is the polite, empathetic way to ask for concerns. 'Op je lever' sounds too informal/annoyed.
Situation: You are very annoyed with your roommate for not cleaning.
In Dutch, 'lever' (liver) is used for irritation and grudges, while 'hart' is for worries and secrets.
Sanne: 'Je kijkt zo serieus, Mark.' Mark: 'Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.'
The correct structure is 'heb [iets] op [possessive] hart'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasUsually no. It's almost always for worries, secrets, or concerns. For positive things, you'd just say 'Ik heb goed nieuws'.
Both are correct, but 'op mijn hart' is much more common in personal conversations. 'Op het hart' is more abstract.
Not at all. It is used daily by all age groups in the Netherlands and Flanders.
'Iets kwijt willen' is more general (I want to say something). 'Iets op het hart hebben' implies it was a burden.
Frases relacionadas
Iets op de lever hebben
similarTo have a grudge or irritation.
Het hart op de tong hebben
contrastTo be very outspoken and blunt.
Iets van het hart moeten
builds onTo feel the urgent need to say something difficult.
Met de hand op het hart
similarIn all honesty/sincerity.
