Hand aufs Herz
cross your heart, honestly speaking (literally: hand on heart)
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/hant aʊ̯fs hɛʁt͡s/
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Cultural Note
'Hand aufs Herz' is used to demand or promise absolute honesty. It's a solemn expression that signals the speaker wants the truth without any sugarcoating. The gesture of placing one's hand on the heart symbolizes sincerity in German culture, much like swearing an oath.
📝 Example Sentences
Hand aufs Herz — liebst du sie noch?
Honestly — do you still love her?
Hand aufs Herz, das war mein Fehler.
Cross my heart, that was my mistake.
Sag mir, Hand aufs Herz, was du wirklich denkst.
Tell me, honestly, what you really think.