das  Anliegen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/anˈliːɡn̩/

What does 'das Anliegen' mean? 🤔

Das Anliegen (noun, neuter) refers to a concern, a request, or a matter that is important to someone and is often brought to another person or institution. It can be a personal need, a problem, or even a worry.

• Request/Wish: Something one would like to have or achieve, often expressed formally or politely (e.g., ein Anliegen bei einer Behörde vorbringen - to present a request to an authority).
• Matter/Issue: A topic or point that is important and requires attention (e.g., ein dringendes Anliegen besprechen - to discuss an urgent matter).
• Concern/Need: Something that weighs on one's mind or heart (e.g., Es war ihm ein Anliegen, sich zu bedanken - It was important to him / he made a point of saying thank you).

⚠️ Note: The word can be used both formally (e.g., in correspondence with authorities) and informally (e.g., in personal conversation), but often carries a slightly elevated or serious tone.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar of 'das Anliegen' 🧐

The word "Anliegen" is a nominalized verb (from anliegen) and is always neuter (sächlich). It is declined as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Ich habe ein wichtiges Anliegen bezüglich meines Antrags.
   (I have an important matter/request regarding my application.)
2. Der Bürgermeister hörte sich die Anliegen der Bürger an.
   (The mayor listened to the citizens' concerns/requests.)
3. Die Bearbeitung Ihres Anliegens kann einige Zeit dauern.
   (Processing your request/matter may take some time.)
4. Mit diesem Anliegen wenden Sie sich bitte an die zuständige Abteilung.
   (Please contact the responsible department with this matter/concern.)

Using 'das Anliegen' in Context 📝

Das Anliegen is frequently used when you want to bring up something important in a polite or formal way.

• At work & with authorities: Very common in written correspondence or conversations with supervisors, clients, or public offices. Example: "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich schreibe Ihnen bezüglich folgendem Anliegen..." (Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to you concerning the following matter...)
• In personal life: Can also be used among friends or family when addressing an important topic that is close to one's heart. Example: "Ich habe da ein persönliches Anliegen, über das ich mit dir sprechen möchte." (I have a personal matter I'd like to discuss with you.)
• Difference from 'Bitte' or 'Wunsch': An 'Anliegen' is often broader or carries more weight than a simple 'Bitte' (request, plea). It implies the matter is significant to the speaker. A 'Wunsch' (wish) can also be something unexpressed, whereas an 'Anliegen' is usually actively presented.

You can haben (have), vorbringen (put forward), äußern (express), besprechen (discuss), or bearbeiten (process) an Anliegen.

Memory Aids for 'das Anliegen' 🧠

For the article (das): Remember that many nominalized verbs in German are neuter ('das'). Think: "Das item on the agenda is my Anliegen." ('Item' isn't neuter, but it links 'das' to the idea of a specific point or matter).

For the meaning: Imagine something is 'lying on' (liegt an) your mind or heart – it's important to you. Your request or concern 'lies on' the doorstep of the person you're addressing. Anliegen sounds a bit like 'on liegen' (liegen = to lie).

Synonyms & Antonyms for 'das Anliegen' ↔️

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Anlage: Can mean investment, park/grounds, facility, attachment (email).
• Anlehnung: Reliance on, orientation towards. Seeking support or following an example.

A little joke 😄

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie noch ein spezielles Anliegen?" Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Feierabend!"

English: The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any particular concerns/requests (Anliegen)?" The employee says: "Yes, quitting time!"

A little poem 📜

German:
Ein Wunsch, der leise pocht,
Ein Thema, das man mocht'
Zur Sprache bringen, klar und rein,
Das soll mein Anliegen sein.
Ob groß, ob klein, ob ernst, ob licht,
Man trägt es vor mit Zuversicht.

English Translation:
A wish that gently knocks,
A topic that one likes
To bring up, clearly and purely,
That shall be my concern/request.
Whether big or small, serious or light,
One presents it with confidence.

Little Riddle 🕵️

German:
Ich bin ein Wunsch, ich bin ein Plan,
Den man oft höflich äußern kann.
Mal bin ich Sorge, mal ein Ziel,
Für dich bedeute ich sehr viel.
Ich liege dir am Herzen schwer,
Was bin ich? Bitte sag es her!

English Translation:
I am a wish, I am a plan,
That one can often politely state.
Sometimes I'm a worry, sometimes a goal,
To you, I mean a great deal.
I lie heavily upon your heart,
What am I? Please tell me now!

Solution: Das Anliegen (the concern/request/matter)

More about 'das Anliegen' 💡

Word Composition: The word "Anliegen" is the nominalization (Substantivierung) of the verb "anliegen". The verb "anliegen" literally means "to lie next to" or "to adjoin", but is used figuratively to mean "to be important to someone" or "to exist as a request/wish". The prefix "an" emphasizes the closeness or directness with which something affects someone or is brought to someone's attention.

Formal Usage: Phrases like "Ich komme mit folgendem Anliegen auf Sie zu..." (I approach you with the following matter...) or "Wir bitten um Prüfung Ihres Anliegens." (We ask for the examination of your request.) are typical for formal language use in letters, emails, or official conversations.