How to Say 'I'll Take That On Board' in German: Responding Calmly to Negative Feedback
Learn German phrases for accepting criticism calmly, including 'Das nehme ich mit' and 'Ich nehme das auf', with register notes and a realistic dialogue.
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When someone gives you negative feedback in German, the hard part is often not understanding the words but staying calm and responding without sounding defensive. This lesson focuses on one specific skill: acknowledging critical feedback and signalling that you will consider it, using natural German phrases such as 'Das nehme ich mit' and 'Ich nehme das auf'. You will learn which expressions fit which situation, how to buy yourself a moment before replying, and how to avoid the common mistake of translating 'I'll take that on board' word for word.
By the end, you can…
- acknowledge negative feedback in German without sounding defensive.
- use 'Das nehme ich mit' and 'Ich nehme das auf' appropriately in workplace and everyday situations.
- buy time calmly with phrases like 'Lass mich kurz darüber nachdenken' before responding.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Das nehme ich mit.
I'll take that on board. / I'll keep that in mind.
dahs NAY-muh ikh mit
The most natural everyday equivalent. It literally means 'I'll take that with me' and works well in meetings, feedback sessions and informal conversations.
Ich nehme das auf.
I'll take that on board. / I'll note that.
ikh NAY-muh dahs ouf
Slightly more formal and often used for suggestions or information. Common in professional contexts, especially in northern and central Germany.
Danke für den Hinweis, das nehme ich mir zu Herzen.
Thanks for pointing that out, I'll take it to heart.
DAHN-kuh fewr dehn HIN-vice, dahs NAY-muh ikh meer tsoo HER-tsen
Warmer and more personal. Use when the feedback is serious or comes from someone you respect; not for trivial remarks.
Lass mich kurz darüber nachdenken.
Let me think about that for a moment.
lahs mikh koorts dah-REW-ber NAHK-den-ken
A calm way to pause before reacting. It signals that you are taking the feedback seriously rather than dismissing it.
Ich verstehe, was du meinst. Ich denke darüber nach.
I understand what you mean. I'll think about it.
ikh fair-SHTAY-uh, vahs doo mynst. ikh DEN-kuh dah-REW-ber NAHK
Useful when you want to acknowledge the other person's view without immediately agreeing or disagreeing. The informal 'du' fits colleagues and friends; use 'Sie' in formal settings.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
German often expresses 'taking something on board' with a verb of taking plus a direction word: 'mitnehmen' (to take along) and 'aufnehmen' (to take in or note). The separable verbs split in main clauses: 'Das nehme ich mit' and 'Ich nehme das auf.' In both cases, 'das' refers to the feedback itself. If you want to name the topic, use 'Das nehme ich mit' or 'Den Punkt nehme ich mit' for a specific point. For a more reflective tone, add 'mir zu Herzen': 'Das nehme ich mir zu Herzen.' These patterns let you respond calmly without committing to immediate change.
When to use it
Use 'Das nehme ich mit' in everyday and workplace conversations when you want to sound open but not defensive. Use 'Ich nehme das auf' when the feedback is factual, such as a suggestion in a project meeting. Use 'Danke für den Hinweis' first if the feedback was unexpected or critical, then add your response. If you need time, say 'Lass mich kurz darüber nachdenken' and pause. Avoid promising immediate action unless you mean it; German colleagues often value clear, measured responses over quick agreement.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich habe das Gefühl, dass deine letzte Präsentation etwas zu lang war.
I have the feeling that your last presentation was a bit too long.ikh HAH-buh dahs guh-FEWL, dahs DY-nuh LETS-tuh pray-zen-tah-TSYOHN ET-vahs tsoo lang vahrDanke für den Hinweis. Das nehme ich mit.
Thanks for pointing that out. I'll take that on board.DAHN-kuh fewr dehn HIN-vice. dahs NAY-muh ikh mitEs geht nicht darum, dich zu kritisieren. Ich dachte nur, es könnte kürzer sein.
It's not about criticising you. I just thought it could be shorter.es gayt nikht dah-ROOM, dikh tsoo kree-tee-ZEE-ren. ikh DAHK-tuh noor, es KÖN-tuh KÜR-tser zynIch verstehe, was du meinst. Lass mich kurz darüber nachdenken.
I understand what you mean. Let me think about that for a moment.ikh fair-SHTAY-uh, vahs doo mynst. lahs mikh koorts dah-REW-ber NAHK-den-kenA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking workplaces, direct criticism is often seen as helpful rather than personal. A calm 'Das nehme ich mit' shows professionalism and maturity. In Austria and parts of southern Germany, you may also hear 'Das schau ich mir an' (I'll look into that), which is slightly more casual. In formal situations, use 'Sie' and phrases like 'Ich nehme das auf' rather than informal 'du' forms.
One thing to watch for
Translating 'I'll take that on board' literally as 'Ich werde das an Bord nehmen.'
Try this instead: 'An Bord' means 'on board' only in the sense of a ship or plane. For feedback, say 'Das nehme ich mit' or 'Ich nehme das auf.' Example: 'Danke, das nehme ich mit.' This sounds natural and calm.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Your colleague says your report had a few errors. Respond calmly in German and say you will take that on board.
Show a sample answer
Danke für den Hinweis. Das nehme ich mit.
This acknowledges the feedback and uses the standard phrase. 'Ich nehme das auf' would also be correct, especially in a more formal context.
2You need a moment before responding to criticism. What can you say in German?
Show a sample answer
Lass mich kurz darüber nachdenken.
This buys time politely. In formal situations, say 'Lassen Sie mich kurz darüber nachdenken.'
3Which phrase is more formal: 'Das nehme ich mit' or 'Ich nehme das auf'?
Show a sample answer
Ich nehme das auf.
'Ich nehme das auf' is generally more formal and factual. 'Das nehme ich mit' is more common in everyday speech, but both can be used politely.
Stay calm and use 'Das nehme ich mit' or 'Ich nehme das auf' to show you are taking feedback seriously without reacting defensively.
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