German Phrase
Ich hör dir wirklich zu.
Meaning
Literally, "I really listen to you." It emphasizes that the speaker is paying full attention and genuinely cares about what the other person is saying.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to reassure someone that you are fully engaged in the conversation—e.g., after they have shared a problem, a story, or an important piece of information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ichhördirwirklichzu
Separable verb "zuhören"
The verb "zuhören" splits in the present tense: "ich höre … zu". The prefix "zu" moves to the end of the clause.
Dative object
"zuhören" always takes a dative object, so "dir" (to you) is correct, not "dich".
Colloquial contraction
"hör" is the spoken short form of "höre"; in formal writing you would use "höre".
Adverb "wirklich"
"wirklich" intensifies the statement, meaning "really" or "truly".
🗨In Conversation
Ich hör dir wirklich zu.
I really listen to you.
Danke, das bedeutet mir viel.
Thank you, that means a lot to me.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich hörst dir wirklich zu.
The verb must agree with the subject "ich"; use "höre" (or colloquial "hör").
Ich hör dich wirklich zu.
"zuhören" takes a dative object, not accusative.
Ich höre zu dir wirklich.
Do not separate the prefix with a space in the present tense; it belongs at the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Ich höre dir wirklich zu.
I really listen to you.
Ich höre dir aufmerksam zu.
I listen to you attentively.
Ich bin ganz bei dir.
I’m all ears (literally: I’m completely with you).
Ich lausche dir.
I’m listening closely to you.
Cultural Tip
In German, "zuhören" always requires a dative object, so you say "ich höre dir zu" and not "ich höre dich zu." The shortened "hör" is common in informal spoken German; in a formal setting you would use the full form "höre" and possibly the polite "Ihnen" – e.g., "Ich höre Ihnen aufmerksam zu."