Why four eyes?
The image counts the eyes of two people. The phrase describes the setting: they speak to each other without anyone else present.
If two colleagues discuss a question in a crowded break room, “unter vier Augen” only fits if others cannot overhear. For a private discussion among three people, “im kleinen Kreis” is a suitable choice.
Können wir die Rückmeldung später unter vier Augen besprechen?
Could we discuss the feedback in private later?
A question with “können wir” politely asks to move the conversation to a different setting.
How the phrase fits into a sentence
In “Ich möchte das unter vier Augen klären”, the phrase tells us how the conversation should happen. It also works with “reden”, “sprechen”, and “besprechen”.
You can move the phrase to the front: “Unter vier Augen können wir offener reden.” The wording of the phrase stays the same.
Unter vier Augen erzählte Amir seiner Schwester von dem Angebot.
Amir told his sister about the offer in private.
At the start of the sentence, the phrase emphasizes the circumstances in which he told her.
Talking privately and agreeing on confidentiality
The phrase first describes who is present. If you also want the information kept confidential, you can ask explicitly: “Could you keep this between us, please?”
At work, you can also name the topic, as in “I’d like to discuss the feedback briefly in private.” That lets the other person prepare for the subject.
Das haben wir gestern unter vier Augen geklärt.
We sorted that out in private yesterday.
In the present perfect, “geklärt” comes at the end of the sentence.
Everyday conversations
A question after the meeting
Rita has a question about the feedback on her draft and asks her colleague Nele to stay behind.
- Rita
Hast du nach der Besprechung kurz Zeit?
Do you have a moment after the meeting?
- Nele
Ja, worum geht’s?
Yes, what’s it about?
- Rita
Ich würde die Rückmeldung zu meinem Entwurf gern unter vier Augen mit dir besprechen.
I’d like to discuss the feedback on my draft with you in private.
- Nele
Klar, ich bleibe einfach noch kurz hier.
Sure, I’ll stay here for a bit.
Usage note
The phrase works at work and in personal settings. A question such as “Do you have a moment later?” can give the other person some context before the request.
Three practice tasks
Try each task before opening the explanation.
How many people take part in a conversation “unter vier Augen”?
Answer and explanation
Zwei Personen.
The four eyes belong to two people.
Complete “Können wir das später ___ vier Augen besprechen?”
Answer and explanation
unter
“Unter” is part of the fixed phrase.
You also want to ask that the information go no further. Which question fits?
Answer and explanation
Kann das bitte zwischen uns bleiben?
“Zwischen uns bleiben” explicitly asks for confidentiality.
What to remember
Remember “etwas unter vier Augen besprechen” when two people want to discuss something privately.