Marcel Janssen's goal five minutes before half-time improved Hamburg's chances of finishing in the Bundesliga's top three.
However, this defeat was more bad news for struggling Hertha Berlin, whose manager Friedhelm Funkel was given a vote of confidence on Thursday.
The home side started strongly and Marcel Janssen saw a second minute effort from Dennis Aogo well saved by Jaroslav Drobny in the Hertha goal.
Six minutes later David Jarolim tried his luck for the hosts from long-range - but it was off target - and in the 10th minute Aogo shot wide after Tunay Torun had set him up.
The visitors had their first chance in the 14th minute when Rafael's free-kick found Ramos - but his 30-yard effort was saved.
The only goal of the game came in the 40th minute. Tunay took the ball into the penalty area but it was blocked and fell kindly for Janssen to tap into an open goal from eight yards.
Hertha started the second half brightly and had two good chances in the 49th minute. After Cicero's volley had been saved, Adrian Ramos blasted the rebound against the bar.
Hamburg did most of the pressing in the second half and in the 69th minute Eljero Elia and Thomas Rincon were involved in a good passing move. Rincon crossed into the box but Drobny was on hand to save.
With 15 minutes remaining Ze Roberto's excellent ball found Janssen, who put the ball into the penalty area for Ruud Van Nistelrooy - but the Dutchman's shot was blocked by a defender.
Three minutes from time Hertha came close to an equaliser - but Cicero's header from Artur Wichniarek's cross failed to beat Frank Rost in the home goal.
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