my $var = [ # this signifies an anon array [ # Here is the first element of the top anon array - it is also an anon array { 'BERICHT' => 'test', 'IP' => '127.0.0.1', 'NAAM' => 'test' }, { 'BERICHT' => 'test', 'IP' => '127.0.0.1', 'NAAM' => 'Htbaa' } ], # end of 1st value of the top anon array { # Here is the 2nd value of the top anon array - It's an anon hash 'rm' => 'start', 'dummy' => '' } ]; # So to access 'rm' you need the 2nd element of the top array (aka [1]) # Deref that with $var->[1] # The 2nd element is an anon hash. That is where you need the hash key 'rm' (aka {rm}) # Deref that with $var->[1]->{rm} print $var->[1]->{rm}; #prints 'start'