Dortmund, who failed to make it past the Champions League group stage, have now won just one of their last four league games.
'We did not get the three points. We take the lead under difficult conditions and then just gift away goals,' said Dortmund coach Marco Rose.
'We tried to manage the game too much. We have aims and expectations, and the result and our position in the standings is clear. We are missing this unconditional football.'
'We are talking about attitude. It is clear the lads wanted it, but Hertha were more passionate and with their comeback they deserved it and we leave with empty hands,' he said.
'Now we will have to carry a defeat through our holidays, and I hope that will lead to a change in attitude when we meet in the new year.'
Dortmund are second on 34 points, with Bayern top on 43. Bayer Leverkusen, third on 28, are in action on Saturday against Freiburg. Hertha's win moved them away from the relegation zone and into 11th place on 21 points.
The league will resume on Jan. 7.