ärgerlich
/ˈɛʁɡɐlɪç/
The English word "annoying" can be translated into German as ärgerlich, lästig or nervig.
Meaning: causing irritation or annoyance (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| ärgerlich | /ˈɛʁɡɐlɪç/ |
| lästig | /ˈlɛstɪç/ /ˈlɛstɪk/ |
The German terms are used to describe things or people that cause irritation or annoyance.
Which one should you use?
nervig is an informal way to describe something that gets on one's nerves.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛʁɡɐlɪç/
Did you know?
- The word ärgerlich can mean both 'annoying' and 'regrettable'. A German speaker might describe a lost key as ärgerlich to express that the situation is unfortunate rather than just irritating.
- The word lästig is built from the noun Last, which means 'burden' or 'load'.
- While nervig is the most common modern way to say 'annoying', it is technically a colloquialism. In formal writing or legal contexts, Germans prefer lästig or ärgerlich.
Examples in context
- Tom ist so lästig.Tom is so annoying.This sentence shows how to describe a person using the form lästig.Tatoeba #10244992 by wolfgangth, translation #2647939 by CK
- Findest du das lästig?Do you find that annoying?This sentence illustrates how to ask for an opinion about something being lästig.Tatoeba #1929666 by Manfredo, translation #1929644 by CK
- Die Mücken sind lästig.The mosquitoes are annoying.This sentence provides an example of using lästig to describe insects.Tatoeba #1640311 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1640125 by Spamster
- Die ständigen Verspätungen der Züge sind wirklich ärgerlich.The constant train delays are truly annoying.
- Das laute Telefonat ist für die anderen Büroangestellten sehr störend.The loud phone call is very disturbing for the other office employees.
- Die ständigen Werbeanrufe sind echt nervig!The constant telemarketing calls are really annoying!
- Die Mückenstiche sind richtig lästig, besonders im Sommer.The mosquito bites are really bothersome, especially in summer.
- Der ständige Lärm von der Baustelle macht mich total genervt.The constant noise from the construction site is really annoying me.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a technical problem at work.
- MaximilianDer Computer ist heute total langsam.The computer is totally slow today.
- SarahJa, das ist wirklich ärgerlich.Yes, that is really annoying.
- MaximilianIch habe heute viel zu tun.I have too much to do today.
- SarahDas verstehe ich, Maximilian.I understand that, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “annoying” translations and entries ärgerlich, lästig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lästig, ärgerlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
