du gehst mir auf die Nerven
To say "you're annoying" in German, you can use du gehst mir auf die Nerven.
These phrases are used to tell someone that their behavior is irritating or frustrating you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase du gehst mir auf die Nerven literally translates to "you go on my nerves".
Which one should you use?
While du gehst mir auf die Nerven is an idiomatic way to express irritation, Du nervst mich is a more direct and shorter way to say "you're annoying me". For a more playful and colloquial alternative, you can use Du gehst mir auf den Keks, which literally means "You're getting on my cookie".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. Use du gehst for one person you know informally, Sie gehen for a formal address and ihr geht if you are addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- The word nerven entered the German language specifically through the idiomatic expression of 'going on someone's nerves'.
- While 'you're annoying' sounds like a statement of fact in English, the German phrase du gehst mir auf die Nerven describes a physical movement or action of 'going' onto your nerves.
- In German, the choice between du, Sie, and ihr completely changes the social tone of your annoyance, from a friendly jab to a formal confrontation.
Examples in context
- Du gehst mir auf die Nerven!You're getting on my nerves!
- Hör auf damit, du gehst mir auf die Nerven.Stop it, you're annoying me.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are studying together in a quiet library.
- JulianHannah, kannst du bitte aufhören zu tippen?Hannah, can you please stop typing?
- HannahWas ist denn? Ich muss meine Hausaufgaben machen.What is it? I have to do my homework.
- JulianDu gehst mir auf die Nerven, es ist zu laut.You're annoying me, it's too loud.
- HannahTut mir leid, Julian. Ich bin jetzt leiser.I'm sorry, Julian. I'll be quieter now.
