jemandem auf die Nerven gehen
to get on someone's nerves
Origin
Meant figuratively: an annoying behaviour literally irritates the "nerves". The phrase became fixed in colloquial use over the 19th/20th c.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Connector 'indem' (by V-ing, modal/instrumental)Konnektor 'indem' (modal/instrumental)
- Two-way prepositions with accusative (Wohin? / where to)Wechselpräpositionen mit Akkusativ (Wohin?)
- Two-way prepositions contrast: Wo? vs. Wohin? (where vs. where to)Wechselpräpositionen Kontrast: Wo? vs. Wohin?
- Simple past 'musste' (had to, from müssen)Präteritum 'musste' (müssen)
- Simple past 'wollte' (wanted to, from wollen)Präteritum 'wollte' (wollen)
Examples
Der laute geht auf die .
The loud noise really gets on my nerves.