German Conversation · Level 61
74 words
German word
nerven
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈnɛʁfn̩/
Meaning
- verbannoy
Example
Du nervst mich.
You annoy me.
More examples
Seine ständigen Fragen nerven mich.
His constant questions annoy me.
Core concept
Small repeated disturbances become irritating pressure on the nerves.
Common phrases
jemanden nerven
annoy ___
mit Kleinigkeiten nerven
annoy ___ with trivial things
ständig nerven
constantly annoy
Similar words
ärgern: Provoke annoyance or anger with small actions or comments.
stören: Disturb someone's concentration or peace during work or rest.
auf die Nerven gehen: Cause deep annoyance through persistent repeated behavior.
belästigen: Trouble someone with insistent actions or unwanted contact.
Definition in German
jemanden ärgerlich machen, besonders durch andauernde oder wiederholte Störungen
Word origin
German Nerv comes from Latin nervus, meaning "sinew" or "nerve," and nerven developed as a verb for affecting the nerves unpleasantly.
Usage tips
- The related phrase "jemandem auf die Nerven gehen" uses the dative person, unlike the direct verb construction "jemanden nerven."