Krokodilstränen weinen
To fake crying
Literalmente: Crocodile tears [to] cry
Use this to describe someone pretending to be sad to manipulate others or hide their guilt.
En 15 segundos
- Used for fake crying or insincere displays of sadness.
- Comes from the myth of crocodiles crying while eating.
- A neutral to informal way to call out hypocrisy.
Significado
This phrase is used when someone acts sad or cries to get sympathy, but they aren't actually sorry or upset. It describes a fake display of grief or guilt.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a coworker who got caught slacking
Er weint Krokodilstränen, weil der Chef ihn erwischt hat.
He is crying crocodile tears because the boss caught him.
Watching a dramatic reality TV show
Glaub ihr nicht, das sind nur Krokodilstränen!
Don't believe her, those are just crocodile tears!
Texting a friend about an ex-boyfriend
Jetzt weint er Krokodilstränen, aber er hat sich nie entschuldigt.
Now he's crying crocodile tears, but he never apologized.
Contexto cultural
The phrase stems from ancient zoological myths popularized in the Middle Ages. It became a staple of German literature and everyday speech to criticize hypocrisy. It is universally understood across all German-speaking regions.
The 'Vergießen' Alternative
While 'weinen' is common, using 'vergießen' (to shed) makes you sound more like a native speaker in storytelling.
Don't use it for 'Happy Tears'
In some languages, big tears are just 'crocodile tears'. In German, it ONLY means fake/insincere tears.
En 15 segundos
- Used for fake crying or insincere displays of sadness.
- Comes from the myth of crocodiles crying while eating.
- A neutral to informal way to call out hypocrisy.
What It Means
Imagine someone crying because they got caught eating your chocolate. They aren't sad they ate it. They are just acting sad to avoid getting in trouble. That is Krokodilstränen weinen. It is all about fake emotions. You use it when the tears are just a performance.
How To Use It
You can use the full verb phrase Krokodilstränen weinen. You can also just talk about the tears themselves as Krokodilstränen. It works just like the English version. You can say someone 'has' them or 'sheds' them. It is a very visual way to call out a liar.
When To Use It
Use it when you see through someone's act. It is perfect for talking about politicians or celebrities. Use it with friends when someone is being overly dramatic. It works well when a child fakes a tantrum for candy. It is a great way to show you are not fooled.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this if someone is actually hurting. That would be very rude and insensitive. Avoid it in serious business negotiations unless you want to start a fight. It is a strong accusation of lying. Use it only when the fakery is obvious to everyone.
Cultural Background
This idea comes from an old myth about crocodiles. People used to believe crocodiles cried while eating their prey. They thought the reptile felt bad for the animal. In reality, crocodiles just have leaky eyes when they eat. German culture values honesty and directness. Calling out Krokodilstränen is a very German way to demand sincerity.
Common Variations
You might hear Vergieß keine Krokodilstränen (Don't shed crocodile tears). Another common one is Das sind doch nur Krokodilstränen. This means "Those are just crocodile tears." It is a quick way to dismiss someone's fake apology. It sounds sharp and clever in a heated discussion.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but leans towards informal in daily life. It is safe for news reports but should be used carefully in personal relationships to avoid causing offense.
The 'Vergießen' Alternative
While 'weinen' is common, using 'vergießen' (to shed) makes you sound more like a native speaker in storytelling.
Don't use it for 'Happy Tears'
In some languages, big tears are just 'crocodile tears'. In German, it ONLY means fake/insincere tears.
The Biological Fact
Crocodiles actually have a third eyelid that cleans the eye, making it look like they are crying—Germans love this logical origin!
Ejemplos
6Er weint Krokodilstränen, weil der Chef ihn erwischt hat.
He is crying crocodile tears because the boss caught him.
Highlights the insincerity of the coworker's regret.
Glaub ihr nicht, das sind nur Krokodilstränen!
Don't believe her, those are just crocodile tears!
A common reaction to over-the-top TV drama.
Jetzt weint er Krokodilstränen, aber er hat sich nie entschuldigt.
Now he's crying crocodile tears, but he never apologized.
Used to describe a manipulative person in a relationship.
Spar dir deine Krokodilstränen, es gibt heute kein Eis.
Save your crocodile tears; there is no ice cream today.
A humorous but firm way to handle a child's fake crying.
Das Volk sieht seine Krokodilstränen und glaubt ihm nicht.
The people see his crocodile tears and don't believe him.
Used in a more serious, public context.
Hör auf mit den Krokodilstränen, du wolltest eh nur zocken!
Stop with the crocodile tears, you just wanted to gamble/game anyway!
Friendly teasing between close friends.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
Hör auf zu weinen! Das sind doch nur ___.
The idiom specifically uses 'Krokodils-' (crocodile) to refer to fake tears.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
Sie ___ Krokodilstränen, um Mitleid zu bekommen.
The verb 'weinen' (to cry) is the standard action associated with this idiom.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Krokodilstränen'
Used with friends or family to tease.
Hör auf mit den Krokodilstränen!
Used in news or general conversation.
Der Minister weinte Krokodilstränen.
Rarely used in very stiff academic writing.
Es handelt sich um Krokodilstränen.
When to use Krokodilstränen
Bad Apology
Someone says sorry but doesn't mean it.
Politics
A politician acting sad for votes.
Parenting
A child faking a cry for candy.
Drama
An actor-like performance of grief.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, if you use it for real tears, you are calling the person a liar. Use echte Tränen for real ones.
It can be very confrontational. If you say Hör auf mit den Krokodilstränen, you are directly accusing someone of faking.
Not always. You can just say Das sind Krokodilstränen (Those are crocodile tears) to describe the situation.
Not really, but in youth slang, people might just say Hör auf zu schauspielern (Stop acting).
Probably not. It is a bit too colorful and accusatory for a professional interview environment.
Yes, from Berlin to Munich, everyone will understand exactly what you mean by Krokodilstränen.
It is almost always used in the plural: Krokodilstränen.
Only if you think the movie is trying too hard to be sad and failing. Otherwise, no.
Yes, Affentheater (monkey theater) is used for someone making a big, unnecessary scene.
It is pronounced 'Kro-ko-deels-tray-nen'. Focus on the long 'ee' sound in the middle.
Frases relacionadas
Theater spielen
To put on an act / To fake it
Nur Show sein
To be just for show
Sich verstellen
To disguise one's true feelings
Ein falsches Spiel spielen
To play a double game / To be deceitful
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