jemanden auf die Palme bringen
To infuriate someone
Literalmente: To bring someone onto the palm tree
Use this to describe someone pushing your buttons until you are ready to scream.
En 15 segundos
- To drive someone absolutely crazy or make them furious.
- Uses 'palm tree' as a metaphor for extreme agitation.
- Best for casual venting or describing annoying people.
Significado
Imagine someone is so annoyed they literally want to climb a tree to get away from you. This phrase describes making someone extremely angry or driving them totally nuts.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Complaining about a sibling
Mein Bruder bringt mich mit seiner Unpünktlichkeit echt auf die Palme!
My brother really drives me up the wall with his lateness!
Texting a friend about a coworker
Der neue Kollege bringt mich total auf die Palme.
The new colleague is totally driving me nuts.
Discussing a difficult client with a teammate
Dieser Kunde bringt selbst den ruhigsten Mitarbeiter auf die Palme.
This client drives even the calmest employee up the wall.
Contexto cultural
The phrase evokes the image of a person reacting like a frantic monkey retreating to a treetop. While palms aren't native to Germany, the exotic imagery adds a layer of 'craziness' to the anger. It reflects the German tendency to use spatial metaphors for emotional states.
The 'Direction' Matters
Remember it is 'auf die' (accusative) because there is movement involved—you are being 'brought' onto the tree.
Don't use with your Boss
Even if your boss is driving you crazy, telling them 'Sie bringen mich auf die Palme' is a bit too direct and informal.
En 15 segundos
- To drive someone absolutely crazy or make them furious.
- Uses 'palm tree' as a metaphor for extreme agitation.
- Best for casual venting or describing annoying people.
What It Means
This idiom is all about hitting someone's last nerve. It describes the act of infuriating someone to the point of explosion. Think of a monkey jumping up a tree in a frenzy. That is the energy here. It is more intense than just 'annoying' someone. It implies a loss of patience.
How To Use It
You use the verb bringen (to bring). The person you are annoying is the object. For example: Du bringst mich auf die Palme! Use it when someone is being stubborn. Use it when a situation is repetitive and frustrating. It works perfectly for those 'slow-motion' disasters.
When To Use It
Use it with friends who are being difficult. Use it when talking about a boss who micromanages. It is great for venting to your partner. You can use it at a restaurant if the service is terrible. It is perfect for describing traffic jams. It is a very visual way to express high-level irritation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal business letters. Do not use it during a serious police stop. It is a bit too colorful for a funeral. If you are genuinely terrified of someone, this might sound too 'cheeky'. Use a more serious word like verärgern for grave matters. It is lighthearted but expresses real heat.
Cultural Background
Germans love a good, descriptive idiom. The 'palm tree' likely refers to the agitated movements of monkeys. When they get scared or angry, they retreat up high. It became popular in the mid-20th century. It suggests that the person has been 'driven' out of their normal state. It is a staple of German household arguments.
Common Variations
You might hear jemanden auf die Zinne bringen. This refers to the battlements of a castle. It is the same meaning but feels a bit more old-school. Another one is an die Decke gehen. This means the person has already exploded and hit the ceiling. Auf die Palme bringen is the process of getting them there.
Notas de uso
This is a classic 'B1' level idiom that is safe for everyday informal use. It is expressive but not offensive, making it perfect for venting frustrations with friends.
The 'Direction' Matters
Remember it is 'auf die' (accusative) because there is movement involved—you are being 'brought' onto the tree.
Don't use with your Boss
Even if your boss is driving you crazy, telling them 'Sie bringen mich auf die Palme' is a bit too direct and informal.
The Castle Alternative
If you want to sound like a grumpy old German professor, try 'auf die Zinne bringen' instead. It's the medieval version!
Ejemplos
6Mein Bruder bringt mich mit seiner Unpünktlichkeit echt auf die Palme!
My brother really drives me up the wall with his lateness!
Uses 'mit' to explain the specific cause of anger.
Der neue Kollege bringt mich total auf die Palme.
The new colleague is totally driving me nuts.
Adding 'total' increases the intensity of the frustration.
Dieser Kunde bringt selbst den ruhigsten Mitarbeiter auf die Palme.
This client drives even the calmest employee up the wall.
Shows that the person is exceptionally difficult.
Schatz, bring mich heute bitte nicht auf die Palme, ich hatte einen langen Tag.
Honey, please don't drive me crazy today, I had a long day.
Used as a playful but firm warning.
Dieses langsame Internet bringt mich noch auf die Palme!
This slow internet is going to drive me crazy!
The word 'noch' suggests a breaking point is near.
Die lange Wartezeit bringt die Gäste auf die Palme.
The long wait time is infuriating the guests.
Describes a group of people getting angry.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to say 'You are driving me crazy!'
Du bringst mich auf die ___!
The idiom specifically uses 'Palme' (palm tree) to complete the metaphor.
Which verb is used with this idiom?
Er ___ mich auf die Palme.
The phrase uses the causative verb 'bringen' (to bring/to drive).
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale
Abgefuckt sein
Ich bin echt abgefuckt.
Auf die Palme bringen
Du bringst mich auf die Palme!
Jemanden ärgern
Das ärgert mich sehr.
Jemanden erzürnen
Dies erzürnt die Gemüter.
When to climb the Palm Tree
Bad Traffic
Stau am Morgen
Broken Tech
Computer stürzt ab
Noisy Neighbors
Laute Musik um 3 Uhr
Stubborn Friends
Diskussion ohne Ende
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's not vulgar, but it is very direct. Use it with people you know well, like Du bringst mich echt auf die Palme!
It's usually for things that are quite frustrating. For small things, just say Das nervt.
Nerven is just 'to annoy.' Auf die Palme bringen implies you are reaching a breaking point.
Not really. You usually say Ich bin auf 180 if you are already there. This phrase focuses on the action of being driven there.
Yes, you can say Er hat mich auf die Palme gebracht. It works just like a normal verb.
Yes, it is a standard idiom understood from Berlin to Munich.
No, situations can do it too, like Die Bürokratie bringt mich auf die Palme.
Exactly! It is the closest English equivalent in terms of tone and meaning.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, stick to Das ist sehr ärgerlich.
It's thought to mimic the behavior of monkeys who climb high when agitated. It's more about the 'climbing' than the tree type.
Frases relacionadas
jemanden auf 180 bringen (to make someone's blood boil)
an die Decke gehen (to hit the ceiling/explode with anger)
jemandem auf den Sack gehen (very informal: to get on someone's nerves)
den Geduldsfaden reißen lassen (to make someone lose their patience)
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