jemanden auf die Schippe nehmen

The phrase uses the verb nehmen. You place the person you are teasing in the accusative case. For example, Ich nehme dich auf die Schippe. It is a very active phrase. You are the one doing the teasing. It works best when the other person realizes the joke. Then you both can laugh about it together.

Use it when a friend believes something ridiculous you said. It is perfect for April Fool's Day. You can use it at a dinner party. Use it when someone takes a sarcastic comment too seriously. It works well in the office among close colleagues. It adds a touch of warmth to the conversation. It shows you have a shared sense of humor.

Avoid this phrase in very serious or tragic situations. Do not use it with your boss during a performance review. It is not for 'gaslighting' or mean-spirited deception. If someone is genuinely upset, don't use it. It requires a baseline of trust between people. Using it with a total stranger might feel confusing. They might think you are actually lying to them.

The 'Schippe' is a small shovel or coal scoop. Historically, it relates to the idea of mocking someone. In some regions, it's linked to old carnival traditions. People would literally be 'shoveled' or moved around for fun. It has been a staple of German humor for centuries. It reflects the German love for dry, deadpan wit. It’s about testing someone’s 'Grips' or common sense.

You might hear jemanden veräppeln for a similar vibe. In Northern Germany, people might say auf den Arm nehmen. Both mean roughly the same thing. Verarschen is the much ruder, slang version. Stick to the Schippe for a charming, safe middle ground. It sounds slightly old-fashioned but in a cool, vintage way.