Signification
To cause someone to stumble or fail, often intentionally.
Contexte culturel
In German offices, 'Beinstellen' is often discussed in the context of 'Mobbing' (bullying). It is seen as a sign of a toxic work environment. A 'Beinstellen' in the penalty area almost always results in a 'Foulelfmeter' (penalty kick). It is one of the most basic fouls taught to children.
Dative Memory
Remember: You do something *to* someone. In German, that 'to' often signals the Dative case (mir, dir, ihm, ihr).
Intent Matters
Only use this if you think the person did it on purpose. For accidents, use 'stolpern' (to stumble).
Signification
To cause someone to stumble or fail, often intentionally.
Dative Memory
Remember: You do something *to* someone. In German, that 'to' often signals the Dative case (mir, dir, ihm, ihr).
Intent Matters
Only use this if you think the person did it on purpose. For accidents, use 'stolpern' (to stumble).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct dative pronoun.
Mein Kollege ist neidisch. Er will ____ (me) ein Bein stellen.
The idiom requires the dative case for the person affected.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the correct form of the idiom.
The verb 'stellen' is the only correct verb for this idiom.
Is this literal or figurative?
Situation: A politician leaks a secret about his rival.
Leaking secrets is a form of social sabotage, not physical tripping.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum bist du hingefallen? B: Thomas hat ____ ein Bein gestellt.
B is explaining why they fell, so 'mir' (me) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMein Kollege ist neidisch. Er will ____ (me) ein Bein stellen.
The idiom requires the dative case for the person affected.
Select the correct form of the idiom.
The verb 'stellen' is the only correct verb for this idiom.
Situation: A politician leaks a secret about his rival.
Leaking secrets is a form of social sabotage, not physical tripping.
A: Warum bist du hingefallen? B: Thomas hat ____ ein Bein gestellt.
B is explaining why they fell, so 'mir' (me) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes! 'Sich selbst ein Bein stellen' means to sabotage your own success by making a mistake.
Yes, even the literal meaning is usually a foul or a mean prank.
The idiom is almost always singular ('ein Bein'). Using 'Beine' sounds like you are physically attacking someone with both legs.
It appears in newspapers and magazines, but avoid it in formal business contracts.
Expressions liées
jemandem Steine in den Weg legen
similarTo make things difficult for someone.
jemandem eine Falle stellen
similarTo set a trap for someone.
jemandem unter die Arme greifen
contrastTo help someone out.
