Signification
To think very hard about a problem, trying to find a solution.
Contexte culturel
Reflects the 'Dichter und Denker' (Poets and Thinkers) tradition where deep thought is highly valued. Used similarly, but often with a more laid-back 'Schmäh' (humor). One might say it sarcastically. In Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), the phrase exists but the pronunciation of 'Chopf' and 'zerbräche' is distinct. Using this phrase in a meeting shows you are taking a problem seriously and not just looking for a superficial fix.
Use it for empathy
Tell a stressed friend 'Zerbrich dir nicht {den|m} Kopf!' to show you care.
Dative Alert
Always use 'mir', 'dir', 'sich'. Using 'mich' is a very common beginner mistake.
Signification
To think very hard about a problem, trying to find a solution.
Use it for empathy
Tell a stressed friend 'Zerbrich dir nicht {den|m} Kopf!' to show you care.
Dative Alert
Always use 'mir', 'dir', 'sich'. Using 'mich' is a very common beginner mistake.
Combine with 'schon seit'
To sound native, say: 'Ich zerbreche mir *schon seit Stunden* {den|m} Kopf!'
The 'Grübel' Trap
Don't confuse this with 'grübeln', which is often seen as negative or unproductive overthinking.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (Dative).
Ich zerbreche ____ {den|m} Kopf über {die|f} Grammatik.
The phrase 'sich {den|m} Kopf zerbrechen' always uses the dative reflexive pronoun.
Which preposition is correct?
Wir zerbrechen uns {den|m} Kopf ____ {das|n} neue Projekt.
We use 'über' + Accusative to indicate what we are thinking about.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du {eine|f} Lösung? B: Nein, ich ____ mir schon {den|m} Kopf!
The verb 'zerbrechen' completes the idiom.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: You are trying to solve a very hard puzzle.
This idiom is perfect for describing the effort of solving a puzzle.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIch zerbreche ____ {den|m} Kopf über {die|f} Grammatik.
The phrase 'sich {den|m} Kopf zerbrechen' always uses the dative reflexive pronoun.
Wir zerbrechen uns {den|m} Kopf ____ {das|n} neue Projekt.
We use 'über' + Accusative to indicate what we are thinking about.
A: Hast du {eine|f} Lösung? B: Nein, ich ____ mir schon {den|m} Kopf!
The verb 'zerbrechen' completes the idiom.
Situation: You are trying to solve a very hard puzzle.
This idiom is perfect for describing the effort of solving a puzzle.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is always 'mir' (Dative). You are doing the action *for* yourself.
Yes! 'Er zerbricht sich {den|m} Kopf' is perfectly fine.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your family.
'Nachdenken' is just thinking. 'Sich {den|m} Kopf zerbrechen' is thinking until it hurts.
No, that sounds very unnatural. Use 'mir {den|m} Kopf'.
No, it's purely metaphorical for mental effort.
Usually 'über' + Accusative.
People often say 'Mach dir keinen Kopf!' (Don't worry).
Yes: 'Ich habe mir {den|m} Kopf zerbrochen.'
Yes, it's very common in journalism and literature.
Expressions liées
grübeln
similarTo brood or ponder
nachdenken
similarTo think about
sich {das|n} Hirn zermatern
specialized formTo torture one's brain
auf {eine|f} Lösung kommen
builds onTo arrive at a solution
den Faden verlieren
contrastTo lose the thread
