Meaning
To be a common or expected occurrence.
Cultural Background
In German offices, using this phrase to describe problems shows you have a 'professional' distance from the issue. It sounds more objective than just saying 'I'm annoyed.' German news (Tagesschau, Spiegel) frequently uses this phrase to describe societal trends, making it a 'must-know' for anyone reading the German press.
Use for complaints
It's a very polite, sophisticated way to complain about something happening too often without sounding like you're whining.
Dative Case
Always remember 'an der'. Using 'an die' is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
To be a common or expected occurrence.
Use for complaints
It's a very polite, sophisticated way to complain about something happening too often without sounding like you're whining.
Dative Case
Always remember 'an der'. Using 'an die' is a very common beginner mistake.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and article.
Verspätungen sind bei der Bahn ___ ___ Tagesordnung.
The idiom always uses 'an' + Dative feminine 'der'.
Which sentence is the most natural use of the idiom?
Select the best context:
The idiom is best used for social phenomena or recurring issues.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Gibt es in der Firma oft Streit?' B: 'Ja, Konflikte sind hier leider ___.'
This fits the context of a recurring social state.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Where is it an der Tagesordnung?
Work
- • Overtime
- • Meetings
- • Coffee breaks
City
- • Traffic
- • Noise
- • Construction
Practice Bank
3 exercisesVerspätungen sind bei der Bahn ___ ___ Tagesordnung.
The idiom always uses 'an' + Dative feminine 'der'.
Select the best context:
The idiom is best used for social phenomena or recurring issues.
A: 'Gibt es in der Firma oft Streit?' B: 'Ja, Konflikte sind hier leider ___.'
This fits the context of a recurring social state.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but it's less common. Usually, it describes neutral or negative things that have become repetitive.
For the idiom 'to be common', use 'an'. If you mean 'to be on a literal list', use 'auf'.
Related Phrases
gang und gäbe sein
synonymto be common practice
auf der Tagesordnung stehen
similarto be on the agenda
ein alter Hut sein
similarto be old news
