Meaning
To look for minor flaws or problems unnecessarily.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'German Angst' and perfectionism often leads to this behavior in professional settings. In Vienna, 'Raunzen' (complaining) is a cultural art form. Searching for the hair in the soup is almost expected in a coffee house.
Use it for self-correction
If you are criticizing something, add 'Ich will ja nicht {das|n} Haar in der Suppe suchen, aber...' to sound more polite.
Meaning
To look for minor flaws or problems unnecessarily.
Use it for self-correction
If you are criticizing something, add 'Ich will ja nicht {das|n} Haar in der Suppe suchen, aber...' to sound more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words.
Er sucht immer das ____ in der ____.
The idiom is 'das Haar in der Suppe'.
What does the phrase mean?
Wenn jemand 'das Haar in der Suppe sucht', dann...
It means being overly critical about small things.
Which situation fits the idiom?
In welcher Situation sucht jemand das Haar in der Suppe?
Complaining about a tiny detail (ashtray) in a great situation (new car).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEr sucht immer das ____ in der ____.
The idiom is 'das Haar in der Suppe'.
Wenn jemand 'das Haar in der Suppe sucht', dann...
It means being overly critical about small things.
In welcher Situation sucht jemand das Haar in der Suppe?
Complaining about a tiny detail (ashtray) in a great situation (new car).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt can be, as it accuses someone of being negative. Use it carefully with superiors.
Related Phrases
Korinthenkacker
synonymSomeone who poops raisins (a nitpicker).
Erbsen zählen
similarTo count peas.
Die Nadel im Heuhaufen suchen
contrastTo look for a needle in a haystack.
