Meaning
Expressing strong disapproval of something unfair, unreasonable, or burdensome.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty) and will use this phrase directly to service staff. It is not necessarily seen as a personal attack but as a factual statement about the service quality. In Austria, the phrase might be preceded by 'Geh bitte!' (Oh, please!) to add a touch of local flavor to the indignation. Swiss speakers might use 'Zumutung' in formal contexts, but in casual speech, they might prefer 'Das isch e Frächheit' or more dialect-specific terms. Using this phrase in a German office is a serious way to signal that your 'Work-Life-Balance' is being violated. It is a recognized term in labor discussions.
Use with 'absolute'
Adding 'absolute' (Das ist eine absolute Zumutung!) makes your complaint sound much more native and firm.
Don't overdo it
If you call everything a 'Zumutung', people will think you are a 'Meckerfritze' (a constant grumbler).
Meaning
Expressing strong disapproval of something unfair, unreasonable, or burdensome.
Use with 'absolute'
Adding 'absolute' (Das ist eine absolute Zumutung!) makes your complaint sound much more native and firm.
Don't overdo it
If you call everything a 'Zumutung', people will think you are a 'Meckerfritze' (a constant grumbler).
The 'Customer is King' limit
In Germany, the customer is king, but the staff also have rights. Using 'Zumutung' is a way to address the system rather than attacking the person.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word with the correct article.
Zehn Stunden Arbeit ohne Pause? Das ist ____!
Zumutung is a feminine noun, so it requires 'eine'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Das ist eine Zumutung!'?
Select the correct scenario:
This situation involves an unreasonable burden or poor service.
Match the German phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these degrees of indignation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wir müssen das ganze Projekt bis heute Abend neu machen.' B: 'Was? ____!'
Redoing a whole project in one day is an unreasonable demand.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Zumutung'
Service
- • Cold food
- • Dirty rooms
- • No response
Work
- • Unpaid overtime
- • Impossible deadlines
- • Bad equipment
Public Life
- • Train delays
- • High taxes
- • Bureaucracy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZehn Stunden Arbeit ohne Pause? Das ist ____!
Zumutung is a feminine noun, so it requires 'eine'.
Select the correct scenario:
This situation involves an unreasonable burden or poor service.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these degrees of indignation.
A: 'Wir müssen das ganze Projekt bis heute Abend neu machen.' B: 'Was? ____!'
Redoing a whole project in one day is an unreasonable demand.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it is a perfectly clean, standard German word used for formal and informal complaints.
Yes, 'Du bist eine Zumutung!' means 'You are unbearable/a huge burden', but it is very insulting.
'Zumutung' is about the burden/unfairness; 'Frechheit' is about the lack of respect/rudeness.
Only if the situation is truly extreme. It is a very strong word for a professional setting.
Use it with dative: 'Ich kann dir das nicht zumuten' (I can't ask that of you).
Related Phrases
unzumutbar
similarunacceptable/unreasonable
eine Frechheit
similara cheek/nerve
eine Unverschämtheit
similaran outrage
jemandem etwas zumuten
builds onto expect something of someone
Das geht zu weit
similarThat goes too far
