Meaning
To do something superfluous or unnecessary.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of 'Bildungsbürgertum' (the educated middle class). Using it correctly can elevate your perceived social status in a conversation. The owl was the symbol of the goddess Athena. The silver coins of Athens were called 'owls' (Glaukes). In German universities, this phrase is often used to dismiss redundant research or obvious statements in a seminar. Used to criticize 'Mansplaining' or over-explaining in corporate hierarchies.
Use it for Irony
This phrase works best when you want to be slightly sarcastic about someone's unnecessary efforts.
Don't over-use
Because it is 'Bildungssprache', using it too often in casual chat can make you sound arrogant.
Meaning
To do something superfluous or unnecessary.
Use it for Irony
This phrase works best when you want to be slightly sarcastic about someone's unnecessary efforts.
Don't over-use
Because it is 'Bildungssprache', using it too often in casual chat can make you sound arrogant.
Regional variants
If you are in Cologne, try 'Wasser in den Rhein tragen' for extra local points!
Test Yourself
Welches Wort fehlt in der Redewendung?
Eulen nach _______ tragen.
Die Redewendung bezieht sich historisch auf die Stadt Athen.
In welcher Situation passt die Redewendung?
Situation: Du schenkst einem Bäcker ein Brot.
Da der Bäcker bereits viel Brot hat, ist das Geschenk redundant.
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'tragen'.
Gestern _______ er Eulen nach Athen, als er dem IT-Experten das Internet erklärte.
Hier wird das Präteritum (Vergangenheit) benötigt.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: 'Soll ich dir zeigen, wie man Kaffee kocht?' - B: 'Ich bin Barista! Du willst wohl _______.'
B ist ein Experte, daher ist die Hilfe von A unnötig.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEulen nach _______ tragen.
Die Redewendung bezieht sich historisch auf die Stadt Athen.
Situation: Du schenkst einem Bäcker ein Brot.
Da der Bäcker bereits viel Brot hat, ist das Geschenk redundant.
Gestern _______ er Eulen nach Athen, als er dem IT-Experten das Internet erklärte.
Hier wird das Präteritum (Vergangenheit) benötigt.
A: 'Soll ich dir zeigen, wie man Kaffee kocht?' - B: 'Ich bin Barista! Du willst wohl _______.'
B ist ein Experte, daher ist die Hilfe von A unnötig.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, the idiom is fixed to Athens. Changing the city makes it no longer an idiom, just a weird sentence.
Both are possible, but the plural 'Eulen' is much more common and sounds more natural.
It can be slightly mocking, but generally, it's seen as a clever or sophisticated way to point out redundancy.
Less often than older generations, but it is still widely understood and used in media and professional life.
The closest equivalent is 'carrying coals to Newcastle'.
Because owls were the symbol of Athens and were everywhere in the city and on its coins.
Always 'nach' when referring to the city of Athens in this idiom.
Yes, if you want to show that you value efficiency and have a good command of the language.
Not exactly. Reinventing the wheel is about creating something that exists. Carrying owls is about bringing something to a place where it's already abundant.
Yes, it's considered neutral to formal. It's safe for work and academic settings.
Related Phrases
Wasser in den Rhein tragen
synonymTo carry water into the Rhine.
Holz in den Wald tragen
synonymTo carry wood into the forest.
Das Rad neu erfinden
similarTo reinvent the wheel.
Perlen vor die Säue werfen
contrastTo cast pearls before swine.
