Significado
To be crazy or irrational, not thinking clearly.
Contexto cultural
In Germany, directness is valued. Calling someone 'nicht ganz bei Trost' is a way of enforcing social norms of rationality. Austrians might use this phrase, but they often prefer 'Bist du deppert?' which can be both an insult and an expression of amazement. In Swiss German, the equivalent might be 'Bisch nöd ganz bache?' (Are you not fully baked?), but 'nicht ganz bei Trost' is understood in High German contexts. Bavarians often use 'Spinnst du?' or 'Hast an Vogel?' alongside 'nicht ganz bei Trost sein'.
Use 'wohl' for impact
Adding 'wohl' makes you sound like a native speaker. 'Du bist wohl nicht ganz bei Trost!' sounds much more natural than the version without it.
Don't use with 'Sie'
Even though you can grammatically say 'Sie sind nicht ganz bei Trost', it is very aggressive. Only use it with 'Sie' if you are prepared for a real argument.
Significado
To be crazy or irrational, not thinking clearly.
Use 'wohl' for impact
Adding 'wohl' makes you sound like a native speaker. 'Du bist wohl nicht ganz bei Trost!' sounds much more natural than the version without it.
Don't use with 'Sie'
Even though you can grammatically say 'Sie sind nicht ganz bei Trost', it is very aggressive. Only use it with 'Sie' if you are prepared for a real argument.
The 'Vogel' Gesture
Often, Germans will say this phrase while tapping their index finger against their temple. This is called 'jemandem den Vogel zeigen'.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing preposition.
Bist du noch ganz ___ Trost?
The idiom 'nicht ganz bei Trost sein' always uses the preposition 'bei'.
Which sentence is the most natural reaction to a friend wanting to jump off a roof into a tiny pool?
Dein Freund will vom Dach in den Pool springen. Was sagst du?
This is the standard informal way to call out a crazy idea.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich habe mein ganzes Geld für Lottoscheine ausgegeben.' B: 'Was? ___'
Spending all money on lottery tickets is an irrational action that triggers this idiom.
Match the phrase to the situation.
In which situation would you NOT use 'nicht ganz bei Trost sein'?
The phrase is too strong for a small mistake and too informal for a boss.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'You are crazy'
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosBist du noch ganz ___ Trost?
The idiom 'nicht ganz bei Trost sein' always uses the preposition 'bei'.
Dein Freund will vom Dach in den Pool springen. Was sagst du?
This is the standard informal way to call out a crazy idea.
A: 'Ich habe mein ganzes Geld für Lottoscheine ausgegeben.' B: 'Was? ___'
Spending all money on lottery tickets is an irrational action that triggers this idiom.
In which situation would you NOT use 'nicht ganz bei Trost sein'?
The phrase is too strong for a small mistake and too informal for a boss.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt's moderately rude. It's like saying 'Are you crazy?' in English. It depends on your tone and who you are talking to.
Yes! You can say 'Ich war wohl nicht ganz bei Trost, als ich das getan habe' to admit you made a stupid mistake.
'Verrückt' is a simple adjective. 'Nicht ganz bei Trost sein' is more idiomatic and often expresses more indignation or shock.
No, in this specific idiom, it refers to an old meaning of 'mental stability' or 'firmness'.
Absolutely not. It is highly informal and disrespectful in a professional setting.
Not really, but you can just say 'Du spinnst wohl!' for a similar meaning.
Yes, it is standard German and understood in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Yes: 'Er war nicht ganz bei Trost.'
Using the wrong preposition, like 'mit' instead of 'bei'.
It is masculine: {der|m} Trost.
Frases relacionadas
nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben
synonymTo not have all the cups in the cupboard.
einen Vogel haben
synonymTo have a bird (in the head).
bei Sinnen sein
contrastTo be in one's senses.
durchgeknallt sein
specialized formTo be 'snapped' or totally crazy.
