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nörgeln

to nag, to find fault, to grumble constantly

verb NOER-geln Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

nörgeln describes habitual fault-finding and nagging, typically about small matters. 'Er nörgelt an allem herum' (He finds fault with everything). The noun Nörgler is a carping, negative person. It is more persistent and annoying in tone than meckern (to gripe).

Examples

"Statt das Essen zu genießen, nörgelte er an jedem Gericht herum."

Natural Translation

Instead of enjoying the meal, he found fault with every dish.

Literal Translation

Instead the food to enjoy, nagged he at every dish around.

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