A2Informal

Einen Vogel haben

To be crazy; to have a screw loose

In German

Einen Vogel haben

ˈaɪ̯nən ˈfoːɡl̩ ˈhabn̩

Literal Translation

To have a bird

Meaning

To be crazy; to have a screw loose

Equivalent:"To have a screw loose; to be crazy"

Origin:This idiom refers to the idea that birds flying around in one's head signify mental instability or madness.

Example Sentences

1
Wer um diese Uhrzeit joggt, muss einen Vogel haben.
Anyone who jogs at this time must be crazy.
2
Du willst bei dem Wetter ohne Jacke raus? Hast du einen Vogel?
You want to go out without a jacket in this weather? Are you crazy?

FAQ

How do you say "To be crazy; to have a screw loose" in German?

"To be crazy; to have a screw loose" in German is "Einen Vogel haben" (ˈaɪ̯nən ˈfoːɡl̩ ˈhabn̩). Example: Wer um diese Uhrzeit joggt, muss einen Vogel haben..

To ignore or avoid a problem by pretending it doesn't exist, like an ostrich

Den Kopf in den Sand stecken

Den KOPF in den ZANT SHTEK-en

To be the fifth wheel; to be superfluous

Das fünfte Rad am Wagen sein

das ˈfʏnftə ʁaːt am ˈvaːɡn̩ zaɪ̯n

To make an exception for someone; to give someone special treatment

Eine Extrawurst braten

ˈaɪ̯nə ˈɛkstʁaˌvʊʁst ˈbʁaːtn̩

To be lucky; to have good luck

Schwein haben

ˈʃvaɪ̯n ˈhabn̩