geigen
to play the violin
To play the musical instrument Geige (violin).
EXAMPLE
Sie geigt seit ihrer Kindheit im Orchester.
She has played the violin in the orchestra since childhood.
geigen
to play the violin / tell off
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Meanings
jemandem die Meinung geigen
to tell someone off
To tell someone your opinion clearly and often angrily; to reprimand someone.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem dritten Fehler hat der Chef ihm aber ordentlich die Meinung gegeigt.
After the third mistake, the boss really told him off.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'geigen' (to play the violin) is derived directly from the noun 'die Geige' (violin). It describes the activity associated with this instrument.
EXAMPLE
Er lernt seit einem Jahr, wie man richtig geigt.
He has been learning how to play the violin properly for a year.
Fixed expression with dative
The idiom 'jemandem die Meinung geigen' (to tell someone off) has a fixed structure. The person being criticized is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Als er zu spät kam, hat sie ihm ordentlich die Meinung gegeigt.
When he came late, she really told him off.
Register: colloquial
The expression 'jemandem die Meinung geigen' (to tell someone off) is used mainly in informal colloquial speech. In a formal context, you would choose a different phrasing.
EXAMPLE
Warte nur, dem werde ich gleich mal die Meinung geigen!
Just wait, I'm going to tell him off in a minute!
In real life
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