caretaker-like
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caretaker-like
Used in a very colloquial and rare way as an indeclinable adjective to describe behavior or a quality perceived as typical of a caretaker, often in the sense of being overly exact, obsessed with order, or controlling.
Sei nicht so Hausmeister und lass die Leute einfach feiern.
Don't be so caretaker-like and just let people celebrate.
This adjectival use derives from the noun 'der Hausmeister' (the caretaker). It plays on the stereotype of a caretaker who pays excessive attention to order and compliance with rules.
Mein Nachbar ist total Hausmeister, er beschwert sich über alles.
My neighbor is totally caretaker-like; he complains about everything.
As an adjective, 'Hausmeister' is indeclinable, so it is not declined. It usually comes after the verb 'sein' (to be) and does not take an ending.
Sei doch nicht immer gleich so Hausmeister!
Don't always be so caretaker-like right away!
This use is very colloquial and is often used in a slightly derogatory or joking way. You should avoid this phrasing in formal situations.
Er hat uns ermahnt, leise zu sein. Manchmal ist er ein bisschen Hausmeister.
He told us to be quiet. Sometimes he's a bit caretaker-like.
petty / nitpicky
'Hausmeister' as an adjective and 'kleinlich' can both describe behavior where someone pays very close attention to order, rules, or small details. 'kleinlich' is the normal word and clearly negative: someone judges unimportant things too strictly. 'Hausmeister' in this sense is very colloquial and rare. It sounds more like a casual comment about controlling or overly exact behavior. In normal conversations, and especially in writing, 'kleinlich' is much more natural. Not everyone will immediately understand 'Hausmeister' as an adjective, and it only fits very informal language.
Mein Kollege ist manchmal richtig Hausmeister, wenn irgendwo ein Stuhl nicht genau an seinem Platz steht.
My colleague can sometimes be really caretaker-like when a chair is not exactly in its place somewhere.
Es wirkt kleinlich, wenn man wegen fünf Minuten sofort eine Beschwerde schreibt.
It comes across as nitpicky if you immediately write a complaint over five minutes.