B1 Colloquial Repetition

„Er stimmt immer wieder die alte Leier an."

He is always harping on the same old string.

Er stimmt immer wieder die alte Leier an. — German idiom meaning: He is always harping on the same old string. (B1)
Er stimmt immer wieder die alte Leier an. — German idiom reference | DeuTale

What does „Er stimmt immer wieder die alte Leier an." mean in German?

„Er stimmt immer wieder die alte Leier an." means "He is always harping on the same old string.." Literally: "He always strikes up the old lyre again.."

Literal Translation

"He always strikes up the old lyre again."

Er He
stimmt always
immer strikes
wieder up
die the
alte old
Leier lyre
an again

English Equivalent

"He keeps harping on the same old tune."

This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.

Grammar Notes

Cf. Es ist immer wieder die alte Leier.

When is this idiom used?

Colloquial

This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.

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