In German
die Schnapsidee
Meaning: a crazy, harebrained idea
Formal or informal? Casual, humorous word for a bad or absurd idea. Literally a compound of “Schnaps” (liquor) and “Idee” (idea) — implying the idea sounds like it came from being drunk, even if no alcohol was actually involved.
Example sentences
DaswareineechteSchnapsidee.
That was a real harebrained idea.
WerhattedieseSchnapsidee?
Who had this crazy idea?
SeineSchnapsideensindberühmt.
His harebrained ideas are famous.
Common mistake
Don't think an actual “Schnaps” (drink) needs to be involved — the word works for any obviously bad or absurd idea, sober or not.
Quick check
Which word describes a crazy, harebrained idea, literally “liquor idea”?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Does “Schnapsidee” require alcohol to be involved?
No — it's used figuratively for any bad or absurd idea, regardless of whether drinking was actually involved.
What does “Schnapsidee” literally mean?
Literally “liquor idea” — a compound of “Schnaps” (a strong liquor) and “Idee” (idea).