What exactly bothers the person?
The idiom is stronger than a casual “Das finde ich nicht ideal”. It works especially well for something that keeps bothering someone, such as a rule that puts them at a disadvantage.
It describes a viewpoint. If long waits are a real annoyance to one customer, that tells you how she experiences them. Other people may accept the same wait.
Die Werbung im Innenhof ist vielen Bewohnern ein Dorn im Auge.
The advertising in the courtyard is a real annoyance for many residents.
“Vielen Bewohnern” tells you who is bothered by it.
Who goes in the dative?
The person affected is in the dative. In “Die Musik ist mir ein Dorn im Auge”, “die Musik” is the subject and “mir” is the person it bothers.
If several things are the problem, the verb changes. In “Die Umleitungen sind ihr ein Dorn im Auge”, “sind” agrees with the plural “die Umleitungen”. The idiom itself remains “ein Dorn im Auge”.
Die häufigen Kurswechsel sind ihrer Tochter ein Dorn im Auge.
Her daughter is really bothered by the frequent course changes.
“Sind” agrees with the plural subject “die häufigen Kurswechsel”.
From annoyance to a concrete request
“Die Kartons im Treppenhaus sind mir ein Dorn im Auge” names what's bothering you. If you want someone to move the boxes, add a concrete request such as “Kannst du die Kartons bitte in den Keller stellen?”
In a factual report, an observation someone can verify is often enough. “Der Durchgang ist seit Montag teilweise blockiert” explains why the issue matters and gives people a starting point for fixing it.
Dass die Anträge immer wieder liegen bleiben, ist dem Verein ein Dorn im Auge.
The association is really bothered that applications keep being left unprocessed.
Here the entire “dass” clause is the subject.
Everyday conversations
A complaint in the building
Ada and Mehmet are discussing bicycles that repeatedly get left in front of the entrance.
- Ada
Die Fahrräder vor der Tür sind mir langsam ein Dorn im Auge.
The bikes in front of the door are really starting to get to me.
- Mehmet
Heute kam ich mit dem Kinderwagen kaum durch.
I could hardly get through with the stroller today.
- Ada
Dann sagen wir beim Treffen am besten genau, wann der Weg blockiert ist.
Then at the meeting let's say exactly when the way is blocked.
- Mehmet
Gute Idee. Wir können auch einen anderen Stellplatz vorschlagen.
Good idea. We can suggest another place to park the bikes too.
Usage note
Used about a person, the idiom can sound very dismissive. If you want a solution, it is usually more helpful to name the specific behavior.
Three practice tasks
Try each task before opening the explanation.
Who is bothered in the sentence “Die defekte Klingel ist der Nachbarin ein Dorn im Auge”?
Answer and explanation
Die Nachbarin.
“Der Nachbarin” is dative here and identifies the person affected.
Which form fits “Die wiederholten Ausfälle ___ mir ein Dorn im Auge”?
Answer and explanation
sind
“Die wiederholten Ausfälle” is the plural subject, so “sind” fits.
You're writing to building management. Which message describes something they can verify?
Answer and explanation
Seit Montag stehen zwei Räder direkt vor dem Eingang.
The first message gives a location, starting date, and quantity. The second mainly expresses personal annoyance.
What to remember
Learn “Das ist mir ein Dorn im Auge” as a sentence pattern. Then replace “mir” with the person who feels bothered.