How do you say “In the doghouse” in German?
The closest natural German equivalent is bei jemandem in Ungnade sein, which literally means “to be in disgrace with someone”. English speakers use in the doghouse to mean in trouble with someone because you have upset them. An established equivalent for losing someone’s favour. In everyday situations it can sound deliberately grand or humorous. Register: informal. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural German
bei jemandem in Ungnade sein
/baɪ ˈjeːmandəm ɪn ˈʊnɡnaːdə zaɪn/
- Literal meaning
- “to be in disgrace with someone”
- Register
- informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
91 out of 100
What a native German speaker would actually say
German speaks of being out of favour rather than being sent to a kennel. “Bei meiner Schwester” identifies the person who is annoyed.
It can suit a joking account of a forgotten promise. It does not necessarily imply that the person has imposed a punishment.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
I am in the doghouse with my sister after forgetting to collect her.
German
Ich bin bei meiner Schwester in Ungnade, weil ich vergessen habe, sie abzuholen.
English
He is still in the doghouse with the coach for missing practice.
German
Er ist beim Trainer immer noch in Ungnade, weil er das Training verpasst hat.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-10-01