Looking up...
da liegt der Hund begraben
/daː liːkt deːɐ̯ hʊnt bəˈɡʁaːbn̩/◆idiom
that's the crux of the matter
Das Problem ist nicht die Technik, sondern da liegt der Hund begraben: Wir haben einfach keine Zeit.
The problem isn't the technology; that's the crux of the matter: we simply don't have the time.
informal
the real issue or main problem in a situation
Bei dem Projekt liegt der Hund begraben, dass wir kein Budget haben.
The real issue with the project is that we don't have a budget.
Sie streiten sich ständig, aber da liegt der Hund begraben: Sie wollen einfach nicht zuhören.
They argue constantly, but the crux of it is: they simply won't listen.
Often used to emphasize the core difficulty or hidden problem in a situation. The phrase is idiomatic and cannot be translated literally.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this idiom
Use 'da liegt der Hund begraben' when you want to emphasize that a seemingly minor issue is actually the main obstacle or the core of a problem. It’s stronger than 'das ist das Problem' and implies a hidden or overlooked difficulty.
Gold Rule
Idiom vs. literal meaning
Never interpret this phrase literally—it does not refer to an actual buried dog. The 'Hund' here symbolizes the main problem, not an animal.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in spoken and informal written German to highlight the central problem in a discussion or situation. It originates from the literal image of a buried dog marking a hidden treasure, implying that the key issue is often concealed.
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch