Alte Schulfreunde treffen sich zufällig in Berlin wieder

What does “krumm nehmen” mean in German?

“Krumm” means crooked, but “etwas krumm nehmen” has nothing to do with shape — it means to take something personally or to feel offended by it. You will mostly hear it in the negative, reassuring someone that no offence was taken or that a clumsy remark is forgiven: “Das nimmt sie schon nicht krumm” — she won’t hold it against us.

In the clip: after an awkward, tactless reunion one character reassures the other with “Das nimmt sie schon nicht krumm.” — “She won’t take it the wrong way / she won’t hold it against us.” More examples: - “Nimm’s mir bitte nicht krumm, aber das war keine gute Idee.” — “Please don’t take it the wrong way, but that wasn’t a good idea.” - “Er hat den Witz krumm genommen und ist gegangen.” — “He took the joke badly and left.” - “Das nimmt dir keiner krumm.” — “Nobody will hold that against you.” Usage notes: You mostly hear it in the negative — reassuring someone after a clumsy or blunt remark. “Nimm’s mir nicht krumm” is a soft, friendly way to soften something honest you’re about to say, a bit like “no offense, but…” in English.