Was nervt dich an deiner Mama?

What does “umtreibt” mean in German?

etwas treibt mich um means something keeps nagging at you — a small worry or thought that sits in the back of your mind and won’t quite settle. It is calmer than anger; more like a quiet, ongoing thought you can’t let go of. Here the host uses it gently, almost teasingly, asking what small thing still bothers her guest about her mum.

“Was ist das bei dir, was dich an deiner Mama so ein bisschen umtreibt?” — “What is it about your mum that bugs you a little / keeps nagging at you?” Use it for a thought or worry you can’t shake: “Diese Frage treibt mich seit Tagen um.” — “This question has been on my mind for days.” “Was treibt dich um?” is a soft way to ask “What’s bothering you?” or “What’s on your mind?” Note: it usually points to something inside you that won’t settle. It is calmer than “ärgern” (to annoy) — more like a quiet, ongoing thought than a sharp irritation. It’s more a word to understand when you hear it than one you need to use yourself.