Presenting a problem or situation as only a small, visible part of the whole.

Pointing out the existence of further, as yet unrecognized aspects.

When discussing a seemingly small problem that turns out to be more complex; when new information reveals that what was known so far is incomplete.

Everyday conversations, news reports, academic lectures, business meetings.

Das ist nur die Spitze des Eisbergs

Das ist nur die Spitze des Eisbergs

No variable part – the whole phrase is fixed; only the verb “ist” can be conjugated according to context.

• only
• is
• the
• tip
• of
• iceberg

• ‘nur’ can be omitted (changes emphasis)
• ‘Spitze des Eisbergs’ can be replaced by other metaphors (e.g.
• ‘Kern des Problems’).

Omitting the article ‘die’ (e.g., *‘Spitze des Eisbergs’); swapping word order; interpreting the phrase literally without understanding the metaphor.

‘Das ist nur die Hälfte der Geschichte’, ‘Das ist nur ein kleiner Teil davon’

Learners often translate the idiom literally and miss its metaphorical meaning.

• the tip of the iceberg
• the core of the problem
• the heart
• the essential part

Emphasizes that the visible part is only a very small excerpt; can seem exaggerated if there isn’t a large whole.

Signals caution and prompts the listener to dig deeper or expect more information.

Tip of iceberg

Der Ausdruck wird oft verwendet, um zu zeigen, dass ein zunächst kleiner Eindruck erst der Anfang eines viel größeren Problems ist.

That's just a small excerpt of the overall picture.