Learning German can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. One of the aspects that many learners find particularly intriguing, yet difficult, are idiomatic expressions. Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of the words. Understanding these expressions can greatly enhance your comprehension and fluency in German. In this article, we’ll explore some common German idioms, their meanings, and how to use them in conversation.
Redewendungen: German Idioms and Their Context
German idioms, or Redewendungen, are an essential part of everyday conversation and can offer deep insights into German culture and mindset. They can be colorful, humorous, and sometimes even baffling to non-native speakers. Here are some frequently used German idioms along with their meanings and examples to help you incorporate them into your speech.
1. “Die Katze im Sack kaufen”
This idiom translates to “to buy a cat in a sack.” It is used to describe a situation where someone buys something without inspecting it first, effectively taking a risk.
Meaning: To buy something without having seen it or knowing its quality.
Example:
“Ich werde diesen Gebrauchtwagen nicht kaufen, ohne ihn zuerst zu testen. Ich will nicht die Katze im Sack kaufen.”
(“I won’t buy this used car without testing it first. I don’t want to buy a pig in a poke.”)
2. “Da steppt der Bär”
Literally translating to “the bear dances there,” this idiom is used to describe a lively, exciting event or place.
Meaning: This is where the action is; it’s a happening place.
Example:
“Du solltest zur Party kommen. Da steppt der Bär!”
(“You should come to the party. It’s going to be a blast!”)
3. “Jemandem die Daumen drücken”
This phrase means “to press your thumbs for someone,” akin to the English “keeping your fingers crossed.”
Meaning: To wish someone good luck.
Example:
“Ich drücke dir die Daumen für deine Prüfung morgen.”
(“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your exam tomorrow.”)
4. “Tomaten auf den Augen haben”
This idiom translates to “to have tomatoes on one’s eyes,” meaning someone is oblivious to something obvious.
Meaning: To be oblivious or not seeing something that is apparent.
Example:
“Der neue Laden ist direkt vor deiner Nase, hast du Tomaten auf den Augen?”
(“The new store is right in front of you, are you blind?”)
5. “Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen”
Literally “to hit the nail on the head,” this phrase is similar to its English counterpart.
Meaning: To be exactly right about something.
Example:
“Dein Vorschlag trifft den Nagel auf den Kopf.”
(“Your suggestion hits the nail on the head.”)
6. “Das ist nicht mein Bier”
This idiom translates to “that is not my beer,” indicating that something is not one’s concern.
Meaning: That’s not my problem or responsibility.
Example:
“Was er mit seinem Geld macht, ist nicht mein Bier.”
(“What he does with his money is not my business.”)
7. “Auf dem Holzweg sein”
This phrase means “to be on the wooden path,” suggesting that someone is mistaken or on the wrong track.
Meaning: To be wrong or mistaken about something.
Example:
“Wenn du denkst, dass er lügt, bist du auf dem Holzweg.”
(“If you think he’s lying, you’re wrong.”)
8. “Ins Gras beißen”
Literally “to bite into the grass,” this idiom is a euphemistic way of saying that someone has died.
Meaning: To die.
Example:
“Der alte König hat endlich ins Gras gebissen.”
(“The old king has finally kicked the bucket.”)
9. “Perlen vor die Säue werfen”
This idiom translates to “to cast pearls before swine,” which is also an English idiom.
Meaning: To offer something valuable to someone who doesn’t appreciate it.
Example:
“Deine Ratschläge sind bei ihm verschwendet, du wirfst Perlen vor die Säue.”
(“Your advice is wasted on him, you’re casting pearls before swine.”)
10. “Das Blaue vom Himmel versprechen”
This phrase translates to “to promise the blue from the sky,” indicating making extravagant promises.
Meaning: To promise the impossible.
Example:
“Er verspricht immer das Blaue vom Himmel, aber hält nie sein Wort.”
(“He always promises the moon but never keeps his word.”)
11. “Schwein haben”
Literally “to have pig,” this idiom means to be very lucky.
Meaning: To be very lucky.
Example:
“Du hast wirklich Schwein gehabt, dass du den Job bekommen hast.”
(“You were really lucky to get the job.”)
12. “Das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten”
This idiom means “to throw out the baby with the bathwater.”
Meaning: To discard something valuable along with something undesirable.
Example:
“Wir sollten das neue System nicht komplett verwerfen, nur weil es ein paar Probleme gibt. Das wäre, das Kind mit dem Bade auszuschütten.”
(“We shouldn’t discard the new system entirely just because it has a few issues. That would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”)
13. “Hals- und Beinbruch”
This idiom literally means “neck and leg break,” and it’s used to wish someone good luck, similar to “break a leg” in English.
Meaning: Good luck.
Example:
“Viel Erfolg bei deinem Auftritt! Hals- und Beinbruch!”
(“Good luck with your performance! Break a leg!”)
14. “Mit dem falschen Fuß aufstehen”
This translates to “to get up on the wrong foot,” akin to the English “to get up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Meaning: To start the day in a bad mood.
Example:
“Er ist heute Morgen mit dem falschen Fuß aufgestanden, deshalb ist er so mürrisch.”
(“He got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, that’s why he’s so grumpy.”)
15. “Eine Extrawurst verlangen”
This idiom means “to ask for an extra sausage,” indicating that someone is asking for special treatment.
Meaning: To ask for special treatment or exceptions.
Example:
“Er verlangt immer eine Extrawurst, es ist sehr nervig.”
(“He always asks for special treatment, it’s very annoying.”)
16. “Klar wie Kloßbrühe”
Literally “clear as dumpling broth,” this idiom means something is very clear or obvious.
Meaning: Very clear or obvious.
Example:
“Die Antwort ist klar wie Kloßbrühe.”
(“The answer is crystal clear.”)
17. “Auf Wolke sieben schweben”
This translates to “to float on cloud seven,” similar to the English “to be on cloud nine.”
Meaning: To be extremely happy.
Example:
“Seit er die Prüfung bestanden hat, schwebt er auf Wolke sieben.”
(“Since he passed the exam, he’s been on cloud nine.”)
18. “Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen”
This idiom means “to kill two flies with one swat,” akin to the English “to kill two birds with one stone.”
Meaning: To achieve two things with one action.
Example:
“Mit diesem Projekt können wir zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen.”
(“With this project, we can kill two birds with one stone.”)
19. “Ein Auge zudrücken”
Literally “to close an eye,” this idiom means to overlook something or be lenient.
Meaning: To turn a blind eye or to be lenient.
Example:
“Der Lehrer hat ein Auge zugedrückt, als ich meine Hausaufgaben vergessen habe.”
(“The teacher turned a blind eye when I forgot my homework.”)
20. “Durch die Blume sagen”
This phrase means “to say something through the flower,” indicating that someone is being indirect or subtle.
Meaning: To say something in a roundabout way.
Example:
“Er hat mir durch die Blume gesagt, dass er meine Idee nicht mag.”
(“He subtly told me that he doesn’t like my idea.”)
Why Learning Idioms is Important
Understanding and using idiomatic expressions is crucial for several reasons:
Cultural Insight: Idioms often contain cultural references that can provide deeper insights into the values, humor, and history of a community.
Fluency: Native speakers frequently use idioms in conversation. Knowing these phrases can help you understand and participate in conversations more naturally.
Expression: Idioms can add color and variety to your speech, making it more engaging and expressive.
Comprehension: Many idioms don’t translate well literally. Knowing their meanings can help you avoid confusion.
Tips for Learning German Idioms
Context: Try to learn idioms in context rather than in isolation. This can help you understand how they are used in real-life situations.
Practice: Use idioms in your conversations and writing to become more comfortable with them.
Flashcards: Create flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other.
Media: Listen to German music, watch German films, and read German books to see how idioms are used naturally.
Ask Native Speakers: If you’re unsure about an idiom, don’t hesitate to ask a native speaker for clarification.
Incorporating German idioms into your vocabulary can significantly enhance your language skills and help you communicate more effectively. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these expressions just like a native speaker!
