When you are studying the German language, it is a basic thing to know German idioms and their meanings. Find out more on this blog.
A guide to German idioms and their meanings
Germans are known for their unique take on language and the use of idioms and sayings. Whether you’re a native German speaker or a student of the language, understanding German idioms can add a special flavor to your conversations. Idioms are a great way to express yourself and add more depth to your conversations. But, if you’re not familiar with them, they can be confusing and hard to understand.
This guide is here to help you on your journey to learning German idioms and their meanings. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of German idioms and their corresponding English translations so you can start using them in your conversations. With the help of this guide, you’ll be speaking like a native German in no time.
What are idioms?
An idiom is a group of words that has a different meaning from the original definitions of its words. These are expressions that are used in everyday conversation and writing, but they are not literal. They are more like a saying. They are often used as a way to express feelings or moods. When you use an idiom, it has a special meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words used to make up the idiom.
Idioms are very common in everyday speech, but they are also common in literature. Because they are not literal, it is often difficult to understand what someone means when they use an idiom. Learning common idioms is important so you can understand what people around you are saying.
German idioms & their meanings
The most typical German idioms and their English translations are listed here. A sentence example using them will also be provided. So, if you come across a German person who uses these terms in conversation, you’ll know exactly what they mean.
- Alles außer (alles außer die sprache) – “Alles außer die Sprache” means, “everything except language” and is used to say that something has gone wrong.
- Auf den letzten Drücker – “Auf den letzten Drücker” or “last-minute” describes something that you do at the last minute, e.g. homework.
- Auf den ersten Blick – “Auf den ersten Blick” is used to describe something that seems correct at first glance.
- Aus dem falschen Stock – “Aus dem falschen Stock” means “wrong genus” and is used to describe a person who is not suited for something.
- Besser spät als nie – “Besser spät als nie” is used to say that it’s better late than never.
- Der Reihe nach – “Der Reihe nach” means in the right order and is used as a reminder to do things in the right order.
- Der Zahn der Zeit – “Der Zahn der Zeit” is something that is bound to happen.
- Drauf geschworen – “Drauf geschworen” is used to say that you swear by it.
- Ein Haar in der Suppe finden – “Ein Haar in der Suppe finden” means to find fault in something.
- Ein Hörnchen – “Ein Hörnchen” describes one pastry from a pastry set.
- Ein Händchen haben – “Ein Händchen haben” is used to describe someone lucky.
- Ganz schön – “Ganz schön” is used to describe something that is quite something.
- Halt andere Musik – “Halt andere Musik” is used to describe something that is not what you expect.
- Immer einen auf – “Immer einen auf” is used to describe someone who is acting.
- Im Dreck ertrinken – “Im Dreck ertrinken” is used to describe something that you are overwhelmed by.
- Im Knacken – “Im Knacken” is used when someone is trying very hard to do something.
- Im Schweiße seines Angesichts – “Im Schweiße seines Angesichts” is used to describe something that is done with a lot of effort.
- Jemandem Brot und Spiele geben – “Jemandem Brot und Spiele geben” describes giving in to someone’s desires.
- Kinderkram – “Kinderkram” is used to describe something that is child’s play.
- Klasse – “Klasse” is used to describe something really good.
- Klappe Halten – “Klappe halten” is used to tell someone to shut up. Klappt nicht – “Klappt nicht” is used to describe something that doesn’t work.
- Kopf und Kragen – “Kopf und Kragen” is used to describe someone who takes a risk to the ultimate end.
- Lackmus-Test – “Lackmus-Test” is used to describe someone who is too careful.
- Lebenslauf – “Lebenslauf” is used to describe someone’s resume.
- Mir fällt der Bleistift in der Hand um – “Mir fällt der Bleistift in der Hand um” is used to describe something that you think will happen.
- Mit Haut und Haar – “Mit Haut und Haar” is used to describe something that you do without reservation.
- Nach dem Motto – “Nach dem Motto” is used to describe something that you do or follow a certain concept.
- Nach dem Sprichwort – “Nach dem Sprichwort” is used to describe something that you do according to a proverb.
- Nach der Devise – “Nach der Devise” is used to describe something according to a certain slogan.
- Nach dem Zweck – “Nach dem Zweck” is used to describe something necessary.
- Nach dem Zählen der Hühner – “Nach dem Zählen der Hühner” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach dem Zählen der Schafe – “Nach dem Zählen der Schafe” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach dem Zählen des Geldes – “Nach dem Zählen des Geldes” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach Lust und Laune – “Nach Lust und Laune” is used to describe something that you do something whenever you want to do it.
- Nach dem Schöpfer – “Nach dem Schöpfer” is used to describe something that is created by someone.
- Nach dem Motto – “Nach dem Motto” is used to describe something that you do or follow a certain concept.
- Nach dem Sprichwort – “Nach dem Sprichwort” is used to describe something that you do according to a proverb.
- Nach der Devise – “Nach der Devise” is used to describe something according to a certain slogan.
- Nach dem Zweck – “Nach dem Zweck” is used to describe something necessary.
- Nach dem Zählen der Hühner – “Nach dem Zählen der Hühner” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach dem Zählen der Schafe – “Nach dem Zählen der Schafe” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach dem Zählen des Geldes – “Nach dem Zählen des Geldes” is used to describe something that doesn’t happen as expected.
- Nach Lust und Laune – “Nach Lust und Laune” is used to describe something that you do something whenever you want to do it.
- Nach dem Schöpfer – “Nach dem Schöpfer” is used to describe something that is created by someone.
- Nach dem Zweck – “Nach dem Zweck” is used to describe something necessary.
German idioms about life
German idioms can be a fun way to better understand German culture and the language. Many of them are humorous and offer a unique insight into the German way of life. For instance, there’s the phrase “das Leben ist kein Ponyhof”, which translates to “life is not a pony farm.”
This means that life isn’t always easy and can be quite difficult at times. Another funny German idiom is “es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt”. This translates to “not everything that glitters is gold”, and is used to express the idea that things are not always what they appear to be.
Finally, there’s the phrase “Es ist ein Katzensprung”, which means “it’s a cat jump” and is used to describe something quite close. As you can see, German idioms are an interesting and often humorous way to learn more about the language and the culture.
German idioms about animals
If you’re looking to learn some German idioms related to animals, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the most common and beloved German idioms related to animals:
- “Eine Katze im Sack kaufen” – This translates to “buying a cat in a bag” and is used to refer to buying something without knowing its true nature or value.
- “Eine Fliege machen” – This translates to “making a fly” and is used to mean “leaving in a hurry”.
- “Eine Kuh kaufen” – This translates to “buying a cow” and is used to mean spending a lot of money.
- “In Gänsehaut verwandeln” – This translates to “turning someone into goosebumps” and is used to refer to something very exciting or scary.
- “Die Hunde bellen” – This translates to “the dogs are barking” and is used to refer to a lot of gossip or rumors.
Learning these German idioms about animals is a great way to connect with German culture and can be a lot of fun too!
German expressions about love
German idioms are full of colorful expressions about love. One of the most romantic is “sie liebt wie die Blumen im Frühling” which means “she loves like the flowers in spring”. This phrase is used to express deep and passionate love. Another phrase that speaks to the intensity of love is “brennender Kopf, brennender Herz” which means “burning head, burning heart”.
This expression refers to the feeling of being smitten and overwhelmed by love. When you want to let your partner know how much you love them, you can say “ich liebe dich mehr als die Sterne am Himmel” which translates to “I love you more than the stars in the sky”. This phrase is often used to express undying love and devotion. It’s no wonder why German expressions about love are so popular – they’re incredibly romantic and sweet!