Idioms are tricky phrases that are hard to understand and the literal meaning is different from their translation. Likewise, German idioms are even more tricky if you are a non-native speaker. Here, you will first have to master the German language and then even understand the meanings of those particular phrases. However, learning the idioms proves that you have mastered the following language. Therefore, read this blog to know the idioms in German, their literal meaning, and their proper usage. Moreover, tips to learn them are also mentioned below.
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The idioms are phrases that have an exact different meaning from what it looks like. This means that the precise meaning of the words will be different from what the entire sentence would mean. For example: in English, there is a popular idiom “Break a leg” which means “good luck”. Moreover, because the blog is about the German language, lets take the example of common German idioms such as “Schuster, bleib bei deinen Leisten”, which translates to “Shoemaker, stick to your strengths”, but the literal meaning is “Stick to what you know”.
Thus, it is clear what idioms are. Now, read the next section to know why it is important to learn German idiomatic expressions.
Learning German idioms allows you to better understand and participate in natural conversations with German-speaking people. Moreover, you may sound more like a native speaker, and gain insight into German culture and history. Furthermore, it will also enrich your vocabulary by adding variety and richness to your language skills.
So, the main reasons or benefits of learning the idioms in German are:
These are the reasons that make learning the idioms in the German language important and beneficial. Therefore, read below to know the 35 most commonly used German idiom translated into English and their proper usage.
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Here, you will read about some of the popular and common German idioms. Moreover, their English translation and literal meaning are also mentioned with them. So, read with concentration to know their proper usage in normal conversations.
1. Das Gelbe vom Ei sein
Here, the idiom means something that's the absolute best is coined the yolk of the egg.
2. Die Katze im Sack kaufen
This German idiom is said when a person buys something without checking the terms and conditions or other details.
3. Schuster, bleib bei deinen Leisten
This idiom is generally used to remind someone to stop talking about subjects outside their realm of knowledge.
4. Ungeschoren davonkommen
This idiom is used in German culture when someone escapes a narrow situation or just with a slap on the wrist.
5. Zur Strecke bringen
This idiom is used when taking down a robber, criminal, or opponent often results in a chase.
6. Nach Strich und Faden
When something is done correctly or in deep detail, then this idiom is used to express gratitude.
7. Den Faden verlieren
This German idiom is used when you are telling a story and forget the pointer mid-story, and lose the path.
8. Das macht den Kohl auch nicht fett
This idiom is a way to say something doesn't matter or won't help significantly in the process.
9. Jemanden den Hof machen
This idiom is used to describe the process of courting someone or paying attention to them.
10. Den Kürzeren ziehen
This idiom describes someone disadvantaged, short-changed, or who had bad luck.
11. Sich ins gemachte Nest setzen
The main idea behind this German idiom is that you can just sit back and relax in the nest that someone else made.
12. Eine Rabenmutter sein
This idiom is used when a mother is not good or is not capable of parenting her children.
13. Kleider machen Leute
This idiom has a very easy and true meaning, that is reminding someone of the importance of making an excellent first impression by dressing appropriately.
14. Den Schalk im Nacken haben
This idiom describes a person who is naughty or mischievous, that acts as a pain in your neck.
15. Eine Schwalbe macht noch keinen Sommer
Celebrating too soon could bring disappointment. So, with this German idiom, you can remind someone not to count their chickens before they hatch.
16. Butter bei die Fische
There are 2 meanings of these idioms. First, you can use this German idiom to say, in all honesty, or to be frank. A second use for this expression can mean giving your best effort.
17. Jemanden über den Tisch ziehen
This idiom is used when you rip someone off, exploit them, or beat them mercilessly at their favorite board game.
18. Auf der Leitung stehen
This expression means that someone is slow to catch on to what's happening around them.
19. Seine Felle davonschwimmen sehen
This idiom describes the tragic phenomenon of watching your hopes and dreams disappear before your eyes.
20. Turteltauben sein
This idiom is to describe two people who are in love and can not separate and get enough of each other.
21. Das Zünglein an der Waage
This idiom is used to describe a deciding factor that tips the scale or balance. Moreover, Zünglein is the pointer on a scale that shows exact measurements.
22. Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst
This idiom means that if a limited supply of something is available, you might only have the chance to get it on a first-come, first-serve basis.
23. Wie Pilze aus dem Boden schießen
When something increases rapidly in number, just like mushrooms do, this idiom is perfect to use in such a situation.
24. Schlau wie ein Fuchs sein
This idiom is used to describe someone with qualities like a fox, who is very clever in finding food and shelter.
25. Jemanden ausnehmen wie eine Weihnachtsgans
This idiom refers to shamelessly taking someone's every last penny. A similar English idiom is, “to rob someone blind.”
26. Nach jemandes Pfeife tanzen
In English, you might say you're dancing to someone's tune, blindly obeying, or doing their bidding.
27. Wir sitzen schōn in der Tinte!
When you are finding something difficult, or are in some sort of trouble, then this idiom is used. Moreover, it is also used in the case of financial difficulties.
28. Da fresse ich glatt einen Besen
The use of this idiom is another sarcastic way to reply to a statement you find hard to believe.
29. Ich glaube mein Schwein pfeift
This idiom is used to express your astonishment during the most unexpected moments.
30. Das Haar in der Suppe suchen/finden
This idiom is the best way to remind someone to be less negative and to show disapproval of their outlook and approach.
31. Unter einer Decke stecken
When you keep a secret between yourself and someone else, or a small group of people, you may be in cahoots. So, hiding a secret from someone is the use of this idiom.
32. Alles hat ein Ende, nur eine Wurst hat zwei
This German idiom means that everything has an end and nothing lasts forever. Moreover, the reference to sausage is to add some humor to the idiom.
33. Die beleidigte Leberwurst spielen
You can use this idiom to describe anyone who is easily offended, a sore loser, or acting difficult.
34. Ich glaube ich spinne
Sometimes, you hear or see something hard to believe and can not digest the fact that this particular thing happened. So, use this idiom in such a case.
35. Lügen haben kurze Beine
This German idiom is used to say that the truth comes out eventually and you can not go very far with the truth.
These are the most popular 35 German idioms with their meaning and translation and you can practice using them in real conversations. However, there are some funny idioms also in the German language that can make the conversations interesting and engaging. Thus, read the next section to learn about them.
Here, you will read some of the funny German idioms that are commonly used among the locals. This will help you become a part of some casual conversations and make some friends. Therefore, some of these popular idioms are:
| Idiom | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Du gehst mir auf den Keks | You’re getting on my nerves | Express annoyance or frustration |
| Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof | Life is not a bed of roses | To remind someone that life isn’t always easy |
| Kummerspeck | Comfort eating | When you’re upset, you can put on some weight |
| Kabelsalat | clutter | When a thing or situation is a total mess |
| Sich zum Affen machen | Being a monkey | To make a fool of oneself |
| Unter aller Sau | Being beneath pigs | Very very bad |
| Die beleidigte Leberwurst spielen | Being an offended…er…sausage | Unnecessarily offended and behaving like a liver sausage |
| Du bist doch nicht aus Zucker! | You’re not made of sugar! | it’s not the end of the world – you won’t melt |
| Alles in Butter | Buttery goodness! | Everything is in butter |
| Lügen haben kurze Beine | Lies have short legs | Lies get caught every time |
These are some funny German idioms that are beneficial to use and can make you a part of interesting conversations. Now, after knowing all these common German phrases that are called idioms. Let us discuss the tips that will help you in learning and use these idioms naturally.
These several tips will help you learn German idioms and use them naturally in daily conversations. So, some of them are:
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This was all about the German idioms. These idioms can make a conversation interesting and engaging. Moreover, it can also prove that you are a fluent German speaker, allowing people to engage with you. So, it is beneficial that you learn them. However, if you face any issues in learning the language, then opt for our German online coaching, which will help you learn the language efficiently while learning from your comfort place. Thus, attend it now and make your language more fluent.
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