Today I want to introduce you to the interesting and often weird world of German idioms and sayings. I have started off with a somewhat random selection of 16 idioms/sayings/terms that might make you chuckle.
1. Auf dem Zahnfleisch kriechen
to crawl on the gums
--> to be completely exhausted
2. Hals- und Beinbruch!
neck- and legbreak
--> Break a leg: Good luck!
3. Jemandem etwas aus der Nase ziehen
Pulling something out of someone's nose
--> trying hard to get some information from someone
4. Alter schützt vor Torheit nicht.
Age does not prevent you from stupidity.
-->There's no fool like an old fool./Just because you're old doesn't mean you don't make stupid mistakes.
5. Klappe zu, Affe tot
close the flap/shut up, monkey dead
--> Used in discussions or disagreements to say: Dischussion end!
6. Ein Auge auf jemanden/etwas werfen
to throw an eye on someone or something
--> to watch someone or something; if used for a "someone" it could also mean: to be interested in someone
7. Blut und Wasser schwitzen
to sweat blood and water
--> sweating blood and tears; to try super hard to achieve something
8. Wer Schwierigkeiten sucht, findet immer welche.
If you look for difficulties, you will always find them.
9. Das passt wie die Faust aufs Auge
That fits like the fist on the eye
--> This fits like a glove; This is a great fit
10. 08/15 (Nullachtfünfzehn)
zero-eight -fifteen
--> cookie-cutter; something or someone being basic
11. Asche auf mein Haupt
Ash on my head
--> Mea culpa/often said as an apolgy in the sense of "my bad"
13. Jemandem ist eine Laus über die Leber gelaufen
Someone has a louse running on their liver
--> to be peaved
14. Auf den Schlips treten
to step on someone's tie
--> to tread on someones's toes
15. der/die Wichtigtuer/in
the important-doer
--> showoff
16 Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof
Life is not a ponyfarm.
--> Life ain't easy.
What are your favorite German idioms and sayings? Please share below!
If you like my blog, please subscribe! If you have an interesting story re German(y) or would like to get interviewed feel free to reach out to me.
Comments