Idioms and proverbs are unique in each language and may cause some confusion when they are translated literally. Here we have a list for you with some common German idioms.
To have an earworm – “Einen Ohrwurm haben“
No, this is not a German disease. “Having an earworm” is the German way of saying: “To have a song stuck in one`s head”
To let the pig out – “Die Sau rauslassen”
Used when someone is going to celebrate wildly, is going have fun or letting himself go.
I think my pig is whistling – “Ich glaub mein Schwein pfeift“
Expression is meant to signify a tremendous surprise or astonishment as if a pig would start to whistle. A similar idiom meaning the same is “I think a horse is kicking me” (Ich glaub’ mich tritt ein Pferd).
Not having all cups in the cupboard – “Nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben“
Referring to a person that is crazy. A similar idiom might be the English expression “Not playing with a full desk”. Other idioms having the same meaning are “To have a bird” (Einen Vogel haben) or “To have a screw loose” (Eine Schraube locker haben).
That was for the cat – “Das war für die Katz“
Implying that something was a waste of time. There are several other German idioms including the word “cat”, for example: “To buy the cat in the bag” (Die Katze im Sack kaufen) meaning to get oneself into an unknown or risky situation without checking the conditions before.
Do the fly – “Mach die Fliege“
Demanding someone to leave quickly.
To get on one’s cookie – “Jemandem auf dem Keks gehen“
To get on somebody’s nerves. Another expression also commonly used to imply that someone is annoyed by somebody or something is “To get on one’s alarm” (Jemandem auf den Wecker gehen).
To talk around the hot porridge – “Um den heißen Brei herumreden“
Is used when someone does not have the courage to talk about something openly or when a person describes an issue roundabout, lengthy and without naming the important aspects.
Sich eine Eselsbrücke bauen – “To build oneself a donkey bridge“
This idiom refers to a mental tool that creates a connection between two ideas in order remember them more easily. For example, German pupils remind themselves of the correct writing of the word “nämlich” with the “Eselsbrücke”: “Wer nämlich mit “h” scheibt, ist dämlich.”
That’s not my beer – “Das ist nicht mein Bier”
That’s none of my business or that’s not my problem.
To tie a bear on someone – “Jemandem einen Bär aufbinden“
To hoax or lie to someone (playfully) by tricking him to believe something untrue.
That is sausage to me – “Das ist mir Wurst“
Especially used in Bavaria but also common in other German regions, meaning I couldn’t care less. Beside this idiom we also use the expression: “Now it goes around the sausage” (Jetzt geht es um die Wurst) as the German equivalent to “Its neck, or nothing”.
I only understand train station – “Ich versteht nur Bahnhof verstehen“
Do not or do not want to understand a topic or issue.
To have the nose full – “Die Nase voll haben”
To be sick or tired of something.
Holla the woodnymp – “Holla die Waldfee”
A cry of astonishment or surprise (in a positive way). Its origin is a matter of conjecture. Some people trace it back to an ancient card game, others insist that the idiom originates from the German fairy tale “Mother Mulda” (Frau Holle).
Keep your ears stiff – “Halt die Ohren steif”
Could be translated as “Hang in there”. It is used to wish someone the best of luck or to impress one`s comfort.
To have a total sock-shot – “Einen totalen Sockenschuss haben”
Is used to say that someone is out of his mind.
You can take poison on that – “Darauf kannst du Gift nehmen”
This idiom expresses that an issue is irrevocably right. A suitable English equivalent might be “You can bet your life on it.”
To be on the woodway – “Auf dem Holzweg sein”
“Du bist auf dem Holzweg” is a common expression to describe that someone is wrong or mistaken.
Now we have the salad – “Jetzt haben wir den Salat”
Is used when something goes wrong or when some kind of misfortune/accident couldn’t be averted. A salad consists of different ingredients mixed together and portrays the “chaos” the idiom refers to.
So which one do you like the most? Let us know your opinion!
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