If you want to sound like a native German speaker, you need to stop translating word-for-word and start thinking in "pictures."
German is a language filled with vivid, often hilarious idioms. While English speakers "beat around the bush," Germans "talk around hot porridge." While we might "be lucky," Germans "have a pig."
Here are 10 of the most common German idioms, their literal (and confusing) translations, and how to actually use them.
1. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof
Literal Translation: "I only understand train station."
What it means: "I don't understand a single thing."
How to use it: Use this when someone is explaining something far too complex or speaking way too fast.
Example: "Kannst du das noch einmal erklären? Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof."
2. Das ist mir Wurst
Literal Translation: "That is sausage to me."
What it means: "I don't care" or "It’s all the same to me."
How to use it: Use this for low-stakes decisions, like choosing a restaurant.
Example: "Möchtest du Pizza oder Pasta?" — "Das ist mir Wurst."
3. Tomaten auf den Augen haben
Literal Translation: "To have tomatoes on one's eyes."
What it means: "To be oblivious to what is right in front of you."
How to use it: When a friend can't find their keys even though they are sitting on the table, they have tomatoes on their eyes.
Example: "Die Fernbedienung liegt direkt vor dir! Hast du Tomaten auf den Augen?"
4. Schwein haben
Literal Translation: "To have pig."
What it means: "To be incredibly lucky."
How to use it: In the Middle Ages, having a pig meant you wouldn't starve—it was a sign of great fortune. Today, it's used for any stroke of luck.
Example: "Ich habe den letzten Zug gerade noch erwischt. Da habe ich echt Schwein gehabt!"
5. Den Teufel an die Wand malen
Literal Translation: "To paint the devil on the wall."
What it means: "To be overly pessimistic" or "To assume the worst will happen."
How to use it: Use this when someone is worrying about a disaster that hasn't happened yet.
Example: "Wir werden den Flug sicher nicht verpassen. Mal nicht den Teufel an die Wand!"
6. Um den heißen Brei herumreden
Literal Translation: "To talk around the hot porridge."
What it means: "To beat around the bush" or avoid the main point.
How to use it: Use this in a conversation when someone isn't getting to the "point."
Example: "Komm zum Punkt und rede nicht so lange um den heißen Brei herum!"
7. Alles in Butter
Literal Translation: "Everything in butter."
What it means: "Everything is fine" or "Everything is going smoothly."
How to use it: Back in the day, fragile goods were shipped in jars filled with melted butter which then solidified, protecting the items. If it was "in butter," it was safe.
Example: "Keine Sorge, die Vorbereitungen laufen super. Es ist alles in Butter."
8. Die Nase voll haben
Literal Translation: "To have the nose full."
What it means: "To be fed up" or "To have had enough."
How to use it: When you are frustrated with a situation or a person.
Example: "Ich habe die Nase voll von diesem Regenwetter!"
9. Jemanden Honig um den Mund schmieren
Literal Translation: "To smear honey around someone's mouth."
What it means: "To flatter someone" or "To butter someone up."
How to use it: Use this when you see someone giving excessive compliments to get something they want.
Example: "Er schmiert dem Chef nur Honig um den Mund, weil er eine Gehaltserhöhung will."
10. Den Faden verlieren
Literal Translation: "To lose the thread."
What it means: "To lose your train of thought."
How to use it: Common during presentations or long stories when you forget what you were saying.
Example: "Moment, was wollte ich gerade sagen? Ich habe den Faden verloren."
Idioms are the "Secret Sauce" of Fluency
Learning these phrases won't just make you sound more natural—it will help you understand the German sense of humor.
Have you ever used one of these idioms and gotten a laugh from a native speaker? Or is there another weird German phrase you've heard? Log in and share your favorites in the comments below!
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