Learn German: 10 Essential German Idioms for Beginners

A. Definition of German idioms
German idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning that is different from their literal translation. They are an important part of the German language and culture, and learning them can greatly enhance your understanding and fluency in the language.

B. Importance of learning German idioms
Learning German idioms is essential for anyone who wants to truly master the language. Idioms are used frequently in everyday conversation, and understanding them will help you communicate more effectively with native speakers. Additionally, idioms provide insight into the culture and history of a language, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the people and their way of life.

The Role of Idioms in Language Learning

A. How idioms can help you speak like a native
Idioms are an integral part of any language, and using them correctly can make your speech sound more natural and authentic. When you use idioms in conversation, it shows that you have a good grasp of the language and are able to express yourself in a culturally appropriate way. It also helps you connect with native speakers on a deeper level, as idioms often carry cultural connotations that can be difficult to translate.

B. The cultural significance of idioms
Idioms are not just linguistic expressions; they also reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions of a culture. By learning idioms, you gain insight into the cultural nuances of a language and develop a deeper appreciation for its people. Idioms often draw on historical events, folklore, or local customs, providing a window into the rich tapestry of a culture’s heritage.

Top 10 German Idioms for Beginners

A. Explanation of each idiom
1. “Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei” – This idiom literally translates to “Everything has an end, only the sausage has two.” It means that everything eventually comes to an end, except for certain things that seem to go on forever.

2. “Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer” – This idiom translates to “That’s where the rabbit is in the pepper.” It means that’s where the problem lies or that’s the crux of the matter.

3. “Die Daumen drücken” – This idiom translates to “Pressing thumbs.” It means to keep one’s fingers crossed or to wish someone luck.

4. “Die Katze aus dem Sack lassen” – This idiom translates to “Letting the cat out of the bag.” It means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was previously unknown.

5. “Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben” – This idiom translates to “To put something on the long bench.” It means to postpone or delay something.

B. Examples of how to use them in conversation
1. “Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei” – You can use this idiom when talking about a never-ending task or situation. For example, if you’re working on a project that seems to have no end in sight, you could say, “Es fühlt sich an, als ob alles ein Ende hat, nur die Wurst hat zwei.”

2. “Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer” – You can use this idiom when discussing a problem or difficult situation. For example, if someone is struggling with a math problem, you could say, “Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer. Du musst die Formel anders anwenden.”

3. “Die Daumen drücken” – You can use this idiom when wishing someone luck. For example, if your friend is about to take a test, you could say, “Ich drücke dir die Daumen!”

4. “Die Katze aus dem Sack lassen” – You can use this idiom when revealing a secret or sharing previously unknown information. For example, if you have exciting news to share, you could say, “Ich lasse die Katze aus dem Sack: Ich habe einen neuen Job!”

5. “Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben” – You can use this idiom when talking about postponing or delaying something. For example, if you haven’t started working on a project yet, you could say, “Ich habe das Projekt auf die lange Bank geschoben und muss jetzt schnell damit anfangen.”

“Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei”

A. Origin and history of the idiom
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is often attributed to the German poet and playwright Friedrich von Logau, who used a similar phrase in one of his works. Over time, the phrase evolved into its current form and became a popular saying in Germany.

B. Meaning and usage in modern German
This idiom is used to express the idea that everything eventually comes to an end, except for certain things that seem to go on forever. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous context to emphasize the never-ending nature of something. For example, if someone is complaining about a long and tedious task, you could say, “Ja, alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei.”

“Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer”

A. Literal translation and hidden meaning
The literal translation of this idiom is “That’s where the rabbit is in the pepper.” However, the hidden meaning behind this expression is that’s where the problem lies or that’s the crux of the matter. The idiom draws on the image of a rabbit hiding in a pile of pepper, which represents a hidden or difficult-to-find problem.

B. How to use the idiom in conversation
You can use this idiom when discussing a problem or difficult situation. It is often used to highlight the main issue or obstacle that needs to be addressed. For example, if someone is struggling to find a solution to a problem, you could say, “Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer. Du musst die Ursache des Problems finden, um es lösen zu können.”

“Die Daumen drücken”

A. Definition and usage of the idiom
The idiom “Die Daumen drücken” translates to “Pressing thumbs.” It is used to express the act of keeping one’s fingers crossed or wishing someone luck. The idiom draws on the image of pressing one’s thumbs together as a gesture of support or encouragement.

B. Examples of when to use it
You can use this idiom when wishing someone luck or expressing hope for a positive outcome. It is often used before an important event or during a challenging situation. For example, if your friend is about to take a test, you could say, “Ich drücke dir die Daumen! Ich bin sicher, dass du es schaffen wirst.”

“Die Katze aus dem Sack lassen”

A. Origins and significance of the expression
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval times when merchants would sell live animals in bags. Sometimes, dishonest merchants would substitute a less valuable animal for a more valuable one, and the buyer would only discover the deception when they opened the bag and let the cat out. Over time, the phrase evolved into its current form and came to represent revealing a secret or disclosing information that was previously unknown.

B. How to use it in conversation
You can use this idiom when you want to reveal a secret or share previously unknown information. It is often used in a playful or dramatic context to build suspense before disclosing something. For example, if you have exciting news to share, you could say, “Ich lasse die Katze aus dem Sack: Ich habe einen neuen Job! Ich habe es bisher geheim gehalten, aber jetzt kann ich es endlich erzählen.”

“Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben”

A. Meaning and usage of the idiom
The idiom “Etwas auf die lange Bank schieben” translates to “To put something on the long bench.” It means to postpone or delay something. The idiom draws on the image of putting an object on a long bench, where it is out of immediate reach and can be easily forgotten or neglected.

B. Examples of when to use it
You can use this idiom when talking about postponing or delaying something. It is often used to express procrastination or the act of putting off a task or responsibility. For example, if you haven’t started working on a project yet, you could say, “Ich habe das Projekt auf die lange Bank geschoben und muss jetzt schnell damit anfangen, bevor es zu spät ist.”

“Ins Fettnäpfchen treten”

A. Definition and origins of the idiom
The idiom “Ins Fettnäpfchen treten” translates to “To step into the fat bowl.” It means to say or do something embarrassing or socially awkward. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century and draws on the image of accidentally stepping into a bowl of fat, which represents a clumsy or awkward action.

B. How to avoid embarrassing situations by understanding the idiom
By understanding this idiom, you can become more aware of potential social pitfalls and avoid embarrassing situations. It reminds you to think before you speak or act and consider the potential consequences of your words or actions. For example, if you’re in a formal setting and unsure of the appropriate behavior, you can remind yourself not to “Ins Fettnäpfchen treten” and observe how others are behaving.

“Tomaten auf den Augen haben”

A. Explanation of the idiom
The idiom “Tomaten auf den Augen haben” translates to “To have tomatoes on one’s eyes.” It is used to express that someone is not seeing or understanding something that is obvious to others. The idiom draws on the image of someone having tomatoes covering their eyes, which would obviously impair their vision.

B. How to use it to express clarity of vision
You can use this idiom to express that you see or understand something clearly, especially when others seem oblivious to it. It is often used in a playful or teasing context to point out someone’s lack of awareness. For example, if you notice something that others have missed, you could say, “Hast du Tomaten auf den Augen? Das ist doch offensichtlich!”

A. Recap of the importance of learning German idioms
Learning German idioms is essential for anyone who wants to truly master the language. They help you speak like a native, understand cultural nuances, and connect with native speakers on a deeper level.

B. Encouragement to continue learning and using idioms in conversation
Learning idioms takes time and practice, but the effort is well worth it. As you continue to learn and use idioms in conversation, you will become more fluent and confident in your German language skills. So keep learning, keep practicing, and soon you’ll be speaking like a native!

If you want to learn German, you can register for classes here. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become fluent in German!