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German Idioms – Part 2

German idioms are an important part of everyday German. They come up all the time in both written and spoken German. Because idioms don’t always make sense literally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning idioms is fun, especially when you compare German idioms to the idioms in your own language.

Er muss zu allem seinen Senf dazugeben

Literally: He must add his mustard to everything
English Equivalent: He must always give his two cents worth

Ein Fisch auf dem Trockenen

Literally: a fish on the dry
English equivalent: a fish out of water

Fix und fertig sein

Literally: to be quick and ready
English equivalent: to be exhausted

Weggehen wie warme Semmeln

Literally: go like warm rolls
English equivalent: sell like hot cakes

Dumm wie Bohnenstroh

Literally: as dumb as a bean straw
English equivalent: as thick as a brick

Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben

Literally: Don’t praise the day before the evening.
English equivalent: Don’t count your chicks before they hatch.

Schwein haben

Literally: to have a pig
English equivalent: to be lucky

Klar wie Kloßbrühe

Literally: clear as dumpling broth
English equivalent: crystal clear

Den Teufel an die Wand zu malen

Literally: to draw the devil on the wall
English equivalent: to be overly pessimistic

Schlafen wie ein Murmeltier

Literally: sleep like a groundhog
English equivalent: sleep like a log

Tomaten auf den Augen haben

Literally: to have tomatoes on one’s eyes
English equivalent: to be oblivious to what is going around you




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