Concluding our series, Part 4 presents the final batch of German idioms that encapsulate the language’s charm and expressiveness. From “Es ist mir Wurst” to “Lügen haben kurze Beine,” these phrases offer a glimpse into German humor and pragmatism. Dive in to complete your idiomatic journey.
Sich freuen wie ein Schneekönig
Literally: to be as merry as a snow king English equivalent: to be head over heels happy about something
Zu viele Köche verderben den Brei
Literally: too many cooks spoil the broth English equivalent: if too many people are involved in a task or activity, it will not be done well
Nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben
Literally: not to have all cups in the cupboard English equivalent: to be crazy
Das Leben ist kein Ponyhof
Literally: Life is not a pony farm. English equivalent: Life isn’t fair.
Die Nase voll haben
Literally: to have a nose full of something English equivalent: to be fed up with a particular situation
Hopfen und Malz ist verloren
Literally: hop and malt is lost English equivalent: to give up hope
Es ist mir Wurst
Literally: It’s sausage to me. English equivalent: It doesn’t matter to me.
Lügen haben kurze Beine
Literally: Lies have short legs. English equivalent: Stretching the truth might work in the short term, but it won’t last.
