means the same thing as the English word “crass,” but it in German its meaning has been broadened and the word can be used to describe almost anything, usually — but not necessarily — in a positive way. Wo sich Fuchs und Hase gute Nacht sagen (voh ziH fooks oont hah-ze gooh-te nâHt zah-gen) (where fox and hare say good night to one another), which means in the middle of nowhere or in the sticks. In reality, das Blaue von Himmel versprechen is a German … The basic German words page is aimed at individuals who need to learn some quick German phrases before traveling to Germany. But don’t give up — you’ll find the right job and that dream flat in Kreuzkölln eventually. These words will help you feel more confident and make a good first impression. An example, as in "I would like to give an example" — ich möchte ein Beispiel anführen. 6. 1. (dâs mâHt niHts.) I love German idioms because they are full of references to popular German foods like sausages, bread rolls, and mustard! 4. When I moved to Germany two years ago, I jumped in at the deep end: no place to live, no job lined up, I didn’t even know German yet! Yum! For me, this one can also be interpreted on a more personal level: problems begin, and in fact only exist, in your head. ), Schade! The examples given here are just one suggested pronunciation. I knew it would be particularly difficult on this occasion. Other German expressions are a little harder to figure out. Sprechen Sie Englisch? Some of the words below have an audio file attached so you can hear how it is pronounced. (I’m sorry.) You can use this alone or in a statement. She has developed, written, and edited numerous German-language textbooks and teachers' handbooks for Berlitz International. But nothing could be further from the truth! (Mark Twain wrote, “Some German words are so long that they have a perspective” in an appendix to A Tramp Abroad that was appropriately titled The Awful German Language). I recently moved to the German-speaking part of Switzerland, and as a result, I’ve been trying to pick up German, which is a tricky endeavor. Anyway, what really makes this expression special is that it sets you up to expect something very deep and philosophical: “Alles hat ein Ende, [insert a very profound ending here].” But luckily the second part completely breaks this expectation by telling something obvious (which also involves a sausage). Remember, there is often more than one way to pronounce some words. Humbug! Schlafen wie ein Murmeltier. Follow me on a journey from noob to (almost) native with the expressions that guided me along the way. She studied at Interpreter's School, Zurich, Switzerland, and holds a degree in translation. For example — zum Beispiel (abbreviated as z.B.) Firstly, the grammar is – uhm – challenging. The German words and phrases you need to know to survive the holidays. Nichts, danke. When you translate these idioms word for word, they may sound obscure, silly, or just plain meaningless, so to use them appropriately, you need to find out what they really mean. There are English translations of all the phrases, plus sound, which has been professionally recorded by native speakers. To keep it simple, no one likes being called a pig or a swine. [daŋkə] — Thank you! (Too bad!/What a pity! (Do you speak English?) Ich bin fix und fertig. Das ist ein Katzensprung. Even if you speak English, it may be respectful and nice to add bitte when you ask for something or danke schön when you say thanks. Politeness costs nothing but gains everything. When the German language isn’t using five words to describe one thing, it’s using one word to try and describe everything. Ich spreche nicht viel Deutsch. This is a casual way of saying goodbye. This can be either a question or a statement. Learn how to say some basic German phrases, including greetings and various expressions to help make yourself understood. (I don’t speak much German.) (Excuse me. (I speak English.) (ê-ven-too-êl.) I like to think that my conscience has always been (more or less) clear, but I’ve still had trouble sleeping for as long as I can remember. It is most often used between family members. This section is new: Try the lists and trainer, give us feedback and help us improving your learning experience. Welcome to Berlin. 14. die Sau – Sow. No matter where you are in the German-speaking world, who you are talking to and what time of day it is — learn the most suitable German greeting for your needs. Krass is one of those words, because it can be used to portray both good and bad emotion in equal measure. (Take it easy.) If you are looking for a more interactive lesson try browsing our selection of free German language lessons.. All you need to do is survive the city. This is a great thing to say to your German friends after beating them in any sports, competitions, card or video games (and the Germans do like games!). German phrase of the day: Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund. the whole book was in german, but the term “teenager” is used very common in german (like many other english words ), but I didn’t even recogniced that it was an english word, because it also could be a combination of two german words (which is very usual in german… Below are some fun, and often hilarious, German slang words … With the two weeks in the hostel about to end, I found out the hardest way that finding a place to live in Berlin can take up to several months. Use this when you apologize for something. When someone thinks they can walk all over you, remember: Nicht jede Kuh lässt sich melken. Entschuldigung! When I was still new to the city, I used to go to German classes in the mornings and, having nothing to do with the rest of the day (besides, ahem, looking for a job), I’d wile away the afternoons enjoying a beer or two. (Nonsense!/How silly of me! (fêrt-iH.) German idioms are a constant source of hilarity, especially when directly translated into … Who said that Germans don’t have a sense of humor? And in German, there are a few phrases that use pigs and swines. Below are several phrases that might come in handy during your stay in a German-speaking country. (vîrt ge-mâHt.) Maybe that’s a debate for another time, but if you want to register your displeasure with this person’s busybody ways, this is the perfect expression. But let’s not take everything so seriously. Some expressions are more common than others. (shlâf-en vee ayn moor-mel-teer.) Many of these work with Germany's love affair with its endless variety of Wurst (sausage). (Great!). Apart from such idioms, many handy and frequently used German expressions are easy to learn. (fee-layHt.) A Fun collection of german words or expressions used in english. 1. We will learn the German vocabulary and phrases commonly used to speak to friends and family of someone who has passed away. ), Vielleicht. (dâs ist ayn kâts-en-shproong.) These words are common but often take on a different meaning when used in everyday conversation. Just like English, German has many idioms, or expressions typical of a language and culture. But I prefer to interpret this a different way: a pony farm sounds extremely boring, so I’m glad that life has bit more excitement to offer! And they’d be right to, because sausages are well represented in German idioms. Eventuell. For me, it perfectly exemplifies how the most pressing afflictions of life sometimes keep us from wondering about more existential (and important) questions. Genau. (dooh nimst miH ouf deyn ârm!) This can be used to tell someone that you really agree. (Never mind./That’s okay. ), Das macht nichts. In English, this means You’re pulling my leg! (Ready./Finished.) zwei – two. (Maybe./Possibly.) And don’t forget about “Bitte sehr!” and “Nichts zu danken!”. (If you are interested in expressions about sausages, this is just one of many examples. No problem: Here are our seven useful phrases to WOW any German. fünf – five. [fi:lən daŋk] — Many thanks! Not only did the following nine expressions help me understand the German mindset and point-of view, they also debunked a myth about the German language that I had been subconsciously holding against it: that it’s too harsh and direct, leaving no space for figures of speech or playful prose. I have collated here several phrases with which you can express your condolences in German, either in a card, by telephone or in person. German is a polite language and words like bitte and danke schön are particularly important to use and remember. null – zero. Sometimes in life we have to do things we don’t like and this might be especially painful when authority figures are involved. All Germans are using these two words frequently. That was literally all the planning I did. Speak like a native with these 27 Hilarious Everyday German Idioms and expressions. Whether you're at the supermarket, ordering in a restaurant, or just having a normal conversation, it's essential to know how to use numbers in German. The English meaning is Keep your fingers crossed. Gabriel Mestieri was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he studied Journalism and History and worked at several news and media outlets. It basically means that you like someone very, very much. (That’s a cat’s jump.) German word of the day: Der Adventskalender . (qvâch!) (dee doum-en druek-en.) The English meaning is It’s a stone’s throw away. In German, new words can be created simply by smooshing together existing words, and this can lead to some really unwieldy compounds. These two expressions are used to say “You’re w… (Press the thumbs.) Referring to point/example… — dabei sei auf Punkt/Beispiel… hingewiesen namely — und zwar. For example, the German idiom ein Fisch auf dem Trockenen (ayn fish ouf deym trok-ên-en) literally translates into a fish on the dry, which somewhat resembles the English a fish out of water. (You’re taking me on your arm!) After visiting Berlin and falling in love with the city, he chose it to make it his home in 2014. Also, I never heard of psychopaths having trouble falling asleep. Balderdash! ), Oder?/Nicht? But don’t get too attached to anything either, after all…. Dr. Christensen recieved her MA and PhD from Dusseldorf University, Germany. – Bastard! (oh-der?) Es tut mir leid. (Nothing, thanks.) 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