12 German Sayings From Germany You Should Know

German idioms and expressions play a crucial role in the language-learning process and are a big part of everyday conversations in any German-speaking country. They provide a natural flow to the language and help learners sound more fluent.

In this post, we explore 12 commonly used German sayings, along with their literal translations, meanings, and usage. 

These idiomatic expressions capture the cultural nuances and unique perspectives of native German speakers.

Incorporating these German expressions into your vocabulary adds depth and authenticity to your German language skills. Let’s delve into German idioms and discover how they can enhance your communication abilities.

1. “Ich kriege so eine Krawatte”

Ich kriege so eine Krawatte literally means “I get such a tie.” This saying is used to express extreme anger or annoyance.

It conveys the feeling of frustration that builds up in the throat when you’re so angry you could scream. Here are some examples of how this saying is used in different contexts:

  • Es kriegt mich so eine Krawatte, wenn mein Mitbewohner mein Essen klaut – It really annoys me when my roommate steals my food.
  • Ich kriege so eine Krawatte, wenn ich im Stau stecke – I get so frustrated when I’m stuck in traffic.

2. “Warum spielst du die beleidigte Leberwurst?”

Warum spielst du die beleidigte Leberwurst? is a German saying that literally translates to “why are you playing the offended liver sausage?”

While the literal translation may sound weird, the figurative meaning of this saying is to ask someone why they are throwing a tantrum or overreacting to something trivial.

It is often used in situations where someone is being overly sensitive or taking offense easily. Below of how German learners can use this saying in different contexts:

  • Warum spielst du die beleidigte Leberwurst? Es war nur ein Scherz! – Why are you getting so upset? It was just a joke!
  • Ich habe ihm nur eine ehrliche Meinung gesagt, und jetzt spielt er die beleidigte Leberwurst – I just gave him an honest opinion, and now he’s acting all offended.

3. “Du gehst mir auf den Keks”

Du gehst mir auf den Keks is a German saying that literally translates to “you’re going on my cookie.” Figuratively, it means that someone is getting on your nerves or irritating you.

It is a colloquial way to express annoyance or frustration towards someone’s actions or behavior. Here are some examples:

  • Hör auf, ständig zu reden. Du gehst mir auf den Keks – Stop talking all the time. You’re getting on my nerves.
  • Sie macht immer wieder denselben Fehler. Das geht mir wirklich auf den Keks – She keeps making the same mistake. That really annoys me.

4. “Ins Fettnäpfchen treten”

Ins Fettnäpfchen treten is a German saying that literally translates as “to step into the fat bowl.”

While the literal translation may sound peculiar, the figurative meaning of this saying is to describe the feeling of regret or embarrassment after saying something inappropriate or making a social blunder.

It implies that you have unintentionally found yourself in an awkward situation.

Here are some examples:

  • Ich bin gestern Abend ins Fettnäpfchen getreten, als ich nach dem Alter gefragt habe – I put my foot in it last night when I asked about their age.
  • Er hat sich beim Meeting ins Fettnäpfchen getreten, als er einen unpassenden Witz gemacht hat – He put his foot in it during the meeting when he made an inappropriate joke.

5. “Ich hab’ dich lieb”

Ich hab’ dich lieb is a German saying that translates literally to “I have love for you.” This phrase is to express affection or fondness for someone.

It is often used in a less intense way compared to saying “ich liebe dich” (“I love you”).

Here are some examples of how ich hab’ dich lieb can be used in different contexts:

  • Gute Nacht. Ich hab’ dich lieb – Good night. I love you
  • Du bist mir sehr wichtig und ich hab’ dich lieb, aber ich liebe dich nicht auf romantische Weise – You mean a lot to me, and I love you, but not in a romantic way.

6. “Ich bin bis über beide Ohren verliebt”

Ich bin bis über beide Ohren verliebt is a German saying that literally translates to “I am over both ears in love.”

The meaning of this phrase is to express being completely smitten or head over heels in love with someone.

Here are some examples of how to use this saying:

  • Seitdem ich sie kennengelernt habe, bin ich bis über beide Ohren verliebt – Since I met her, I am head over heels in love.
  • Er kann nur noch an sie denken. Er ist bis über beide Ohren verliebt – He can only think of her. He is completely smitten.

7. “Frauen und Bier immer von unten”

Frauen und Bier immer von unten is a German saying that literally translates to “women and beer, always from below.”

The figurative meaning behind this saying is that when clinking glasses during a toast, it is customary to make eye contact and ensure the glasses touch at the bottom.

It is considered a traditional and polite way of toasting in German culture. For example:

  • Wir stoßen an! Frauen und Bier immer von unten – Let’s make a toast! Women and beer, always from below.

8. “Ich habe einen Kater”

Ich habe einen Kater is a German saying that translates to “I have a hangover.” This isn’t an idiomatic expression, but it is a common saying in Germany, where beer is drunk like water.

Here are some examples of how this saying can be used in different situations:

  • Gestern habe ich zu viel gefeiert. Jetzt habe ich einen Kater – Yesterday I partied too much. Now I have a hangover.
  • Heute Morgen fühle ich mich schlecht. Ich habe einen ordentlichen Kater – This morning I feel terrible. I have a major hangover.

9. “Das ist nicht mein Bier”

Das ist nicht mein Bier is a German saying that literally translates to “that’s not my beer.” Figuratively, it means that something is not one’s concern or problem.

Below are some examples of how this saying can be used:

  • Warum erzählst du mir das? Das ist nicht mein Bier – Why are you telling me this? It’s not my problem.
  • Ich konzentriere mich auf meine Arbeit. Die Büro-Politik ist nicht mein Bier – I focus on my work. Office politics are not my concern.

10. “Da steppt der Bär”

Da steppt der Bär is a German saying that literally translates to “there steps the bear.” The figurative meaning behind this phrase is to express excitement or anticipation for a party or event.

It implies that the atmosphere will be lively, energetic, and full of fun. Here are some examples:

  • Wir gehen heute Abend zu dem Konzert. Da steppt der Bär – We’re going to the concert tonight. It’s going to be amazing!
  • In diesem Club steppt der Bär. Die Party wird großartig – This club is known for its energetic atmosphere. The party will be fantastic!

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

Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei is a German saying that literally translates to “everything has an end, only the sausage has two.”

It figuratively means that all good things must come to an end. It expresses the idea that enjoyable experiences or pleasant moments eventually come to a close. Here are some examples:

  • Unser Urlaub war wunderschön, aber leider ist er vorbei. Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei – Our vacation was wonderful, but unfortunately, it’s over. All good things must come to an end.
  • Wir haben die letzte Folge unserer Lieblingsserie gesehen. Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei -We watched the final episode of our favorite series. Everything comes to an end, even the most enjoyable things.

12. “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof”

Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof is a German saying that literally translates to “I only understand train station.” Figuratively, it means that you don’t understand anything at all or that something is completely incomprehensible to you.

It’s used to express confusion or a lack of understanding in a humorous way. Below are some examples of how this saying can be used in various situations:

  • Kannst du mir bitte erklären, wie dieses technische Gerät funktioniert? Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof – Can you please explain to me how this technical device works? I don’t understand anything.
  • Ich habe versucht, die Anleitung zu lesen, aber es war nur Bahnhof für mich – I tried to read the manual, but it was all gibberish to me.

FAQs About Learning German Sayings

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions related to German sayings.

What is a famous German saying?

A famous saying is the German proverb wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten. The English equivalent is “he who laughs last, laughs loudest.”

What are some German slang words?

Some examples of German slang words include Krass (meaning “awesome” or “amazing”), Mega (used to emphasize something as “very” or “super”), and Geil (which can mean “cool” or “great”).

These slang terms are commonly used by native German speakers and can help you sound more natural and connected to the culture.

What are German phrases for beginners?

For beginners, there are several useful German phrases that can help kickstart their language-learning journey. Two common greetings are Guten Morgen (“good morning”) and hallo (“hello”).

Another essential phrase is wie geht es Ihnen? (“how are you?”), which can be used to initiate conversations and show politeness.

These beginner German words or phrases provide a solid foundation for basic communication and are a great starting point for building your German vocabulary and conversational skills.

Summary: 12 German Sayings From Germany You Should Know

Learning German sayings and idioms is a valuable aspect of language fluency. By understanding and using these expressions, learners can enhance their communication skills and connect with native speakers on a deeper level.

The idiomatic expressions we explored in this article offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of German-speaking countries.

As you continue your language journey, it is necessary to explore more German proverbs, idioms, and expressions, to expand your German vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the language.

By embracing these linguistic gems, you will not only speak German like native speakers but also gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the German language.