10 German Idioms Every American Should Know

Want to learn some German idioms but don’t know where to start? Check out this post for 10 German idioms every American should know!

As someone who’s studying German right now, I’ve noticed that like any other language, Germans like to play with their words too. So, in other words, like English, they have phrases in German they can use to convey a figurative meaning only other German speakers would know.

I, for one, happen to find German idioms hilarious on my end so thought it would be cool to share some German idioms every American should know. So, if you’re learning German and you’re curious about German idioms, you’ve come to the right place.

This post alone highlights 10 German idioms every American should know as well as their literal translation and meaning.

Einen Vogel haben (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to have a bird”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to call someone crazy.

This idiom originates from the belief that crazy people have birds in their head hence the choice of words in this phrase. This idiom by itself is typically used as an insult so not a lot of Germans take it lightly.

Fix und fertig (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “quick and ready”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to say you’re about to pass out or you’re exhausted.

This idiom originates from how direct Germans are when they are describing their emotional and physical state. This idiom is also typically said after Germans have had a long day at work or after they’ve done a really challenging activity. Either way, this idiom is a much more playful way of saying “I’m tired” than Ich bin muede.

Schwein haben (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to have a pig”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to say something lucky happened to you.

This idiom originates from the fact that in Germany, pigs tend to symbolize good luck, hence the choice of words. So, instead of saying they got lucky, Germans typically tend to use this kind of phrasing.

Das fünfte Rad am Wagen sein (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to be the fifth wheel on a wagon”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to say someone is the third wheel which is a colloquial phrase in English that refers to the experience of someone being an unwanted person when they’re with a group of people or a couple.

This idiom obviously relates to the “third wheel” idiom in English with a German spin on it. Germans however also use this phrase when someone tags along in a social situation uninvited.

Jemandem die Daumen drücken (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to press the thumbs for someone”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to say you’ll cross your fingers for someone which in English means you’re wishing that person good luck.

This idiom obviously relates to the “cross your fingers” idiom in English but it just has a German spin on it. Instead of making a cross with their pointy and middle finger, Germans press their thumbs into the palms of their hands.

Eine Rabenmutter sein (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to be a raven mother”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way of saying someone is a bad mother.

This idiom originates from the fact that baby ravens typically leave the nest when they’re still young. So, if you were to apply that to humans today, most children move out of the home permanently at a very young age if they grew up with toxic parents, hence the choice of words.

Auf Wolke 7 schweben (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to float on Cloud 7”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way to say that you’re on Cloud 9.

This idiom obviously relates to the “on Cloud 9” idiom in English but it just has a German spin on it. Instead of saying you’re on Cloud 9, Germans go even lower and say they’re on Cloud 7 which is just another way of saying you’ve achieved the highest possible state of euphoria or bliss in your life. In fact, the reason why Germans say Cloud 7 also originates from the fact that to them God lives in the clouds on the seventh heaven. Germans also tend to use this idiom when they are falling in love too.

Turteltauben sein (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to be turtle doves”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way of saying two people are love birds.

This idiom obviously relates to the “lovebirds” idiom in English but it just has a German spin on it. It originates from the fact that turtle doves are a sign of love in German and they’re used to symbolize two people who can’t get enough of each other.

Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “whoever comes first, eats first”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way of saying “first come, first serve”.

This idiom obviously relates to the “first come, first serve” idiom in English but it just has a German spin on it. It originates from the fact that in Germany if there is a limited supply of something available, your only chance of getting it is to be the first one to obtain it. In fact, this is something I’ve definitely noticed when it comes to German bakeries because if you come later in the day, your favorite pastry may not even be there. So, in other words, you can even say it’s another way of saying “the early bird gets the worm”.

Himmel und Hölle in Bewegung setzen (german idioms)

Literal Translation: “to set heaven and hell in motion”
What it means figuratively: It’s another way of saying someone would move heaven and earth to get to where they need to be.

This idiom obviously relates to the romantic phrase “move heave and earth” in English when a lover would do anything for their beloved but it just has a German spin on it. Instead of saying the word “earth”, Germans use the word “hell” because they believe it’s completely acceptable to say you’ll do anything to achieve a goal even if that includes “hell” or going through hell.

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Overall, I really hope you enjoyed learning about the 10 German idioms every American should know. Please let me know in the comments down below which idiom intrigued you the most. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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