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Anyone learning German — or even those who’ve finished a course — will likely recall the notorious challenge of mastering “der, die, das.” And then there’s the epic hurdle of tackling ultra-long compound words like Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft, which roughly translates to “Danube Steamship Electricity Main Depot Construction Sub-Civil Service Company.” German doesn’t shy away from linguistic endurance tests!
No doubt, German is a very challenging language to learn! But, luckily there are very humorous sides to it as well, mainly in the form of silly or completely non-understandable idioms. We’ll introduce a small selection of funny German sayings to brighten your day and keep you motivated during the dreary month of November!
Mit ihm kann man Pferde stehlen (you can steal horses with her/him): Every group has a friend that is always up to mischief or some kind of obnoxious, adventurous activity, you may wish to join and have a lot of fun!
Einen Vogel haben (to have a bird): Yes, the one you can steal horses with may have a “bird,” meaning that he or she is a bit “cuckoo” or on the crazy side of life. The term can also be used to describe a person who has an outrageous opinion about a certain issue.
Jemanden auf die Palme bringen (to drive someone up the palm tree): This means that you can become so upset about an issue or a person that it drives you crazy. It could, in fact, be the person with the “bird” who might be driving you up the palm tree!
Feierabend! (Celebrating evening): Well, it’s definitely time to celebrate when your workday or week is over! So, let’s party!
Zu tief ins Glas schauen (looking into the glass too deeply): You might be taking the celebrating part a bit too literally and might have a drink or two too many. In this case, stop your glass gazing and make sure to get home safely without driving, or stealing horses to ride home.
Einen Kater haben (to have a tomcat): After last night’s party and your surplus drinks, you might wake up with a cat in your head! In other words, you could be a bit hungover.
Erzähl mir nix vom Pferd (don’t tell me about a horse): Oh no, did you steal the horse after all? Or, otherwise stop speaking nonsense.
Sich zum Affen machen (to make yourself into a monkey): Best described as making a fool out of yourself. Remember the glass gazing the other night and the horses? Hmm …?
Kleinvieh macht auch Mist (small animals also make manure): This means that even small things can add up to something big. Naturally, it can be used in a positive or negative sense, up to you to decide whether it’s a big win or a heap of dung.
Einen Putzfimmel haben (to have a cleaning frenzy): This literally translates to having a “cleaning mania” and we all enjoy a clean and tidy house or office. However, there are some that may overdo the chore, driving others up the famous palm tree again!
Tomaten auf den Augen haben (to have tomatoes on your eyes): Best described as not seeing (or wanting to see) something that is rather evident. On a more innocent note, you may be looking for something that is in plain sight.
Einen Korb geben (to give someone a basket): You might be attracted to someone (who has tomatoes on their eyes!), but who does not share the same feelings for you. He or she might then give you a basket, or in other words, turn down a date or a romantic offer.
Eine beleidigte Leberwurst spielen (acting like an offended liver sausage): If you received a basket from the one you admire, you might just turn into an offended sausage! This can also be true in daily life, if you just don’t get your way.
Jemanden Honig ums Maul schmieren (to smear honey around someone’s mouth): The best translation might be to “sweet talk” someone. Instead of instantly turning into an offended sausage, you might try this avenue instead to convince your sweetheart, you never know.
Schmetterlinge im Bauch haben (to have butterflies in your stomach): This means that you’ve fallen in love and are all jumpy and excited about a new romance.
Alles in Butter (everything in butter): This means that everything is alright, and things are going well! Maybe the honey helped a bit and you’re in seventh heaven with butterflies by now!
Butter bei die Fische lassen (leave butter with the fish): This means to not get upset about some minor issue or crying over spilled milk. Sometimes it just makes life easier to drop a certain topic and leave it to the fish.
Nicht alle Tassen im Schrank haben (not having all your cups in the cupboard): This can be used to describe someone who seems to be a bit crazy, or the English equivalent not having all your eggs in one basket.
Um den heißen Brei herumreden (talk around the hot mash): The best equivalent in English might be “to beat around the bush” or never get to the actual point. Many a politician is said to successfully use this technique.
Nur Bahnhof verstehen (to only understand train station): The English idiom “it’s all Greek to me” is just as confusing, but that is exactly what the term means. I don’t have a clue as to what you’re saying or what is going on and I’m completely puzzled.
Auf die Socken machen (let’s make us on the socks): This means to get ready and go out to do something, for example steal horses, climb up palm trees, search for missing cups, smear around honey or find the train station. So, let’s make us on the socks and practice German idioms!
By now, everything should be in butter! Or, it is still all bahnhof to you?
