German Idioms: 12 Expressions That Don't Translate
IAINTFLUENTJuly 28, 2026
German idioms can be quite tricky for learners because they often don't make sense when translated literally. They reflect cultural nuances and everyday situations that might not exist in other languages. Understanding these idioms can add flavor to your conversations and help you sound more like a native speaker.
Idioms land when you say them
Reading an idiom does nothing. Say it out loud and get corrected. That is how real German sinks in.
12 German idioms worth knowing
Das Kind beim Schopfe packen
Literally: To grab the child by the hair
Means: To seize an opportunity
Used when someone takes action at the right moment.
Jemandem die Daumen drücken
Literally: To press someone's thumbs
Means: To wish someone good luck
Commonly said before an exam or important event.
Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen
Literally: To hit the nail on the head
Means: To get something exactly right
Used when someone makes a precise observation.
Die Katze im Sack kaufen
Literally: To buy a cat in a sack
Means: To buy something without checking it first
Used when someone makes a hasty purchase.
Mit dem Kopf durch die Wand
Literally: To go through the wall with your head
Means: To be stubborn or persistent
Used when someone refuses to back down.
Die Ohren steif halten
Literally: To keep the ears stiff
Means: To stay strong or resilient
Often said to encourage someone during tough times.
Einen Bock schießen
Literally: To shoot a goat
Means: To make a blunder
Used when someone makes a silly mistake.
Ins kalte Wasser springen
Literally: To jump into cold water
Means: To take a risk or start something new
Used when someone tries something for the first time.
Die Beine in die Hand nehmen
Literally: To take the legs in the hand
Means: To run away quickly
Used when someone needs to escape a situation.
Auf Wolke sieben sein
Literally: To be on cloud seven
Means: To be extremely happy
Commonly used to describe being in love.
Den Teufel an die Wand malen
Literally: To paint the devil on the wall
Means: To imagine the worst-case scenario
Used when someone is being overly pessimistic.
Die Spreu vom Weizen trennen
Literally: To separate the chaff from the wheat
Means: To distinguish between what is valuable and what is not
Used in contexts of evaluation or selection.
One honest tip
Try to use idioms naturally in conversation rather than forcing them into every sentence.
Don't memorize. Use them.
Idioms you only read stay stuck on the page. They come alive when you drop one into a real conversation. SPAIKING lets you practice real German with a coach that listens and corrects you. Two free conversations to start.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are idioms important in learning German?
Idioms help you understand the culture better and make your speech more authentic.