22 Hilarious German Idioms and What They Really Mean

Learning German doesn’t have to be all about grammar drills and verb conjugations. If you really want to sound like a native speaker—and have some fun in the process—start exploring the world of German idioms. These expressions, filled with colorful imagery, offer fascinating insights into the culture and history of German-speaking regions. Plus, they can bring a dash of humor to even the most ordinary conversation.

So, if you’re ready to take your German to the next level, buckle up! Below, you’ll find 22 hilarious idioms that showcase how entertaining (and sometimes bizarre) German expressions can be. From sausage references to dancing bears, you’re about to discover a whole new side of the language.

Why German Idioms Matter

Idioms are the heart and soul of any language. They don’t just help you speak more fluently—they help you think differently. When you delve into German idioms, you’re accessing shortcuts to cultural understanding. Each phrase carries some German history, humor, and worldview, which you can’t always learn from textbooks or language apps.

Remember, idioms enrich your conversations. They make you sound more natural and show you’re tuned in to the cultural nuances of German-speaking communities. Imagine the delight on someone’s face when you casually drop a phrase like Das ist mir Wurst in a conversation—they’ll immediately know you’ve done more than memorize vocabulary lists. Ultimately, idioms bring your language learning journey to life, bridging the gap between simply speaking German and truly living it.

If you love quirky expressions, you’ll also enjoy our list of funny German words and phrases, which explores more amusing and unique German vocabulary.

22 Hilarious German Idioms

Before jumping into these German idioms, remember that literal translations can sound absurd. That’s part of the fun! Each entry below includes a literal translation, its real meaning, and a sample sentence to show you how it’s used. Get ready to add some extra flair—and humor—to your German conversations.

1. Tomaten auf den Augen haben

• Literal Translation: “To have tomatoes on your eyes"
• Meaning/Usage: Used when someone overlooks something obviou

2. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof

• Literal Translation: “I only understand train station”
• Meaning/Usage: Indicates you have no idea what the other person is talking about—similar to “It’s all Greek to me.”

3. Da steppt der Bär

• Literal Translation: “The bear dances there”
• Meaning/Usage: Refers to a place where a lively party or event is happening.

4. Das ist mir Wurst

• Literal Translation: “That’s sausage to me”
• Meaning/Usage: Expresses indifference—like “I don’t care” or “It’s all the same to me.”

5. Die Nase voll haben

• Literal Translation: “To have the nose full”
• Meaning/Usage: Means being fed up or tired of something.

6. Fix und fertig sein

• Literal Translation: “To be fixed and finished”
• Meaning/Usage: Describes being totally exhausted or done in.

7. Kopf hoch

• Literal Translation: “Head up”
• Meaning/Usage: A quick way to say “Chin up!”—usually to comfort or encourage someone.

8. Hals- und Beinbruch

• Literal Translation: “Neck and leg break”
• Meaning/Usage: In spite of sounding negative, it’s actually a way to wish someone good luck—like “Break a leg!”

9. Bock haben

• Literal Translation: “To have a goat”
• Meaning/Usage: Means you feel like doing something or you’re in the mood for it.

10. Auf Wolke sieben sein

• Literal Translation: “To be on cloud seven”
• Meaning/Usage: Equivalent to “on cloud nine,” meaning you’re extremely happy or euphoric.

11. Alle guten Dinge sind drei

• Literal Translation: “All good things are three”
• Meaning/Usage: Suggests that things are most successful or complete in a group of three.

12. Lügen haben kurze Beine

• Literal Translation: “Lies have short legs”
• Meaning/Usage: Implies that lies don’t get very far before they’re found out.

13. Das ist nicht mein Bier

• Literal Translation: “That’s not my beer”
• Meaning/Usage: Means “That’s none of my business” or “That’s not my concern.”

14. Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen

• Literal Translation: “To hit the nail on the head”
• Meaning/Usage: Just like in English, it means to be spot-on about something.

15. Jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische

• Literal Translation: “Now put some butter on the fish”
• Meaning/Usage: A Northern German saying that urges someone to “get to the point.”

16. Auf dem Holzweg sein

• Literal Translation: “To be on the wooden path”
• Meaning/Usage: Means you’re on the wrong track or have the wrong idea.

17. Schwein haben

• Literal Translation: “To have pig”
• Meaning/Usage: Implies that you’re lucky or fortunate.

18. Einen Kater haben

• Literal Translation: “To have a tomcat”
• Meaning/Usage: Refers to having a hangover. The “tomcat” is a playful way to describe that painful morning after.

19. Um den heißen Brei herumreden

• Literal Translation: “To talk around the hot porridge”
• Meaning/Usage: Means you’re beating around the bush instead of getting straight to the point.

20. Blaumachen

• Literal Translation: “To make blue”
• Meaning/Usage: Means to skip work or school—essentially playing hooky.

21. Er hat nicht alle Tassen im Schrank

• Literal Translation: “He doesn’t have all his cups in the cupboard”
• Meaning/Usage: A humorous way to say someone is a bit crazy or not thinking straight.

22. Ich drücke dir die Daumen

• Literal Translation: “I’m pressing my thumbs for you”
• Meaning/Usage: A German version of crossing your fingers for luck.

How to Use German Idioms Correctly

Although sprinkling idioms into your conversations can make you sound more natural, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the formality of the setting. Some idioms might be perfectly fine among friends or on social media, but they might sound out of place in a business meeting or a formal email. Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms in real situations—this is often the best guide to what’s acceptable where.

Next, listen closely to pronunciation. Many idioms contain specific German sounds that could trip you up, especially if you’re new to the language. Don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for help, or try using language exchange apps like Tandem to get real-time feedback. The German accent can be tricky, but practicing out loud will make these phrases roll off your tongue and help you avoid awkward mispronunciations.

Finally, remember that confidence is key. Even if you’re not 100% sure you’re using an idiom perfectly, giving it a try can lead to memorable interactions and instant rapport with native speakers. Embrace any small mistakes as part of your language journey—that’s how you learn and grow.

Embrace the Fun and Level Up Your German

Idioms are more than just language ornaments; they’re windows into German-speaking cultures' humor, attitudes, and daily life. By mastering these 22 expressions, you’ll strengthen your vocabulary and deepen your cultural understanding. Whether you plan to travel to Germany, connect with German-speaking friends online, or just spice up your language skills, these idioms will help you stand out.

And if you’re eager to keep practicing—or to discover even more offbeat German phrases—why not learn directly from native speakers? Sign up for Tandem to practice with German speakers around the world, get real-time feedback on your idiomatic expressions, and take your fluency to new heights. Viel Erfolg (good luck), and have fun exploring the rich tapestry of the German language!