Germans sure have a funny way with words, part 1!
German Idioms Part 1
Friends and family have always told me that they get a kick out of my German expressions. My infamous “Zack! Zack! Zack!” to get a move on things is tame compared to some of the funnier sayings in my homeland. When it comes to idioms, Americans can “kill two birds with one stone” or “look a gift horse in the mouth” but only in Germany can you “stand like the ox before the mountain” or “give someone a running passport.” What does it all mean? Find out below. And come back for Part II and III. You might just “laugh me a branch.” Enjoy German Idioms Part 1 and you might want to read more in German Idioms Part 2.
| GERMAN PHRASE | ENGLISH TRANSLATION | ACTUAL MEANING |
| Alles fuer die Katz | All for the cat | It was all for nothing |
| Der Laufpass | Running Passport | Ditch somebody |
| Du stehst wie der Ochs vorm Berg | You stand like the ox before the mountain | You’re at a total loss |
| Es ist mir Wurst | It is me sausage | It doesn’t matter to me |
| Ich lach mir ‘nen Ast | I laugh me a branch | To laugh one’s head off |
| Jemandem den Laufpass geben | Give someone a running passport | To ditch somebody |
| Keinen Kaese erzaehlen | Tell no cheese | Don’t tell me nonsense |
| Mein lieber Herr Gesangverein | My dear mister singing club | My goodness |
| Quadratlatschen | Square slipper | Big Feet |
| Weichei | Soft egg | Sissy |
