Do you want to sound fluent in German? Then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll be taking a look at 10 essential German phrases that will help you sound like a native German speaker. From common greetings to useful everyday expressions, these phrases will help you with all the right tools you need to become a fluent German speaker. Whether you are looking to learn more about German or just want to practice a few German phrases, these 10 German phrases are an excellent place to start.
So, let's begin!
1. Jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische = Now butter for the fish.
English translation = Get to the point!
The German phrase “Jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische” is a colloquial way of saying “Let’s get to the point.” This phrase is often used to encourage someone to get to the heart of the matter and stop beating around the bush.
It is a common phrase used in both casual and professional conversations and can be translated literally as “Now, let’s put some butter on the fish.”
2. Achtung! = Attention! or Heads up!
Achtung! is a German phrase/word that is used to grab someone’s attention or to show respect or warning. It literally means “attention”. It is often used in the military and can be heard in films and television shows as a way to grab someone’s attention. It is also often used as a warning and can be used to inform someone that something important is about to happen. It is also used in everyday contexts, such as when someone is trying to get someone’s attention or to show respect. For example, when a waiter is trying to get someone’s attention, they may say Achtung! to get them to pay attention. Achtung! is an important phrase to understand and use in Germany, as it is often used in everyday conversations and situations. Knowing it can help you navigate through different social and cultural situations, as it is a way to show respect and get someone’s attention.
3. Drück mir die Daumen = Press me the thumbs
English translation = Wish me luck!
This phrase is a common expression of encouragement and good luck, and it literally translates to “Press me the thumbs”. It’s like the German way of crossing your fingers in the hopes of something. The phrase is used in situations where someone needs a bit of luck or support, like when taking a test or going for a job interview. It’s a way of wishing someone good luck and showing them that you care. The phrase is also used to express support for a goal or project. For instance, if a friend is working on a difficult project, you might use the phrase to show them that you’re rooting for them. The phrase is widely used today, and is a great way to show someone that you’re there for them and wish them luck. So, if you ever find yourself in Germany, don’t be surprised if you hear someone say “Drück mir die Daumen”. It’s a simple, but powerful expression of support and encouragement.
4. Abwarten und Tee trinken = Wait and drink tea.
English translation = Wait and see.
Abwarten und Tee trinken is a German phrase that literally translates to “wait and drink tea”. This phrase is often used to describe a situation in which patience is required. The phrase is used to encourage someone to take a moment to pause and think before taking any action.
Tea is often seen as a symbol of relaxation and reflection, and it’s no surprise that this phrase is used to encourage people to take a moment to think before they act. The phrase is often used in times of stress or uncertainty. It is a reminder that taking a moment to pause and think can be beneficial in making a decision. It also serves as a reminder to take time to enjoy the moment, rather than rushing through life without taking a moment to appreciate what’s around you. This phrase is a great reminder to take a moment to stop and think, rather than just react. It can help to provide clarity and perspective when faced with a difficult situation or decision.
5. Die Nase voll haben = To have the nose full
English translation = enough is enough
The phrase “Die Nase voll haben” is a German expression that translates to “to have had enough”. It is used to express a feeling of frustration, annoyance, or exhaustion with a situation. The phrase itself comes from a literal translation of the phrase “to have a full nose”, which is a reference to the German saying that if you have a full nose, you have had enough of something.
This can refer to anything from food to a task or even a person. It can be used to express frustration in an argument, annoyance at a task, or even exhaustion from a long day.
When someone says they have “Die Nase voll haben”, they are expressing that they are done with something, or that they are so fed up with a situation that they can’t take it anymore. It is a way to express that you are done with a particular person, situation, or event, and it can be used as a warning to others that you are not to be taken lightly.
6. Fix und fertig sein = To be fixed and finished
English translation = To be exhausted
The German phrase "fix und fertig" sein is a popular saying that essentially means to be finished or completely done. It is used in both a literal and figurative sense, and can refer to anything from a finished project to a feeling of being completely exhausted. In its literal sense, "fix und fertig" sein is often used to describe a finished task or project. If someone has been working hard on something, they might say that it is “fix und fertig” when they are finished with it.
Similarly, it can be used to describe the completion of a physical item, such as a piece of furniture or a painting. In its figurative sense, "fix und fertig" sein can be used to describe a feeling of being completely exhausted. For example, if you have been working hard all day and feel completely drained, you might say that you are “fix und fertig”.
It can also be used to refer to a feeling of being completely done with something, such as a disagreement or argument. Overall, the German phrase "fix und fertig" sein is a useful expression that can be used to describe both physical and emotional states. Whether you are talking about a finished project or a feeling of being tired.
7. Das ist mir Wurst = That’s sausage to me
English translation = What do I care
The German phrase “Das ist mir Wurst” is a common expression used to indicate that something doesn’t really matter to the speaker. Literally translated, it means “That’s sausage to me” and is often used to express indifference or apathy towards a certain topic. This phrase is often used in everyday conversation, and can be used to indicate that something is of little importance. For example, if someone were to ask you what you think of a certain movie, and you had no opinion on it, you could say “Das ist mir Wurst” to indicate that it doesn’t really matter what your opinion is.
It can also be used as a way of expressing a lack of interest in a particular activity.
For example, if you were to be invited to a party and you had no desire to go, you could say “Das ist mir Wurst” to indicate that it doesn’t interest you. Lastly, this phrase can also be used to indicate a lack of concern over a certain situation. For example, if someone were to tell you about a problem they are having and you felt that it was not your concern you can use this phrase.
8. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof = All I understand is train station.
English translation = To be confused
The phrase 'Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof' is a German phrase that translates to 'I only understand train station' in English. This phrase is often used as a response when someone doesn't understand what is being said or discussed. It is a phrase that is used to express confusion or bewilderment at a situation or conversation.
The phrase is used today to express the same feeling of confusion and bewilderment, but in the context of a conversation or situation. The phrase 'Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof' can be used in both informal and formal settings. In informal settings, it is often used as a humorous response to someone who is talking or discussing something that is difficult to understand. In formal settings, it can be used to express confusion or confusion at a particular situation or conversation.
9. Der hat doch nicht alle Tassen im Schrank! = You don't have all the cups in your cupboard anymore
The German phrase "Der hat doch nicht alle Tassen im Schrank" is a phrase that is commonly used to describe someone who is acting or thinking in a strange, irrational, or illogical way.
In other words, it can be used to imply that someone is not quite right in the head. The phrase literally translates to "He doesn't have all the cups in the cupboard".
Over time, the phrase has become a popular expression used in everyday German conversations. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a silly or foolish manner, or someone who is not thinking clearly. It can also be used as an expression of surprise or disbelief.
Often, the phrase is used in a humorous way, as a way of lightening the mood. It is also often used as an insult or to express disapproval, but it is usually done in a joking way.
Na? = What’s up?
"Na" is typically used with close friends and family. It's an informal term and can be used to greet people instead of saying "hello" or "how are you?".
Conclusion
Learning a few German phrases can be a great way to begin your German learning journey. Knowing a few of these German phrases can also help you make new friends and discover more about the culture and people. With these 10 essential German phrases, you’re already a couple of steps closer to sounding fluent in German.
If you enjoyed learning these 10 German phrases, make sure to visit the GermanMind website where you can learn German from excellent German teachers with amazing German beginner's courses, or if you want to improve your German, there are other German courses you can check out as well.
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