#german idiom

[thatswhywelovegermany]

Das ist für die Schublade.

literally: That's for the drawer.

To have created a work that cannot be published.

[german-enthusiast]

Lieber arm dran als Arm ab!

arm (adj) dran sein (v) - to be unfortunate/in a bad position/suffering

Arm (n) dran - attached arm

Arm (n) ab - detached arm

dran <—> ab - attached <—> detached

A German idiom replied to someone who claims that they are "suffering" by using the expression arm dran sein (most often used in a sarcastic/exaggerated sense). Arm dran (being unfortunate) gets semantically switched to having an arm and then compared to the (obv. less fortunate) not having an arm.

[germanlang]

Die Kuh ist noch nicht vom Eis

(literally: the cow isn't yet off of the ice)

When an obstacle hasn't been overcome yet or for example when a risky task isn't completely finished yet.

Beispiel: Das Hardware-Problem haben wir zwar jetzt gelöst, aber die Kuh ist noch nicht vom Eis. Wir müssen uns immer noch um die Software kümmern.

Example: We have solved the hardware problem by now, but the cow isn't off of the ice yet. We still have to take care of the software.

[study-to-rule-the-world]

Sie hat nicht alle Tassen im Schrank.

Literally: she hasn't got all cups in the cupboard

Meaning of the idiom: she is crazy

[kayuripax]

Turns out we have a German idiom that applies to the entirety of BATIM.

[cloip]

German Vocab!

mit jemandem im Reinen sein (Idiom) ~ to have things straightened out with somebody

Andrea und ich haben über das Problem gesprochen, und jetzt bin ich mit ihm im Reinen. “Andrea and I talked about the problem, and now I’ve gotten things straightened out with him.”

Message cloip

[thatswhywelovegermany]

seinen Senf dazu geben

literally: to add one's mustard

to offer one's (not necessarily welcome) commentary (usually unasked); to put one's oar in

Origin: According to various historians, this idiom likely originated in the 17th century. At that time, mustard was regarded as a condiment that was thought to make any meal more enjoyable—even when it did not pair well with the dish. Consequently, innkeepers of that era would simply serve mustard to their guests with every meal, whether it was requested or not. Since this practice was considered just as unwelcome as unsolicited advice, the idiom "to add one's mustard" eventually took root.

[thatswhywelovegermany]

Ich glaub’, mein Schwein pfeift!

literally: I believe my pig is whistling!

I don't believe it! Expression of outrage and surprise

Origin: Pigs cannot whistle. However, should a pig actually whistle, then something impossible has happened.