10 funny phrases in German, everybody should know!

"Funny phrases" in German bring charm and humor to everyday conversations, and are often unusual and impressive. According to a survey of German learners, 72% of respondents think that such expressions make learning more interesting. These phrases not only help to understand conversations, but also encourage creativity and fun during language learning. If you want to learn more about German slang and refresh your vocabulary, be sure to explore these expressions

Here are 10 of the most interesting expressions that show how creative German can be:

"Lass die Kirche im Dorf!"

You know that situation when your friend tells you about his new phone and how it's "the best device on the planet"? And you just look at him like an alien and think: "Come on, please, don't dramatize it so much!" Well, that's where this legendary German phrase comes in.

It literally means "leave the church in the village", which sounds a bit mystical, doesn't it? But actually, it's a German way of saying to someone: "Calm down, don't exaggerate, drop the ball!"

"Ins Gras beißen"

This phrase is a bit morbid, but that's why it's so funny. "Ins Gras beißen" literally means "bite the grass", which sounds like someone went on a picnic and decided to treat themselves to greenery.

But no, in fact it means that something screamed, roared, went to the eternal hunting grounds. For example, if your favorite blender breaks, you can dramatically exclaim, "Mein Mixer hat ins Gras gebissen!" and everyone will know that you are mourning the loss of your kitchen appliance.

"Auf die Palme bringen"

We all have that one friend who knows how to get us off track. Maybe he's always late, maybe he only talks about himself, maybe he has some weird conspiracy theories... Basically, he knows how to annoy us!

Well, there is a perfect German phrase for such situations: "Auf die Palme bringen"! It literally means "climbing someone on a palm tree", which sounds like a strange game. But in fact, it means to throw someone out of sync, to drive them crazy, to annoy them to the max.

"Tomaten auf den Augen haben"

We've all been in a situation where we don't see something obvious. It's like someone put a tomato over our eyes and we're just tapping in the dark.

Well, there is a perfect German phrase for that: "Tomaten auf den Augen haben"! It literally means "to have tomatoes on your eyes", which sounds absurd, but perfectly describes the situation when you are completely unaware of the obvious.

"Das ist nicht mein Bier"

We have all had situations when we are not interested in something at all. We are not interested, we do not want to get involved, simply - it is not our concern.

Well, that's where the legendary phrase comes in: "Das ist nicht mein Bier"! It literally means "that's not my beer", which sounds like someone selfishly only cares about their own drinks.

But actually, it's a German way of saying: "It's none of my business", "It's not my problem", "I don't care!"

"Einen Frosch im Hals haben"

We've all had colds and had that awful feeling when our voices sound like we're the frontman of some serious metal band. If you are hoarse then you have a tooth in your throat, according to the Germans.

"Unter einer Decke stecken"

When secrets (and maybe something else!) are hidden under the duvet

All of us have once been in a situation where we suspect that something is happening behind our backs. When you hear your parents whispering something about you, and you don't know what it is. Well, for such moments, the Germans have the perfect phrase: "Unter einer Decke stecken"! Literally, it means "to be under the covers". Sounds a little weird, doesn't it? But, when we think about it a little more, they are plotting some mischief. So that no one can hear them, they cover themselves with a blanket. A variant of the same phrase is "unter einem Hut stecken" - to be under the same roof.

"Fix und fertig sein"

Meaning: To be completely exhausted, without energy, as if you fell to pieces.

Example: "After chasing the kids around the park all day, I'm "fix und fertig". It's like someone has wrung me out like a rag!" Imagine yourself after a hard day - you feel like you've been through a centrifuge and need to be put back together into a whole being.

Schwein haben

"Let's not lie, who doesn't like a little happiness in life? The one when all the dice line up, when you win the lottery, or when your boss praises you for something you did last year. Well, for such moments, the Germans have a hilarious phrase: "Schwein haben"! Literally, it means "having a pig". It sounds crazy, but it makes sense, trust me!

Pigs are known for being very lucky. After all, they always find something to eat.

"Einen Vogel haben"

Who among us has not met a "strange" person? The one she talks to herself, laughs for no reason, or wears a foil hat so the aliens don't "catch" her. Well, for such characters, the Germans have the perfect phrase: "Einen Vogel haben"! Literally, it means "having a bird". It sounds crazy, but it makes sense, trust me!

If you want to start your language adventure, feel free to contact me! I teach German online on the German Everywhere platform and I will be there to support you every step of the way to your goal. Let's learn together, and learn to use these phrases naturally in your everyday speech. Get in touch today! Contact me here.