Understand the image
The illustration shows how unusual an idiom appears when every German word is understood literally.
Language book by Wolf Marbach
Redewendungen in Deutschland – kompakt erklärt
Understand German idioms clearly through the literal image, the actual meaning, typical usage and a neutral German alternative.
- meaning explained in clear English
- tone and situation placed in context
- plain German alternative without an idiom
Paperback · Link to Amazon.de
Recognise the meaning
A direct English explanation states what the expression actually communicates, without introducing another idiom.
Use suitable wording
Typical situations and a neutral German alternative support accurate understanding and appropriate use.
Free preview · 5 fully explained examples
From the literal image to the actual meaning
The following examples show how the book is organised. The explanations deliberately use simple, direct English.
Idiom 01
„Mit dem Rücken zur Wand stehen“
Meaning: A person has very few options left and is under severe pressure.
Usage: The idiom describes a difficult situation in which a decision is urgently required and avoiding the issue is almost impossible. This may happen, for example, because of financial problems or an important deadline.
Idiom 02
„Wo sich Fuchs und Hase gute Nacht sagen“
Meaning: A place is very remote and far from larger towns or important transport routes.
Usage: The idiom is usually informal and humorous. It describes an area that is quiet, difficult to reach or poorly connected to buses, trains and major roads.
Idiom 03
„In der Tinte sitzen“
Meaning: A person is in a difficult situation and must expect unpleasant consequences.
Usage: The informal idiom may be used when an important payment is missing, a deadline has been missed or a personal mistake has caused a problem.
Idiom 04
„Ein Schuss in den Ofen“
Meaning: A plan or attempt was unsuccessful and did not produce the intended result.
Usage: The informal expression may be used when, for example, a job application, a purchase or a planned measure proves useless or unsuitable.
Idiom 05
„Die Kuh vom Eis holen“
Meaning: A difficult problem is solved before it causes greater damage.
Usage: The informal idiom is suitable when someone ends a conflict, corrects a mistake in time or stops a dangerous development.
