German Culture and Common Idioms (Redewendungen)

Every language has expressions that cannot be translated word for word. German is particularly rich in colourful idioms (Redewendungen) that reveal the culture, history, and humour of its speakers. Learning idioms is not just fun — it makes your German sound more natural and helps you understand native speakers. This lesson also covers cultural concepts that have no direct English equivalent.

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Common German Idioms

Idioms About Understanding and Knowledge

German Idiom	Literal Translation	Actual Meaning
Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof.	I only understand "train station."	I don't understand a thing.
Das ist mir Wurst.	That is sausage to me.	I don't care. / It's all the same to me.
Da liegt der Hund begraben.	That is where the dog is buried.	That is the crux of the matter.
Tomaten auf den Augen haben	To have tomatoes on one's eyes	To be oblivious / not see what's obvious
Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen	To hit the nail on the head	To be exactly right