20 December 2025
How would you say that something hurts in German?
Say 'X tut weh' (X hurts) or 'Ich habe X-schmerzen' (Kopfschmerzen, Bauchschmerzen, Halsschmerzen). Emotional heartache is 'Herzschmerz' or 'Liebeskummer'.
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The German learning blog.
Advice, explanations and ideas for learning German, from Stephan.
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20 December 2025
How do you tell time in German?
In German, 'halb 6' means 5:30 (half to six). Use 'vor' (to), 'nach' (past), 'Viertel' (quarter) and 'kurz vor/nach' (just before/after).
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20 December 2025
How do you say “collision” in German?
Everyday German for 'collide' is 'zusammenprallen' or 'zusammenstoßen'; 'kollidieren' is more technical. 'Prall' also means plump.
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20 December 2025
Why do Germans talk about whistling pigs?
'Ich glaube, mein Schwein pfeift' (literally 'I think my pig is whistling') expresses disbelief, like 'I don't believe it!'
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20 December 2025
What do Germans mean when they talk about a donkey bridge (Eselsbrücke)?
'Eselsbrücke' (literally 'donkey bridge') means a mnemonic or memory aid.
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20 December 2025
How do you say jumping the queue or cutting in line in German?
'To cut in line' is 'sich vordrängeln'; a line/queue is 'die Schlange'; to wait in line is 'Schlange stehen'.
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20 December 2025
How would you talk about service in German?
Dienen means to serve; Dienst means service or duty; Dienstleistung is a service performed for someone. Servieren is used for food and drinks, and also figuratively.
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20 December 2025
How would you say “surprise” in German?
'Surprise' is 'Überraschung' (verb: überraschen). 'Ich wundere mich' means 'I'm surprised'; 'I wonder' is 'Ich frage mich'.
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20 December 2025
How do you talk about urban legends in German?
An old wives' tale or urban legend is an 'Ammenmärchen' (literally 'wet nurse's fairy tale').
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20 December 2025
How do you say “education” in German?
Bildung means education or personal intellectual development. Ausbildung means training, often vocational. Studium means university studies; Weiterbildung means further education or training.
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20 December 2025
What is the level C1 in German?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR or CEF for short) is a standardized guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and beyond. At Deutschable, we follow these guidelines in all of our German classes, including level C1 in German. (Not sure about your level? Test it here […]
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20 December 2025
What is the level C2 in German?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR or CEF for short) is a standardized guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and beyond. At Deutschable, we follow these guidelines in all of our German classes, including level C2 in German. (Not sure about your level? Test it here […]
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20 December 2025
Easy tricks to remember the genders in German
Do you sometimes get the feeling that your language course becomes a quiz show with you constantly guessing: der, die or das? Remembering these articles can be tedious. However, don’t make the mistake to simply dismiss them as not essential. It will backfire on you as soon as you start to form more complex sentences […]
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20 December 2025
What does the German word “Feierabend” mean?
'Feierabend' is the time after work ends for the day. 'Schönen Feierabend!' = Have a nice evening (after work)!
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20 December 2025
How do you make words cute in German?
English speakers in particular are often driven mad with the German language’s random gender assignments. But now, you can breathe easier. If you want to learn German quick and easy, this useful trick for German articles redefines the word as neutral, meaning that you can kiss “der” (masculine) and “die” (feminine) goodbye. Just add -chen […]
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20 December 2025
How do you talk about connections in German?
'Verbindung' is a connection (internet, phone); 'Anschluss' is a connection to a train or flight (Anschlussflug); 'Zusammenhang' is a logical connection.
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20 December 2025
What’s up with Germans and worms in their ears?
'Ohrwurm' means a catchy tune stuck in your head; English 'earworm' is a loan translation of it.
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20 December 2025
What’s up with the Germans letting the female pig out?
'Die Sau rauslassen' (literally 'to let the sow out') means to party hard or let loose. It is colloquial.
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