Learning idioms is an important part of mastering any language. In German, business idioms are particularly useful for professionals looking to communicate effectively and build relationships with German-speaking colleagues and clients. Here are ten German business idioms you need to know to succeed in the German business world.
1. "Etwas Schwarz auf Weiß haben"
This phrase is used to express that something is in writing and therefore indisputable or official. It corresponds to the English idiom “to have something in black and white.” For example, if a contract is signed and agreed upon, a German speaker might say “Wir haben das schwarz auf weiß!” (We have it in black and white!).
2. "Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen"
This idiom literally means “to hit the nail on the head” and is used to describe a situation where someone makes a particularly astute observation or insight. In a business context, this phrase might be used to describe a colleague’s successful pitch or a consultant’s insightful analysis. For example, if a colleague makes a particularly astute observation during a meeting, a German speaker might say “Du hast den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen!” (You hit the nail on the head!).
3. "Einen Fuss in der Tür haben"
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has made initial contact with a potential client or partner and literally means “having a foot in the door”. In a business context, this phrase might be used to describe a salesperson’s initial meeting with a prospective client or a business development executive’s first interactions with a potential partner. Examples: “Ich habe einen Fuß in der Tür bei der Firma XYZ, ich werde bald ein Vorstellungsgespräch haben.” (I have a foot in the door at the company XYZ, I will have an interview soon.) or “Wenn wir ein Geschäft mit diesem Kunden abschließen, haben wir einen Fuß in der Tür für weitere Aufträge.” (If we close a deal with this customer, we will have a foot in the door for more orders.).
4. "Am Ball bleiben"
This idiom translates to “to stay on the ball” and is used to describe a situation where someone remains focused and engaged in a project or task. In a business context, this phrase might be used to encourage colleagues or team members to stay focused and committed to a particular goal or initiative. Examples: “Wir müssen am Ball bleiben, um den Markt zu überblicken.” (We need to stay on the ball to keep an eye on the market.) or “Um unsere Position im Markt zu behaupten, müssen wir am Ball bleiben und uns weiterentwickeln.” (To maintain our position in the market, we need to stay on the ball and keep evolving.).
5. "Im Sande verlaufen"
This expression translates to “to run into the sand” and is used to describe a situation where a project or initiative fails to make progress or fizzles out completely. In a business context, this phrase might be used to describe a failed partnership or a product that fails to gain traction in the market. Examples: “Leider ist das Projekt im Sande verlaufen, wir müssen eine neue Lösung finden.” (Unfortunately, the project has come to nothing, we need to find a new solution.) or “Die Verhandlungen sind im Sande verlaufen, wir müssen uns nach anderen Möglichkeiten umsehen.” (The negotiations have fizzled out, we need to look for other options.).
6. "Sich die Hände schmutzig machen"
This idiom literally means “to get your hands dirty” and is used to describe a situation where someone is willing to take on difficult or unpleasant tasks in order to achieve a particular goal. In a business context, this phrase might be used to describe a leader who is willing to tackle difficult challenges or a team member who is willing to take on a particularly challenging assignment. Examples: “Um eine erfolgreiche Geschäftsbeziehung aufzubauen, müssen wir uns die Hände schmutzig machen und uns um die Details kümmern.” (To establish a successful business relationship, we need to get our hands dirty and take care of the details.) or “Als Führungskraft muss man sich die Hände schmutzig machen und mit den Mitarbeitern zusammenarbeiten.” (As a leader, you need to get your hands dirty and work together with the employees.).
7. "In den sauren Apfel beißen"
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has to face an unpleasant or difficult task or decision. A literal translation would be “to bite into the sour apple.” For example, if a company has to lay off employees due to financial difficulties, a German speaker might say “Wir müssen in den sauren Apfel beißen.” (∼ We have to bite the bullet.).
8. "Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen"
This idiom is used to describe the act of testing or scrutinizing someone or something closely to evaluate their qualities or abilities. A literal translation would be “to feel someone on the tooth.” For example, if a company is considering hiring a new employee, they might say “Wir müssen ihm auf den Zahn fühlen, um sicherzustellen, dass er die Qualifikationen hat.” (∼ We need to get on his case to make sure he has the qualifications.)
9. "Die Katze aus dem Sack lassen"
This expression translates to “letting the cat out of the bag” and is used to describe a situation where someone reveals a secret or confidential information. In a business context, this phrase might be used to warn against revealing sensitive company information or disclosing proprietary knowledge. Examples: “Wir dürfen die Katze noch nicht aus dem Sack lassen, das ist noch vertraulich.” (We can’t let the cat out of the bag yet, it’s still confidential.) or “Wenn wir die Katze aus dem Sack lassen, wird das unseren Wettbewerbsvorteil gefährden.” (If we let the cat out of the bag, it will jeopardize our competitive advantage.).
10. "Sich ins gemachte Nest setzen"
This idiom is used to describe someone who has inherited or been given an already established position or situation, often without having to put in much effort or work. A literal translation would be “to sit oneself into a made nest.” For example, if someone has been hired for a high-level position due to family connections rather than qualifications, a German speaker might say “Er hat sich ins gemachte Nest gesetzt.” (He has sat in the made nest.).
Conclusion: Understanding German business idioms is an important part of communicating effectively in a professional setting. By familiarizing yourself with common idiomatic expressions like these, you can improve your comprehension and sound more natural and fluent in the German-speaking business world.