Guten Tag, London! Are you ready to add a splash of German flavour to your linguistic repertoire? As a seasoned German tutor based in the heart of London, I’m here to guide you through the delightful world of German idioms. Whether you’re a City professional looking to expand your business German, a student preparing for that year abroad, or simply a language enthusiast, these phrases will take your German skills to the next level.
Why Learn German in London?
Before we dive into the idioms, let’s talk about why learning German in London is a genius idea:
1. Career Boost: Many German companies have offices in London, so speaking German can open doors in finance, tech, and more.
2. Cultural Connection: London’s diverse culture includes a vibrant German community. Impress at Oktoberfest celebrations or German film festivals!
3. Travel Ready: You’ll be prepared to chat with the locals when you travel from Heathrow to Berlin.
At German Language Coach, we offer personalised German lessons across London, from our base near the Bank of England to sleek meeting rooms across London. Let’s explore some idioms that will make you sound like a true Berliner in no time!
“Das ist nicht mein Bier” – The German Way to Say “Not My Cup of Tea”
When to Use “Das ist nicht mein Bier”
Perfect for business meetings when you want to decline involvement in a project politely.
How “Das ist nicht mein Bier” Translates
“That’s not my beer” (but in British English, you’d say, “It’s not my cup of tea”)
Example of “Das ist nicht mein Bier” in Action
“Marketingstrategien? Das ist nicht mein Bier. Ich konzentriere mich lieber auf Finanzen.”
(Marketing strategies? That’s not my cup of tea. I prefer to focus on finance.)
“Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” – When You’re Lost in Translation
Perfect Moments for “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof”
Use this when struggling with complex German grammar in our lessons – it’s okay; we’ll work through it together!
The Meaning Behind “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof”
“I only understand train station” (In British English: “It’s all Greek to me”)
Using “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” in Conversation
Your colleague: “Kannst du die Quartalszahlen erklären?”
You: “Tut mir leid, da verstehe ich nur Bahnhof.”
(Your colleague: “Can you explain the quarterly figures?”
You: “Sorry, it’s all Greek to me.”)
“Da steppt der Bär” – The German Equivalent of “It’s Going to Be a Proper Knees-Up”
Best Times to Use “Da steppt der Bär”
Perfect for describing our fun German lessons in London!
What “Da steppt der Bär” Really Means
“The bear dances there” (In British English: “It’s going to be a right knees-up”)
Putting “Da steppt der Bär” into Practice
“Beim deutschen Stammtisch im Pub in Shoreditch am Samstag, da steppt der Bär!”
(At the German meetup in the pub in Shoreditch on Saturday, it’s going to be a right knees-up!)
Take Your German to the Next Level with German Language Coach
Ready to impress your German business partners or ace that language exam? At German Language Coach, we offer:
– Flexible lessons in locations across London, from Hampstead to Greenwich
– Tailored courses for business German, academic purposes, or casual conversation
– Native German tutors with years of teaching experience in London
– Small group sessions and one-on-one tutorials
Don’t let language barriers hold you back in London’s international scene. Book a trial lesson today and start your journey to German fluency!
Contact us now
Ready to sprinkle these idioms into your German conversations? Book your first lesson now! Mention this blog post for a 10% discount on your first month of lessons!
Remember, as we say in German, “Übung macht den Meister” (Practice makes perfect). See you in our next lesson – bis bald!