German Language Stack Exchange
German Language Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [phrase-request]

Suche geläufige Wendung - Questions on finding a phrase that fits a meaning.

Use this tag for questions that are about finding a phrase to fit a meaning. Describe the intended meaning, connotation, and/or context in as much detail as you can.

This tag is not for questions about a particular phrase you already have. That's what the tags , etc. are there for.

If you are looking for a single-word, please use instead.

210 questions
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votes
1 answer

How does one refer to a changed name in German?

In America, there was a very famous investment writer named Benjamin Graham, who was Warren Buffett's teacher. But his birth name was actually Benjamin Grossbaum, a German name he changed during World War I. What would be the term for the other…
Tom Au
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2 answers

How to say "I see" in German

"I see" is a phrase that's used very often in a conversation in English. A: How much does the book cost? B: 50 dollars. A: I see. Is there an equivalent in German? I'm quite sure it's not ich sehe. And ich verstehe doesn't seem appropriate when…
Mika H.
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15
votes
5 answers

Expressions to congratulate on October the 3rd (Day of German Unity)

Tomorrow is the third of October, the Day of German Unity or the national day of Germany. What expressions do Germans use to congratulate each other on this day?
diadiora
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12
votes
7 answers

Erwiderung auf eine Entschuldigung?

This question also has an answer here (in English): What should I reply for "Sorry" / "Entschuldigung"? Gibt es, ähnlich wie es für „danke“ das Wort „bitte“ gibt (und umgekehrt), für Entschuldigungen eine Art „Standard“-Erwiderung? Mit „Standard“…
Jan
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10
votes
4 answers

Can you remind me again?

In English one often says things like What was that movie you were telling me about again? or Could you tell me your name again? The word "again" is a polite courtesy to tell the listener that you're aware that they've already answered your…
Ben
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9
votes
8 answers

Bedienungsanleitung – Alternative zur Überschrift »Für Eilige«

Ich schreibe an einer Art Anleitung, der ein Abschnitt für Nutzer vorangestellt ist, die nicht die Zeit oder Muße haben, sich durch die Anleitung zu arbeiten. In diesem wird eine Methode beschrieben, gewisse Ziele ohne große Arbeit, aber mit…
Wrzlprmft
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8
votes
2 answers

How does one say "in a manner of speaking" in German?

Google translate gives "in eine Weise zu sprechen" but that strikes me as a literal translation that doesn't have the right "ring" to it. Is that, in fact, the best translation or is there a better one?
Tom Au
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8
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4 answers

“Is this the best you got?” in German

How would you say: Is this the best you got? in German? It’s supposed to have a condescending tone.
indieman
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7
votes
5 answers

What phrases to use for certain situations when your little children play in the playground?

I have sometimes a hard time when I take my children to the playground and something happens, like my child pushed another one or gets a bite from another one. I manage to say something most of the time but I am never sure that I said it in a proper…
Zhenglei
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7
votes
5 answers

German equivalent for Tina Fey's quote, "Bitches get stuff done."

I am looking for a German expression of Tina Fey's quote “Bitches get stuff done.” So far, I have come up with: Hündinnen machen Sachen erledigt Miststücke machen Sachen erledigt I have also found “Miststücke kriegen was auf die Reihe”, but I…
AdrienCara
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7
votes
5 answers

Polite ways to swear when something went completely wrong?

Are there more polite alternatives to (Verfluchter) Mist! to state that something went completely wrong in a business meeting? Shit happens! is a known anglicism in Germany but also streaks gutter language. Tragedy if dont learn polite swearing…
Hauser
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6
votes
4 answers

Atheistisches Äquivalent von »Gott bewahre«?

Gott bewahre wird als ein Nebensatz verwendet, wenn der Sprechende hofft, dass das Genannte nicht auftritt: Und wenn er, Gott bewahre, tatsächlich krank wird ... Gibt es dafür ein sprachlich elegantes Äquivalent ohne das Wort Gott?
Liglo App
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6
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3 answers

How to say that any appointment time fits me

I’m trying to figure out how to say that any appointment time fits me in German. So I start with usual: Ich möchte gerne einen Termin vereinbaren. And then I know how to specify a time like so: Um 11 Uhr wäre mir lieber. But how do I say that…
Rafał Sroka
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5
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3 answers

Is a literal, figurative, or idiomatic translation for "I only have eyes for you" most appropriate?

Some years ago, I tried to translate into German an English line: I only have eyes for you. My first attempt was a fairly literal one: Meine Augen sind nur für dich. Then I decided that a figurative translation might work better: Meine…
Tom Au
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5
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1 answer

Entsprechende Satz : "on the same page"

Ich schreibe eine E-mail und suche eine/n entsprechende/n Redewendung/Satz für "on the same page". Es bedeutet etwas wie "wir haben alle die gleiche Informationen und alle verstehen einander" Vielen Dank für die Hilfe (und bitte, korrigiert meinen…
DHinch
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