German is a language rich with idiomatic expressions, especially when it comes to discussing the weather and climate. These expressions can add color and depth to everyday conversations, and understanding them can give you deeper insight into German culture. Here are some common German idioms related to weather and climate, along with their meanings and examples.
Es regnet Katzen und Hunde translates to “It’s raining cats and dogs.” This idiom is used when it’s raining very heavily.
Sieh mal aus dem Fenster! Es regnet Katzen und Hunde.
Das ist nicht mein Bier literally means “That’s not my beer,” but it’s used to say “That’s not my problem.” This phrase might be used in a situation where someone is complaining about the weather, and the person responding doesn’t see it as their concern.
Ob es morgen regnet oder nicht, das ist nicht mein Bier.
Da steppt der Bär directly translates to “There dances the bear,” and is used to describe a lively place or event, often irrespective of the weather conditions.
Trotz des schlechten Wetters, da steppt der Bär.
April, April, der weiß nicht, was er will describes the unpredictable weather in April. It translates to “April, April, he doesn’t know what he wants.”
Heute Morgen schien die Sonne und jetzt regnet es, April, April, der weiß nicht, was er will.
Nach Regen kommt Sonnenschein means “After rain comes sunshine.” This idiom is used to express optimism that good things will follow after a bad phase, much like the weather improves after a rainy period.
Kopf hoch! Nach Regen kommt Sonnenschein.
Alte Liebe rostet nicht translates to “Old love does not rust,” signifying that true affections remain unchanged by time and weather.
Sie sind seit über 50 Jahren verheiratet, alte Liebe rostet nicht.
Kalte Füße bekommen literally means “to get cold feet.” It’s often used to describe getting nervous or having second thoughts before a significant event, much like one might feel physically cold.
Ich habe kalte Füße bekommen, bevor ich die Präsentation gehalten habe.
Die Sonne bringt es an den Tag translates to “The sun brings it to the day,” used to say that the truth will eventually come out, similar to how the sun illuminates everything.
Mach dir keine Sorgen, die Sonne bringt es an den Tag.
Ein Sturm im Wasserglas means “A storm in a teacup,” used to describe a lot of fuss made about a trivial issue.
Das ganze Drama war nur ein Sturm im Wasserglas.
Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt translates to “Not everything that glitters is gold.” This idiom is a reminder that things might not always be as they appear, similar to a cloudy day that might still lead to sun.
Sei vorsichtig mit solchen Angeboten; es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt.
Wie ein Fisch im Wasser means “Like a fish in water,” used to describe someone being in their element or very comfortable in their surroundings.
Er fühlt sich auf der Bühne wie ein Fisch im Wasser.
Wetterwendisch describes someone or something that is as changeable as the weather.
Ihre Meinungen sind wetterwendisch, man weiß nie, was sie als Nächstes denkt.
Der Blitz soll dich beim Scheißen treffen is a humorous and somewhat crude expression wishing a lightning strike on someone while they are in the toilet. It is used to express annoyance or frustration.
Wenn du jetzt nicht aufhörst, wünsche ich, der Blitz soll dich beim Scheißen treffen!
Understanding these idioms can greatly enhance your comprehension and enjoyment of the German language, particularly in conversational settings. As with any language, the cultural nuances embedded in these expressions make them an essential part of learning and appreciating the language fully. Whether discussing the weather or expressing feelings and opinions, these idioms offer a window into the German perspective.
