10 common German slang expressions

This lesson presents ten very common German slang / idiomatic expressions that you’ll encounter in everyday conversation. You’ll see what they mean and how to use them naturally at B2 level.

1Bis über beide Ohren

Meaning: To be very deeply in love or emotionally involved.

Example:
Er ist bis über beide Ohren in sie verliebt.
(He is extremely in love with her.)

2Um den heißen Brei herumreden

Meaning: To avoid saying something directly; to beat around the bush.

Example:
Du redest um den heißen Brei herum. Sag mir, was du wirklich denkst!
(You’re beating around the bush. Tell me what you really think!)

3Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen

Meaning: To say exactly the right thing; to hit the nail on the head.

Example:
Mit deiner Analyse hast du den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen.
(With your analysis you really hit the nail on the head.)

4Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden

Meaning: To fool someone deliberately; to tell a made-up story.

Example:
Er hat mir einen Bären aufgebunden, als er sagte, er könne zaubern.
(He pulled my leg when he said he could do magic.)

5Ins Gras beißen

Meaning: To die; colloquial and somewhat rough.

Example:
Nach dem Unfall hat er ins Gras gebissen.
(He died in the accident.)

6Schaum schlagen

Meaning: To create a lot of hype or fuss, often without much substance.

Example:
Die Werbung schlägt viel Schaum, aber das Produkt ist mittelmäßig.
(The advertising makes a lot of fuss, but the product is mediocre.)

7Über den Tellerrand schauen

Meaning: To be open to new ideas and perspectives; not to stay in your narrow viewpoint.

Example:
Wer über den Tellerrand schaut, versteht andere Kulturen besser.
(If you look beyond your own plate, you understand other cultures better.)

8Sich in die Nesseln setzen

Meaning: To get yourself into an awkward or uncomfortable situation through what you say or do.

Example:
Mit dieser Bemerkung hast du dich in die Nesseln gesetzt.
(With that remark you got yourself into trouble / an awkward spot.)

9Die Nase voll haben

Meaning: To have had enough of something; to be fed up.

Example:
Ich habe die Nase voll von diesen ständigen Verzögerungen.
(I’m fed up with these constant delays.)

10Fünf gerade sein lassen

Meaning: Not to be too strict; to tolerate small mistakes; to take things easy.

Example:
Lass heute mal fünf gerade sein und entspann dich.
(Just let things slide today and relax.)

Usage tips

• These expressions are image-based; visualizing the „Brei“, „Nagel“, „Tellerrand“, „Nesseln“ etc. helps you remember them.
• They are typical for informal spoken German (friends, colleagues, casual emails).
• They are not all „youth slang“, but clearly colloquial; avoid them in very formal texts.

summaryEn: After this lesson you can understand ten common German slang expressions and use them naturally in everyday conversations.