Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof
Meaning: I don't understand anything at all.
Language: German
Literally: I only understand train station
Category: Daily Life
Origin: Post-WWI German soldiers wanting to go home heard only 'Bahnhof' (station).
More idioms — Daily Life
- Schwein haben — Getting unexpectedly lucky — rooted in medieval tournaments where the last-place finisher…
- Da liegt der Hund begraben — That's the crux of the matter.
- 猫の手も借りたい (Neko no te mo karitai) — I'm so busy I'll take help from anyone.
- Estar en la edad del pavo — To be at an awkward teenage phase.
- Tener mala leche — To be in a foul mood or have bad intentions.
- Ser pan comido — To be extremely easy.
More German idioms
- Da steppt der Bär — It's going to be a great party.
- Tomaten auf den Augen haben — To be oblivious to what's right in front of you.
- Ich glaub mein Schwein pfeift — I can't believe it! That's outrageous!
- Um den heißen Brei herumreden — To beat around the bush.
- Die Daumen drücken — To wish someone good luck (like crossing fingers).
- Seinen Senf dazugeben — To give an unsolicited opinion.
From our compliments & insults
- Du gehst mir auf den Keks — You're getting on my nerves.
- Schlaumeier — A smart aleck or know-it-all.
- Du bist ein Goldstück — You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.