IdiomThe Absurd
German
Germanum die Ecke denken
Meaning: To think creatively or unconventionally, to solve problems by approaching them from unexpected angles.
Literally: To think around the corner
Example: “Die Lösung fand sie, weil sie um die Ecke gedacht hat.” — She found the solution because she thought outside the box.
English equivalent: To think outside the box
Equivalents in other languages
English: think outside the box
Origin: Thinking around the corner is reaching an answer by an indirect route instead of the obvious straight one. It is modern German, common in descriptions of puzzles, advertising and creative work, and its first use is not documented.
More German idioms
- auf keinen grünen Zweig kommen To fail to achieve success or prosperity, to make no progress in life or a project.
- grün vor Neid Consumed with jealousy or envious feeling.
- Hinz und Kunz Any ordinary person; everyone; the man in the street; used to refer to people indiscrimin…
- die Zelte abbrechen to move away or leave a place; to abandon one's position.
- bei der Stange halten to keep someone obedient, loyal, or in line through discipline or pressure.
- keine zehn Pferde nothing could force or move one; obstinate refusal or immovable determination.
Explore another collection: False Friends
Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
Keep exploring