Skip to content

Idiom

idiom

noun i-dee-OM Rare
Communication Language

Origin: from Greek idios (own)

Also means

fixed expression with non-literal meaning

Usage Note

Idiom is a fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from individual words, e.g. auf den Busch klopfen (to beat around the bush). Learners must memorise Idiome as whole units. Plural Idiome.

Examples

"„Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen” ist ein typisches deutsches Idiom."

Natural Translation

'To feel someone's tooth' is a typical German idiom meaning to probe someone.

Literal Translation

'Someone on the tooth feel' is a typical German idiom.

Explore German by topic