German Idioms & Phrases Hub

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Learn expressions people actually use: idioms, fixed phrases, and colloquial patterns with clear meaning and context.

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Total Expressions

11,794

Matches

11,794

Types

5

Pages

394

A0

0

A1

1,817

A2

2,503

B1

4,807

B2

2,219

C1

423

C2

25

Expression Types

Coverage by type
Expression - 5,077 Collocation - 3,934 Idiom - 2,088 Slang - 356 Proverb - 339
Expression C1

Der Hosmer-Lemeshow-Test weist darauf hin, dass

The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicates that

This is your go-to phrase when you're presenting statistical findings, especially in academic papers or technical reports. It's like saying, 'Okay, so this specific test we ran is telling us something important about how well our model matches the real world.' It carries a vibe of objective reporting and data-driven conclusions.

Usage: This phrase is exclusively for formal, academic, or highly technical contexts, specifically when reporting the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistical test. Using it in casual conversation or general professional communication would be highly inappropriate and sound unnatural. Always ensure the context makes it clear that this specific test has been performed.

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Expression C1

Die Heterogenität zwischen den Studien war signifikant

The heterogeneity between studies was significant

This phrase is a mouthful, right? It basically means that the studies you're looking at are *way* too different from each other. Think of it like trying to compare a pizza recipe to a cake recipe – they’re both food, but the ingredients and methods are so far apart that you can't really draw solid conclusions by smashing them together. It carries a serious, academic vibe, often used when results can't be easily combined or generalized.

Usage: This is a highly formal phrase, exclusively used in academic, scientific, or technical writing and speech. Its use implies a critical evaluation of research methodology and comparability. Avoid it in any casual or informal context, as it will sound pretentious and out of place.

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Collocation A1

einkaufen gehen

To go shopping

This phrase is the standard way to say you're heading out to buy things, whether it's groceries for dinner or a new pair of jeans.

Usage: This phrase is extremely common and safe for A1 learners. It follows standard German sentence structure where the second verb moves to the very end.

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Collocation A1

ein Lied singen

To sing a song

This phrase is all about the pure, simple act of using your voice to create music. It’s not just about hitting notes perfectly; it's about the joy, the feeling, or even the necessity of singing a song. Think of it as the soundtrack to your life, whether it's a heartfelt ballad or a silly tune you made up in the car.

Usage: The phrase `ein Lied singen` is highly versatile and generally neutral in formality. It's the go-to expression for the act of singing a song in most everyday situations. Avoid using it for instrumental music; stick to verbs like `spielen` for instruments. While common, extremely formal contexts might favor `vortragen` for 'perform'.

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Collocation A2

ein Versprechen brechen

To break a promise

This phrase describes the act of failing to do something you guaranteed you would do. It is used when someone goes back on their word or lets someone down after making a commitment.

Usage: This phrase is very common and fits most registers, from casual chats to formal reports. Be aware that in German culture, reliability is highly valued, so breaking a promise often carries significant weight and can damage trust more than in some other cultures. Ensure you use the correct verb `brechen`; avoid `machen` or `tun` when referring to the act of breaking a promise.

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Collocation A1

fernsehen

To watch TV

This is the standard German way to say you are watching television. It combines the words for 'far' and 'to see,' describing the act of viewing a broadcast from a distance.

Usage: The verb is separable, meaning 'fern' moves to the end of the sentence in simple present and past. It is a neutral term suitable for all social settings.

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Collocation A1

Fußball spielen

To play soccer

This phrase describes the act of playing soccer, whether it's a professional match in a stadium or just kicking a ball around with your friends in a local park.

Usage: The phrase is neutral and extremely common. Be careful with verb placement: 'spielen' moves to the end of the sentence if you use a modal verb like 'können' (can) or 'wollen' (want).

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