Learning German Through Weird Slang You Won’t Find in Textbooks

Literal: Floating on cloud seven
Meaning: To be extremely happy, over the moon, or “on cloud nine”
Example: “Seitdem sie zusammen sind, schwebt er auf Wolke sieben.” → “Since they got together, he’s been on cloud nine.”
Usage Tip: Used when someone is in love, celebrating a big achievement, or just feeling really happy. Informal but widely understood.
Fun Fact: In Germany, “cloud seven” is just one step below ultimate happiness!
Daily Life Example: “Nach dem Konzert gestern schwebte ich auf Wolke sieben.” → “After the concert yesterday, I was over the moon.”

Literal: Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To describe something perfectly / be spot on
Example: “Mit deiner Erklärung hast du den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen.” → “Your explanation is spot on.”
Usage Tip: Can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts; great for giving feedback or commenting on accuracy.
Fun Fact: A direct translation also exists in English: “hit the nail on the head.”
Daily Life Example: “Du hast den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen mit deinem Vorschlag.” → “You nailed it with your suggestion.”

Literal: Fixed and ready
Meaning: Totally exhausted / worn out
Example: “Nach der Wanderung war ich fix und fertig.” → “After the hike, I was completely exhausted.”
Usage Tip: Commonly used after physical or mental effort. Casual in tone.
Fun Fact: Despite the literal meaning, it expresses complete fatigue rather than readiness.
Daily Life Example: “Nach dem Umzug gestern war ich fix und fertig.” → “After the move yesterday, I was completely wiped out.”

Literal: Bite the grass
Meaning: To die (humorous or dark sense)
Example: “Mein alter Laptop hat ins Gras gebissen.” → “My old laptop finally kicked the bucket.”
Usage Tip: Can be humorous or sarcastic; often used metaphorically for objects or unfortunate events.
Fun Fact: Commonly used in cartoons, jokes, and casual chats about misfortune.
Daily Life Example: “Der alte Fernseher hat endlich ins Gras gebissen.” → “The old TV finally kicked the bucket.”

Literal: Leave the church in the village
Meaning: Don’t exaggerate / keep things realistic
Example: “Es war nur ein kleiner Fehler, lass die Kirche im Dorf.” → “It was just a small mistake, don’t make a big deal out of it.”
Usage Tip: Perfect to calm someone who’s overreacting or dramatizing.
Fun Fact: The phrase originates from small villages where the church was the center—don’t move it or exaggerate its importance.
Daily Life Example: “Du machst viel zu viel Drama, lass die Kirche im Dorf!” → “You’re overreacting, keep it realistic!”

Literal: Zero goat
Meaning: Not in the mood for something, no interest, or zero motivation
Example: “Ich habe null Bock auf Arbeit heute.” → “I really don’t feel like working today.”
Usage Tip: Very casual; mainly used among friends, colleagues, or classmates. Not suitable for formal situations.
Fun Fact: Popular among teens and young adults; variations include:
- “Keinen Bock” → same meaning
- “Ich hab’ echt null Bock darauf” → “I really have no interest in that”
Daily Life Example:
- “Hast du Lust auf Sport?” → “Do you feel like doing sports?”
- “Nee, null Bock.” → “Nope, not in the mood.”