Nothing compares to the moment a translator discovers a German idiom in their work. It says, “This can't possibly mean what it says,” and you pause, smiling. German idioms are charming, funny, and quirky, but how can you translate them into English? The true difficulty starts there.

A literal translation can seem humorously perplexing at times (That is me sausage) or outright strange at other times (I think I spider). We'll examine some of the most well-known German idioms in this blog, their true meanings, and the skill of interpreting idiomatic expressions.

The Translator's Dilema: Meaningful vs. Literal

When a translator encounters an idiom, his first instinct might be to translate it word-for-word Idioms, however, do not follow the guidelines of literal translation. Let's examine a few of the most entertaining (and perplexing) examples of translations from German to English:

If you were to translate these idioms literally, you’d end up with a text that sounds like it belongs in a comedy sketch rather than a meaningful conversation.

Finding the Right Balance

Finding a balance between cultural relevance and accuracy is crucial when translating idioms. For example:

• Da haben wir den Salat.
  Literal: There we have the salad.
  Meaning: Now we’ve got a fine mess.

In English, we don’t associate salads with messes, so the translator must dig into the essence of the idiom and find a suitable English equivalent.

Why Cultural Background Is Important

Idioms are a reflection of shared experiences and cultural beliefs. If you translate them without knowing the context, you may get weird, absurd results:

• Nur die Harten kommen in den Garten.
  Literal: Only the hard come in the garden.
  Meaning: Only the strong survive.

The imagery of a garden, a place of beauty and tranquillity, is totally gone, even though the English equivalent is functional. Translators have to choose whether to change it for clarity or keep the cultural flavour.

Another favourite:

• Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof.
  Literal: I understand only train station.
  Meaning: I don’t understand anything.

In English, the best equivalent would be It’s all Greek to me. But admit it, picturing someone confusedly saying “train station” is pretty funny.

Idioms That Make Translators Sweat

Some idioms are nearly impossible to translate without losing their charm. For instance:

While Let the pig out is hilarious, it’s hardly the best way to tell someone to relax in English. Translators often have to get creative, striking a balance between humour and clarity.

The Translator’s Toolkit: How to Handle Idioms

When faced with idioms, translators have a few strategies up their sleeve:

1. Find a Cultural Equivalent:
   Replace the idiom with one that fits the target language. For example, Halt die Ohren steif becomes Hang in there in English.
2. Adapt the Imagery:
   If no direct equivalent exists, tweak the phrase to make it relatable. For instance, Ich brech’ zusammen (I break together) can be adapted as I’m cracking up.
3. Explain When Necessary:
   In some cases, especially in literary or cultural texts, a brief explanation might be required to preserve the original flavour.

Why Translators Should Have a Sense of Humour

Idioms remind us that translation is more than simply words; it is about meaning, culture, and creativity. For every That is me sausage, a translator is working hard to find the right words.

So, the next time you hear someone remark, “I think I spider,” remember to thank the translator who felt it was preferable to put, “I think I'm losing my mind.”

And remember to let the Sau go! Let the pig out! Have fun!