gängige Redewendungen
The English phrase "common phrases" is translated into German as gängige Redewendungen.
This term refers to expressions that are frequently used in everyday conversation. You may also use gebräuchliche Redewendungen to say "common phrases", which specifically emphasizes that the phrases are "in use."
What does it mean word for word?
The word gängige is derived from the verb gehen (to go) and literally describes something that is "going" or "in circulation."
Which one should you use?
While gängige Redewendungen is used for common phrases, the word Redewendungen specifically refers to idiomatic expressions that cannot be understood through a literal interpretation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase gängige Redewendungen is in the plural form, indicated by the -en ending on both the adjective and the noun. The singular form of this phrase is gängige Redewendung.
Did you know?
- German distinguishes between Redewendungen (idioms) and Floskeln, which are 'common phrases' used as empty social fillers or platitudes.
- Because gängige comes from gehen, it shares a root with the English word 'gang', both originating from the idea of moving or walking.
- The word Redewendung is a compound of Rede, meaning 'speech' or 'discourse', and Wendung, meaning 'turn' or 'twist'.
Examples in context
- Das sind einige gängige Redewendungen.Those are some common phrases.
- Ich habe viele gängige Redewendungen gelernt.I have learned many common phrases.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are studying German together in a cafe.
- LukasWas lernst du gerade, Laura?What are you studying right now, Laura?
- LauraIch lerne gängige Redewendungen für den Alltag.I am learning common phrases for everyday life.
- LukasDas ist eine gute Idee.That is a good idea.
- LauraJa, sie helfen mir sehr beim Sprechen.Yes, they help me a lot when speaking.
