How to Say “On a Roll” in German

When you’re looking to express the concept of being “on a roll” in German, there are various ways to convey the idea depending on the context and level of formality. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal expressions for “on a roll” in German, provide examples, and offer some additional tips to help you communicate effectively. Let’s dive in!

Formal Expressions:

In formal situations, it’s important to choose appropriate phrases that convey the meaning of “on a roll” without losing the required level of professionalism. Here are some formal German expressions you can use:

1. In einem Lauf sein: This literal translation reads “to be in a run.” It is a common and polite way to express that someone is on a roll. For example:
   

   “Unser Team ist in einem Lauf und erzielt einen Erfolg nach dem anderen.” (Our team is on a roll and achieving success after success.)

2. Auf der Überholspur sein: This phrase means “to be in the fast lane” and can be used metaphorically to convey the idea of being on a roll. For instance:
   

   “Die Firma ist auf der Überholspur und verzeichnet ein stetiges Wachstum.” (The company is on the fast lane and experiencing steady growth.)

3. Listigerweise vorankommen: This expression translates to “to slyly make progress” and can imply the sense of being on a roll subtly or slyly. An example usage could be:
   

   “Er kommt listigerweise voran und erledigt seine Aufgaben in Rekordzeit.” (He is slyly making progress and completing his tasks in record time.)

Informal Expressions:

In informal contexts, the language used to convey the meaning of “on a roll” can be more relaxed and colloquial. Here are some informal German expressions you can use:

1. In Fahrt sein: This expression literally means “to be in motion” and is commonly used in informal conversation to convey the idea of being on a roll. For example:
   

   “Ich bin gerade richtig in Fahrt und bringe viel voran.” (I am really on a roll and getting a lot done.)

2. Einen Lauf haben: This phrase directly translates to “to have a run” and is used informally to express that someone is on a roll. An example usage could be:
   

   “Sie hat gerade einen Lauf und gewinnt Spiel um Spiel.” (She is currently on a roll and winning game after game.)

3. Wie auf Wolken gehen: This expression, meaning “to walk on clouds,” can be used informally to convey the sense of being on cloud nine or experiencing a streak of success. For instance:
   

   “Seit dem neuen Job läuft es wie auf Wolken und ich bin total happy.” (Since the new job, everything has been going great and I am really happy.)

Tips:

Here are a few additional tips to help you effectively use the expressions for “on a roll” in German:

1. Consider the context: Before using any of these expressions, think about the context in which they are appropriate. Formal expressions work better in professional settings, whereas informal ones are suitable for casual conversations.
2. Listen to native speakers: To further understand the usage of these expressions, try listening to how native German speakers use them in conversations or read them in German literature or articles.
3. Vary your vocabulary: While the above expressions are commonly used, it’s always good to expand your vocabulary and learn additional ways to express the concept of being on a roll.
4. Practice with language partners: Engage in conversations with native German speakers or language partners to practice using these expressions and receive feedback on your pronunciation and comprehension.

With these expressions, examples, and tips in your language arsenal, you are ready to effectively convey the concept of being “on a roll” in German. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required, and enjoy incorporating these phrases into your German conversations!