einen Lauf haben
/ˌaɪ̯nən ˈlaʊ̯f ˌhaːbn̩/
The English phrase "on a roll" can be translated into German as einen Lauf haben.
This phrase is used to describe someone who is experiencing a streak of success, good progress or good luck.
Meaning: having a streak of good luck or good progress or success (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "to have a run".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine accusative form einen Lauf because the verb haben requires an accusative object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌaɪ̯nən ˈlaʊ̯f ˌhaːbn̩/
Did you know?
- While einen Lauf haben describes a streak of success, the noun Lauf is also used to describe the barrel of a gun. Using the wrong context could lead to a confusing image of possessing a weapon.
- The German word Lauf is a distant relative of the English word 'leap'. Both stem from the Proto-Germanic root *hlaupą, which described a jumping or leaping motion.
- The German expression avoids any reference to 'rolling' objects, which is the imagery used in the English 'on a roll'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin gerade richtig in Fahrt und bringe viel voran.I am really on a roll and getting a lot done.
- Sie hat gerade einen Lauf und gewinnt Spiel um Spiel.She is currently on a roll and winning game after game.
- Er hat gerade einen richtigen Lauf.He is really on a roll right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry einen Lauf haben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lauf, einen Lauf haben, haben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
