Redewendungen
The English word "phrases" is translated into German as Redewendungen.
Redewendungen refers to fixed expressions or idioms where the meaning is different from the literal sense of the individual words.
What does it mean word for word?
The singular form Redewendung is a compound of Rede (speech or talk) and Wendung (turn, twist or manner).
Which one should you use?
While the German word Satz refers to a grammatical sentence, Redewendung specifically refers to an idiomatic expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, you may hear Servus for "Hi/Hello" or the traditional greeting Grüß Gott for "Hello". In Switzerland, Grüezi is used for "Hello" and in Northern Germany, the phrase Moin Moin is primarily used for "Hi/Hello".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Redewendungen is Redewendung.
Did you know?
- A common mistake for English speakers is confusing a Redewendung (an idiom) with a Phrase (which in German can sometimes refer to a musical phrase or a specific linguistic unit).
- German distinguishes between a Redewendung and a Sprichwort. While a phrase is an expression, a Sprichwort is a proverb that offers a moral lesson.
- Some Redewendungen are so deeply embedded in the culture that they are called Floskeln when they become empty clichés used just to be polite.
Examples in context
- Ich liebe deutsche Redewendungen.I love German idioms.
- Diese Redewendungen sind sehr schwer zu verstehen.These phrases are very difficult to understand.
- Kannst du mir diese Redewendungen erklären?Can you explain these idioms to me?
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are studying for a German language exam.
- SarahLukas, lernst du auch Redewendungen für die Prüfung?Lukas, are you also learning idioms for the exam?
- LukasJa, aber ich finde sie ziemlich kompliziert.Yes, but I find them quite complicated.
- SarahWir können sie zusammen lernen, wenn du möchtest.We can learn them together, if you want.
- LukasDas ist eine gute Idee, danke Sarah.That is a good idea, thanks Sarah.
