7 Italian-German Misunderstandings with Idioms

Learning a new language often involves encountering idioms that, when translated literally, can lead to confusion and amusement. Italian and German, despite their linguistic differences, both possess colorful and expressive idioms. Understanding these can provide insights into cultural nuances and linguistic creativity.

This guide explores common Italian idioms and their German counterparts, highlighting the fascinating divergences in their literal and figurative meanings.

1. “Being on High Seas”

• Italian: “Essere in alto mare”
• Literal Translation: To be on high seas.
• Actual Meaning: To be in the early stages, far from achieving a goal.
• German Parallel: “Noch in den Kinderschuhen stecken” (Still in its infancy).

Both cultures use maritime imagery to describe phases of uncertainty or early development.

2. “Having Holes in Hands”

• Italian: “Avere le mani bucate”
• Literal Translation: To have holes in one’s hands.
• Actual Meaning: To be a spendthrift, to spend money too quickly.
• German Parallel: “Das Geld zerrinnt mir zwischen den Fingern” (Money slips through my fingers).

This idiom vividly illustrates wasteful spending in both languages.

3. “Not Having Hair on the Tongue”

• Italian: “Non avere peli sulla lingua”
• Literal Translation: To not have hair on the tongue.
• Actual Meaning: To speak directly and honestly.
• German Parallel: “Kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen” (Not to take a leaf before the mouth).

Both expressions describe someone who speaks their mind without hesitation.

4. “Catching Two Pigeons with One Bean”

• Italian: “Prendere due piccioni con una fava”
• Literal Translation: To catch two pigeons with one bean.
• Actual Meaning: To achieve two goals with a single action.
• German Parallel: “Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen” (To swat two flies with one swatter).

This showcases a shared concept of efficiency, despite different imagery.

5. “Being a Big Piece”

• Italian: “Essere un pezzo grosso”
• Literal Translation: To be a big piece.
• Actual Meaning: To be an important or influential person.
• German Parallel: “Hohes Tier” (High animal).

Both phrases denote a person of significance.

6. “Going with Full Beer”

• Italian: “Andare a tutta birra”
• Literal Translation: To go with full beer.
• Actual Meaning: To go at full speed or with maximum intensity.
• German Parallel: “Vollgas geben” (To give full throttle).

This idiom conveys a sense of maximum effort or speed.

7. “Being like Parsley”

• Italian: “Essere come il prezzemolo”
• Literal Translation: To be like parsley.
• Actual Meaning: To be present everywhere, to butt in.
• German Parallel: “Überall seinen Senf dazugeben” (To add one’s mustard everywhere).

Both expressions describe someone who appears constantly and ubiquitously.