Vocabulary and grammar knowledge is one thing. Natural communication is another. If you’re learning German at the B1 level, you can probably already describe your experiences, express an opinion, and cope with everyday situations. But to sound more relaxed and natural, you need something more: idioms—fixed expressions whose meaning can’t be understood literally.
They’re what makes a conversation stop sounding “textbook.” In this article, you’ll find German idioms worth knowing at the intermediate level. Each of them appears in everyday language—at work, among friends, and in the media. And importantly, you’ll learn them in context, with example sentences.
Why is it worth learning idioms already at B1?
At the B1 stage, learners often focus on correctness. That’s natural. But communication in a foreign language isn’t based solely on grammar. In real conversations, Germans very often use idiomatic expressions that make speech more concise and give it an emotional tone.
Idioms:
- increase speaking fluency,
- help you understand others better,
- build a more natural style of expression,
- help you express emotions without long explanations.
You don’t need to know hundreds of expressions. Just a dozen or so of the most common ones is enough to notice a positive impact on your everyday communication in German.
1. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof
Literally: I only understand the train station.
Meaning: I don’t understand anything at all.
Als er die Regeln erklärt hat, habe ich nur Bahnhof verstanden.
(When he explained the rules, I didn’t understand anything at all.)
This phrase often appears in informal conversations. You can use it when a topic is too difficult or someone is speaking too fast.
2. Das ist nicht mein Bier
Literally: That’s not my beer.
Meaning: That’s not my problem / it doesn’t concern me.
Ob sie kündigt oder nicht, das ist nicht mein Bier.
(Whether she quits her job or not—that’s not my concern.)
This expression can be used in a professional context, but it has a rather neutral tone. It isn’t vulgar.
3. Tomaten auf den Augen haben
Literally: To have tomatoes on your eyes.
Meaning: To miss something obvious / to be blind to what’s right in front of you.
Du hattest Tomaten auf den Augen – die Lösung war direkt vor dir!
(You were blind to it—the solution was right in front of you!)
It gives the statement a slightly humorous feel.
4. Da steppt der Bär
Literally: The bear dances there.
Meaning: That’s where the party is / a lot is happening there.
Am Wochenende war ich in Berlin. Da steppt wirklich der Bär!
(This weekend I was in Berlin. A lot is really happening there!)
It’s useful when describing events and the atmosphere in a city.
5. Etwas im Griff haben
Literally: To have something in your grip.
Meaning: To have a situation under control.
Keine Sorge, ich habe alles im Griff.
(Don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control.)
This idiom is often used at work. It sounds professional and natural.
6. Ins kalte Wasser springen
Literally: To jump into cold water.
Meaning: To take on a challenge without preparation / to be thrown in at the deep end.
Am ersten Arbeitstag musste ich sofort ins kalte Wasser springen.
(On my first day at work, I had to jump in at the deep end right away.)
This phrase works great when describing new experiences.
7. Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen
Literally: To hit two flies with one swatter.
Meaning: To achieve two goals with one action / to kill two birds with one stone.
Wenn ich mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit fahre, schlage ich zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe: Ich spare Geld und mache Sport.
(If I bike to work, I kill two birds with one stone: I save money and I exercise.)
It’s very popular and useful when making an argument.
8. Die Nase voll haben
Literally: To have a full nose.
Meaning: To be tired of something / to have had enough.
Ich habe die Nase voll von diesem Stress.
(I’ve had enough of this stress.)
It adds emotion without sounding overly harsh.
9. Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen
Literally: To hit the nail on the head.
Meaning: To say something exactly right.
Mit deiner Analyse hast du den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen.
(With your analysis, you hit the nail on the head.)
This phrase is often used in discussions.
10. Alles in Butter
Literally: Everything in butter.
Meaning: Everything is fine / all good.
Keine Panik, alles ist in Butter.
(Don’t panic—everything’s fine.)
It has an informal, slightly colloquial tone.
How to learn idioms effectively?
Just reading a list isn’t enough. To remember expressions for good, it helps to:
- write them down in full sentences,
- create your own examples,
- review them at intervals,
- use them in conversation—even if they sound unnatural at first.
The biggest mistake is learning idioms in isolation. Your brain remembers them better when they’re tied to situations and emotions.
Summary
German idioms at B1 aren’t a luxury reserved for advanced learners. They’re a tool that helps you speak more confidently, understand more, and respond faster. Just a few key expressions can make a conversation feel much more natural.
If you want to move from “I understand the grammar” to “I speak naturally,” start including idioms in your regular study routine. They’re what give a language rhythm, emotion, and authenticity.
