German Idioms Quiz: What Do These German Expressions Really Mean?
Germans say they only understand train station when they are confused. They say they have tomatoes on their eyes when they miss something obvious. And when life is good, they live like God in France. This German idioms quiz shows you the expression, its word for word translation, and asks you to pick what it really means.
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Beginners start with everyday phrases you will hear on day one in Germany, like Gute Besserung and Mahlzeit. From Level 3 you get the real idioms, the funny ones Germans actually use and textbooks rarely teach.
How to play German idioms quiz
- Choose your level. Levels 1 and 2 are everyday expressions, Levels 3 to 5 are idioms.
- Read the German phrase and its literal translation.
- Pick the real meaning from four options.
- Read the explanation and press Next.
- Finish eight questions and share the funniest idiom with a friend.
German idioms quiz levels from A1 to C1
Every level follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Each has one daily challenge shared by every player plus unlimited practice puzzles, well over 100 fresh variations per level every day.
| Level | Rules | What you practise |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1A1 Beginner | Everyday phrases | Guten Appetit, Gesundheit, Wie bitte? |
| Level 2A2 Elementary | Common expressions | Das ist mir egal, Feierabend, Von wegen! |
| Level 3B1 Intermediate | Classic idioms | Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof, Schwein haben |
| Level 4B2 Upper intermediate | Advanced idioms | Die Katze im Sack kaufen, Da liegt der Hund begraben |
| Level 5C1 Advanced | Expert, no literal hint | Butter bei die Fische, Jemandem die Leviten lesen |
Why German idioms quiz helps you learn German faster
Sound like a local
Idioms are what make German sound natural. One well placed idiom impresses any native speaker.
Culture in a sentence
Many idioms show how Germans think about food, animals and work.
Funny means memorable
A strange literal image, like a pig that whistles, is almost impossible to forget.
Tips to win at German Idioms Quiz
- Picture the literal translation. The funnier the image, the better you will remember it.
- Many idioms involve food: Wurst, Senf, Tomaten, Brei. Collect them.
- Use one new idiom in conversation this week.
- Some idioms have direct English twins, like Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen.
German Idioms Quiz questions, answered
Everything learners ask us about German idioms quiz. Still unsure? Our teachers are happy to help.
Back to the game ↑What does Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof mean?
Literally I only understand train station. It means I do not understand anything, like It is all Greek to me.
What does Schwein haben mean?
Literally to have pig. It means to be lucky.
How many German idioms are in the quiz?
About 85 phrases and idioms, spread across five levels.
Are these idioms still used today?
Yes. Every idiom in the quiz is in common use in modern spoken German.
Which level should I start with?
If you are A1 or A2, start with Level 1 or 2. B1 learners will enjoy Level 3 most.
What are the funniest German idioms?
Favourites include Ich glaub, mein Schwein pfeift (I think my pig whistles) and Tomaten auf den Augen haben (to have tomatoes on your eyes).
Which German idioms do natives actually use?
All idioms in this quiz are common in modern spoken German, from Das ist nicht mein Bier to Da steppt der Bär.
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