der Granit
granite
A very hard igneous rock that is often used for buildings, monuments, or as paving stone.
EXAMPLE
Die Küchenarbeitsplatte ist aus poliertem Granit.
The kitchen countertop is made of polished granite.
der Granit
granite
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Meanings
auf Granit beißen
to hit a brick wall
To encounter insurmountable resistance; to have no success with a plan or request when dealing with someone.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinem Vorschlag zur Arbeitszeitverkürzung ist er bei der Geschäftsführung auf Granit gebissen.
With his proposal to reduce working hours, he hit a brick wall with management.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'auf Granit beißen' (to hit a brick wall) means that you encounter strong, insurmountable resistance with a request or plan. The person who fails is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner Idee für ein neues Projekt biss er beim Chef auf Granit.
With his idea for a new project, he hit a brick wall with the boss.
Use as a material
When 'Granit' (granite) is meant as a material, it often appears with the preposition 'aus' (made of). Typical objects are countertops, floors, or monuments.
EXAMPLE
Der Boden in der Eingangshalle ist aus massivem Granit.
The floor in the entrance hall is made of solid granite.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning immediately from the verb 'beißen' (to bite). When 'Granit' (granite) and 'beißen' occur together in a sentence, the idiom is always meant.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe versucht, eine Ausnahme zu bekommen, aber ich habe auf Granit gebissen.
I tried to get an exception, but I hit a brick wall.
In real life
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