idiom
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idiom
A fixed combination of words whose overall meaning cannot be derived from the individual meanings of the words; an idiom.
„Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen“ ist eine bekannte deutsche Redewendung.
'Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen' (to hit the nail on the head) is a well-known German idiom.
The word is made up of 'die Rede' (speech) and 'die Wendung' (turn/phrase). So it literally describes a 'turn in speech'—a way of expressing something that differs from normal language use.
Im Deutschen gibt es für fast jede Situation eine passende Redewendung.
In German, there is a suitable idiom for almost every situation.
The key to understanding a 'Redewendung' (idiom) is to learn it as a fixed unit with its own figurative meaning. Do not try to translate the individual words literally.
Die Redewendung „Schwein haben“ bedeutet nicht, ein Tier zu besitzen, sondern Glück zu haben.
The idiom 'Schwein haben' does not mean to own an animal, but rather to be lucky.
In connection with 'Redewendung' (idiom), the verbs 'benutzen' (to use), 'verwenden' (to use), 'kennen' (to know), or 'lernen' (to learn) are often used.
Er benutzt gerne alte Redewendungen, die kaum noch jemand kennt.
He likes to use old idioms that hardly anyone knows anymore.
formula
'die Formel' and 'die Redewendung' can both be fixed combinations of words. A 'Formel' is usually a standardized sentence or part of a sentence that you use in a particular situation. A 'Redewendung' often has a meaning that you cannot understand directly from the individual words. That is why the words can be confused if you only notice that both are fixed expressions. 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' (Sincerely) is more of a formula; 'ins kalte Wasser springen' (to jump in at the deep end) is an idiom.
Die Redewendung „jemandem die Daumen drücken“ benutzt man, wenn man jemandem Glück wünscht.
The idiom 'jemandem die Daumen drücken' is used when you wish someone luck.
Nach dem Unterricht üben wir, welche Formel in einen offiziellen Brief passt.
After class, we practice which formula fits in a formal letter.