Whilst summertime in Germany can be a beautiful experience, welcoming months of barbecuing in the warm sun, wintertime can be windy, snowy and teeth-chattering-ly chilly. In between the sunshine and snow, you can expect to see all sorts of weather across the country, including blizzards and rain. With this in mind, itâs no surprise that the German language boasts quite a few, colorful, weather-focused idioms, suitable for all types of weather. Letâs take a look at a short list of them, right here:
Es regnet in Strömen
You know when youâre on the way to some important appointment, when the weather Gods decide to wreak havoc on your unassuming soul and release a pool-full of water upon your head? When rain is pouring down hard and fast, like hard enough to peel the mascara off your face in a matter of seconds? On these occasions, you could say (wail) âVerdammt! Es regnet in Strömen!â, which literally means that itâs pouring with rain, and is the German equivalent to the English âItâs raining cats and dogs!â.
Es regnet wie aus Eimern
Much like âEs regnet in Strömenâ, âEs regnet wie aus Eimernâ can also be used to describe heavy rain, in this context as though falling in buckets.
Es gieĂt
Yet another expression to describe pouring rain, âEs gieĂtâ can be used in more informal situations, as a colloquialism. Because the word âgieĂenâ is commonly used in the context of watering plants - âIch gieĂe die Blumenâ - it may be helpful to remember the expression by imagining a large watering can pouring water through itâs spout from the sky, drenching everybody in rain.
Das Hundewetter
When all is grey, wet and stormy.. When there is mud all over the streets, or perhaps a nasty blizzard howling away outside, you may describe the terrible weather as âHundewetterâ. To remember this expression, here is an idea: have you ever seen a dog off the leash and on a walk, after itâs rained, running straight for the giant puddles to roll about in? Some dogs absolutely love playing in the mud, and for this reason it may be helpful to think of wet and gloomy weather as perfectly suitable for them!
Example use cases:
Similar terms include: âMistwetterâ, âSchmuddelwetterâ, âSauwetterâ
Das Kaiserwetter
In stark contrast to âHundewetterâ, âKaiserwetterâ is a conversational term used when the weather is absolutely gorgeous; when the skies are blue and clear, and the sun is shining - weather fit for an emperor! Apparently the term was first used during the reign of Kaiser Franz Joseph the First, whose summertime birthday was usually a sunny affair.
History Nugget
During the Nazi period, the terms "FĂŒhrerwetter" and "Hitlerwetter" were also used in conversation, to describe good weather. Obviously, these terms are no longer used today⊠so don't use them.
Example use cases:
Schweinekalt
Much like âbitterkaltâ, or âsaukaltâ, âschweinekaltâ is an expression used to describe terribly cold weather, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can be expected. Apparently, the origin of the word is thought to be connected to pigs at the farm, which were traditionally slaughtered at the beginning of winter, as the weather turned bitter cold - making for a perfect environment to store the meat. Whether that is true or not, the connection may be helpful in remembering this conversational German word!
Example use cases:
(Etwas) Sonne tanken
When your car is out of petrol/battery, you may say âIch muss Auto tankenâ. Similarly, when autumn and winter has passed, and youâre running low on vitamin D, you may say âIch muss Sonne tankenâ. This expression is commonly used to refer to days spent out in the sun, soaking up the sunshine and the warmth, and getting oneâs fill of it until winter comes around again, with itâs gloomy days.
Example use cases:
Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, es gibt nur schlechte Kleidung
When you live in a country with such diverse weather, from rain to snow to sunshine, itâs important to be prepared for anything! Over the years, you may invest in a good, thick coat, some gloves and thick socks, for snowy days. For the rain, you may have a waterproof parka, with a hood. For afternoons out in the mud, you might have some knee-high rubber boots. Fully equipped to handle rain or shine, you may then use the German expression: âEs gibt kein schlechte Wetter, nur schlechte Kleidungâ, that means nobody has an excuse not to venture out into a gloomy day of terrible weather. All you need is suitable clothing!
Example use cases:
Ich bin doch nicht aus Zucker
As a child, it may have been the case for you that whenever it rained or snowed, you felt the urge to go out and play outdoors, perhaps sparking the concern of a parent or two. Feeling fully capable of handling the rain / snow / wind / beating sun, we may shake our heads with impatience as our parents advise us to stay inside, and say: âIch bin doch nicht aus Zuckerâ. As sugar can melt in the rain or heat, this German phrase is used to express that one is not as delicate, and can withstand unpleasant weather.
Example use cases:
Die Affenhitze
On very hot days, when itâs sweltering, youâre covered in sweat and only getting through the day with the help of ice lollies and iced coffee, you may say âHeute gibt es eine Affenhitzeâ. Alluding to the tropical climates that monkeys commonly inhabit, the term âAffenhitzeâ is reserved for the hottest days of summer, and is usually used to complain about the weather.
Example use cases:
Bei Wind und Wetter
So itâs the end of the lockdown, and you havenât been able to enjoy the food at your favourite restaurant for over a year now. For the first time in forever, the doors are open, and thereâs a table waiting just for you. Youâre on your marks and ready to go. Nothing is going to stop you from reaching your destination, come rain or shine. In the German version of this scenario, a fantastic expression you could use here is: âBei Wind und Wetterâ. As in: âBei Wind und Wetter werde ich es zu meinem Lieblingsrestaurant schaffen, das sage ich dir!â. The expression is used to suggest loyalty or commitment to something (or, in some cases, somebody). Itâs a way to say âNo matter what happens, I will ⊠etc, etcâ.
Example use cases:
Die Sonne knallt
When itâs so bright outside, that you must shade your eyes with your arms to see before you, or itâs so hot outside that the top of your head feels like it could fry an egg, then you may say âOh Gott, wie die Sonne knallt!â. In this context, the word âknallenâ, means âto beat downâ, as in: âthe sun is beating downâ, and is used to describe a particularly sunny day.