Translation glossary: General

“Es geht um die Wurst!”  Literally translated this phrase says “it is about the sausage”, but what they mean is: “it's neck or nothing”, “it's now or never” or “it is crunch time”.  Just like in the US, Germans employ this expression not only for athletic competitions, but rather for any kind of upcoming vital decision or crucial event.

But why do the Germans use the word “Wurst” (sausage) in this context?

Needless to say, sausages are popular in Germany and part of its traditional culinary identity, although new German cuisine has gained a lot of ground. Still, bratwurst statistically is a part of 93% of all German BBQs.

But do the teams of Philipp Lahm and Sebastian Kehl fight for a sausage (or maybe eleven)?

Nowadays they wouldn’t.  But in the past, people did just that, from ancient Greece to the last century.  For most, meat was not part of the daily diet, but rather a sumptuous meal for special days.  The coveted prizes for winning folksy competitions in some local fair often had been pigs, or among poorer people just sausages.  They even invented special games like “Wurstschnappen” (snatch a sausage) or “Wurstangeln” (fish for the sausage).

Thomas Müller Enlarge image Thomas Müller of FC Bayern celebrates after the semi-final win (© picture alliance / DPPI Media)

The first occurrence of our phrase can be traced back to 1881 in Leipzig, but it had probably been in use before.

So whether you are having a (German) BBQ next weekend, or just watch the Champions League Finals, you will definitely be on the right track when you say: “Es geht um die Wurst!”

Es ist keine Festanstellung.

It's not a walk in the park.

German to English

etwas fruh

a little early

German to English

Express-Briefe

Special Delivery Letters

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Frohe Weinachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Straightforward question; no holds barred question

German to English

literally means “The Gretchen Question,” is a reference to Goethe’s Faust. Gretchen is the leading lady in Faust, and she play the foil to Mephistopholes, the devil. She represents Faust’s salvation, Mephistopheles his damnation. In the second half of the play, she asks Faust, “Do you believe in God?” to which he famously replies:

“My darling, who dare say:
‘I believe in God’? You may,
Ask a priest or sage and you’ll receive,
What only seems to mock and stay
The asker.”

This question – do you believe in god – is the Gretchenfrage in Goethe's Faust. It is a question that cuts to the heart of the matter. It is a blunt and direct question and the answer must be weighed heavily. Gretchenfragen are used often in literature, because they can define the motive or outcome of a character. The word is also closely tied to the word “Gretchentragodie,” which means “Gretchen’s Tragedy,” which refers to her temptation by Faust. In many ways these words are simple, but they have a complex background because of Gretchen’s creator, Goethe.

harlem shake

sacudida de Harlem; sacudón del Harlem

English to Spanish