Posts Tagged ‘idioms’

Common German Idioms

Common German Idioms

Idioms can be fun and a challenge to learn in a foreign language. Here are some great ones in German!

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Grammar Tips – What are Idioms?

Grammar Tips – What are Idioms?

It seems that nothing frustrates learners of a foreign language more than idioms. Idioms are those phrases that cannot be translated directly from one language to another. They often involve turns of phrase, animals, colors or emotions in strange combinations!

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Grammar Tips: Common Idioms with ‘estar’

Grammar Tips: Common Idioms with ‘estar’

The Spanish verb estar has many idiomatic expressions associated with it. Idioms are phrases or sentences that do not translate directly from one language to another. A common example in English is ‘ it’s raining cats and dogs.’ Idioms developed over time in languages and sometimes the origin of them is known and other times it is unknown. They are a colourful part of any language and should be learned along with regular vocabulary and grammar to become a fluent speaker. Here are some of the more common idioms with estar:

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Grammar Tips: Expressing ‘to’ in German with verbs of motion

Grammar Tips: Expressing ‘to’ in German with verbs of motion

Unlike English, German uses a variety of prepositions to express ‘to’ with verbs of motion. What follows is a concise study guide to this tricky aspect of German grammar.

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Grammar Tips: Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions or idioms are phrases that do not translate directly from one language to another and are often couched in the history and language of a specific culture. A good example of an idiom is, “it’s raining cats and dogs.” To a native English speaker it is obvious that people’s pets are not literally falling from the sky but to a learner of English this expression could be very confusing indeed!

Below are some useful idiomatic expressions. Integrating idioms into your everyday conversation is essential to achieving fluency in a foreign language.

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