Some German sayings are more amazing than grammar itself. 1 of them is the phrase "Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof", which virtually means "I realize only the station". What does the station gotta do with not knowing the conversation? It turns out that behind this popular saying there is an interesting communicative and meaning that can inactive be heard in Germany. Meet 1 of the most distinctive German idioms.
"Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof" – I virtually realize only the station?
Learners of German frequently experience surprise erstwhile they first hear the phrase ‘Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof’. The literal translation is:
“I realize only the railway station.”
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? No wonder that many Poles wonder what Germany has to do with the station erstwhile they do not realize something.
In fact, it is 1 of the most popular German idioms, utilized to this day in everyday conversations.
What does “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” mean?
That phrase shall mean:
- I don't realize any of this,
- I have no thought what you're talking about,
- You talk any incomprehensible language to me,
- I'm completely confused.
Example:
– Kannst du mir die Steuerklärung erklären?
(Can you explain to me tax settlement?)
Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof!
(I don't understand!)
In Polish, the same is actual of saying:
- “It’s black magic for me.”
- “You talk to me in Chinese.”
- “I don’t get it.”
Where did the phrase “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” come from?
The communicative of this phrase dates back to times I World War.
According to the most popular theory, German soldiers on the front were tired of the war and dreamed of only 1 thing – returning home.
When the superiors had long discussions about strategy, orders, or the war situation, many soldiers had already thought only of a place that symbolized the return to their loved ones.
This is where he was. BahnhofThe train station.
As a result, they started jokingly saying:
‘Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof’
i.e. “I hear only about the station”, “I am only curious in the way home.”
In time, meaning evolved and began to mean a complete deficiency of knowing of conversation.
Why is Germany inactive utilizing that phrase?
Because he's short and comic and very graphic.
Germany is eager to usage idioms in everyday situations, and “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof” is 1 of those that almost everyone knows.
You can hear him:
- at work,
- at school,
- during household meetings,
- in tv programmes,
- in movies and shows.
The phrase is informal but widely accepted.
Why are German idiots worth knowing?
Vocabulary cognition is 1 thing, but actual knowing of the language starts erstwhile we realize the words and phrases utilized by the people of the country.
This makes it easier:
- communicate with Germany,
- understand conversations at work,
- watching German TV,
- read German articles,
- feel more assured erstwhile you're abroad.
And if you always feel lost while talking to a German, you can always grin and say,
“Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof!”
There's a good chance the interviewer will realize what you mean right away.
What comic German phrases did you hear during your stay or work in Germany?
