Let’s have some fun with this weird German language!
In this series of posts, I’ll show you how to make your German speaking colleagues laugh, with ONE SIMPLE SENTENCE.
Im Eimer sein
(To be in the bucket)
der Eimer means the bucket, but in this expression we’re referring to a special bucket: der Abfalleimer, a garbage can or rubbish can
And when something is “im (Abfall)Eimer” so in the garbage can or rubbish can it might be because it’s broken or damaged.
So we use this expression in German when something is:
- over
- broken
- down the drain
Here are some examples:
- Nach 2 Jahren war seine Ehe im Eimer. (After 2 years, his marriage was broken.)
- Das neue Handy ist hingefallen und ist jetzt im Eimer. (The new mobile phone has fallen down and now it’s broken.)
- Es fängt an zu regnen. Die Grillparty ist im Eimer. (It starts to rain. The barbecue party is over.)
Got it?!
So here’s your action step:
Imagine your German-speaking colleague Karl-Rupprecht is having a call with your new client (mit deinem neuen Klienten).
He is about to close the contract (Er ist dabei den Vertrag abzuschließen) for a new project.
But suddenly, in the middle of the call, Karl-Rupprecht is showing a thumbs down (Daumen nach unten).
After he hangs up, say to him (sag ihm):
- Verdammt, das Projekt ist im Eimer! (Damn, the project is over.)
And this is what it sounds like:
Then, tell me in the comments below how he reacted :-)