Common Verb Idioms

Many idioms use sein to express states, attitudes, or reputations. They are short and memorable.

Idioms with haben often describe feelings, needs, or possession of intangibles like time or courage.

Expressions with machen typically involve causing something, taking action, or creating an impression. They are common in spoken German.

Idioms with gehen often describe movement, progress, or changes in state. They can be literal or figurative.

kommen appears in idioms about arrival, timing, and gaining access. It often highlights perspective or opportunity.

tun is used in idioms that emphasize action, affect, or sometimes useless efforts. It often appears in set phrases.

bleiben idioms typically express endurance, consistency, or refusal to change. They work well for attitudes and situations that persist.

ziehen appears in idioms about influence, movement, and consequences. It often conveys force or direction, literal or figurative.

geben idioms frequently relate to availability, causing effects, and social interactions. They are common in both spoken and written German.

fassen idioms often deal with grasping, understanding, or seizing opportunities. They can be metaphorical or literal.

Verb idioms are building blocks for natural German and they stick in memory when learned in context. Focus on a handful from each common verb like sein, haben, machen, gehen and use them in real situations to internalize their meanings.