The latest German Culture article from the German Culture site is about:

ENGLISH-GERMAN IDIOMS

Such as 'Alles in gruenen bericht', (everything in the green area), which is heard almost every day in Germany. Suprisingly it is not describing a space in various shades of green but that 'everything is under control', and is 'streetwise' German. One of many commonly used German expressions which are fun to know, and have shaped the language.

Another being heard more often in today's economic climate 'arm wie eine Kirchenmaus'. Originating in the Middle Ages when there were no pantries in churches it translates literally as 'poor as a church mouse', and means 'very poor'.

You can read about some of the many other favorite German expressions here:


http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art175679.asp




Lots more about life and living in Germany on germanculture.bellaonline.com, which has forum:

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

If you have any comments or questions I hope to hear from you, either in the forum or via email.



Francine McKenna,
German Culture Editor

http://germanculture.bellaonline.com