Colloquial
Expressions and Idioms
In informal speech and writing, es
is commonly contracted with the preceding word by
's. Geht es = geht's
Es is also used as an impersonal
pronoun (es regnet, it's raining), but it can also
be used as an introductory word for emphasis or stylistic
reasons. Es begins the sentence, and the true
subject follows the verb.
Es ist niemand zu Hause. No
one is at home.
Es kommen heute drei Kinder. Three children
are coming today.
Es can also be used to anticipate
a dependent clause or infinitive phrase. This
is almost like in English when we say I hate it
when that happens instead of I hate when that
happens. "It" has no real meaning in the
first sentence, but it is not incorrect to say it.
Ich kann es nicht glauben, daß
er sich vor nichts fürchtet. I can't believe that
he's not afraid of anything.
Er haßt es, nichts davon zu wissen. He
hates not knowing anything about it.
Other idioms:
Sie ist mit ihrem Urteil immer sehr
schnell bei der Hand. She makes her judgments
rather quickly. (Literally: She is quick at hand with
her judgments.)
Alles ist in Butter. Everything
is fine. (Literally: Everything is in
butter.)
Er geht mit dem kopf durch die Wand.
He does as he pleases. (Literally:
He goes with his head through the wall.) |
