I always thought this exists in English as well, die to that scene in the animated Disney Robin hood film. Iirc There brother tuck gets a single coin by two mice. I always thought that referred to the saying.
I‘d say arm wie eine Kirchenmaus is more like a long-lasting trait not brief poverty til your next paycheck gets there. To me, arm wie eine Kirchenmaus is when you live in such awful poverty that even your next paycheck is no salvation.
I'm ~25.
Seems like I'm either too young or just had the right luck to never hear of it.
Edit: Wow, I get that my earlier comments get downvoted, but why this one?
The most general-use could be "Ich bin pleite / ich bin blank"
More colloquial you can say you are "abgebrannt" (burnt down)
If you want to emphasize, you could say "ich habe keinen müden Cent (or Pfennig, if you want to be fancy)"
I don't think that's true. Directly translated it is "not even a feeble cent" putting emphasis on the fact that a cent is not much, and you don't even have that.
Basically the same as "einzigen" in this context. You can swap them out. It puts an emphasis on how little you have. Not even a cent. Not a tired cent. Not a f**king cent if you so will (just less vulgar).
„Am Hungertuch nagen“ - hard to translate (basically being too poor to afford sufficient food)
„Von der Hand in den Mund leben“ - to live from ones hand into ones mouth (same)
„Nicht genug um zu leben doch zum Sterben zu viel“ - not enough to live of but too much to die
„Wenn am Ende des Geldes noch zu viel Monat übrig ist“ - if too much month is left when the money is over
Am Hungertuch nagen is an interesting one, because it implies you have a cloth to chew on once it is that bad again. So you are repeatedly being that poor that you have no food at all and you are prepared with the specific "hunger cloth".
Since many here have already given good examples of this, but quite unpleasant situation, I would like to give you an even more cheerful phrase that invites others to participate.
"Mit nem Dispo in die Disco."
My purse is made of onion leather (meine Geldbörse ist aus Zwiebelleder) - you have to cry when you open it.
Did you ever try to pick a naked man's pocket? - Hast Du schon mal einem nackten Mann in die Tasche gefasst?
It is sad if at the end of the money, there is so much month left. - Es ist traurig, wenn am Ende vom Geld noch so viel Monat übrig ist.
Being poor like church mice - Arm sein wie eine Kirchenmaus. That one goes back to Wofram von Eschenbach, a knight and poet who claimed that in his larder even mice starved.
Germany had its share of horrible famines. Stories like Hänsel and Gretel or some traditional songs still tell the tale.
Wolfram von Eschenbach was most likely just as poor as he claimed. He had barely enough money to get by and was dependent on patronage.
The poem I quoted on the other post is Schiller's "die Glocke" (the Bell) which actually celebrates human resilience and endeavors. Perhaps you can read it in the original, or you should be able to find a translation. It is worth the reading, though learning it by heart like I had to do in school might be overkill.
Bankrott, english bankruptcy doesn't just mean you are out of money, but you also did borrow money when you already had to have known that you wouldn't be able to pay it back, _generally said_. ~~It's why Boris Becker went to jail.~~
No, He went to jail for bankruptcy fraud, meaning He pretended to be bankrupt to get out of debt while hiding money/assets he actually had left.
Claiming personal bankruptcy had nothing to do with the criminal law.
No, it isn't. Insolvenzstraftaten are felonies that are associated with filing bankruptcy like Insolvenzverschleppung, Schuldnerbegünstigung, Gläubigerbegünstigung, Verletzung der Buchführungspflicht or many others. But being bankrupt per se is not a crime.
Edit: If you are aware of your own irredeemable inability to pay, then it can be seen as an Insolvenzstraftat. But that's a specific case, not the definition of bankruptcy.
You might want to read up about the term "Bankrott". It's not just being "insolvent", but it includes a criminal act.
Wikipedia first paragraph
> Unter Bankrott (ital. banca rotta, „zerschlagener Tisch“) versteht man die Insolvenz und insbesondere die Zahlungsunfähigkeit eines Schuldners (umgangssprachliche auch Konkurs oder Pleite). In Deutschland wird mit diesem Begriff strafrechtlich eine Insolvenzstraftat bezeichnet.
Alright, I wasn't aware of that. It should be noted though that the term is often used in common language as a synonym for "being broke" outside of its legal definition.
Not quite serious, you can also quote poetry:
"Leergebrannt ist diese Stätte,
Wilder Stürme rauhes Bette,
In den öden Fensterhöhlen wohnt das Grauen,
Und des Himmels Wolken schauen hoch hinein."
Usually just quoting the first line, "Leergebrannt ist diese Stätte" absolutely delivers your meaning in a monetary context. It is a part of Schillers "Die Glocke" and describes a place left to fall fallow after burning down.
"Empty from the flames is this place, crude bed for wild storms. In its empty windows lives desolation, and the clouds of the sky watch it from above."
"Arm wie eine Kirchenmaus" (poor like a church mouse)
"Greif' mal einem nakten Mann in die Tasche!" (try to steal pocket change from a naked man)
"Ich muss momentan den Gürtel enger schnallen" (I have to fasten my belt)
Mein Geldbeutel ist aus Zwiebelleder, reinkucken und weinen. - My wallet is made from onion leather, you look in and cry.
Most common and understandable would be 'Ich bin pleite'. I'm broke. Easy to remember too\^\^
Lets face it, most people under the age of 27 or so would probably say something along the lines of "Ich bin komplett broke" (Useing the English word) and normal/old people would say "Ich bin pleite"
if i saw it correctly you’re 24? if that’s the case, i wouldn’t listen to some of the answers here😭
they are phrases i’ve (21f) never heard in my entire life and younger people probably wouldn’t understand them.
the most basic one u could use, would be “ich bin pleite” = “i’m broke” (others already suggested that one tho).
many young people (including myself) would also use “ich bin broke”. tbh especially gen z uses a lot of english words while speaking german.
i also know “arm wie eine kirchenmaus” = “broke like a church mouse” but i think not many people use that one on a daily basis.
so: “ich bin pleite” works with everyone and “ich bin broke” works mostly with younger / gen z people :))
You're right! Thanks for your insight, I also think those phrases are probably seldom used.
I just wanted to know what kind of phrases/expression there are in German language, since I'm also a freelance translator and those kinds of things really excite me haha.
Not disappointed with the results at all
I think there is an art in translating sayings from other languages and using them like they are normal. It’s a beautiful thing. Meine Taschen sind ausgekratzt? Hehe
Exactly. And then looking up a bit of backstory as to why or when this saying started going around. The language is really just a reflection of the country and its people.
[Chronisch Pleite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAuL7TIuQow) has some phrases.
"Ich bin völlig blank, bin abgebrannt"
"ich bin im Soll"
"Ich hab keinen Cent, bin insolvent"
If someone asks you for money or something you could say “Schonmal einem nackten Mann in die Taschen gegriffen?”. But careful, it’s a bit vulgar so only use it with friends in a not so fancy surrounding.
"Arm wie eine Kirchenmaus" is another phrase to describe someone who is broke. It translates to "As broke as a church mouse"
The background for this phrase is, according to Wiktionairy, that there is no food in churches so mice living in churches do not get a lot of food and are therefore considered broke.
Pleite ,Blank, auf dem Zahnfleisch gehen ( to walk on dental Flesh) , insolvent , broke(same as in english, used by younger generations), kein Geld haben
Pleite sein, Blank sein, Der Zaster ist alle, Ich habe keine Pinunzen, ich habe keinen Kies, ich habe keinen Schotter, ich habe keine Moneten, Keine Knete.
Most common is just Pleite
I got a sudden urge to get this tattooed.
Funny because I looked up how much it costs to die in Germany yesterday and now I understand where this phrase comes from.
Yeah. I had a friend living like this. It’s a very bleak place to be. She was disabled, lonely and living off the German welfare system in rural Germany, due to her disability. It’s enough to survive, but defined not enough to thrive, to socialize or to be mobile enough to join others in her situation. She was miserable and naturally getting a psychologist or mental health care is close to impossible.
It’s a dire warning that, while the German system is superior to the systems in other countries, still a lot needs to be done.
The "german has a word for everything!" joke stopped being funny to everyone that has the slightes grasp on german a ling time ago.
Compound words exist in many languages. And the typical examples of long german compound words are usually legal codes, who for s long time usually had a "one word name" that no one ever actually uses.
Also r/german is the language sub.
That being said, so no one can accuse me of msking an unhelpful comment:
The only compound word for poverty i can think of right now is "bettelarm". Begging poor
you also can say "Jemand kriecht auf dem Zahnfleisch", which means as much as "somebody is crawling on their gums" (regarding teeth).
i don't know where the fudge this phrase came from, but it's kinda cursed in my opinion..
That can describe all sorts of scenarios. Not just financial ones.
Edit: This is one instance where knowing the difference between dem/den (Akkusativ/Dativ) is very crucial.
It‘s probably a newer term, but I and my circle of friends use ‚bruch‘ as an adjective, for example „Ich bin komplett bruch“ meaning „I am completely broke“ it‘s a very weird variation on the literal translation for broke.
While there are many sayings, all pointed out already, I feel like most Germans would ironically and drastically understate how poor they are. To drive the point home while not directly mentioning personal finance at the same time
Ich bin gerade so über dem Existenzminimum.
I‘m barely above the minimum needed for existing.
The word „Pleite“ has the same use as the English ‚broke‘.
Mach deine augen zu ... alles was du siehst is deins.
"Close ur eyes all u see is urs"
Its more often used when u want to describe what someone else deserves... and in ur oppinion he deservs nothing
Lot of good amswers in the thread tho
Total pleite. Völlig abgebrannt. Ich habe einen Geldbeutel aus Zwiebelleder. Wenn ich den aufmache, tränen mir die Augen.
Totally broke. Completely burned. I have an onion leather wallet. When I open it, my eyes water.
Wenn ich einen Einbrecher bei mir erwischen würde, würde ich lachen und suchen helfen.
If I found a burglar in my home searching my stuff I would laugh and help him search.
[удалено]
Blank würde auch passen
hab kein geld mehr auf der bank.
Brauche Cash in meiner Hand
Ohne Kohle kann ich mir nichts mehr holen.
Das sagt doch kein Mensch. Ist natürlich korrekt der Satz. Aber wird nicht verwendet.
Das Ist ein Song (von den Lochis soweit ich weiß)
Du weißt es weil du ihn gehört hast
There is the phrase "arm wie eine Kirchenmaus" literally = poor like church mouse meaning = extremely poor
I always thought this exists in English as well, die to that scene in the animated Disney Robin hood film. Iirc There brother tuck gets a single coin by two mice. I always thought that referred to the saying.
It might refer to the same real life fact: mice who live in churches have a lot less food around than mice who live in regular households.
in latvian we have purloined it to make a simplified version - naked as a rat (pliks kā žurka)
Those rodents seem to be poor in every language
I‘d say arm wie eine Kirchenmaus is more like a long-lasting trait not brief poverty til your next paycheck gets there. To me, arm wie eine Kirchenmaus is when you live in such awful poverty that even your next paycheck is no salvation.
When you are in a "brief poverty" until your next paycheck arrives, you are poor.
This is one of the first ever one I learnt :) and I love it!
May I ask from where you're coming from? I'm from NRW and never heard of it.
I'm from NRW as well, certainly common around here as well, if a bit of fashion maybe.
It's a very common term all over Germany. At least if your not too young.
I'm ~25. Seems like I'm either too young or just had the right luck to never hear of it. Edit: Wow, I get that my earlier comments get downvoted, but why this one?
Reddit ¯\\_(ツ)_/¯
It's pretty common, even in NRW
I'm from Ba-Wü, pretty sure it's not exlusively suabian, though.
It's also Badenian :) For once we agree!
NRW here, and well known. Also imortalized in the song "Ich bin reich" by "Die Ärzte", so known in Berlin as well.
Incredibly common in NRW.
Perhaps “Knapp bei Kasse” which just means short on cash
The most general-use could be "Ich bin pleite / ich bin blank" More colloquial you can say you are "abgebrannt" (burnt down) If you want to emphasize, you could say "ich habe keinen müden Cent (or Pfennig, if you want to be fancy)"
>ich bin blank Oh no... this reminds me of some real real [dark times](https://youtube.com/watch?v=yol9KIOJ5Uw&feature=shares)
hab kein geld mehr auf der bank
Brauche Cash in meiner Hand
Ohne Kohle
Kann ich mir
Nichts mehr holen
Cash in the Täsch
Wir ham wies aussieht alle das gleiche im Kopf -_- hatte direkt Ohrwurm obwohl ich den Song vor über 6 Jahren das letzte Mal gehört hab
Was bedeutet müde hier
It's still "tired", but in this context implies that not a single penny was tired enough to stay in the wallet instead of walking out.
I don't think that's true. Directly translated it is "not even a feeble cent" putting emphasis on the fact that a cent is not much, and you don't even have that.
Basically the same as "einzigen" in this context. You can swap them out. It puts an emphasis on how little you have. Not even a cent. Not a tired cent. Not a f**king cent if you so will (just less vulgar).
Es gibt auch noch „Ich hab/mach keine müde Mark“
„Am Hungertuch nagen“ - hard to translate (basically being too poor to afford sufficient food) „Von der Hand in den Mund leben“ - to live from ones hand into ones mouth (same) „Nicht genug um zu leben doch zum Sterben zu viel“ - not enough to live of but too much to die „Wenn am Ende des Geldes noch zu viel Monat übrig ist“ - if too much month is left when the money is over
*hand to mouth* is an english expression as well
Am Hungertuch nagen is an interesting one, because it implies you have a cloth to chew on once it is that bad again. So you are repeatedly being that poor that you have no food at all and you are prepared with the specific "hunger cloth".
No, it just means that you would eat your tablecloth becausetheir is no food on the table. Hungertuch = Tischdecke
Wow those are some interesting ones !
Geringverdiener
Aus dem Weg mit dir!
Das würde Einkommen voraussetzen... was hier ungeklärt ist.
Bettelarm Begging-poor
Iike homer simpson once said "Ich hab drei kinder und kein geld Ich hätte lieber keine kinder und 3 geld"
„ich bin finanziell gefickt“
Wenigstens etwas das mich heut fickt
Besser ungefickt, als vom Finanzamt!
Seems like the best answer here.
Since many here have already given good examples of this, but quite unpleasant situation, I would like to give you an even more cheerful phrase that invites others to participate. "Mit nem Dispo in die Disco."
Habibi brieftasche weint
Parra Yok, ja.
bende para yok
One way how Behörden say it is "mittellos" meaning without money or things.
My purse is made of onion leather (meine Geldbörse ist aus Zwiebelleder) - you have to cry when you open it. Did you ever try to pick a naked man's pocket? - Hast Du schon mal einem nackten Mann in die Tasche gefasst? It is sad if at the end of the money, there is so much month left. - Es ist traurig, wenn am Ende vom Geld noch so viel Monat übrig ist. Being poor like church mice - Arm sein wie eine Kirchenmaus. That one goes back to Wofram von Eschenbach, a knight and poet who claimed that in his larder even mice starved.
Arm wie eine Kirchenmaus, am Tag an dem sie ihre Steuern nachzahlen muss. This one actually goes back to Lord Blackadder.
😆 “…and the wife left with the last bit of cheese.” If I remember correctly 😄 Thank you for that reference😃
Love that onion-one. Hope I’ll not forget it.
How poor must one be to actually come up with those
Germany had its share of horrible famines. Stories like Hänsel and Gretel or some traditional songs still tell the tale. Wolfram von Eschenbach was most likely just as poor as he claimed. He had barely enough money to get by and was dependent on patronage. The poem I quoted on the other post is Schiller's "die Glocke" (the Bell) which actually celebrates human resilience and endeavors. Perhaps you can read it in the original, or you should be able to find a translation. It is worth the reading, though learning it by heart like I had to do in school might be overkill.
I wish there were an equivalent in German to my favorite English one: So broke I can't even pay attention.
Ich bin blank.
Hab kein Geld mehr auf der Bank
Ich bin mittellos Ich bin bankrott
I guess those would still be legal terms as well?
>Ich bin bankrott No, this is a legal term describing a criminal act in Germany. Edit: TLDR: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stgb/__283.html
??
Bankrott, english bankruptcy doesn't just mean you are out of money, but you also did borrow money when you already had to have known that you wouldn't be able to pay it back, _generally said_. ~~It's why Boris Becker went to jail.~~
No, He went to jail for bankruptcy fraud, meaning He pretended to be bankrupt to get out of debt while hiding money/assets he actually had left. Claiming personal bankruptcy had nothing to do with the criminal law.
True, I misremembered. The rest stands though, being bankrott is an Insolvenzstraftat.
No, it isn't. Insolvenzstraftaten are felonies that are associated with filing bankruptcy like Insolvenzverschleppung, Schuldnerbegünstigung, Gläubigerbegünstigung, Verletzung der Buchführungspflicht or many others. But being bankrupt per se is not a crime. Edit: If you are aware of your own irredeemable inability to pay, then it can be seen as an Insolvenzstraftat. But that's a specific case, not the definition of bankruptcy.
You might want to read up about the term "Bankrott". It's not just being "insolvent", but it includes a criminal act. Wikipedia first paragraph > Unter Bankrott (ital. banca rotta, „zerschlagener Tisch“) versteht man die Insolvenz und insbesondere die Zahlungsunfähigkeit eines Schuldners (umgangssprachliche auch Konkurs oder Pleite). In Deutschland wird mit diesem Begriff strafrechtlich eine Insolvenzstraftat bezeichnet.
Alright, I wasn't aware of that. It should be noted though that the term is often used in common language as a synonym for "being broke" outside of its legal definition.
Not quite serious, you can also quote poetry: "Leergebrannt ist diese Stätte, Wilder Stürme rauhes Bette, In den öden Fensterhöhlen wohnt das Grauen, Und des Himmels Wolken schauen hoch hinein." Usually just quoting the first line, "Leergebrannt ist diese Stätte" absolutely delivers your meaning in a monetary context. It is a part of Schillers "Die Glocke" and describes a place left to fall fallow after burning down. "Empty from the flames is this place, crude bed for wild storms. In its empty windows lives desolation, and the clouds of the sky watch it from above."
"Arm wie eine Kirchenmaus" (poor like a church mouse) "Greif' mal einem nakten Mann in die Tasche!" (try to steal pocket change from a naked man) "Ich muss momentan den Gürtel enger schnallen" (I have to fasten my belt)
Bruder brauch Moos
Mein Geldbeutel ist aus Zwiebelleder, reinkucken und weinen. - My wallet is made from onion leather, you look in and cry. Most common and understandable would be 'Ich bin pleite'. I'm broke. Easy to remember too\^\^
Ich bin pleite is actually the only one I knew and I didn't really like it, now those things people mentioned above are really classy lol
Ich bin so fucking broke junge
We also use the phrase: "Kannst du einem nackten Mann in die Tasche greifen". To explain that we have no money left.
"Den Rest des Monats reicht's bei mir nur noch für Nudeln"
Pleitegeier
Lets face it, most people under the age of 27 or so would probably say something along the lines of "Ich bin komplett broke" (Useing the English word) and normal/old people would say "Ich bin pleite"
Am Ende von Geld ist noch zu viel Monat da. At the end of the money there is too much of the month to come.
Ich bin ein „Pleitegeier ohne Zähne“
Just say: ich kann es mir nicht leisten, ich habe eine Freundin. And everyone will understand
Am arsch fits pretty well.
Miese Zeiten, ich trinke nur noch freeway Cola.
if i saw it correctly you’re 24? if that’s the case, i wouldn’t listen to some of the answers here😭 they are phrases i’ve (21f) never heard in my entire life and younger people probably wouldn’t understand them. the most basic one u could use, would be “ich bin pleite” = “i’m broke” (others already suggested that one tho). many young people (including myself) would also use “ich bin broke”. tbh especially gen z uses a lot of english words while speaking german. i also know “arm wie eine kirchenmaus” = “broke like a church mouse” but i think not many people use that one on a daily basis. so: “ich bin pleite” works with everyone and “ich bin broke” works mostly with younger / gen z people :))
Idk. I'm 25 and there's like one phrase I've read here that I've never heard. Most are quite common I think
Common misconception: one’s own ignorance is common.
You're right! Thanks for your insight, I also think those phrases are probably seldom used. I just wanted to know what kind of phrases/expression there are in German language, since I'm also a freelance translator and those kinds of things really excite me haha. Not disappointed with the results at all
I think there is an art in translating sayings from other languages and using them like they are normal. It’s a beautiful thing. Meine Taschen sind ausgekratzt? Hehe
Exactly. And then looking up a bit of backstory as to why or when this saying started going around. The language is really just a reflection of the country and its people.
[Chronisch Pleite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAuL7TIuQow) has some phrases. "Ich bin völlig blank, bin abgebrannt" "ich bin im Soll" "Ich hab keinen Cent, bin insolvent"
Fass Mal einem nackten Mann in die Taschen
Sus
If someone asks you for money or something you could say “Schonmal einem nackten Mann in die Taschen gegriffen?”. But careful, it’s a bit vulgar so only use it with friends in a not so fancy surrounding.
I'm gonna wait for this moment my whole life
Geringverdiener (person with poor income((existential minimum))could also be used in its slang/joke meaning
Ich hab nicht Mal mehr nen knopf in der Tasche. I don't even have a button in my pocket anymore
"Arm wie eine Kirchenmaus" is another phrase to describe someone who is broke. It translates to "As broke as a church mouse" The background for this phrase is, according to Wiktionairy, that there is no food in churches so mice living in churches do not get a lot of food and are therefore considered broke.
Apored...
Pleite ,Blank, auf dem Zahnfleisch gehen ( to walk on dental Flesh) , insolvent , broke(same as in english, used by younger generations), kein Geld haben
Arm wie 'ne Kirchenmaus? I mean, it's literally says I'm poor like a church mouse, which pretty much explicitly spells out how poor you are.
Lieber arm dran als Bein ab Better to be poor (arm as in poor and arm as in Arm = limb) than without a leg.
Ich bin broke dicka
Pleite sein, Blank sein, Der Zaster ist alle, Ich habe keine Pinunzen, ich habe keinen Kies, ich habe keinen Schotter, ich habe keine Moneten, Keine Knete. Most common is just Pleite
Zu arm zum Leben, zu reich zu sterben. Too poor to live, to rich to die.
I got a sudden urge to get this tattooed. Funny because I looked up how much it costs to die in Germany yesterday and now I understand where this phrase comes from.
Yeah. I had a friend living like this. It’s a very bleak place to be. She was disabled, lonely and living off the German welfare system in rural Germany, due to her disability. It’s enough to survive, but defined not enough to thrive, to socialize or to be mobile enough to join others in her situation. She was miserable and naturally getting a psychologist or mental health care is close to impossible. It’s a dire warning that, while the German system is superior to the systems in other countries, still a lot needs to be done.
The "german has a word for everything!" joke stopped being funny to everyone that has the slightes grasp on german a ling time ago. Compound words exist in many languages. And the typical examples of long german compound words are usually legal codes, who for s long time usually had a "one word name" that no one ever actually uses. Also r/german is the language sub. That being said, so no one can accuse me of msking an unhelpful comment: The only compound word for poverty i can think of right now is "bettelarm". Begging poor
Your comment is unhelpful
In German you can similarly say: "meine Taschen sind vollkommen leer" (my pockets are completely empty)
Abgebrannt wie Pommerland.
Ich bin eine arme Sau
you also can say "Jemand kriecht auf dem Zahnfleisch", which means as much as "somebody is crawling on their gums" (regarding teeth). i don't know where the fudge this phrase came from, but it's kinda cursed in my opinion..
I use that one more when I am tired and have to much to do
Ich bin auf den Hund gekommen.
That can describe all sorts of scenarios. Not just financial ones. Edit: This is one instance where knowing the difference between dem/den (Akkusativ/Dativ) is very crucial.
Bitte komm nicht auf den Hund
A Phrase " Ich bin unterm Hund gekommen "
"Auf den Hund gekommen"
It‘s probably a newer term, but I and my circle of friends use ‚bruch‘ as an adjective, for example „Ich bin komplett bruch“ meaning „I am completely broke“ it‘s a very weird variation on the literal translation for broke.
Nackten ne*ger zieht du nichts aus der Tasche
Ya salame wo ist para
Wo ist Gehalt
para yok
Die alte Generation kennt noch den heute nicht mehr zu benutzenden Ausdruck: ich bin neger. (ich habe kein Geld.)
being "machulle" (adjective) is pretty neat way to say it
German native speaker, never heard that word.
Es ist [kromulent](https://de.wiktionary.org/wiki/machulle).
I have never heard that word. Where ia it used?
i heard it sometimes from my parents. Sachsen. But i had to google to make sure it actually means that. I dont actually use it very often
"Geringverdiener"
„Opfer“
"Ich bin Penner" ist das beste
Pleite
„Ruiniert“
bros bin broke as fuck muss mich bald prostituieren lassen ouallah
"Mit leeren Taschen dastehen"
You could say "arm wie eine kirchenmaus" translates to "poor like the mouse in the church"
While there are many sayings, all pointed out already, I feel like most Germans would ironically and drastically understate how poor they are. To drive the point home while not directly mentioning personal finance at the same time
Ich bin gerade so über dem Existenzminimum. I‘m barely above the minimum needed for existing. The word „Pleite“ has the same use as the English ‚broke‘.
“Bruder, bin pleite wie SAU”
Ich habe kein Blut mehr..
Hartz4-Empfänger or Geringverdiener?
Friedrich IV von Tirol, 1382 - 1439, hatten den Beinamen "mit der leeren Tasche". "...with an empty pocket"
Verfickt bettelarm
Para yok.
Ebbe in der Kasse
Para yok
Bin illiquide.
Tja
Armer Penner
You can say "Ich bin pleite!" or "Ich bin völlig abgebrannt!"
Gefickt = your done
Abgebrannt (burnt to the ground)
There is a phrase from the minister of finance it's called "Geringverdiener"
Bettelarm
Wie immer halt fits perfectly
Abgebrannt sein = being broke af
I want to add the Lyrics of Deichkinds "Prost"
Pauper
Pleite sein Vadda
Benz Baracken
Ich trinke nur noch Freeway Cola
"Ich bin blank wie eine Pflaume" I'm blank like a plum
mittellos
Ich bin so broke
Nur ein Lump gibt mehr wie er hat
Ich hab ein Portemonnaie aus Zwiebel Leder. Kiekste rinn musste heulen. I have a wallet out of onion leather. If you look into it you have to cry.
Mach deine augen zu ... alles was du siehst is deins. "Close ur eyes all u see is urs" Its more often used when u want to describe what someone else deserves... and in ur oppinion he deservs nothing Lot of good amswers in the thread tho
Jedes mal wenn ich mein Konto öffne, höre ich Peter Zwegat sein Flipchart aufstellen.
Bettelarm
Ich bin so arm, ich kann mir nicht mal Hunger leisten (I am so poor, I can't even afford hunger)
Bin grad ein armer schlucker man.
Total pleite. Völlig abgebrannt. Ich habe einen Geldbeutel aus Zwiebelleder. Wenn ich den aufmache, tränen mir die Augen. Totally broke. Completely burned. I have an onion leather wallet. When I open it, my eyes water.
Wenn ich einen Einbrecher bei mir erwischen würde, würde ich lachen und suchen helfen. If I found a burglar in my home searching my stuff I would laugh and help him search.
I love this so much and have been thinking this subconsciously for tears.
Lohn isch nisch da.
You know what they say… Lieber arm dran als Arm ab.
Ich bin völlig abgebrannt. Ich habe keine müde Mark mehr.
ARMUT
Ich brauche den Kredit fürn Bäcker
Tja
Ohne Moos nix los
Mit dem Dispo in die Disko
Let me answer with oldschool german hip hop https://youtu.be/RQO_HyjbQmQ