A2Emotions

Auf dem Schlauch stehen

To not understand something, to be slow on the uptake, or to have a mental block

In German

Auf dem Schlauch stehen

Ouf dem SHLOUKH SHTAY-en

Literal Translation

To stand on the hose

Meaning

To not understand something, to be slow on the uptake, or to have a mental block.

Equivalent:"To be stumped / to have a mental block"

Origin:This idiom likely refers to a garden hose: if you're standing on it, the water (information, understanding) can't flow. It symbolizes a blockage in one's thought process.

Example Sentences

1
Ich stehe gerade total auf dem Schlauch, kannst du das noch mal erklären?
I'm completely stumped right now, can you explain that again?
2
Manchmal stehe ich einfach auf dem Schlauch und verstehe die einfachsten Dinge nicht.
Sometimes I just have a mental block and don't understand the simplest things.

FAQ

How do you say "To not understand something, to be slow on the uptake, or to have a mental block" in German?

"To not understand something, to be slow on the uptake, or to have a mental block" in German is "Auf dem Schlauch stehen" (Ouf dem SHLOUKH SHTAY-en). Example: Ich stehe gerade total auf dem Schlauch, kannst du das noch mal erklären?.

To be open and honest about one's feelings, to express emotions freely and directly

Das Herz auf der Zunge tragen

Das HAIR-ts ouf dair TSUNG-e TRAH-gen

To relax completely, to unwind, to take it easy and enjoy oneself

Die Seele baumeln lassen

Dee ZAY-le BAU-meln LAS-sen

To make someone cry or bring tears to their eyes, either from sadness, emotion, or even laughter

Jemandem die Tränen in die Augen treiben

YAY-man-dem dee TRAY-nen in dee OU-gen TRAY-ben

To make someone aware of a truth or reality they had not seen or understood before, often an unpleasant one

Jemandem die Augen öffnen

YAY-man-dem dee OU-gen ÖFF-nen