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Den Bach runtergehen

To go downhill, to go to ruin, to fail

In German

Den Bach runtergehen

den BAHKH ROON-ter-gey-en

Literal Translation

To go down the creek/brook

Meaning

To go downhill, to go to ruin, to fail.

Equivalent:"To go downhill; To go to ruin"

Origin:Likely refers to something (e.g., a mill wheel, or debris) being carried away and lost downstream in a brook, symbolizing loss or failure.

Example Sentences

1
Sein Geschäft ist leider den Bach runtergegangen.
Unfortunately, his business went downhill.
2
Wenn wir nicht aufpassen, geht die ganze Sache den Bach runter.
If we're not careful, the whole thing will go to ruin.

FAQ

How do you say "To go downhill, to go to ruin, to fail" in German?

"To go downhill, to go to ruin, to fail" in German is "Den Bach runtergehen" (den BAHKH ROON-ter-gey-en). Example: Sein Geschäft ist leider den Bach runtergegangen..

To take something lightly, not to take something seriously enough

Etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen

ET-vas owf dee LYSHT-e SHOOL-ter NEY-men

That's undeniable, there's no denying it, that's a fact

Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab

dah BYST dee MAUS KY-nen FAH-den ab

That's none of my business, it's not my concern

Etwas ist nicht mein Bier

ET-vas ist nisht myn BEER

Something is put on hold, postponed, or temporarily suspended

Etwas ist auf Eis gelegt

ET-vas ist owf YS GEY-lekt