A2Colors

Einen blauen Brief bekommen

To receive a letter of dismissal from work, a notice of termination

In German

Einen blauen Brief bekommen

ai-nen blau-en brif be-kom-men

Literal Translation

To get a blue letter

Meaning

To receive a letter of dismissal from work, a notice of termination.

Equivalent:"To get the sack"

Origin:The origin is debated, but one theory suggests it comes from the use of blue paper for official or legal documents, or simply that the blue color became associated with unpleasant news.

Example Sentences

1
Nach dem Fehltritt hat er einen blauen Brief bekommen.
After the misstep, he received a blue letter (was dismissed).
2
Niemand will einen blauen Brief bekommen, besonders nicht vor Weihnachten.
Nobody wants to receive a blue letter (be dismissed), especially not before Christmas.

FAQ

How do you say "To receive a letter of dismissal from work, a notice of termination" in German?

"To receive a letter of dismissal from work, a notice of termination" in German is "Einen blauen Brief bekommen" (ai-nen blau-en brif be-kom-men). Example: Nach dem Fehltritt hat er einen blauen Brief bekommen..

To be pessimistic, to expect the worst

Schwarz sehen

shvarts ze-en

To be an unremarkable, inconspicuous, or shy person

Eine graue Maus sein

ai-ne graue maus zain

To be extremely angry, to lose one's temper

Rot sehen

rot ze-en

To be known by everyone, especially in one's town or area

Bekannt sein wie ein bunter Hund

be-kannt zain vee ain bun-ter hunt