A2Nature

Es zieht wie Hechtsuppe

There's a strong draft; it's very drafty

In German

Es zieht wie Hechtsuppe

Es TSEET vee HEKHT-zup-peh

Literal Translation

It pulls like pike soup

Meaning

There's a strong draft; it's very drafty.

Equivalent:"There's a terrible draft"

Origin:The origin of this peculiar idiom is debated. One theory suggests it comes from the strong, unpleasant smell of pike soup, which 'pulls' through the house. Another theory links 'ziehen' (to pull/to draw) to the draft itself, with 'Hechtsuppe' added for emphasis, possibly as a nonsense rhyme or humorous comparison.

Example Sentences

1
Mach das Fenster zu, es zieht wie Hechtsuppe!
Close the window, there's a terrible draft!
2
In diesem alten Haus zieht es immer wie Hechtsuppe.
In this old house, it's always very drafty.

FAQ

How do you say "There's a strong draft; it's very drafty" in German?

"There's a strong draft; it's very drafty" in German is "Es zieht wie Hechtsuppe" (Es TSEET vee HEKHT-zup-peh). Example: Mach das Fenster zu, es zieht wie Hechtsuppe!.

To do something unpleasant or difficult that cannot be avoided; to bite the bullet

In den sauren Apfel beißen

In den ZAU-ren AP-fel BY-sen

To be very experienced, cunning, and resourceful; to be a seasoned hand

Mit allen Wassern gewaschen sein

Mit AL-en VAS-ern ge-VA-shen zayn

To undermine someone's argument, enthusiasm, or advantage by preemptively addressing their point or taking away their basis for action

Jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen

YAY-man-dem den VINT aus den ZAY-geln NAY-men

To distinguish between what is valuable or good and what is worthless or bad; to separate the good from the bad

Die Spreu vom Weizen trennen

Dee SHPROY fom VY-tsen TREN-nen