I'm not a big fan of board games. Let's put it out there! But gathering with friends and family, opening up an aesthetically illustrated box of fun board games, and dealing cards can be fun if you're doing it right. Years ago, board games were considered power outage entertainment or something you do on a rainy day without an internet connection. However, most bars have a weekly board game night today, and even modern offices introduce board game nights for their employees.

Why does this happen? We live in the digital age. It just doesn't make much sense. It turns out that specific characteristics of modern society have contributed to the revival of the board game. The desire for physical interaction, nostalgia, story-driven interactions, and similar factors played a role in the 'resurrection' of board games.

But what compelled me to talk about English board games and their role in English-speaking practice is the storytelling element in such games. I noticed a few games requiring participants to communicate, tell stories, comment, and communicate. This factor makes English board games an excellent way to learn English with friends and family.

How Do Board Games Help You Learn to Speak English?

Board games are a fun and effective way to boost your English speaking skills. When you play English board games, you're not just learning new words—you're also practicing English conversation in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. These games often require players to interact, explain rules, and engage in friendly competition, all of which provide valuable English-speaking practice.

As I said, I'm not a big fan, but the game format encourages you to speak more naturally, making it easier to learn English without feeling like you're studying. That's exactly why I love gamified learning.

One of the best things about using English games to learn is that you can play with friends. You don't have to make it a dedicated learning session (if you don't want to); you can just hang out casually, play games, and watch movies. And friends add an extra layer of motivation.

Now, let's discuss some of the most fun board games you can use to learn English with friends (and this is coming from someone who doesn't like board games):

5 Fun Board Games to Learn English With Friends

I've played all of these English board games, and I can safely say that they're fun both with friends and strangers. So, if you're learning English online with a group of students, you can suggest these games as a method of English speaking practice.

1. "Dixit"

Dixit is one of my favorite games to play. Yes, I know, I said I don't like board games, but this one is special. It centers around communication, description, and storytelling; you can even make a new game out of it.

How to play:

• Find 3-6 players and hand out six cards to each one of them
• The first player (also called a storyteller) will start describing the card they have in mind and put it on the table
• Other players have to choose the cards from their own deck that match the description
• Players vote on the storyteller's prompt
• Correct guesses earn you a point, and you can move your piece further on the score board

Do you want to know how my friends and I use this game as an English conversation practice? We ditch the rules and tell a story one card at a time. It's fun, messy, confusing, and entertaining.

2. "About Me" Board Games

You may have heard about this game (also known as "All About Me" board game). School teachers often use these games to introduce new students or encourage English-speaking practice with foreign groups.

I enjoy playing this game with strangers, especially since it's a conversation starter and breaks the ice perfectly.

How to play:

• Find a suitable "All About Me" board and 2-4 players
• Roll the die and move your game piece that number of squares
• Read what's written in the square you land on
• Share your answer with the group
• The first player to reach the finish line wins

Seems pretty straightforward, right? It's because it is! There are no complicated rules that other English board games may have, no extra characters, no crazy surprise storylines, just you and your team members sharing stories in a relaxed environment.

3. "Trivial Pursuit"

Now, if you want to learn English with friends and test your knowledge of general subjects simultaneously, I recommend playing Trivial Pursuit. I love trivia-style games and find learning new words and facts easier if I make mistakes.

How to play:

• Find 2-6 players (ideally, two if your goal is English-speaking practice)
• Players roll the die to move around the board and try to collect all wedge colors
• Players answer questions, and whoever collects all needed wedges wins

Out of all English board games, this one is the most fun and insightful to play. And you know what? It has various versions. You can buy Star Wars, Harry Potter, Baby Boomers, and other editions to test out your knowledge and English vocabulary in specific subjects.

4. "Do You Remember"

What a nostalgic and emotional name, right?! The game can be such as well. It's a great way to learn English with friends and connect with them on a deeper level.

How to play:

• Find at least two players or suggest the game after dinner
• Each player chooses the card out of the 50 thought-provoking and deep questions
• The cards ask players to recall and tell a memory they shared with friends or experienced alone

This game has no winners, just a deeper connection with your friends and family. It's also a great way for English speaking practice.

5. "Codenames"

The last board game for today is the "Codenames" - a game that can solely depend on your English vocabulary. It's a game where you have to describe an object with certain words without using the object's name. Sounds complicated, right? Especially if you're not a native English speaker. But this game has helped many of my friends and me practice English speaking skills and improve communication.

How to play:

• Find at least 4 players and create opposing teams (red and blue)
• Each team has a spymaster and someone who guesses. The spymaster describes the chosen word, and the other player has to guess
• Whichever team guesses all their tiles (according to the color) wins

You can also play this game online if you want to learn English with friends but don't have a dedicated playfield. Keep in mind that you may get a little bit competitive because there are opposing teams, but it's a pretty fun board game if you're playing just for fun.

Ready to Learn English with Friends and Fun Board Games?

Learning English doesn't have to be complicated or boring. Incorporating fun board games into your routine will help you stay motivated and make steady progress. I, for example, find it easier to learn English if my mind isn't focused on the learning process. Fun and games may seem like a waste of time, but they really aren't.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, English board games can help you practice at your own pace, without pressure. So, gather your friends, choose a game, and discover just how enjoyable English speaking practice can be!

Unlike English, French is what is known as a gendered language. This means that nouns have a gender and you need to know it in order to properly speak and understand the language. Many languages are gendered languages, but if you don't already know a gendered language, the concept can be hard to grasp. Even if you do speak another gendered language, understanding gender in the French language can still be a nuisance.

In this guide, we'll take an in-depth look at gender in French and give you some tools for mastering it. With some time and practice, you'll have a clear understanding of how gender works in French, not just when it comes to people, but for all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and even articles.

Why Does Gender Matter?

As we've already mentioned, gender impacts nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in French. It also sometimes has a role in French verb conjugations. Because of this, it's really important to learn new nouns with their gender so that as you progress in your French learning journey, you can correctly conjugate and use all the nouns you know.

In the grand scheme of things, though, no, it doesn't really matter if a chair is feminine or masculine. In most cases, French speakers will be able to understand you even if you use the wrong gender for a noun. Sometimes, though, a word may sound similar or identical to another and the only difference is its gender. In these cases, gender is the only thing that indicates that you're talking about one thing and not the other, such as with un bar (a pub/bar) and une barre (a bar/rod).

What Genders Are There in French?

Every language determines gender a little differently, but in French, there will always be only masculine and feminine nouns. These are the only two genders in French, with only one exception that we'll talk about later on. Because of this, when you learn new nouns, you have a 50/50 chance of correctly guessing the gender on the first try.

Unfortunately, French doesn't have an easy list of gender indicators. French nouns end in any number of ways and there isn't a clear cut masculine-feminine line that you can easily walk. Instead, you'll have to commit to memorizing the gender of a word. In a few cases, however, you can be more sure of a noun's gender because of its ending.

Masculine French

Masculine is the default gender in French. This means that when it comes to French pronouns, adjectives, and verbs, you won't have to do anything special for masculine nouns. Unless a noun is plural, nothing changes. If it is, then in the case of adjectives and some verb conjugations, you simply add an -s at the end of it.

Since masculine is the default gender in French, it's important to know how to identify it. I know I said there weren't any clear cut indicators of gender (and there really aren't!), but here is a list of noun endings that will belong to a masculine noun more often than not:

• -an, -and, -ant, -ent, -in, -int, -om, -ond, -ont, -on
• -eau, -au, -aud, -aut, -o, -os, -ot
• -es, -et
• -ail, -eil, -euil, -ueil
• -age, -ege, – ème
• -ome, -aume, -isme
• -it, -est
• -ou, -out, -out, -oux
• -i, -il, -it, -is, -y
• -at, -as, -ois, -oit
• -air, -er, -erf, -ert, -ar, -arc, -ars, -art, -our
• -al, -el, -il, -ol, -eul, -all
• -if, -ef
• -ac, -ic, -oc, -uc
• -er, -é
• -am, -um, -en

It's a long list, I know. Masculine nouns don't consistently end in similar ways and even if you do memorize this list and stick to it, you won't be correct 100% of the time. There are feminine nouns that use some of these endings, but you have no way of knowing that if you simply memorize "masculine" endings and "feminine" endings.

If you want to memorize a few endings, memorize the ones that are bolded. Those are the ones that I find are the most helpful to know as they're more common.

Feminine French

If a noun is not masculine, then it will be feminine. This can make things easier as you always have a 50/50 shot when you have to guess, but just like masculine nouns, feminine ones don't have any special indicators.

Feminine nouns require a bit more work when it comes to French pronouns and certain past tense verb conjugations. This means it's important to know when a word you're using is feminine, as it can lead to more confusion than with masculine nouns.

While this is by no means a complete list of feminine endings, here are some endings that are more likely than not going to indicate a feminine noun:

• -aie, -ée, -ie, -ue
• -ette, -te, -ete, – ête, -atte, -otte, -oute, -orte, -ante, -ente, -inte, -onte
• -aille, -eille, -ouille
• -alle, -elle, -ille, -olle
• -euse, -ouse, -ase, -aise, -ese, -oise, -ise, -yse, -ose, -use
• -ave, -eve, -ive
• -asse, -ace, -esse, -ece, -aisse, -isse/-ice, -ousse, -ance, -anse, -ence, -once
• -iere, -ure, -eure
• -enne, -onne, -une, -ine, -aine, -eine, -erne

Again, I've bolded the endings that I feel are most useful to know if you really want to memorize specific endings.

In addition to this list, though, feminine endings do almost have a trick. Much of the time, if an ending has a double consonant followed by an -e or even just an -e, it will be feminine. This isn't true all of the time, but it can be an easier trick to memorize than the whole list. Just keep in mind that some masculine nouns will end with -e as well.

The Case for Gender Neutral French

The idea of something or someone being non-binary or gender neutral is new in French. As you have seen, all nouns are either feminine or masculine so when talk of gender neutral pronouns and identifiers began in French, it was a tad more complicated than in non-gendered languages such as English.

As a whole, French is still masculine-feminine. However, there are new pronouns being used by some people in an attempt to allow for non-binary identities. While nouns will always be either masculine or feminine, it's possible you may meet or know people that prefer the new, gender neutral pronouns.

The guide linked above does a good job at explaining these new pronouns as well as how to use them. It is definitely worth taking a look. Because these pronouns are so new and their use is not wide spread, there can be inconsistencies. The guide talks about these and makes sure you're aware of all the possibilities.

While using new pronouns in a language can be confusing, it will be no more confusing than memorizing the standard masculine-feminine binary of French. You may be faced with a bit of variety, but if you're aware of the existence of these pronouns, then you'll be able to recognize them no matter which form someone uses.

Keep On Learning French

While I know there was no clear "this is when a noun is masculine/feminine" instruction, I hope this guide has been helpful in navigating gender in French. Don't feel discouraged if you don't master it immediately; even I still struggle sometimes. French certainly does not make it easy to know the gender of a word.

The reality is that it's often best to simply learn the gender of a noun when you learn the noun. Don't just memorize bâteau. Memorize un bâteau so you will remember that it's masculine. This will make more advanced concepts easier as you won't have to always question the gender of a noun.

When I was in third grade, I was given a choice to either study Arabic or Persian. I had no idea how much effort it would take me to learn either of the languages, so I chose Persian since my grandpa often traveled to Iran for business. It felt closer to my heart.

Everything changed as soon as I stepped into the classroom, and I was introduced to the alphabet and words. Soon, while my classmates were fighting boredom, I was effortlessly speaking Persian with my teacher. Three years later, the school canceled this language program, and the 11-year-old me didn't realize the knowledge would stick without practice.

Now, almost two decades later, I can only count to 100, remember a few nursery rhymes, and recognize several letters and words in Persian.

It's unfortunate to think that knowledge can fade away so easily without practice. But this taught me a valuable lesson. I have to surround myself with a new language if I want to learn it. So, as soon as I started learning German, I started experimenting with tips and tricks to reprogram my brain.

In this article, I will share my research, 13 English learning tips, and the steps to help you learn English faster.

Surround Yourself With English

Immersing yourself in English is one of the most effective ways to reprogram your brain for language learning. Think about it! How did you learn your native language? Did you have to go to classes, or did it surround you every single day?

My advice is to recreate the same environment that you grew up in, but with another language, to learn English faster.

Here's what you can do:

• Change your device language: Set your smartphone, tablet, and computer interfaces to English. This simple step exposes you to new vocabulary every time you use your devices;
• Watch English content with subtitles: Start with English subtitles, then gradually switch to English audio with English subtitles, and finally, English audio without subtitles. This progression helps train your ear and improve comprehension;
• Listen to English podcasts: I understand the need to learn new things from podcasts in your native language, but this is a necessary change to learn English faster and more efficiently. Choose podcasts on topics that interest you, starting with those designed for English learners and progressing to native-level content;
• Label items in your home: Have you seen English learning tips like this in movies? Labeling items is a common strategy to learn English faster. Put sticky notes with English words on objects around your house to help you build vocabulary in context;
• Read English materials daily: I'm re-learning how to play piano, and even though it's tempting to jump right into playing the soundtrack of “Howl's Moving Castle” by Studio Ghibli, I'm forced to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to practice with simple melodies and notes. Similarly, start with simple texts like children's books or news articles for English learners, then gradually increase the difficulty;
• Connect with native speakers: You can learn English online by connecting with native speakers on forums or trying language learning apps like Speechling, where you can talk to a native speaker and practice speaking English.

Surrounding yourself with English can help you recreate the environment where children learn how to speak their native languages. It's going to be a bit challenging, but you'll learn English faster than with simply homework and classes.

Learning English by Writing Your Way to Fluency

I'm a writer and can endlessly talk to you about the benefits of writing, but it won't help you learn English faster. What will help you is writing your way to fluency.

Writing-related English learning tips are my favorite since they helped me improve my English a lot.

Here's how you can learn English faster by writing your way to fluency:

• Keep a daily journal in English: Journaling itself is a unique, therapeutic method of letting go of your stress and decompressing in general. Keeping a daily journal in English can help you learn English faster. Write about your day, thoughts, and experiences. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity as you improve;
• Join online communities: Find a forum where you feel at home and engage with community members. Write posts in English, interact with other posters' content, and search for English learning tips as well. Speechling has a community like this with members looking to learn English online;
• Write summaries: This might sound like homework, but don't worry; you can write summaries of English texts that you find interesting. Rewriting and rephrasing what you just learned will help you learn English faster and better;
• Practice creative writing: Don't worry if you don't have stories to tell. I'm sure you have imagination and will be great with creative writing. Try writing short stories or poems in English. This encourages you to experiment with vocabulary and sentence structures.

I have a customized section in my notes where I write my thoughts and emotions at the end of the day. This greatly helps me practice my language learning and emotional regulation (a perk).

Carry Out Your Daily Activities in English

Narrating your actions as if you have an active audience can help you learn English faster. I didn't find this strategy in the English learning tips book; I noticed this on my own. As a person with ADHD, I have to trick myself into performing some daily tasks. I do this by narrating everything: cooking a meal? I have an audience waiting for a fresh recipe; researching for the article? I have an audience wanting to learn how to do research, and so on.

This approach can help you with speaking English, practicing new words and phrases, and building confidence in a new language.

Here's how you can learn English faster by narrating your actions:

• Morning routine narration: I walk my invisible audience through my skincare routine almost every single morning and night. Try this method to learn English faster. As you get ready for the day, describe each action out loud in English. For example, "I'm brushing my teeth with mint toothpaste. Now, I'm combing my hair and getting dressed for work;"
• Cooking commentary: I already mentioned my routine of narrating my cooking. While preparing meals, explain the steps in English. "I'm chopping onions for the sauce. Next, I'll sauté them in olive oil until golden brown." Try explaining why you're adding certain ingredients like a real chef;
• Workout walkthrough: During exercise, describe your movements and sensations. "I'm doing ten push-ups. My arms are getting tired, but I feel stronger with each rep." Explanations can also help here with the role play and your studies as well;
• Commute commentary: While traveling to work or school, describe your journey. "I'm waiting for the bus at the corner of Main Street. It's a sunny day, and I see many people hurrying to work."

Start with one action and add them as you feel comfortable. I also recommend watching "Get ready with me" videos to learn commonly used words during these processes.

You're Ready to Learn English Online and Offline

The brain's ability to rewire itself when learning a new language is truly remarkable. Embrace this process not just as a means to learn English faster but as an opportunity to enhance your cognitive abilities. Language learning has been shown to improve memory and problem-solving skills and even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

Remember, consistency is key. Don't repeat my mistakes, and incorporate these techniques into your daily life. And keep in mind that you're not just learning a language; you're giving your brain a workout that will benefit you in countless ways.

Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and celebrate small victories along the way. Your journey to English fluency is also a journey to a more flexible, resilient, and healthy brain. Enjoy the process and watch as your skills and confidence grow day by day!

Fall is a particularly beautiful season in Germany. Between the storybook like homes and buildings to the colorful trees, Germany is breath taking as the days begin to wane. If you ever wanted to visit Germany in the fall, autumn is one of many reasons to make it your destination.

Not only is the country gorgeous, there are a lot of wonderful celebrations. Some of the celebrations and festivals are fairly well-known, and many of them revolve around harvesting. This is why they are so well-known fall activities in Germany– these celebrations are centuries old.

Here are some of the ways Germans enjoy the time when the days get shorter and the temperatures cooler. There are even a few places where you can go if you are in Europe during the autumn.

It's also a great opportunity to chat with native German speakers. The weather is a popular topic, but an entire season - especially one as fun as fall - has a lot to cover. This is a season where you can practice the langauge and keep learning German in a more organic way.

You don't even have to go to Germany to really appreciate the activities. You can do a lot of these things near your own home, then talk about it the next time you have class or a chance to converse in German.

Erntedankfest – The German Speakers Thanksgiving

Many nations have their own version of Thanksgiving, and the celebrations in Europe go back a long way. The one in Germany is called Erntedankfest, and it goes back to when the Roman Empire still existed – all the way back to the 3rd century. It was a way of thanking their gods for the bountiful harvest.

In Switzerland, the holiday occurs during the middle of September. There are different times to celebrate in different regions, so the holiday isn’t nearly so settled – just like Thanksgiving in many other places.

The way they celebrate it should actually be familiar because a lot of places make Thanksgiving a specific day of the week, not a specific day of the month. In most place in Germany, it is always the first Sunday in October.

While it is comparable to the American Thanksgiving, the way it is celebrated is entirely different. It’s a bit more like a harvest fest mixed with Halloween. They have corn mazes for people to explore and other activities related to harvesting.

The celebration often includes a church service, which harkens back to the early days when people were expressing gratitude to a higher being. Many places have parades and fairs to enjoy the day.

The experience is different in cities compared to more rural areas. If you are in a German speaking country in fall, check to see when the regions have this festival and see if you can join one for a different kind of Thanksgiving.

Der Tag der Deutschen Einheit – Day of German Unity

Der Tag der Deutschen Einheit is an entirely unique holiday that celebrates an event people over 40 likely remember today – it’s the day of German Unification. Following World War II, Germany was split into east and west. The eastern side was controlled by the Soviet Union, while the west was controlled largely by western European nations (primarily the UK and France, although the US did have some influence).

The City of Berlin was also split into eastern and western sections. This was literally represented by a large wall that was called the Berlin Wall.

The lines were drawn rather arbitrarily, splitting families based along political lines that they couldn’t control. For over four decades, they could not see relatives who lived on the other side because of the Cold War.

In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, and the two sides of Germany were reunited.

On October 3 every year, the country celebrates this momentous day.

Martinsumzug – Saint Martin’s Day or Martinmas

This holiday comes from the Middle Ages and celebrates Saint Martin of Tours. The celebration has been called many things, including Old Halloween. It’s not like Halloween today, and it is celebrated on November 11, not on October 31.

Martinsumzug is a celebration that marks the transition from fall to winter. Winter may not technically start until December, but the weather in November is certainly much more wintery in many regions.

Some places have feasts, with goose being a primary food. Other places have parades or light festivals. Bonfires are very popular, and in the past ashes from the bonfires were spread on fields to help fertilize the fields for next year’s crops.

Other light festivals include paper lanterns that children can carry while singing about St. Martin. There are even some regions where gifts are exchanged, similar to Christmas. They even have a tradition of hanging stockings for gifts.

Like many fall festivals, how it is celebrated depends on where you are. Different countries have their own ways to celebrate, and the different regions of Germany also have their own traditions.

Fun Fall Activities in Germany

Most people think about drinking and Lederhosen as the epitome of German celebration and activities. However, they have a lot of things that they enjoy doing outside beyond the obvious traditions.

What’s even better is that a lot of it is great for getting children engaged and having fun as the days get cooler and the outdoors more colorful.

You don’t have to wait for any specific day to have a lot of fun.

Die Drachen - The Kites!

One wholesome, entertaining, and child-friendly activity is flying kites. They have a lot of kites, and this is a time when you can go out, enjoy the cool breeze, beautiful colors, and clean air.

There are so many different types of kites, from traditional diamonds to dragons and animals to complicated cubes. Just getting out and running around can give you a lot of amusement for a low cost. There’s just something relaxing and satisfying about watching a kite moving hypnotically in the breeze.

Pilze und Kastanien sammeln - Collecting Mushrooms and Chestnuts

This activity is more unique to the region since you probably don’t do this where you live. However, it is something that a large number of Germans do, and adults today have fantastic memories of collecting mushrooms and chestnuts.

This is like an extension of harvesting, but it is something that nearly anyone can do without owning a farm or having crops. It has the added benefit of providing you with fresh food that you can enjoy. Chestnuts also make great parts for making toys to keep kids entertained.

Wandern - Hiking

One of the best things to do during the fall is to get out and hike. All over German speaking countries, there are great places to go to get out doors and get some healthy exercise.

Whether you want to hike around a lake, an artificial pond, or the Black Forest, you have a lot of options. You can even ask some locals about the best places to hike in a specific area.

Getting Ready for Your Own Fall Celebration as a German Learner

Fall is a very festive season in Germany, so there is a lot for you to enjoy. If you love the outdoors, it’s really a lot of fun. It’s like so many of the great outdoor activities of spring without all of the pollen – and you still get a lot of colors.

As the days continue to get darker, you have the big holidays to look forward to – and just like in the fall there is a series of festivals, December has a wealth of celebrations. It starts with Christmas events and goes into the New Year with plenty to celebrate and enjoy.

I have worked with many international teams where we shared only one (or two) common language. Can you guess what language that was? Of course, I'm talking about English. English is an international language, and whether you like it or not, most international teams use professional English to communicate with each other.

My experience has always been awesome! Most of my clients and coworkers spoke professional English, and even those with limited proficiency could understand basic spoken English. One issue that I stumbled upon quite often was miscommunication when using English idioms.

The issue with English idioms and speaking English is that we're all taught in our own ways and process languages differently. For example, Dutch, Frisian, and German grammar is pretty similar to English, and people from the respective countries usually don't have issues speaking English. However, someone from Turkey or Japan who was taught languages that differ from English grammar and sentence structure might have a bit more difficulty speaking English and understanding English idioms.

Non-native speakers can use professional English without a hassle but sometimes translate the words directly from their native language, making a whole mess of a sentence in English (guilty as charged), or will hear English idioms that aren't used in their culture very often.

In this article, I'll teach you a few of my favorite English idioms that you'll hear at your workplace or in everyday professional English conversations.

English Idioms from Workplace: Positive Edition

English idioms come in all forms and tones. Some of them can be quite positive, and some of them could have a bit of negative meaning. I decided to segregate professional English idioms into two categories, positive and negative, so you'll know how to feel about them when you hear them.

"Back to the drawing board"

Meaning: Starting over with a new plan after the first one has failed
Origin: This is one of my favorite English idioms because it has a cool history. It's said that this phrase originated in the 1940s when a cartoon, made by Peter Arno in The New Yorker, described an engineer walking away from a crashed plane with a rolled-up blueprint, saying he was going "back to the drawing board."

The drawing board, in this case, means starting something from a clean slate, a new page, or a new idea.

"Up to speed"

Meaning: To be fully informed on the latest information
Origin: The phrase likely originates from the world of motorsports or aviation, where vehicles or planes need to reach the appropriate speed to function optimally. You say this idiom in professional English when you want to make sure that you're caught up with recent developments. For example, when you find a good English course online and complete it, you can say, 'I'm now up to speed with this material.'"

"A blessing in disguise"

Meaning: Something that seems negative at first but eventually turns out to be useful.
Origin: If you’re a fan of English idioms like I am, you might already be familiar with this phrase. But did you know that it can be used in professional English? Some experts trace this English idiom back to the 18th century and suggest that it has religious and moral teachings. In some cultures and religious literature, some misfortunes are seen as trials that lead to greater rewards. In professional English, we might use this idiom when someone makes a mistake, and it brings more usefulness than problems.

"The ball is in your court"

Meaning: It’s your turn to take action
Origin: This English idiom comes from sports terms and can be used in many situations, including workspaces and professional interviews. In tennis or similar games, where the ball moves from one player’s court to another, this phrase can be used freely. When someone tells you that the ball is in your court, it means that it’s your responsibility to hit it back or, in this case, take action. In professional English, this idiom can be used during negotiations.

“Touch base”

Meaning: To briefly communicate with someone and update them or check in on the progress
Origin: We have another English idiom that comes from sports terms. In baseball, players must “touch base” as they run around the field. It can also be described as a brief contact. This professional English idiom has been used since the mid-20th century to suggest and offer a quick meeting, update, or something similar.

English Idioms from Workplace: Gloomy Edition

Some professional English idioms have a gloomy feel to them. They’re not entirely negative, but you should know how these phrases feel in professional settings.

“Bite off more than you can chew”

Meaning: To take more responsibilities than one can handle
Origin: Experts speculate that this phrase originated in the United States during the 19th century. Can you guess where it comes from? Yeah - the process of eating! It basically means that if someone bites off more food than they can chew comfortably, they risk choking or struggling to swallow it. This phrase evolved and is now used in daily life and professional English. For example, if you get an English course online and add a few more, someone might tell you that you bit off more than you could chew.

“Cut corners”

Meaning: To save time by doing things in a simpler way
Origin: Some experts connect this idiom with the world of craftsmanship, like woodworking and tailoring. Originally, cutting corners meant to shave off material from the edges or corners to save time and resources. In professional English, it has a similar meaning. Sometimes, people cut corners (aka resources) to make things easier and cheaper. Why the gloomy feel? Because such a practice often results in failure of the product.

“In the same boat”

Meaning: Being in a similar situation with someone else
Origin: The phrase dates back to ancient times, where being in the same boat literally meant sharing the same fate as others on a ship, particularly in dangerous situations. The metaphorical use of the idiom became common in the 19th century and is often used to convey solidarity in adversity. In professional English, it’s used as a gloomy phrase and highlights a bit of a difficult situation that’s being shared by several people.

Bonus: 20 More Idioms You Should Know

1. On the same page: In agreement or understanding.
2. Get the ball rolling: Start a project or process.
3. Pull your weight: Contribute fairly to a task.
4. Throw in the towel: Give up or quit.
5. Learn the ropes: Understand how something works.
6. Keep your eye on the ball: Stay focused on the goal.
7. Move the goalposts: Change the rules or expectations.
8. Hit the nail on the head: Make an accurate or relevant point.
9. In the loop: Being kept informed.
10. Call it a day: Stop working for the day.
11. Raise the bar: Increase the standards or expectations.
12. Under the radar: Do something without drawing attention.
13. Think outside the box: Come up with creative solutions.
14. Bend over backwards: Go to great lengths to help or accommodate.
15. By the book: Follow the rules exactly.
16. Cut to the chase: Get to the point quickly.
17. Take the bull by the horns: Face a challenge head-on.
18. Up in the air: Uncertain or undecided.
19. Put your foot in your mouth: Say something embarrassing or inappropriate.
20. Show someone the ropes: Teach someone how to do something.

Are You on the Journey to Improve Your English Skills?

Then, continue finding these peculiar and interesting English idioms, phrases, and words. Speaking English isn’t that difficult when you’re familiar with them. The list of odd and interesting professional English idioms continues and thanks to the flexible nature of the languages, it’s even evolving.

Very soon, we’ll be using Engish idioms that we couldn’t even imagine would be heard in the workplace. So, keep learning and keep searching for more interesting ways to learn English online.

As you learn the German language, you’ve probably put a lot of focus on conversation and passive learning. Another aspect that you are almost certainly going to need to know is email etiquette. It’s not an area that most people consider, but it is just as important to communicate through email in German as it is in English. Since you are going to write emails in German, you should know what to do - and what to avoid.

Most people don’t have traditional pen pals anymore – they communicate through something like email for similar kinds of connections.

Whether you write to someone for fun, for work, or for something else, knowing proper email etiquette gives you another way to practice the language.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you write emails in German – after all, it’s a great way to get your thoughts written down and feel confident in your writing abilities.

6 Common Ways of Beginning Emails in German

A lot of schools teach how to start a letter correctly, and emails tend to have the same type of rules. It’s not quite like texting where you usually know the person you are texting. It’s a way of talking quickly, so addressing someone isn’t really relevant.

For an email, the address is a way of verifying that the email is going to the right person. If someone sees that the name at the top is not their’s, they will probably stop reading because they can immediately see it isn’t for them. Of course, some people may keep reading, but at least they know it isn’t for them.

In English, you are taught to start your letters with phrases like Dear or To Whom It May Concern. German also has a few options of how to start an email.

However, they are more aware of being formal when they are not related to or close to the person they are addressing. They have an entirely different way of addressing people who are just acquaintances, even in conversation. You will need to be more formal in composing an email, as well.

The following are the common ways of beginning your email.

When you finish with the salutation, take a moment to go back and make sure you’ve got the right adjective ending. You don’t want to say Sehr geehrte Herr Schmidt or Sehr geehrter Frau Herrman because that sets the wrong tone for the rest of the email.

Setting the Tone - Formal vs Informal Emails in German

You’ll want to set a tone using the right form of German. If you are writing a work email, make sure to keep all of the conjugations in formal German and use proper addresses for people. It’s a great chance to practice being polite since you probably won’t use formal German as often in conversation – unless you are actually in a German speaking country.

If it is a formal email, such as a work email, remember to refrain from using slang as well. This should be fairly easy as you will want to keep the email concise. The closest you will come to small talk is in the salutation.

Formal German is actually a bit more challenging because you have to be more mindful of conjugations and adjective endings over the entire body of the email. When you are writing an informal email you can ramble and chat as much as you like since that is pretty much what you do when you catch up with someone.

Writing friends and family is a great way to really practice your German. You don’t want to treat your email partner as a teacher, but as a friend for most of your emails. This means you can not only use slang, you can add things like emojis and other images to be more playful and engaging.

Something to keep in mind when you email in German, you don’t use a capital letter for the first sentence of the email. That’s because the sentence actually starts with the greeting. The comma that you add after the introduction indicates that it is a break in the first sentence, and not a new sentence.

This may look a little odd, especially if you start off with “ich habe…” since German speakers don’t capitalize “ich” like English speakers capitalize “I.” The only time you would capitalize “I” is at the beginning of a sentence, and in this case, the “I” isn’t at the beginning.

8 ways of Closing Out Work Emails in German

After spending a good bit of time making sure that you get the ending right, especially if you are writing a formal email. Just like with the salutation, you have a number of choices for the way you want to close your email.

Here are the most common ways of wrapping up a formal letter:

Obviously, you will want to choose the response that meets your situation. If you expect a response, you will want to choose an ending phrase that reflects that. If not, you can use one of the more typical endings.

If you are closing out an informal email, you have a few choices:

Notice that you don’t add a comma at this point in German, but you do in English. It’s actually the thing that you will probably take the longest to get right because people tend to be tired after writing a full email. It’s easy to feel over confident or mentally drained, so you are more likely to make this easy mistake at the end – if nothing else, you may add a comma out of habit.

Don’t forget to add your name after your email closer.

Getting the Other Components Right

Since you’ve probably sent a lot of emails, you know that there are a few other considerations to sending one than just the email body. Here are a few additional tips to help you to master those other email parts.

Staying Current with Email Etiquette in German

Like traditional letter writing, email etiquette doesn’t tend to change much over time. To make sure you stay current, make emailing someone a regular part of your schedule. This can be daily or weekly – and that’s what makes having an email pen pal ideal for making sure you don’t lose your German skills. A lot of German speakers will be happy to help point out where you make mistakes or to offer advice.

Once you get used to writing emails, it’s pretty easy to keep this skill current. All you have to do is make sure that you have someone to email in German to keep your skills from getting rusty.

Summer may not be the typical "holiday season", but there are certainly events to be celebrated. From Mother's Day to Independence Day, the summer months are full of reasons to celebrate. When you add in the fact that studying early means you'll already have the French vocabulary necessary to discuss winter holidays, it makes perfect sense to start studying now!

Holidays are celebrated in every language, every month of the year, and as a French language learner, you should know how to celebrate them all in your target language: French. No matter what your favorite holiday is or what holidays your family does and doesn't celebrate, knowing how to talk about them in French is important and should not be overlooked.

Why Learn French Holiday Vocab?

When studying French, you spend a lot of time focusing on grammar rules such as conjugation or on pronunciation and memorization. Whether you love grammar or you struggle with it, you can't spend all your time on it or you'll find it hard to stay motivated while learning.

Varying your study plan is a good way to prevent burnout and stay interested in learning a new language. The last thing you want to do is to wear yourself out or get so frustrated with French that you quit it. When you take the time to study something new and different, something that interests you, it can reignite that desire to learn and help you stay on track.

Even if it doesn't seem worthwhile to learn about holidays in French, it isn't for nothing. You may not realize it right now, but when the holiday rolls around, you'll find that you end up discussing it often. If you take the time now to study the vocab and familiarize yourself with holidays in French, you'll discover that the list of topics you feel comfortable discussing has greatly expanded and you'll know just what to say when the time comes!

Holidays in French

There are a lot of holidays and it would be impossible to include all of them in a single article. Instead, here are some of the most important and most widely celebrated holidays in France that you should know about and be able to discuss as a French learner.

#1. Bastille Day

Bastille Day is commonly known as and referred to as Le quatorze juillet, La fête nationale française, and Le jour de bastille. You can call it any name you want as all names are recognizable, but it's most commonly called Le quatorze juillet in conversation and La fête nationale française by the government.

Bastille Day is the French independence day and is celebrated across the country. If you happen to be in Paris for it, you'll find there are a lot of celebrations the night of and sometimes even in the days leading up to it. It's certainly worth checking out if you're planning a trip through France in July.

#2. Christmas

The word for Christmas in French is Noël and it's a very big celebration in France. You'll find marchés de noël (Christmas markets) throughout the country, but especially in the region of Alsace-Lorraine. Here, people also celebrate Boxing Day on December 26th, but it's called Le deuxième jour de Noël. This day is only celebrated in Alsace-Lorraine, though, so if you want to experience it, you'll need to plan your trip accordingly.

#3. Hannukah

Hannukah is also celebrated in France and the word for it in French is not all that different: Hanoucca. For Hannukah specific vocab, such as menorah and dreidel, check out this website with a list of Hannukah-related vocab in French.

#4. New Year's Day

New Year's is Le nouvel an in French and is often celebrated with parties and fireworks. It's not as big as it is in other countries, such as the United States, but if you want to celebrate it, you certainly won't have to look very hard to find a party.

#5. All Saints Day/Halloween

Halloween is not a big thing in France, but you can find some bars that put on Halloween-themed nights on October 31st. Fortunately, Halloween in French is exactly the same: l'Halloween. Simply say it with a French accent and you're set!

The day after Halloween is when the French really celebrate. All Saints Day, otherwise known as La Toussaint in French, is a very big holiday. It's a bank holiday and most universities give students several days or even a whole week off.

#6. Labor Day

In Europe, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st and is also known as May Day. In French, it's called Le premier mai. It's also a bank holiday and is perhaps the biggest one of the year. In most cities, not even public transit will run on Le premier mai and if it does, the schedule is severely reduced.

#7. Armistice Day

Armistice Day, or Le jour d'armistice, is another big bank holiday in France. It celebrates the end of World War I and is also known as Remembrance Day by some countries. It's celebrated on November 1st every year.

#8. Victory in Europe (VE) Day

VE Day in French is known by many names: Le jour de la victoire, La fête du huitième mai, or Le jour de victoire en Europe. It isn't commonly celebrated outside of Europe, so some non-European French learners may not know about it before beginning their French language journey. It's an important holiday on the continent, though, so you'll want to remember it.

#9. Easter

As in many countries, Easter is celebrated both on Sunday and on Monday in France. In Alsace-Lorraine, it also includes Good Friday. Easter itself is Pâques while the Monday after is Lundi de pâques. If you're in Alsace-Lorraine, you'll need to also know that Good Friday in French is Le vendredi saint.

#10. Ramadan & Eid el Fitr

As with Halloween, both Ramadan and Eid el-Fitr remain the same in French: le Ramadan and L'Aïd el-fitr. Given the large Muslim population in France, it's important to know these holidays even if you aren't Muslim or don't celebrate them.

Holiday-Related French Vocab

Aside from specific holidays, there are some additional words or phrases in French that are useful when talking with French speakers about various holidays. Fortunately, this list isn't very long and these words/phrases are useful for more than just one day.

1. Jour férié: If there's a holiday that is an official day off of work (ie. Bastille Day), then you would use the phrase un jour férié in reference to it.
2. Le fête: If a holiday is religious and not an official holiday (ie. Christmas), then you would call it une fête.
3. Les vacances: For a vacation, or holiday in the UK, you would say les vacances. Note that this word is always plural, even if you're only talking about one vacation or break.
4. Le congé: If you're taking time off of work but it isn't because your work is closing for an official holiday, a religious holiday, or the summer holiday, then you would refer to this time-off as le congé.
5. Passer les vacances: When you go on vacation or holiday, you would say that you passe les vacances. Again, this is always plural even if you're only talking about one.

Practice Your New French Vocabulary

Holiday vocab is very useful despite how it may feel at the time you're learning it. Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll find yourself in a French-speaking country during a holiday and this vocabulary will come to you naturally. If you are planning a trip to France or any other French-speaking region, here is some additional public transit vocab that will be useful in helping you get around with ease.

As with every new list of vocabulary words, be sure to practice and memorize your new French vocab so you don't forget it. Learning the words once won't help you remember them, even if you do have the tendency to remember things easily.

There are a lot of different ways to learn a new language and a lot of different things to keep in mind. While vocab lists are always a good idea, they won't help you with reading or listening comprehension. Listening to French music is also useful, but it won't help you work on new vocab words or practice speaking.

Learning French takes effort, especially if you aren't living in a French-speaking country. However, it isn't impossible and it can even be fun. By watching French YouTube channels or listening to audiobooks in French, you can add some variety to your study sessions. If you've already grown bored of French YouTube channels and audiobooks, though, why not give French comedians a try?

Why Watch French Comedians?

French comedians are really quite entertaining to listen to. French humor is different from English humor and listening to French comedians will give you a unique look into French culture that can be hard to otherwise encounter. It's a fun way to dive into French culture.

Even if you aren't a big fan of stand-up comedy, listening to French stand-up specials can still be entertaining. It's a great way to stay motivated while learning as a comedy show will add a new twist to your study session. Whether you watch a full comedy special or just a short clip, it's sure to spice up your studying and give you a break from your routine.

Another great reason to listen and watch French comedians is to learn everyday words and phrases. While studying in a classroom environment or on your own at home can be beneficial, you may not be exposed to casual French. Comedy shows are a great way to learn new things that you may not otherwise come across.

Top 8 French Comedians for French Learners of All Levels

You don't have to speak perfect French to enjoy French comedians. When watching or listening online, you can often find clips and movies with closed captions which can make understanding the show that much easier. If you're really new to French or find yourself struggling to understand a comedian, you can turn on English or other language captions, though this isn't the best idea if you really want to immerse yourself in the language.

To get you started on your French comedy journey, here are some of the comedians that French learners and native French speakers alike enjoy. It's by no means a complete list, but hopefully, you'll be able to find at least one French comedian that interests you.

#1. Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor is one of my personal favorite French-language comedians. He's British, but he speaks fluent French (without an accent!) and has lived in France for several years. His comedy is largely focused on learning French as a native English speaker, making it relatable for many French learners. You can find two of his full-length comedy specials on his YouTube channel for free.

If you're just beginning your French learning journey, Paul Taylor is a fantastic resource! His shows and sketches are often bilingual and he speaks in a way that's easy to understand. When he speaks in French, he puts captions in English at the bottom of the screen and vice versa. If you're looking for a good place to start with French-language comedy, I would highly recommend his channel.

#2. Panayotis Pascot

If you have a Netflix subscription or access to one, then you're in luck! Panayotis Pascot's stand-up special Presque is available to watch no matter where you are. His comedy centers a lot on exposing vulnerability in a humorous manner and turns the imperfections of humanity into something we can all laugh about.

He is a native French speaker, making his comedy great for helping you work on your accent and pronunciation as well as exposing you to the natural rhythm of spoken French.

#3. Haroun

Haroun is another French comedian I enjoy. He has a very dry, dark sense of humor and his delivery is always hilarious. A lot of his sketches deal with politics, racism, religion, and other touchy topics in France, but unlike other comedians, his jokes don't feel overdone. His sharp observations provide for both humor and a new look at otherwise common topics.

#4. Florence Foresti

Florance Foresti is both a comedian and an actress. There are many clips of her comedy on her YouTube channel for free, which makes her a great option for anyone who doesn't want to watch a full-length special. She's widely recognized in France and does a lot of her comedy on the absurdity of situations that just about everyone has found themselves in.

#5. Blanche Gardin

Blanche Gardin doesn't have any full-length specials available for free, but she has some truly hilarious clips available online. She has done a lot of comedy at the Jamel Comedy Club, which is highly regarded by French comedians, as well as some work on the show Le Grand Journal on Canal Plus. Her comedy tends to be provacative and immodest, and she is certainly worth listening to.

#6. Cyprien

Many French learners discover Cyprien's YouTube channel at some point in their language learning journey, and for good reason! He creates a lot of hilarious skits, all available for free on YouTube. While he doesn't have a stand-up special, his sketches are always comedic and will get a laugh out of anyone, even if you don't understand every word that he says.

Cyprien's content is best for more advanced learners. He has the tendency to speak fast and his sketches move quickly. Beginner and even intermediate learners may struggle to understand his videos, but if you're up for a challenge, you can certainly test your listening comprehension!

#7. Fadily Camara

Like Blanche Gardin, Fadily Camara has done some shows as the Jamel Comedy Club. She also has a stand-up special available on Netflix called La plus drôle de tes copines. She's a real ball of energy on stage and tends to dance and move around a lot during her shows. It's fun to watch, even if you don't understand exactly what is being said.

#8. Gad Elmaleh

Gad Elmaleh is one of the biggest comedians in France and one of the most well-known. He's done comedy in Canada and the US as well, though most of his work is in French. Two of his specials are available on Netflix: Part en live and American Dream. The second is simply an English-language adaptation of the first. In the show, he compares living in different countries and also discusses his unsuccessful attempt to be a comedian in the United States.

Enjoy Learning French

Learning French should be enjoyable. It shouldn't be something you dread, even if you are stuck in a classroom. As you've probably already learned, there can be a lot of stress and frustration when learning a language, especially if you don't enjoy studying.

By varying your study habits and resources, you can eliminate some of the boredom and frustration that you may experience. You can also get a new perspective and reignite your love for learning. If you use resources that make learning fun, then not only will you stop dreading your study sessions, but you'll find that you learn French faster.

When combined with other resources such as Speechling, listening to French comedians can only accelerate your learning process. It won't work very well on its own, but as every language learner knows, using a variety of resources is the best choice you can make to help you reach your goals!

I never thought learning a language was too difficult, until I started tutoring foreigners in my native language. I can’t describe how much time I’ve spent on explaining some slangs and idioms that are virtually un-translatable. And, after I put myself in my students’ shoes (when I first started learning German), I understood the challenges learners face with English phrases and words.

English vocabulary is a goldmine of weird, confusing, and extraordinary words and idioms. Some of them are difficult to translate, and some just don’t make sense until you learn how to use them.

If you tilt your head in confusion when you hear a native speaker shout “shotgun” when getting into someone else’s car, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. But don’t worry! Even though, English vocabulary is full of weird and wacky words and phrases, I’m here to decode some of them and explain how you can use them in every day conversations.

4 Confusing English Phrases and Words

Okay, it’s time to dive into the English vocabulary and dig up some confusing words and phrases you’ll find insightful.

"Spill the beans"

I’m starting with one of my favorite phrases “spill the beans.” It means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information. Some experts say that this phrase comes from ancient greek or roman voting system, where voters would use beans or pebbles to cast their votes in elections.

Another theory states that the phrase comes from the early 20th century America from the slang use of “beans” to mean gossip. So "spilling the beans" meant letting that inside scoop or rumor out of the bag accidentally.

Where does it come from? I don’t know. But it sure stuck with us. It stuck with us so much that today we have other variations of the phrase, like “spill the tea.” Tea, in this case, means a secret or a juicy gossip, borrowed from the idea of spilling hot tea while dishing out rumors.

How to use:

-“There’s going to be a surprise party for Stacey tomorrow - don’t spill the beans!”
-“I shouldn’t spill the tea, but I saw Margaret and David on a date the other day”

"Reinvent the wheel"

Of all the English phrases and words that are confusing, this one feels a bit more straightforward. We usually say “reinvent the wheel,” when we’re talking about wasting time and effort on something that has already been invented or made. This principle states that the simplest explanation or solution is preferable to a more complex one.

How to use:

-“Hey man, I've been spending hours trying to make this new complicated recipe for tacos from scratch. Gotta make the tortillas, the salsa, the guacamole, everything!"
-"Why are you reinventing the wheel, man? Just buy some tortillas and salsas premade from the store.”

"Cut to the chase"

I wish I had the courage to use this phrase a lot, but I’m trying to be more patient. Yes, this phrase means to get to the point quickly without unnecessary details. And we usually say “cut to the chase,” when someone’s dragging a story without an end in sight.

English vocabulary is full of phrases that come from movies and theater, and “cut to the chase” is one of them.

In old films and stage plays, there would often be filler scenes of people chasing one another that could be trimmed out. So editors/writers would provide notes to "cut to the chase" - meaning to skip over the unnecessary chase scenes and get to the critical action and dialogue.

How to use:

-“Hey Amanda, I wanted to talk to you about the proposal for the new marketing campaign. We were thinking of incorporating user survey data, building brand narratives, exploring new channels…”
-“David, I'm sorry but could you just cut to the chase? We're short on time for this meeting.”

"Butter someone up"

Have you met a person who compliments someone else excessively and insincerely?! Especially with the intention of getting something from them? Then, this expression describes them perfectly.

Linguistic experts say that this phrase comes from the late 18th century. It's traced to the Dutch word "buteren," which means to butter or flatter someone up.

How to use:

-"Hey, did you see how Jake was complimenting Marie's presentation?"
-"Yeah, he was really buttering her up."

3 (More) English Phrases and Words With Historical Origin

"Kick the bucket"

This might not be the nicest example of confusing English phrases and words, but it’s commonly used in casual English. This phrase doesn't actually involve kicking anything. It's a euphemism for dying or passing away.

Where did it come from? Some say it originated from the practice of standing on a bucket when being hanged, and the bucket being kicked away. Yikes! The origins of this phrase are a bit gruesome, but it’s a way to refer to death in a seemingly lighter way.

Have you heard about the phrase “bucket list?” (A list of things to do/experience before one metaphorically "kicks the bucket.") Yep, it’s in direct correlation with this phrase.

How to use:

-"Hey, did you hear what happened to old Mr. Jenkins down the street?"
-"No, what's up with him?"
-"He kicked the bucket last night. Massive heart attack from what I heard."
-"Oh man, that's too bad. He was such a nice guy. I'll have to send flowers to his family."

"Bite the bullet"

This idiom refers to enduring or pushing through an unpleasant or unavoidable experience. This English phrase has a rich history. It comes from the 18th/19th centuries when wounded soldiers were given a literal bullet to bite down on during the surgery without anesthesia.

From these experiences, "biting the bullet" became a metaphor for bracing yourself.

How to use:

-"I'm really dreading having to let some of the team go during these company layoffs."
-"I know, but we have to bite the bullet on it. Downsizing is unavoidable with the current budget shortfalls."

"Born with a silver spoon in mouth"

People aren't really born with silver spoons in their mouths, as this idiom describes. However, it refers to someone who was born into a wealthy, privileged family and never had to struggle or work for anything in their life.

It's a common phrase that might seem to come from an advanced English vocabulary, but it's often used in daily conversations.

This English phrase also has a historical meaning, coming from times when wealthy families would quite literally pass down silver spoons and valuables to their children.

How to use:

-"Can you believe Jason just bought another luxury sports car? That's his third this year!"
-"I guess when you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth like he was, you never have to worry about money."

Embrace the Confusion and Use It as an Opportunity to Learn

Whew, that's a lot of confusing English phrases and words. Still, they're wonderful, and they make learning English vocabulary even more fun. I recommend embracing the confusion whenever you encounter such words and using it as a learning opportunity.

Find a comfortable and easy-to-use English dictionary and look up the phrases that make you scratch your head in confusion. Use the words you learned in conversations, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

German has a great number of irregular verbs, and as an English speaker, it's going to be quite a challenge trying to get a handle on all of them. Between the many different ways that irregular verbs are conjugated and the sheer number of irregular verbs, dealing with them is one of the hardest parts of learning German.

Fortunately, German speakers do realize how difficult it is – just as most English speakers understand when someone doesn’t know how to conjugate an irregular English verb. Many Germans will correct you without being judgmental. Even if they don’t correct you, they will know what you mean.

Here’s what you need to know about irregular verbs, and some tricks to help you better learn some of these tricky verbs.

If you already know the most common irregular verbs, you can skip to the second half of the blog for some of the less common ones. It provides a list of many of the irregular verbs, so you can keep learning and memorizing the verbs that are treated differently.

Understanding Irregular Verbs in German

Every verb has a stem, or the core of the word, and this is more obvious in German. This is because the German infinitive form of verbs ends in -n or (more commonly) -en, so when those are removed, what remains is the root of the verb. In English, the infinitive version is a separate word, to (to be, to sleep, to go), so the root is the second word.

When you conjugate a German verb, you remove the ending so that you are working with just the root word. Then you change the verb to reflect the tense and who is doing the action.

If you are working with a regular verb, this is easy. All you have to do is conjugate based on the regular pattern.

When you are working with an irregular verb, it is almost entirely memorization because the conjugation is (as the term suggests) irregular. The way that you change them is unpredictable, from a logic standpoint, they generally don’t make sense.

Probably the most notorious irregular verb in German is sein, or to be. The following is how it is conjugated based just on the pronoun.

The only time that the verb is predicable is for they and you (plural), which is always true in German. Every other pronoun set has its own version when you conjugate it.

This doesn’t even begin to cover the many ways it is conjugated in other tenses, although it is easier to conjugate in past and future tense than in the present.

This may make it a bit more difficult, but you probably won’t notice the difficulty for long because you will use some form of sein frequently. Over time, it will become almost second nature.

This is not true of many of the other irregular verbs because you probably won’t use them nearly as often. However, there are three more verbs that you are going to use often.

Three Common Irregular Verbs in German: Haben, Werden, and Wollen

The three other often used irregular you need to know are haben (to have), werden (to become), and wollen (to want). Once you master sein, you need to learn these three because you will use them frequently.

Notice that there is more repetition with these irregular verbs, with the wir, Sie, and sie using the original version of the word. The conjugation is fairly predictable. It’s really the singular, informal pronouns that require extra work to get right. This will make it easier to learn them.

Tips to Learning the Irregular Verbs in German

Spend a couple of weeks making sure you know the conjugation of these four verbs before you start working on the other irregular verbs. Practice using them when chatting with a buddy or with someone online.

Once you feel comfortable with some of the most common, you can start building up your irregular verb vocabulary. The following table provides a number of verbs you will probably use at least once a month (and some of them a couple of times a week).

The list is not complete, and it does not conjugate the verbs. With roughly 200 irregular verbs, it would quickly get overwhelming. The list has 50, with will be more than enough to get you started.

Keep Dealing with Irregular Verbs in German

Irregular verbs are tricky because they are unpredictable. Many of them do have similar patterns with each other, so you can group them this way to help you memorize them faster.

Ultimately, dealing with irregular verbs is all about memorization, just like learning vocabulary words. Even when you feel you know what you are doing, it is harder to get it right when you are talking. Remember, that is fine. When you get tired, you probably make similar mistakes when using irregular English verbs. As long as you are learning, that’s what counts.

Learning a language can be fun, but it can also be confusing and complicated. There are a lot of challenges you'll come across during your language learning journey, and one of those challenges is known as false friends.

Despite how they may sound, false friends aren't easy or nice. Nobody wants to come across them. Unfortunately, no matter what your native language is, when you learn a new one, there will always be false friends that pose a challenge. French is no different.

False friends exist everywhere and in every language. They aren't consistently the same word; if the word "affair" is a false friend to the speaker of another language, it doesn't mean that "affair" is always a false friend to every non-English speaker.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at what false friends are as well as some of the most common English-French false friends. If you speak another language, be aware that there will be even more false friends to keep an eye out for, but we won't cover that here. So, without further ado, let's take a look at how to identify and avoid false friends in French.

What are False Friends?

If you want to know what to avoid, you first have to understand what you're trying to avoid. If you're already familiar with what false friends, then great! Feel free to scroll on down below to see some of the most common false friends in French for English speakers. For those who don't know what they are, stick around for a bit and we'll go over it.

False friends are words that look like words in one language, but mean an entirely different thing in another. In this instance, French false friends are words in French that look like something familiar in English but aren't the same thing. They can mean the difference between someone understanding you and hilarious or awful misunderstandings.

French false friends are different from French anglicisms. Anglicisms are words in French that come from English and mean more or less the same thing. Sometimes, an anglicism may mean something slightly different, but this isn't the same thing as a false friend in French. In any case, the possible misunderstandings with anglicisms are generally fewer than those with false friends.

Why Should You Avoid False Friends in French?

So what? False friends exist in French, but what's the harm? Well, if your goal is to be understood in French, then the answer is: Quite a lot.

Using a false friend can mean the person you're speaking with either misunderstands you or doesn't understand you at all. They lead to a lot of confusion, frustration, and even a lack of motivation as language learners struggle to make themselves understood.

Here's an example: Say you're trying to tell someone in French that a certain food has a lot of preservatives. You remember the French word préservatifs. Fantastic! Unfortunately, when you tell your French-speaking friend that the food has a lot of préservatifs in it, they give you a horrified look.

If you were familiar with the most common false friends in French, then you would realize that préservatifs in French actually means condoms while conservateurs means preservatives.

By avoiding false friends, you can be more certain that you aren't being misunderstood. This won't eliminate all confusion and misunderstandings, but it will certainly reduce their frequency.

12 Most Common French False Friends and Their Actual Meanings

Now that you understand what false friends are and why it's important to avoid them in French, let's take a look at some of the most commonly occuring ones.

#1. Attendre =/= Attend

Despite what it looks like, the verb attendre actually means "to wait". If you want to say you're attending something, use the verb assister.

#2. Un bras =/= a bra

The French false friend un bras means "an arm" and not "bra". "Bra" in French is un soutien gorge.

#3. Une brasserie =/= a brassiere/a bra

As mentioned above, the word for "bra" in French is un soutien gorge. Une brasserie, on the other hand, is a brewery or a bar.

#4. Blessé =/= blessed

In French, you can make an adjective by using the past participle of a verb. In this case, the verb is blesser and the past participle is blessé. This false friend (in both verb and adjective form) actually means "wounded" or "to wound" rather than "blessed" or "bless".

#5. Une location =/= a location

This French false friend could make for some bizarre misunderstandings. Une location comes from the verb louer which means "to rent", making une location the equivalent to "a rental" in English. If you want to tell someone where you or something is at, you would use the word un emplacement or un endroit.

#6. Monnaie =/= money

Monnaie in French only means loose change; it is not the same thing as "money" in English. If you use this false friend in a supermarket or when someone asks you how you want to pay, you'll get some strange looks.

#7. Déception =/= deception

Here's a tricky false friend. In French, une déception is "a disappointment". There is no deceit involved, unlike the English word that is resembles.

#8. Envie =/= envy

This is another tricky false friend. In English, "envy" is seen as a synonym to jealousy whereas in French, envie is a wish or desire. For example, to say you want to do something in French, you would use the phrase avoir envie de.

#9. Une grappe =/= a grape

The false friend une grappe probably won't come up all that often, but it can still be good to know. Despite what it looks like, une grappe is actually "a bunch", not "a grape". You would use it as you would in the phrase "a bunch of bananas". Note that this is not the same as saying "a lot of" or "many". It's the bundle of bananas.

#10. Joli =/= jolly

While Santa Claus is jolly, a piece of art would be joli. In French, joli means pretty or beautiful, not happy like the English word "jolly".

#11. Journée =/= journey

You probably use the word "day" often enough that you know this false friend in French already. Une journée is not, in fact, "a journey" but rather "a day". Fortunately, this is one false friend you'll probably master pretty quickly.

#12. Librairie =/= library

This last French false friend on the list is one all the book lovers will probably want to learn quickly. Une librairie is not "a library", but a bookstore where you must buy the books. Une bibliothèque, on the otherhand, is a library where you may borrow books.

Always Be Aware of False Friends in French

This is by no means a complete list of false friends in French, even for those who only speak English. The longer you learn French, the more false friends you'll come across.

If you're worried about keeping them all straight, you can try keeping a language diary of false friends and their actual meanings. This way, you have a list of the French false friends that you struggle most with and their meanings all in one place. It can be a good way to help practice new vocabulary. If you have any doubts, use WordReference to double-check the definition.

Additionally, you can turn to French media, such as TV series or French news. This will help you get a feel for native French so you can have a better understanding of phrases and words, potentially avoiding the confusion of false friends entirely.

Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a rut with your Spanish language skills? Do you want to sound more natural and confident when speaking with native speakers? Look no further than mastering Spanish expressions! In this article, we’ll explore the world of Spanish idioms, phrases, and expressions that will take your language skills to the next level.

Mastering Spanish expressions is crucial for effective communication in the language. Idioms, phrases, and expressions are an integral part of everyday conversation, and failing to understand them can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. By learning these expressions, you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly and accurately, making it easier to connect with native speakers and navigate everyday situations.

Understanding Spanish Idioms and Expressions

Idioms and expressions are fixed phrases or expressions that convey a specific meaning beyond the literal translation of the individual words. They are an integral part of the Spanish language, and mastering them is essential to communicating effectively with native speakers. Some types of Spanish idioms and expressions include figurative language, colloquialisms, and regional expressions.

Figurative language is a type of idiom that uses metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create vivid and evocative descriptions. For example, when we say “llover dinero” (to rain money), we don’t literally mean that coins are falling from the sky. It simply means that someone is experiencing financial success.

Colloquialisms are informal expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversation. For example, “tomar el pelo” (to pull someone’s hair) is a common way of saying “to tease or joke with someone”.

Regional expressions are idioms and expressions that are specific to certain regions or dialects. For example, in some parts of Spain, “¡Hasta luego!” is a common way to say goodbye, while in other regions, it’s more common to say “¡Adiós!”

To master idioms and expressions, it’s essential to learn how to identify and understand them in context. Here are a few tips:

-Read wisely: Reading is a crucial practice to mastering any language, but a closer reading of Spanish texts, including literature, newspapers, and online articles will help you encounter idioms and expressions in context.
-Listen to native speakers: Listen to native speakers, either in person or through audio recordings, to hear how they use idioms and expressions in everyday conversation. Listening comprehension is an essencial piece of any language education, so if you're already listening to TV shows or podcasts, just pay a little extra attention to some of the phrases that don't translate directly into English.
-Pay attention to context: When reading or listening to an idiom or expression, pay attention to the context in which it’s used. This will help you understand the meaning beyond the literal translation.
-Practice active listening and speaking: Practice using idioms and expressions in your own speech by repeating what you hear or read. This will help you commit them to memory and improve your pronunciation.
-Use online resources: There are many online resources available that provide explanations and examples of idioms and expressions, such as dictionaries and YouTube channels.

Common Spanish Idioms and Expressions

There is a wide range of idioms and expressions in Spanish. There are many expressions that are specific to certain regions. Therefore, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some idioms and expressions in Spanish to get you started!

-Tomar el polo: To joke with someone - “Me estás tomando el pelo, ¿verdad?” (You’re pulling my leg, right?)
-Estar en la luna de Valencia: To be distracted - “¿Me oyes? Parce que estás en la luna de Valencia.” (Do you hear me? You seem distracted.)
-Estar en el aire: To be up in the air - “La decisión aún está en el aire. No hemos recibido una respuesta oficial.” (The decision is still up in the air. We haven’t received an official response.)
-Hacer una broma: To make a joke - “¿Me haces una broma o es en serio?” (Are you playing a trick on me or is this for real?)
-Dar papaya: A Colombian phrase that means to give someone an opportunity or chance to cause harm - “Mejor camines con la bolsa por delante. No quieres dar papaya a los ladrones.” (It’s better that you walk with your bag in front of you. You don’t want to give the pick pockets a chance.)
-Tomar el toro por los cuernos: to take the bull by the horns, like we say in English, which means to confront a difficult situation - “Aunque no lo quieras hacer, a veces hay que tomar el toro por los cuernos.” (Even though you don’t want to do it, sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns.)
-Tener sangre azul: to be born privileged, with a silver spoon in one’s mouth - “Ella no tiene que trabajar. Tiene sangre azul y padres que se la pagan todo.” (She doesn’t have to work. She is privileged, and her parents pay for everything.)
-Encontrar tu media naranja: to find your other half/soulmate - “Ahora que Javier está en mi vida, siento que he encontrado mi media naranja.” (Now that Javier is in my life, I feel as though I’ve found my other half.)

These idioms and expressions can help you sound more natural in your Spanish speech and writing. Always be on the lookout for more, and remember to practice them in context to improve your fluency!

Using Spanish Idioms and Expressions in Conversation

Idioms and expressions can add nuance, humor, and cultural depth to your Spanish language skills. Here are some tips on how to incorporate them into your everyday conversation:

-Use idioms and expressions to add nuance. They can help you convey subtle shades of meaning that literal translations can’t capture.
-Add humor with idioms and expressions. They can add lightheartedness to your conversations.
-Practice with native speakers or language exchange partners. This can help you get a feel for how they’re used in everyday conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner to correct you or provide feedback on your pronunciation.
-Create your own examples using common words and phrases. Plenty of phrases can be broken up, altered, and made your own. Have fun with it!
-Listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they use idioms and expressions in their everyday conversation. Try to identify the idioms and expressions and repeat them in your own conversations.
-Watch TV shows and movies with subtitles. This is a great way to help you learn new idioms and expressions in context. Pay attention to the ways that the characters use idioms and expressions in their dialogue. Be sure to write down new expressions so you can use them later.
-Read Spanish literature. Reading in Spanish is a great way to help your fluency, but it can also aid you in your journey to learning new idioms and expressions. Pay attention to how the authors use idioms and expressions in the context of their writing.

Now Go Use Idioms and Expressions Like a Native

Mastering Spanish expressions is an essential part of becoming fluent in the language. By incorporating idioms, phrases, and expressions into your daily conversation, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and confidently. You'll also have an enriching window into Spanish culture. With practice and dedication, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!

A warming cup of tea is sometime more than just a simple hug in a mug. Tea 茶 chá holds deeply entrenched significance in Chinese culture, represented through a host of rituals and social customs. This article will demonstrate through a number of Mandarin idioms and phrases how we can understand the cultural importance and broader philosophical concepts related to tea and its history in the Middle Kingdom.

Why exactly is Chinese tea culture 茶文化 chá wénhuà so ingrained into China's collective psyche? 茶艺 cháyi (the art of drinking tea) encompasses the myriad practices related to growing, preparing, and consuming tea. Over several millenia, these practices have propelled China into an unparalleled brewing colossus, inspiring a vast array of traditions and routines. So, get the kettle on, get comfy, and prepare to become acquainted with 茶艺 cháyi to China and the Chinese language.

Who Brewed the First Cup of Tea?

The origins of how the humble tea leaf underwent the magical mingling with ordinary boiled water 开水 (kāi shuǐ) are believed to date back almost 5000 years, to the era of the Emperor Sheng Nong 神农 (literally, "Divine Farmer"). While relaxing in his bucolic grounds, Sheng Nong observed a falling tea leaf whimsically catch the breeze, swirling into a nearby bowl of boiling water. The resulting matrimony would change the world as we know it! The Emperor originally named the mystical brew "chá" 查, the Chinese word meaning to "check" or "investigate"—while being a homophone with the word for tea, the character for tea itself is very different (查/茶).

The seductive scent wafting from the bowl so captured the Emperor's attention that he at once sipped the concoction. The instant curative and cleansing effects of the piping elixir, as it "investigated" his body, set the stage for the beverage's giant stamp on Chinese society. Over the centuries, as dynastic cycles ebbed and flowed, tea continued to have a hugely significant impact on Chinese daily life.

Common Varieties of Chinese Tea

1. 绿茶 lǜ chá — Green tea
2. 黄茶 huáng chá — Yellow tea
3. 白茶 bái chá - White tea
4. 红茶 hóng chá — Black tea (nope, it ain't red 红 hóng)
5. 黑茶 hei chá - Dark tea (普洱茶 pǔ'ěrchá)
6. 乌龙茶 wūlóng chá — Oolong tea (black dragon tea)

Although all tea comes from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), the above varieties demonstrate the diverse flavors that are found in different kinds of tea. While Oolong, popular in 福建 Fujian and 台湾 Taiwan, carries punchy, peaty flavors, green tea, such as the famous 西湖龙井 xī hú lóngjǐng of 浙江 Zhejiang, holds far subtler notes.

Then there are the unoxidized 普洱茶 pu'er varieties of 云南 Yunnan, which are often earthy and mellow, yet highly caffeinated. "Lapsang Souchong" (正山小种), one of the most popular black teas, is a particularly smoky brew, as the leaves are traditionally dried over a pine-wood fire. Even though your supermarket-brand teabags effectively originate from the same plant, the processing and care undertaken in China typically result in a far more complex cup.

Useful Tea Vocabulary

茶壶 cháhú - teapot
茶杯 chábēi - teacup
散茶 sǎnchá - loose Tea
茶叶 cháyè - tea leaves
勺子 sháozi - spoon
杯子 bēizi - cup
泡 pào - brew
倒 dào - pour

Respecting the Process: The Ceremony

To give the mighty leaf its due respect, the tea ceremony 功夫茶 ɡōnɡfu chá has been integral to Chinese culture for many centuries, dating back to the Tang Dynasty 唐朝 tángcháo (618–907). Based upon mindfulness and a sincere appreciation for the art of tea, this ceremony is more than just a way of brewing and consuming tea; it is a meditative experience that mirrors the philosophy of harmony and balance which is deep-rooted in Chinese culture.

To truly embody the philosophy of tea culture, the ceremonial process is a key component to mastering the art. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare a teapot, teacups, tea strainer, tea leaves, tray, and tea leaf holder. Depending on the tea variety, we should use different tea sets (white porcelain is used for green tea, while purple sand is more often used for red tea).

2. Rinse the teapots and teacups-reheating the teacups can help fully release the fragrance.

3. Heat the water to a boil (using only spring water).

4. Place the tea leaves into the teapot using the tea leaf holder. Usually, leaves should fill 1/3 of the teapot. This step is knows as "black dragon enters the palace".

5. Wash the tea leaves by quickly pouring hot water into a teapot for a few seconds, and then pour it quickly to remove the "first brew impurities" that collect on the surface of leaves.

6. Brew the tea by refilling the teapot with boiled water before covering to preserve the aroma.

7. First pour the tea broth into tea cups, then transfer into the large fair cup, shake it up, before decanting into smaller cups.

8. Offer tea cups to guests with both hands to show respect. Take a deep whiff and sip away!

Habitual Tea Drinking

Upon arrival in China, you'll immediately notice an abundance of teahouses. Diversification seems important; not only can you imbibe a hot cup, but you can also enjoy other pursuits such as a game of 麻将 májiànɡ (Mahjong), 象棋 xiàngqí (Chinese chess), 按摩 ànmó (massage), or even 采耳 cǎiěr (ear-cleaning).

Many 四川人 sìchuān rén believe cochlear cleaning improves health by stimulating acupressure points in the ear. Could there be a better accompaniment to a cup of tea? As the instruments are sharpened, ready to probe, a tasty cup of 菊花茶 júhuā chá (chrysantheum tea) is the perfect antidote to calm the nerves?

Teahouses welcome people from all strata of society and are a great way to quickly immerse yourself in the local culture. However, beware of the notorious big-city tea scams. Friendly and attractive locals may request to practice English with you "over a cup of tea". The next thing you know, you're trapped facing an insurmountable tea house bill, with no obvious escape! Another sinister tea-related scenario is you happen to receive an invitation from a Chinese official to "come and drink tea." This invitation is a shrouded nod that you've run afoul of the local authorities and could well be in trouble.

With tea culture being so intrinsic to China's identity, of course there are a plethora of popular phrases and idioms that bounce around the vernacular. Let's take a look at some examples:

绿茶婊 lü chá biao “green tea bitch" (a calculating, yet attractive lady)
禅茶一味 chán chá yīwèi "tea and zen have the same flavor" (they go hand-in-hand; people from all walks of life should go and drink tea!)
茶余饭后 chá yú fànhòu “over a cup of tea/after dinner” ("leisure time" equates to lounging around with a hot cup of tea)
人走茶凉 rén zǒu chá liáng “once people walk away, tea becomes cold" (don't burn your bridges, drink it while it's hot, metaphorically)
三茶六饭 sān chá liù fàn "serve three types of tea and six dishes" (a feast is imminent-a real way to impress)
口水多过茶 kǒushuǐ duō guō chá "more saliva than tea" (you're talking too much)

Tea's Unbreakable Bond to the Middle Kingdom

Tea is an inseparable element of Chinese culture. Over time, it has seeped through each level of society. Even now, we are seeing younger generations becoming transfixed with another tea phenomenon: bubble/boba Tea 珍珠奶茶 zhēnzhū nǎichá (cue Tang poets rolling in their graves!). Tea's influence on language and culture cannot be overestimated, with it being one of China's most famous cultural exports. Knowledge of tea terminology will certainly put you on the front foot if you are either learning Mandarin or planning to visit China, so here are some final phrases for you to get started on your Chinese tea adventure:

• 我喜欢喝茶 wǒ xǐhuān hē chá - I like to drink tea.
• 请来一杯茉莉花茶 qǐng lái yībēi mòlìhuā chá - A cup of jasmine tea please.
• 请给我来一杯绿茶 qǐng gěi wǒ lái yībēi lǜchá - A cup of green tea please.
• 这包普洱茶多少钱？zhè bāo pǔ'ěr chá duōshǎo qián? - How much is this packet of pu'er tea?
• 请给我再倒一杯 qǐng gěi wǒ zài dào yībēi - Please refill my cup!

Learning a new language is all about discovering new things, expanding your world view, and exploring a different culture. It requires an open mind and a love of learning, especially if you're learning the language on your own rather than in a classroom. Another thing it requires, however, is finding the right inspiration to keep you motivated to learn.

There are a lot of different ways French learners stay motivated, but one primary way is by incorporating their interests into their everyday learning. For a lot of people, this means listening to French music, watching French TV shows, or reading French books. If you're a sports fan, though, then this is your year! France is hosting the Olympics this summer in Paris, giving you the perfect excuse to incorporate sports-related vocab into your French study sessions.

When Are the Paris Olympics?

The Olympics are the perfect way to practice sports-related vocab so if you're a sports fan learning French, you couldn't have chosen a better time to start learning! Not only will you be able to learn new words, but you'll also have access to an abundance of listening and reading comprehension tools.

This summer, the Olympics will begin in Paris on July 24 and end on August 11. As usual, different events will compete on different days and there will be medal events and non-medal events. You can either watch them all, or just your favorite events. It's up to you!

If you want more information on when each event will take place and whether it will be a medal event, here's a link to the official page where you can find more information. The link will take you to the French version of the website, but try navigating it before you switch it to another language. I bet you could figure out at least some of the events before you even scroll through the vocab lists below.

French Vocab for Sports and the Olympics

Alright, are you ready for a long list of words in French? Don't stress about memorizing everything. While many of the words are similar to their English counterparts, no one expects you to remember everything after your first scroll-through.

You can pick and choose which words to remember or you can challenge yourself to learn them all by the time the Olympics begin. Learn at your own pace, but be sure to learn the gender along with the words themselves.

Types of Sports in French

Some types of sports are often known by a shorter version of the full word. If this is the case for a certain sport, then the short version will be listed in parentheses. It's good to know both versions of the words, but if you only want to study one, then focus on the longer version.

Winter Sports in French

While only the summer Olympics are being held in France, there's no need to limit yourself to only summer sports vocabulary. Here is a list of some winter sports in French that you can study and learn in order to be prepared for the next winter Olympics, or just this next season.

Sports Verbs in French

You can't talk about sports in French without knowing the necessary verbs. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, these are some of the most common verbs you'll encounter when speaking everyday French, but especially when talking about sports.

Sports-Related Idioms

Just like in English, there are idioms in French used to talk about sports. Here are just a few of them.

Where Can I Watch the Paris Olympics?

Now that you have a long list of new French vocabulary to learn, where can you put it to the test?

While much of the promotion for the Olympics is being done in English, you can certainly find content in French. It isn't hard. The Olympic Games (or les Jeux olympiques/les JOs in French) will be streamed live around the world and relevant content won't be difficult to find.

Depending on where you're at, you'll have to access a different platform or service. Most of Europe will be able to watch the Olympics on the Warner Bros Discovery channel, including France and the UK. For those in Canada, tune into CBC. Americans can watch via NBC or Peacock while New Zealanders can watch on Sky Network and Australians can watch on Nine. To find out more about where other countries can stream the Olympics, download the PDF here.

To prepare for the Olympics, you can use French news sources to stay up to date on any changes or news. This is a great way to test out your new vocab and your reading or listening comprehension as sports vocab will make a regular appearance.

Practice Your New French Vocabulary

Now that you have a new list of French vocab to study and memorize, you're ready for the Olympics! This really is the perfect time to be learning sports vocab as so much news content will be focused on the Olympics, sports, and atheletics.

If you're lucky enough to be seeing the Olympics in person, then you may want to add public transportation vocab to your list of things to learn this summer. Even if you aren't going to be in Paris, it's still useful to know some basic transit vocab.

All in all, practicing your new sports vocabulary shouldn't be hard at all, especially if you're already a fan of sports. Whether you're here as a sports fan or you just want to branch out with your study plan, good luck with your new French vocab and take advantage of your unique ability to enjoy the summer Olympics as a French language learner!

In your French language learning journey, there are a lot of things you'll hear in regards to what you should learn, what you must learn, and what you can wait to learn. Since French is a new language to you, there's a lot of content to go over and new words to memorize and use, plus the cultural aspect of language learning. It can all be overwhelming. While you may not be able to combine all these things into one for easier learning, French idioms are a great way to cover a number of these different aspects at once.

Language learning isn't always easy, but it can be fun and learning idioms is one great way to make your summer language learning adventure that much more successful and enjoyable. After all, if you enjoy learning French, you're much more likely to pick it up faster.

Why Learn French Idioms?

French idioms are often overlooked or brushed aside. A lot of language teachers believe that they're something you can learn once you're fluent. Some may even seem to believe that once you "speak enough French", you'll just know what they mean. While they do have some reason in saying you should focus on other aspects of French, you should certainly not overlook or ignore French idioms.

As a French learner, idioms are your secret key into the French language and culture! Idioms can tell you a lot about the culture of a language's speakers and help you understand it better. When you learn the idioms of another language, it's like taking the shortcut up an otherwise long and winding path.

Additionally, you may already know some French idioms. Many of them may be direct translations of English idioms, making these idioms much easier to learn. Instead of trying to remember what the idiom means, you can focus on learning the different words. This makes understanding both the French language and French idioms much, much easier!

There are so many reasons for why a French learner should study idioms, but I won't bore you with all of them. Just know that learning these idioms is something you won't regret, especially when you're out with your French speaking friends and can fully understand what they're saying beyond just the spoken words.

13 French Idioms to Learn

There are way more than 13 French idioms, so don't think this list is complete. It's nowhere near that! These are just some of the idioms I think are the easiest to learn, most fun, or most commonly used in everyday conversation.

We'll start out easy: French idioms that are either exact translations of or very similar to English idioms. Once you've gotten a taste for idioms in French, we'll move on to those that are more unique to the Francophone culture.

5 French Idioms With Nearly Exact English Equivalents

#1. Coûter un bras

If something coûte un bras, that means it costs a lot of money. In other words, it costs an arm and a leg. Coûter un bras. Cost a leg.

There's another idiom that's used to say the exact same thing, but it's less similar to the English idiom: Coûter les yeux de la tête. Cost the eyes of the head. It's similar enough to understand, but the metaphor is different. Either version of this French idiom is perfectly fine, though, and you'll get your point across both ways.

#2. Mettre son grain de sel

If you mets ton grain de sel, you're putting in your grain of salt. It's an exact translation! Another similar idiom in English would be to give your two cents, but the French don't have such an idiom, so you'll have to stick with giving your grain de sel.

#3. Appeler un chat un chat

If you appelle un chat un chat, you're just calling it as it is. The English idiom is to call a spade a spade. A slightly more common one is, if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

#4. Porter ses fruits

This idiom means to bear fruit or show results. One nuance to the French version of this idiom, however, is that in French, if something porte ses fruits, it's generally positive or showing good results.

#5. Être rouge comme une tomate

If someone is really sunburned or embarrassed, you would say they are rouge comme une tomate. They're red like a tomato, or tomato red. It's almost an exact translation of the English idiom and really just means that someone is turning red.

8 French Idioms That Are Quite Different

#1. Ne pas avoir un radis

This French idiom is used to say you're completely broke. When you n'as pas un radis, you don't have a dime.

#2. Faire la grasse matinée

You've heard of mardi gras (Fat Tuesday), but this French idiom involves a fat morning (grasse matinée). If you fais la grasse matinée, it means you slept in.

#3. Coup de foudre

In English, when you fall in love, you may say it was love at first sight. To say the same in French, you would say either j'ai eu un coup de foudre (I fell in love at first sight) or c'était un coup de foudre (It was love at first sight).

#4. Poser un lapin à quelqu’un

If you pose un lapin à quelqu'un (give a rabbit to someone), then you stand someone up. If someone t'a posé un lapin, then someone stood YOU up.

#5. Sauter du coq à l’âne

The French language is a big fan of animal-related idioms, as you have probably started to see. In this one, you "jump from rooster to donkey". Or in other words, you jump from topic to topic. This can be used to say that someone else jumps from topic to topic, or you can use it to completely change the subject.

#6. Être à l’ouest

This translates to being in the west, but it doesn't have anything to do with where you're standing. Instead, it means that you're crazy or out of it.

#7. La moutarde me monte au nez

If mustard is getting in your nose, you're getting angry. Which, to be fair, many people would get angry if there really was mustard in their nose. Fortunately, this is just an idiom and not a real-life scenario.

#8. Ramener sa fraise

People who like to stick their nose into things in English bring their strawberry in French. However, ramener sa fraise can also be an invitation to join someone or a group. Context is important for this one, but I have no doubt you'll be able to figure out what someone means when they use it.

Practice the Idioms You’ve Learned

If you really liked the 13 French idioms listed above, check out this list for more idioms that you can learn. Don't feel as though you have to memorize and perfect them all at once, but consider adding one or two to your study list every so often.

Consistent practice is the best way to learn a language and French is no different. You don't have to limit yourself to only vocab lists or grammar lessons, and in fact, this can work against you. Keeping your study sessions interesting is one of the best ways to stay motivated when you're learning a new language.

French idioms are a fantastic way to study both the French language and culture, so take some time to add a few to your study list and be sure to practice, practice, practice if you want to remember them!