Session 2, Activity 1 (German)
Activity 1 German – exploring idioms through reading
Using OMT to explore idioms is an effective exercise because it helps you to see how a phrase is used in context.
Now follow the steps below.
Step 1
Read this German garden-lover’s short blog entry, which contains many idioms. You are not expected to understand everything. If you can understand the gist generally, you will be able to complete the rest of this activity.
Aus dem Blog einer Gartenliebhaberin
Gartenarbeit kann eine wunderbare Möglichkeit sein, mal die Seele baumeln zu lassen und gleichzeitig etwas Schönes aus dem Boden zu stampfen. Um den Garten so richtig auf Vordermann zu bringen, sollte man zunächst dem Unkraut an den Kragen gehen. Dies hilft den Pflanzen, besser aus dem Vollen zu schöpfen und Nährstoffe effektiv aufzunehmen.
Beim Pflanzen neuer Blumen und Gemüsepflanzen empfiehlt es sich, in die Vollen zu gehen und hochwertige Erde und Dünger zu verwenden. Ein weiterer Tipp ist, den Pflanzen ab und zu einen Schnitt zu verpassen. Dadurch bleibt der Garten in Schuss und die Pflanzen können besser sprießen. Bei einem Gemüsegarten sollte man darauf achten, dass die Pflanzen nicht im Schatten stehen. Ein guter Standort und die richtige Pflege führen dazu, dass die Ernte wie am Schnürchen läuft.
Manchmal muss man die Ärmel hochkrempeln, besonders nach dem Winter, wenn der Garten aus dem Winterschlaf geweckt und auf Vordermann gebracht werden muss. Die Belohnung ist ein schöner, blühender Garten, der nicht nur ein Augenschmaus ist, sondern auch Balsam für die Seele.
Step 2
- Note down any possible German idioms you may have found in the text.
- Can you understand the meaning of any of the expressions? By breaking them down and using the context of the whole blog, you may already be able to guess the meaning of some of the idioms.
Step 3
Now use your chosen OMT to translate the German text into English and compare the translated text with either your own translation, or the example of a human-translated version in the reveal below.
- Are there any errors in meaning or unusual phrases in the OMT translation of the text, and specifically in the translation of the idioms?
- Can you explain the German idiomatic expressions now that you’ve seen a machine-translated version in English? Does the idiom make sense in any other language(s) you speak?
Discussion
Model human translation:
From the blog of a garden lover
Gardening can be a wonderful way to unwind and create something beautiful at the same time. To really pep up the garden, you should first clear it of weeds. This will help the plants to thrive and absorb nutrients more effectively.
When planting new flowers and vegetables, it is worth using high-quality compost and fertiliser. It is also advisable to trim the plants from time to time. This will keep the garden looking tidy and allows the plants to grow better. In a vegetable plot, plants should not be in the shade. A suitable location and the right care will ensure that harvesting will be stress-free.
Sometimes we just have to roll up our sleeves, especially after winter, when the garden needs to be woken up from hibernation and spruced up. The reward is a beautiful, blooming garden that is not only a feast for the eyes, but also balm for the soul.
Activities of this kind may help you to identify differences in accuracy, nuance and idiomatic expressions. If you are working with other learners, you can discuss why certain phrases were translated in a specific way and learn about the limitations and strengths of machine translation.
By carefully checking the accuracy of the translation, activities like this also help you to improve your proofreading and editing skills.
Step 4
Back-translation: use your chosen OMT to translate the English version back into German and then compare it with the original German text above.
Comment
Does the back-translation differ from the original version? OMT can help you to see how meaning can shift through multiple translations and emphasises the importance of context and precision in translation. This and similar activities can encourage critical thinking and deeper engagement with both the language you are learning and your first language. It can also support understanding of idiomatic language and cultural nuances, as well as enhance vocabulary and translation skills.
Extension activity
If you found this activity useful, you can create a glossary of key terms and idiomatic expressions from the text, including their translations and explanations. You can either use the box below or, if you are a signed-in Google Translate user, you can create your own glossary or vocabulary database by clicking the star to the right of your translations.
In the reveal section below you will find some sample idioms and translations from the text. You may have found different idioms or different translations to those given.
Discussion
Sample idioms with their literal and their idiomatic translation into English:
- die Seele baumeln lassen – to let your soul dangle (relax)
- etwas Schönes aus dem Boden stampfen – to stamp something beautiful out of the ground (create something beautiful)
- auf Vordermann bringen – to whip into shape (to make it clean and tidy)
- dem Unkraut an den Kragen gehen – to tackle the weeds
- aus dem Vollen schöpfen – to take full advantage
- in die Vollen gehen – to go all out
- einen Schnitt verpassen – to give a trim
- in Schuss bleiben – to stay in good condition
- nicht im Schatten stehen – not to be in the shadow
- wie am Schnürchen laufen – to go smoothly (to run like clockwork)
- die Ärmel hochkrempeln – to roll up one’s sleeves
- aus dem Winterschlaf wecken – to wake from winter sleep
- ein Augenschmaus sein – to be a feast for the eyes
- Balsam für die Seele – balm for the soul.
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