„Er hört das Gras wachsen."
He can see through a brick wall.
What does „Er hört das Gras wachsen." mean in German?
„Er hört das Gras wachsen." means "He can see through a brick wall.." Literally: "He hears the grass grow.."
Literal Translation
"He hears the grass grow."
English Equivalent
"He's very sharp / He can see things coming."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Proverb about shrewdness
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.
Related Words
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Er hört das Gras wachsen.
Related Idioms
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.
