„Er hat von unten auf gedient."
He has risen from the ranks.
What does „Er hat von unten auf gedient." mean in German?
„Er hat von unten auf gedient." means "He has risen from the ranks.." Literally: "He has served from below up.."
Literal Translation
"He has served from below up."
English Equivalent
"He worked his way up from the bottom."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'von unten auf' = from the bottom up
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Er kommt gut an."
He is succeeding well.
„Das hat angeschlagen."
That proved effectual.
„Er bricht sich Bahn."
He is making his way.
„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.
