B1 Informal Composure
„Er nahm sich zusammen."
He pulled himself together.
What does „Er nahm sich zusammen." mean in German?
„Er nahm sich zusammen." means "He pulled himself together.." Literally: "He took himself together.."
Literal Translation
"He took himself together."
Er He
nahm took
sich himself
zusammen together
English Equivalent
"He pulled himself together."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Reflexive; separable verb; strong verb (nahm)
When is this idiom used?
Informal
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
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Compose yourself.
„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.
