B1 Informal Speech
„Er redet aus dem Stegreif."
He speaks off-hand.
What does „Er redet aus dem Stegreif." mean in German?
„Er redet aus dem Stegreif." means "He speaks off-hand.." Literally: "He speaks from the stirrup.."
Literal Translation
"He speaks from the stirrup."
Er He
redet speaks
aus from
dem the
Stegreif stirrup
English Equivalent
"He speaks off the cuff."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'aus dem Stegreif' = extemporaneously
When is this idiom used?
Informal
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Er redet aus dem Stegreif.
Related Idioms
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Unter anderem sagte er."
Among other things he said.
„Er drückt sich geläufig aus."
He has a ready flow of language.
„Was brummst du in den Bart?"
What are you muttering about?
„Er redet von der Leber weg."
He speaks bluntly.
„Er fragte von ungefähr."
He happened to ask.
