B1 Colloquial Prudence

„Ich strecke mich nach der Decke."

I cut my coat according to my cloth.

Ich strecke mich nach der Decke. — German idiom meaning: I cut my coat according to my cloth. (B1)
Ich strecke mich nach der Decke. — German idiom reference | DeuTale

What does „Ich strecke mich nach der Decke." mean in German?

„Ich strecke mich nach der Decke." means "I cut my coat according to my cloth.." Literally: "I stretch myself according to the blanket.."

Literal Translation

"I stretch myself according to the blanket."

Ich I
strecke stretch
mich myself
nach according
der to
Decke the

English Equivalent

"I live within my means."

This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.

Grammar Notes

Proverb about living within means

When is this idiom used?

Colloquial

This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.

Related Words

Quick Quiz — Test Yourself

Test your knowledge of Ich strecke mich nach der Decke.

Related Idioms

Explore More