B1 Formal Sequence

„Sie kamen einer um den anderen."

They came one after another.

Sie kamen einer um den anderen. — German idiom meaning: They came one after another. (B1)
Sie kamen einer um den anderen. — German idiom reference | DeuTale

What does „Sie kamen einer um den anderen." mean in German?

„Sie kamen einer um den anderen." means "They came one after another.." Literally: "They came one around the other.."

Literal Translation

"They came one around the other."

Sie They
kamen came
einer one
um around
den the
anderen other

English Equivalent

"They came one by one."

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

Grammar Notes

Reciprocal construction

When is this idiom used?

Formal

This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.

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