„Von klein auf war er kränklich."
He was sickly from childhood.
What does „Von klein auf war er kränklich." mean in German?
„Von klein auf war er kränklich." means "He was sickly from childhood.." Literally: "From small on he was sickly.."
Literal Translation
"From small on he was sickly."
English Equivalent
"He's been sickly since childhood."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'von klein auf' = from childhood
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
„Der Arzt hat ihn wieder auf den Damm gebracht."
The physician has set him on his feet again.
„Er hat es im Magen."
My stomach is out of order.
„Er leidet an den Nerven."
He has a nervous complaint.
„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.
