Significado
To postpone or temporarily suspend a plan or project.
Contexto cultural
In German companies, 'auf Eis legen' is a very common and accepted way to communicate that a project is not a priority. It is seen as professional and decisive rather than a failure. In Austria, the phrase is used identically, but you might also hear 'etwas schubladisieren' (to put in a drawer), which is slightly more bureaucratic. Swiss speakers use 'auf Eis legen' frequently in political contexts, especially regarding referendums or long-term infrastructure projects. German news (like Tagesschau) uses this idiom constantly to describe international relations or stalled legislation.
Use it in the Passive
If you want to sound like a native professional, use the passive: '{Das|n} Thema wurde auf Eis gelegt.' It sounds very objective.
Don't use with people
Never say 'Ich lege dich auf Eis' to a person. It sounds like a threat or a very cold breakup.
Significado
To postpone or temporarily suspend a plan or project.
Use it in the Passive
If you want to sound like a native professional, use the passive: '{Das|n} Thema wurde auf Eis gelegt.' It sounds very objective.
Don't use with people
Never say 'Ich lege dich auf Eis' to a person. It sounds like a threat or a very cold breakup.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Wir haben {das|n} Projekt wegen Geldmangel auf Eis ______.
The past participle of 'legen' is 'gelegt'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am pausing my plans'?
The idiom always uses 'auf Eis legen'.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A company has no more money for a new office.
'Auf Eis legen' is the correct idiom for pausing a plan.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosWir haben {das|n} Projekt wegen Geldmangel auf Eis ______.
The past participle of 'legen' is 'gelegt'.
How do you say 'I am pausing my plans'?
The idiom always uses 'auf Eis legen'.
Situation: A company has no more money for a new office.
'Auf Eis legen' is the correct idiom for pausing a plan.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
2 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it in a business email or with your friends.
No, that is grammatically incorrect for the idiom. Always use 'auf'.
Frases relacionadas
Auf die lange Bank schieben
similarTo delay something for a long time.
Ad acta legen
specialized formTo file something away as finished.
Abwarten und Tee trinken
builds onWait and see.
