Signification
To initiate a process or project, setting it in motion.
Contexte culturel
In German companies, 'etwas ins Rollen bringen' is often the result of a long 'Planungsphase'. Once a decision is made, the execution is expected to be swift and efficient. In Switzerland, you might hear 'etwas asloufe la' (etwas anlaufen lassen), which is similar but implies letting something start running like a machine. Austrians might use 'etwas ins Gehen bringen' (to bring something into walking), though 'ins Rollen bringen' is perfectly understood and used in formal contexts. Journalists love this phrase for political scandals. It suggests that one small event (like a leak) will inevitably lead to a huge consequence.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ich habe ein neues System ins Rollen gebracht' sounds much more impressive than just saying 'Ich habe ein System gestartet'.
Capitalization
Always capitalize 'Rollen' because it is a noun in this phrase.
Signification
To initiate a process or project, setting it in motion.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ich habe ein neues System ins Rollen gebracht' sounds much more impressive than just saying 'Ich habe ein System gestartet'.
Capitalization
Always capitalize 'Rollen' because it is a noun in this phrase.
The 'Stone' Variation
Use 'Einen Stein ins Rollen bringen' if the thing you are starting is very big or difficult.
Combine with 'endlich'
Germans often use 'endlich' (finally) with this phrase to express relief that something is starting.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Wir müssen die Verhandlungen endlich ___ ______ bringen.
'ins Rollen' is the fixed prepositional phrase used in this idiom.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in the past tense?
Yesterday, she set the project in motion.
The perfect tense uses 'haben' + 'gebracht'.
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
Situation: You are at a boring party and want people to start dancing.
Using the idiom for a social situation like a party implies starting the 'momentum' of fun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Warum passiert hier nichts? B: Keine Sorge, ich habe die E-Mails schon verschickt, um ___ _____ ___ ______ _______.
In a subordinate clause with 'um...zu', the 'zu' comes before the verb 'bringen'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWir müssen die Verhandlungen endlich ___ ______ bringen.
'ins Rollen' is the fixed prepositional phrase used in this idiom.
Yesterday, she set the project in motion.
The perfect tense uses 'haben' + 'gebracht'.
Situation: You are at a boring party and want people to start dancing.
Using the idiom for a social situation like a party implies starting the 'momentum' of fun.
A: Warum passiert hier nichts? B: Keine Sorge, ich habe die E-Mails schon verschickt, um ___ _____ ___ ______ _______.
In a subordinate clause with 'um...zu', the 'zu' comes before the verb 'bringen'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt is always 'ins Rollen' because you are bringing something *into* a state of rolling (accusative/direction).
Yes! You can bring a scandal or a fight 'ins Rollen'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Starten' is a simple verb. 'Ins Rollen bringen' implies that the start will lead to more things happening automatically.
Usually no. It is used for external projects or processes, not for personal physical movement.
The article is hidden inside 'ins' (in + das). So yes, the article is required.
Yes: 'Ich brachte es ins Rollen' or 'Ich habe es ins Rollen gebracht'.
They are both very common. 'Stein' is more metaphorical and dramatic.
Only if the car is literally rolling (like down a hill without the engine). Otherwise, use 'starten'.
This is exactly the phrase you use: 'Etwas ins Rollen bringen'.
It is a nominalized verb, which means it functions as a noun.
Yes, 'ein Gespräch ins Rollen bringen' is a very common way to say 'start a conversation'.
There isn't one direct idiom, but you could say 'etwas zum Stillstand bringen' (to bring something to a standstill).
Yes, it is standard German and understood in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Expressions liées
Etwas in Gang setzen
synonymTo set something in motion/gear
Den Anstoß geben
similarTo give the initial push
Etwas anleiern
informalTo crank something up
Etwas lostreten
specialized formTo kick something off (often negative)
In Schwung kommen
builds onTo get into the swing of things
Einen Stein ins Rollen bringen
synonymTo set a stone rolling
