15초 만에
- Testing the waters to get information indirectly.
- Comes from hunters knocking on bushes to find hidden animals.
- Used for office gossip, social curiosity, or subtle investigation.
뜻
This phrase is used when you are trying to get information out of someone without asking them directly. It is like poking around a subject to see how they react or what they might reveal.
주요 예문
3 / 6Curious about a friend's secret crush
Ich werde mal bei ihm auf den Busch klopfen.
I'm going to probe him a little bit.
Asking about a potential job opening
Ich habe beim Chef auf den Busch geklopft, ob Stellen frei sind.
I sounded out the boss to see if there are any openings.
Texting a friend about party plans
Klopf doch mal bei Sarah auf den Busch wegen Freitag!
Why don't you sound Sarah out about Friday?
문화적 배경
The idiom reflects the deep historical roots of hunting in German culture, where specific roles like 'Treiber' (beaters) were essential. In German 'Mittelstand' (medium-sized companies), directness is valued, but 'auf den Busch klopfen' is the preferred way to handle sensitive internal politics. In Austria, the phrase is just as common, but the tone might be slightly more 'gemütlich' (cozy/relaxed). In Switzerland, people often prefer even more indirectness than in Germany, making this idiom a staple of social interaction.
Use 'mal'
Always add 'mal' (ich klopfe mal...) to sound more like a native speaker. It softens the statement.
Don't use with 'an'
If you say 'an den Busch klopfen', Germans will think you are literally standing next to a plant hitting it.
15초 만에
- Testing the waters to get information indirectly.
- Comes from hunters knocking on bushes to find hidden animals.
- Used for office gossip, social curiosity, or subtle investigation.
What It Means
Imagine you are hunting in the woods. You see a thick bush. You don't know if a rabbit is hiding inside. You take a stick and tap the branches. If something jumps out, you have your answer! In conversation, auf den Busch klopfen means you are testing the waters. You aren't being blunt. You are being a bit sneaky to see what someone knows. It is about gathering intel through hints.
How To Use It
To use this, you usually need the verb klopfen. You might say, "I'll just knock on the bush a bit." This tells your friend you are going to investigate. You don't ask "Did you get the job?" Instead, you say, "I heard the boss was looking at resumes today." You are waiting for them to spill the beans. It is a very active way of being passive.
When To Use It
Use this when you have a suspicion. Maybe you think your roommate is moving out. Perhaps you think a colleague is getting a promotion. It is perfect for office gossip or social detective work. Use it when a direct question feels too aggressive. It keeps the conversation light while you play detective. It is great for those "I'm just curious" moments.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in high-stakes legal situations. Don't use it if someone is grieving or in a crisis. In those cases, being indirect can feel manipulative or cold. If your boss asks for a direct report, don't "knock on the bush." Just give the facts. Also, avoid it if the person is known for being very literal. They might actually look for a wooden stick!
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from old hunting traditions. Hunters would beat bushes to startle animals into the open. It has been part of German imagery for centuries. It reflects a certain German trait: being observant. Germans value directness, but they also love a good strategy. It shows you are clever enough to get the truth indirectly. It is a classic "social chess" move.
Common Variations
Sometimes you will hear people say they want to vorfühlen. This means "to feel ahead" or probe. Another common one is jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen. That one is more like an interrogation. Auf den Busch klopfen remains the most visual. It sounds a bit more playful than a hard interrogation. It is the "soft" version of digging for secrets.
사용 참고사항
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is safe for the workplace and friends, but avoid it in very stiff, formal settings like a court of law or a funeral.
Use 'mal'
Always add 'mal' (ich klopfe mal...) to sound more like a native speaker. It softens the statement.
Don't use with 'an'
If you say 'an den Busch klopfen', Germans will think you are literally standing next to a plant hitting it.
Face Saving
Use this idiom when you want to give the other person an 'out' if they don't want to answer.
예시
6Ich werde mal bei ihm auf den Busch klopfen.
I'm going to probe him a little bit.
Using 'mal' makes it sound casual and low-pressure.
Ich habe beim Chef auf den Busch geklopft, ob Stellen frei sind.
I sounded out the boss to see if there are any openings.
A professional but indirect way to gather information.
Klopf doch mal bei Sarah auf den Busch wegen Freitag!
Why don't you sound Sarah out about Friday?
Imperative form used to encourage a friend to investigate.
Sie klopfen ständig auf den Busch, aber ich verrate nichts!
They keep fishing for info, but I'm not telling anything!
Shows the person knows they are being probed.
Die Mutter klopfte vorsichtig auf den Busch.
The mother cautiously probed for information.
Adding 'vorsichtig' (cautiously) changes the dynamic to be more gentle.
Wir sollten erst mal auf den Busch klopfen, bevor wir alles planen.
We should test the waters before we plan everything.
Used here as a strategic business move.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ich möchte nicht direkt fragen, also werde ich mal vorsichtig auf ___ ___ ___.
The correct form is 'auf' + accusative 'den Busch' + 'klopfen'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'auf den Busch klopfen'?
Situation: You want to know if your colleague is planning to leave the company.
This is an indirect way to probe for information, which is exactly what the idiom means.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the most accurate functional equivalents.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Weißt du, ob es Pizza gibt? B: Nein, aber ich ___ mal bei Mama ___ ___ ___.
B is saying they will probe/ask indirectly.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
German vs English 'Bush' Idioms
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Ich möchte nicht direkt fragen, also werde ich mal vorsichtig auf ___ ___ ___.
The correct form is 'auf' + accusative 'den Busch' + 'klopfen'.
Situation: You want to know if your colleague is planning to leave the company.
This is an indirect way to probe for information, which is exactly what the idiom means.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
These are the most accurate functional equivalents.
A: Weißt du, ob es Pizza gibt? B: Nein, aber ich ___ mal bei Mama ___ ___ ___.
B is saying they will probe/ask indirectly.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not at all. It's considered a smart and diplomatic way to communicate.
It's a bit too idiomatic for a very formal email. Use 'sondieren' or 'anfragen' instead.
The plural is {die|f} Büsche. But the idiom always uses the singular 'Busch'.
It is always 'auf den' (accusative) because you are directing your knock towards the bush.
No! 'Beating around the bush' means avoiding the topic. 'Auf den Busch klopfen' means trying to find out about the topic.
No, it's almost always used for people or organizations that hold information.
No, it's a regular weak verb: klopfte, geklopft.
No, that's not an idiom. People will be confused.
It's understood by young people but used more by adults (25+).
You can either give the info or stay vague if you want to keep your secret!
관련 표현
die Fühler ausstrecken
synonymTo put out feelers.
jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen
similarTo check someone out thoroughly.
mit der Tür ins Haus fallen
contrastTo be extremely direct/blunt.
um den heißen Brei herumreden
similarTo beat around the bush.
