Meaning
To reject a romantic advance or proposal from someone.
Cultural Background
In German student fraternities (Burschenschaften) of the 19th century, 'einen Korb geben' was also used when a challenge to a duel was rejected. In rural Austria, the tradition of 'Fensterln' (climbing to a window) still exists as a folk custom, making the 'Korb' metaphor very vivid. Swiss German speakers use the idiom similarly, though they might use the word 'Chorb' in dialect. With the rise of apps, 'einen Korb geben' is now often contrasted with 'Ghosting'. A 'Korb' is seen as more honest but harder to do.
Use the Dative!
Always remember: 'jemandem' (Dative). If you say 'jemanden' (Accusative), it sounds like you are physically handing the person to a basket.
Not for Jobs
If you use this in a job interview context, you will sound unprofessional. Stick to 'Absage'.
Meaning
To reject a romantic advance or proposal from someone.
Use the Dative!
Always remember: 'jemandem' (Dative). If you say 'jemanden' (Accusative), it sounds like you are physically handing the person to a basket.
Not for Jobs
If you use this in a job interview context, you will sound unprofessional. Stick to 'Absage'.
Directness is Key
In Germany, giving a 'Korb' is often seen as more respectful than being vague.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the person (Dative).
Ich mag Thomas nicht. Gestern habe ich ___ einen Korb gegeben.
The idiom 'einen Korb geben' requires the dative case for the person being rejected.
Which sentence is correct for a romantic context?
Wie sagt man, dass man ein Date abgelehnt hat?
The fixed idiom is 'einen Korb geben'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: A company says 'No' to your job application.
Professional rejections use 'Absage', not 'Korb'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hat sie Ja gesagt?' B: 'Nein, leider hat sie mir ___.'
The standard phrase for rejection is 'einen Korb geben'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch mag Thomas nicht. Gestern habe ich ___ einen Korb gegeben.
The idiom 'einen Korb geben' requires the dative case for the person being rejected.
Wie sagt man, dass man ein Date abgelehnt hat?
The fixed idiom is 'einen Korb geben'.
Situation: A company says 'No' to your job application.
Professional rejections use 'Absage', not 'Korb'.
A: 'Hat sie Ja gesagt?' B: 'Nein, leider hat sie mir ___.'
The standard phrase for rejection is 'einen Korb geben'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is very common to say 'Sie hat seinem Antrag einen Korb gegeben.'
You wouldn't usually say it *to* the person's face in those exact words. You would say 'Nein danke', and then tell your friends 'Ich habe ihm einen Korb gegeben.'
The plural is 'Körbe'. You can say 'Er hat schon viele Körbe bekommen.'
Usually no. It is almost exclusively for romantic or sexual rejection.
There isn't a direct single idiom, but you could say 'Ja sagen' or 'jemanden erhören' (old-fashioned).
Related Phrases
jemanden abblitzen lassen
synonymTo reject someone quickly and coldly.
eine Abfuhr erteilen
similarTo give a formal rejection.
jemanden versetzen
relatedTo stand someone up on a date.
einen Korb bekommen
builds onTo be the one who is rejected.
