Meaning
To have something successfully completed or secured.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'in trockenen Tüchern' is often the signal to start celebrating. Before this, Germans tend to be very cautious and won't claim success. German sports commentators use this constantly. It's part of the standard vocabulary for describing a game that is decided before the final whistle. The phrase is also common in Switzerland, though they might use different local synonyms like 'im Chaste' (in the box). Austrians use this idiom frequently in political contexts, especially during coalition negotiations.
The 'N' Rule
Always remember the 'n' at the end of 'Tüchern'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Wait for the Ink
Only use this when you are 100% sure. Germans value accuracy over optimism.
Meaning
To have something successfully completed or secured.
The 'N' Rule
Always remember the 'n' at the end of 'Tüchern'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Wait for the Ink
Only use this when you are 100% sure. Germans value accuracy over optimism.
Not for Laundry
If you say this while doing laundry, people will think you are making a joke.
Use with 'haben' or 'sein'
Both are correct. 'Haben' is active, 'sein' is passive.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words in the correct case.
Wir haben den Vertrag endlich in _________ _________.
The phrase always uses the dative plural: 'trockenen Tüchern'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Wann sagt man: 'Das ist in trockenen Tüchern'?
The idiom is used for completed and secured successes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du die Zusage für die Wohnung? B: Ja! ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.
This is the standard way to express that the apartment is secured.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'In trockenen Tüchern' with its synonym.
Both mean that something is successfully finalized.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dry vs. Wet Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWir haben den Vertrag endlich in _________ _________.
The phrase always uses the dative plural: 'trockenen Tüchern'.
Wann sagt man: 'Das ist in trockenen Tüchern'?
The idiom is used for completed and secured successes.
A: Hast du die Zusage für die Wohnung? B: Ja! ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.
This is the standard way to express that the apartment is secured.
Match 'In trockenen Tüchern' with its synonym.
Both mean that something is successfully finalized.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. It's for things that involve a bit of risk or negotiation, like an exam or a deal.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The singular is {das|n} Tuch, but the idiom is always plural.
Because wetness represented danger and cold for newborns in the past.
Both are equally good. 'Trockene Tücher' is slightly more common in news headlines.
No, 'Handtücher' (towels) is not used in this idiom.
Yes, almost exactly the same.
Yes: 'Wir hatten es in trockenen Tüchern.'
Yes, it's standard German used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
People will still understand you, but it will sound grammatically incorrect.
Related Phrases
Unter Dach und Fach
synonymTo have something finalized.
In Sack und Tüten
similarEverything is ready and packed.
Den Sack zumachen
builds onTo finalize the deal.
Auf Nummer sicher gehen
similarTo play it safe.
Alles im grünen Bereich
similarEverything is okay/on track.
