jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren
To flatter someone
Literally: to smear honey around someone's mouth
In 15 Seconds
- Flattering someone to get something.
- Implies insincere compliments.
- Like 'buttering someone up'.
- Use in casual conversation.
Meaning
This German idiom, `jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren`, is all about sweet-talking someone to get what you want. It’s like you’re spreading honey around their mouth, making them feel super good with compliments and flattery. But watch out, it often implies the niceness isn't genuine and has a hidden agenda!
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a colleague
Ich glaube, mein Kollege versucht nur, mir `Honig ums Maul zu schmieren`, damit ich seine Arbeit übernehme.
I think my colleague is just trying to butter me up so I take over his work.
At a casual dinner with friends
Er hat ihr den ganzen Abend Komplimente gemacht. Das war doch reines `jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren`!
He paid her compliments all evening. That was pure flattery to get something!
Job interview follow-up email
Ich möchte mich nochmals für das Gespräch bedanken und betonen, wie sehr mich die Stelle reizt.
I would like to thank you again for the interview and emphasize how much the position appeals to me.
Cultural Background
In Germany, directness is a sign of respect. If you use too much 'honey,' people might think you are 'falsch' (fake) or 'hinterhältig' (sneaky). In Austria, especially in Vienna, social interactions can be a bit more 'charming' and indirect compared to Northern Germany. However, the idiom still carries a warning against insincerity. Swiss German speakers use this idiom too, often in the context of business negotiations where politeness is high but motives are clear. Bavarians might use 'Maul' more frequently in daily speech, so the idiom feels very natural and slightly less 'rude' than in the North, though the meaning remains the same.
Watch the Dative!
Always remember: 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm', 'ihr', 'uns', 'euch', 'ihnen'. If you use 'mich' or 'dich', Germans will still understand you, but it will sound very 'foreign'.
Maul vs. Mund
Using 'Maul' for a human mouth is usually an insult. In this idiom, it's okay because it's a fixed expression, but don't use 'Maul' in other contexts unless you want to be rude!
In 15 Seconds
- Flattering someone to get something.
- Implies insincere compliments.
- Like 'buttering someone up'.
- Use in casual conversation.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for describing insincere flattery. You're not just being nice; you're actively trying to butter someone up. Think of it as a strategic compliment campaign. The goal is to make someone feel so good they'll grant your request. It carries a slightly negative vibe. You're implying the person being flattered is being manipulated. It's like a sweet trap made of words. Don't expect genuine affection here. It's all about the payoff.
Origin Story
The imagery is pretty straightforward, right? Honey is sweet and sticky. Smearing it around someone's mouth makes them want to lick it off. Historically, people have always used sweet words to influence others. This phrase likely comes from folk wisdom. It captures the idea of making something unpleasant or difficult seem appealing. Imagine trying to get a bear out of hibernation. You wouldn't yell; you'd offer something sweet! Maybe it’s a metaphor for tempting someone. It taps into our primal desire for sweetness. It's a very old, very human tactic. The Victorians might have loved this one. Or maybe it’s even older, from medieval times. We love a good sticky metaphor!
How To Use It
Use it when someone is being overly complimentary. Especially if they want something from you. You can use it to describe someone else's actions. Or you can use it to explain your own suspicions. 'I think he's just jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren.' It's perfect for gossip sessions. Or for analyzing workplace dynamics. You can even use it self-deprecatingly. 'Okay, I'm Honig ums Maul schmieren a bit here.' But be careful with tone. You don't want to sound too accusatory. Unless you really mean it, of course!
Real-Life Examples
- At work: Your boss praises your 'innovative' idea. But you suspect they just want you to work overtime. You might think, 'Is she just
jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren?' - Family gatherings: Your aunt lavishes you with compliments. Then asks to borrow money. Classic
Honig ums Maul schmieren! - Online dating: Someone sends you a long, flowery message. Then asks for your personal details. Red flag, right?
- Friend drama: Your friend tells you how amazing you are. Then asks you to do a huge favor. You might roll your eyes.
When To Use It
Use it when you detect insincerity. When compliments feel too good to be true. When someone's niceness has a clear motive. Especially if that motive is selfish. It's great for informal chats. With friends who understand German idioms. It adds a bit of spice to your language. It shows you understand subtle social cues. It works well in situations involving persuasion. Or when someone is trying to gain favor. Think political speeches or sales pitches. But with a critical eye!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in formal settings. Like a job interview or official meeting. It sounds too colloquial and critical. Don't use it for genuine compliments. If someone is truly kind, don't insult them. It might offend them deeply. Never use it when you want to be polite. It implies deception and manipulation. This phrase is not for praising good deeds. It's for calling out fake niceness. So, no praising your grandma's cookies with this!
Common Mistakes
jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren.' (Incorrect literal translation)
jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren.' (Confusing literal action with idiom)
schmieren Honig.'
✓'Ich schmiere ihm Honig ums Maul.' (Missing the object 'ihm' and the full idiom)
Similar Expressions
Jemandem den Hof machen: To court someone, often with compliments. Similar, but can be more romantic.Jemandem Sand in die Augen streuen: To deceive someone, throw sand in their eyes. More about outright lying.Jemandem nach dem Mund reden: To tell someone what they want to hear. Very close synonym, focuses on agreement.Buttering someone up(English): The direct English equivalent. Sweet words for a purpose.
Memory Trick
Picture someone with a giant, sticky lollipop. They're offering it to a grumpy bear. The lollipop is the honey. The bear's mouth is where the honey goes. The bear looks suspicious. Is the lollipop worth the sticky paws? That's the vibe! Sweet, tempting, but maybe a trap.
Quick FAQ
- Is it always negative? Mostly, yes. It implies insincerity.
- Can I use it about myself? Yes, humorously. 'I'm
Honig ums Maul schmieren.' - What's the English equivalent? 'To butter someone up.'
- Does it mean literally smearing honey? No, it's figurative language.
- Is it rude? It can be, depending on context and tone.
Usage Notes
This is a distinctly informal idiom, best used in casual conversations among friends or when discussing relatable social dynamics. Avoid it in professional or formal settings, where it would sound out of place and potentially rude. The phrase implies a critical observation of someone's insincere flattery.
Watch the Dative!
Always remember: 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm', 'ihr', 'uns', 'euch', 'ihnen'. If you use 'mich' or 'dich', Germans will still understand you, but it will sound very 'foreign'.
Maul vs. Mund
Using 'Maul' for a human mouth is usually an insult. In this idiom, it's okay because it's a fixed expression, but don't use 'Maul' in other contexts unless you want to be rude!
The 'Ehrlichkeit' Factor
If you want to compliment a German genuinely, be specific. Instead of 'honey,' give a concrete reason why you like their work.
Examples
12Ich glaube, mein Kollege versucht nur, mir `Honig ums Maul zu schmieren`, damit ich seine Arbeit übernehme.
I think my colleague is just trying to butter me up so I take over his work.
The friend suspects the colleague's niceness has a hidden motive.
Er hat ihr den ganzen Abend Komplimente gemacht. Das war doch reines `jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren`!
He paid her compliments all evening. That was pure flattery to get something!
Observing someone else's behavior and labeling it as insincere flattery.
Ich möchte mich nochmals für das Gespräch bedanken und betonen, wie sehr mich die Stelle reizt.
I would like to thank you again for the interview and emphasize how much the position appeals to me.
This is a professional context, so direct flattery like `Honig ums Maul schmieren` would be inappropriate. This example shows a polite, professional alternative.
Manche Leute sind wie Honig... süß, aber klebrig und man weiß nie, was dahinter steckt. #FakeFriends
Some people are like honey... sweet, but sticky and you never know what's behind it. #FakeFriends
A metaphorical use, hinting at the idiom's meaning without stating it directly, suitable for social media.
Wow, das war ja mal `Honig ums Maul schmieren` vom Feinsten!
Wow, that was top-notch buttering up!
Used humorously to describe an over-the-top, likely insincere compliment.
Der Politiker hat den Wählern viel `Honig ums Maul geschmiert`, aber seine Versprechen sind leer.
The politician schmeared a lot of honey around the voters' mouths, but his promises are empty.
Criticizing insincere promises made for political gain.
Sie hat mir tausend Komplimente gemacht, aber ich spüre, sie will nur, dass ich ihr helfe. Sie schmiert mir `Honig ums Maul`.
She gave me a thousand compliments, but I feel she just wants me to help her. She's buttering me up.
Expressing suspicion about the motive behind excessive compliments.
✗ Er schmiert mir Honig auf den Mund. → ✓ Er schmiert mir `Honig ums Maul`.
✗ He smears honey on my mouth. → ✓ He is buttering me up.
Learners often translate literally. The idiom requires the specific phrasing `ums Maul`.
✗ Sie hat mir Honig ins Ohr gesagt. → ✓ Sie hat mir `Honig ums Maul geschmiert`.
✗ She told me honey in my ear. → ✓ She was flattering me.
Confusing this idiom with others, or using a non-standard variation.
Be careful, guys! This guy tried to `schmier Honig ums Maul` bei mir, offering a 'special deal'.
Be careful, guys! This guy tried to butter me up, offering a 'special deal'.
Using the phrase in a vlog to warn viewers about a scam.
Vielen Dank für deine Hilfe, das war wirklich nett von dir!
Thank you very much for your help, that was really kind of you!
This shows genuine appreciation. Using `Honig ums Maul schmieren` here would be inappropriate and insulting.
Okay, ich muss zugeben, ich `schmiere ihm gerade Honig ums Maul`, weil ich den Job brauche.
Okay, I have to admit, I'm buttering him up right now because I need the job.
Acknowledging the act of flattery, often with a touch of humor or resignation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Er schmiert ______ Chef Honig ______ Maul.
The person (Chef) must be in Dative (seinem), and the preposition is 'ums' (um das).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'jemandem Honig ums Maul schmieren'?
A person is...
This involves insincere flattery with a hidden motive.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Du bist so ein Genie! Kannst du mir bei der Mathe-Aufgabe helfen?' B: 'Hör auf, mir ______!'
This is the standard idiomatic response to reject flattery.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are related terms with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEr schmiert ______ Chef Honig ______ Maul.
The person (Chef) must be in Dative (seinem), and the preposition is 'ums' (um das).
A person is...
This involves insincere flattery with a hidden motive.
A: 'Du bist so ein Genie! Kannst du mir bei der Mathe-Aufgabe helfen?' B: 'Hör auf, mir ______!'
This is the standard idiomatic response to reject flattery.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are related terms with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'curse-word' rude, but it is very informal and implies the other person is being dishonest. Use it with friends or colleagues you are close to.
Only if you are joking! If you are serious, use 'Süßholz raspeln' or just give a real compliment. 'Honig ums Maul schmieren' sounds like you have a bad motive.
'Schmeicheln' is the neutral verb for 'to flatter.' 'Honig ums Maul schmieren' is the colorful, idiomatic way to say it, usually with a more negative tone.
Historically, it refers to animals (bears). Using 'Maul' for humans in German idioms often adds a layer of 'base' or 'animalistic' behavior, emphasizing the lack of sophisticated honesty.
Not really. This idiom is almost always used to point out insincerity. If you want to be positive, just say 'jemandem ein schönes Kompliment machen'.
Yes! 'Er hat mir Honig ums Maul geschmiert.' It's very common to use it in the Perfekt tense when complaining about someone later.
Yes, it's a classic that hasn't gone out of style. However, younger people might also use English terms like 'simp' or 'brown-nosing' in Denglisch contexts.
Yes, very often behind people's backs to describe a coworker who is trying too hard to please the boss.
No, that's not a standard idiom. It must be 'ums Maul'.
Then you would say: 'Ich habe Honig am Mund.' (Use 'Mund' here because you are a human!)
Related Phrases
Süßholz raspeln
similarTo talk sweet/flirt.
jemandem um den Bart gehen
synonymTo flatter someone.
Arschkriechen
specialized formBrown-nosing / kissing up.
jemandem den Hof machen
contrastTo court someone.
