In 15 Seconds
- A very casual way to say you are starving.
- Combines 'Kohldampf' (hunger) with 'schieben' (to push).
- Best used with friends, family, or close colleagues.
Meaning
This is a colorful way to say you are absolutely starving. It implies your stomach is so empty it's practically growling for a heavy meal.
Key Examples
3 of 6After a long hike with friends
Ich schiebe totalen Kohldampf, lass uns endlich was essen!
I'm totally starving, let's finally eat something!
Texting a roommate about dinner
Bringst du Pizza mit? Ich schiebe ordentlich Kohldampf.
Are you bringing pizza? I'm really pushing some cabbage steam (starving).
A humorous complaint during a long movie
Wenn der Film nicht bald endet, schiebe ich hier noch Kohldampf bis zum Umfallen.
If the movie doesn't end soon, I'll be starving until I drop.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty) about physical needs. Saying you are starving isn't seen as complaining, but as a factual statement that leads to a solution (eating). In Berlin, this phrase is part of the 'Berliner Schnauze'—a direct, slightly rough but warm way of speaking. It fits the city's fast-paced, no-frills attitude. The Ruhrpott (industrial heartland) uses this phrase frequently. It reflects the working-class roots of the region where hearty meals after hard work are a tradition. Among university students, 'Kohldampf' is the standard state between lectures. It's often used to initiate a group trip to the 'Mensa' (cafeteria).
Use with 'voll'
Adding 'voll' (Ich schiebe voll Kohldampf) makes you sound very native and casual.
Watch the setting
Never use this in a job interview or a first date at a fancy restaurant unless you're making a joke.
In 15 Seconds
- A very casual way to say you are starving.
- Combines 'Kohldampf' (hunger) with 'schieben' (to push).
- Best used with friends, family, or close colleagues.
What It Means
Kohldampf schieben is a classic German idiom for being extremely hungry. It goes beyond a simple appetite. It suggests a deep, gnawing hunger that needs immediate attention. Think of it as the German equivalent of 'I'm famished' or 'I'm starving.'
How To Use It
You use the verb schieben (to push) just like any regular verb. It conjugates based on who is hungry. For example, ich schiebe, du schiebst, or wir schieben. The word Kohldampf stays exactly as it is. It functions as the object of your hunger. You can add echt (really) or total (totally) for extra drama. Your friends will definitely get the hint that it's time to eat.
When To Use It
Use this when you've skipped lunch and it's already 4 PM. It's perfect for casual hangouts with friends. Use it when you are hiking and finally reach the hut. It works great in text messages when deciding where to eat. It sounds very natural and 'real' to native speakers. It shows you aren't just reading from a textbook.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in high-stakes business meetings. Don't use it at a fancy gala dinner with the CEO. It is too casual for a first date at a Michelin-star restaurant. In those cases, stick to Ich habe Hunger. Also, don't use it if you just want a small snack. This phrase is reserved for big, 'feed me now' hunger.
Cultural Background
The phrase has roots in 'Rotwelsch,' an old secret thief's language. Kohl actually comes from Kores, meaning hunger. Dampf refers to breath or steam. Over time, it morphed into the cabbage-related imagery we have today. Germans love their hearty meals, so having a specific phrase for 'starving' is essential. It reflects a culture that takes its meal times very seriously.
Common Variations
You can simply say Ich habe Kohldampf (I have cabbage steam). This is slightly shorter but means the same thing. Some people might just shout Kohldampf! when the pizza arrives. You might also hear einen Bärenhunger haben (to have a bear's hunger). However, schieben adds a certain rhythmic, cool flair to the statement.
Usage Notes
This is a quintessential 'A2/B1' level phrase that bridges the gap between classroom German and real-life German. Use it to show you understand slang, but keep it away from your boss.
Use with 'voll'
Adding 'voll' (Ich schiebe voll Kohldampf) makes you sound very native and casual.
Watch the setting
Never use this in a job interview or a first date at a fancy restaurant unless you're making a joke.
The 'einen' trick
If you use an adjective, remember to use 'einen': 'Ich schiebe einen riesigen Kohldampf'.
Examples
6Ich schiebe totalen Kohldampf, lass uns endlich was essen!
I'm totally starving, let's finally eat something!
The word 'totalen' adds emphasis to the level of hunger.
Bringst du Pizza mit? Ich schiebe ordentlich Kohldampf.
Are you bringing pizza? I'm really pushing some cabbage steam (starving).
'Ordentlich' here acts as an intensifier.
Wenn der Film nicht bald endet, schiebe ich hier noch Kohldampf bis zum Umfallen.
If the movie doesn't end soon, I'll be starving until I drop.
Hyperbole is common with this idiom.
Endlich Pause! Ich schiebe schon seit zwei Stunden Kohldampf.
Finally a break! I've been starving for two hours already.
Safe for work if the environment is relaxed.
Entschuldigung, aber ich schiebe gerade echt Kohldampf, darf ich zuerst bestellen?
Sorry, but I'm really starving right now, may I order first?
Using an informal phrase while asking for a favor creates a relatable vibe.
Mama, wann gibt's Essen? Ich schiebe Kohldampf!
Mom, when is dinner? I'm starving!
Very common in family settings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'schieben'.
Gestern haben wir nach der Arbeit totalen Kohldampf ______.
The sentence is in the Perfekt tense (haben + Partizip II). The Partizip II of 'schieben' is 'geschoben'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a casual lunch with friends?
How would you say you're starving?
'Ich schiebe voll Kohldampf!' is the perfect informal idiom for this situation.
Match the German idiom to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Kohldampf schieben is the most idiomatic way to say you are starving.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Willst du noch ein Stück Pizza?' B: 'Ja, unbedingt! Ich ______.'
The present tense 'schiebe totalen Kohldampf' fits the context of being hungry right now.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern haben wir nach der Arbeit totalen Kohldampf ______.
The sentence is in the Perfekt tense (haben + Partizip II). The Partizip II of 'schieben' is 'geschoben'.
How would you say you're starving?
'Ich schiebe voll Kohldampf!' is the perfect informal idiom for this situation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Kohldampf schieben is the most idiomatic way to say you are starving.
A: 'Willst du noch ein Stück Pizza?' B: 'Ja, unbedingt! Ich ______.'
The present tense 'schiebe totalen Kohldampf' fits the context of being hungry right now.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's a purely idiomatic term for hunger. You can't eat 'Kohldampf'.
Yes, it's understood, but 'schieben' is much more idiomatic and common.
It's not rude, but it's very informal. It's like saying 'I'm starving' instead of 'I'm hungry'.
Yes, unlike 'Hunger' which can be for 'success' or 'knowledge', Kohldampf is only for physical food.
It doesn't have a plural form. It's an uncountable noun.
Yes: 'Ich habe Kohldampf geschoben'.
It's used all over Germany, but it's particularly popular in Berlin and the North.
It comes from old thief slang where 'schieben' was used for many states of being.
Yes, kids use it all the time with their parents.
The formal equivalent is 'Ich habe großen Hunger' or 'Ich bin sehr hungrig'.
Related Phrases
Bärenhunger haben
similarTo have a bear's hunger
Hungerast
specialized formSudden energy crash
Satt sein
contrastTo be full
Heißhunger
similarFood cravings
Magenknurren
builds onStomach growling
