What Do Germans Say Instead of Fingers Crossed? Learn the Meaning!

Discover how Germans express hope with 'Daumen drücken' instead of crossing fingers. A unique cultural gesture explained!

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Germans say 'Daumen drücken' which means 'pressing the thumbs'. They believe pressing and holding their thumbs is a sign of hoping that something will go well. The phrase is commonly accompanied by a gesture of curling the thumb inside the fist. So next time you need to wish someone good luck in Germany, try pressing your thumbs!

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does 'Daumen drücken' mean? 'Daumen drücken' translates to 'pressing the thumbs' in English and is a common way for Germans to express hope for good luck.
  2. Is there a specific gesture associated with 'Daumen drücken'? Yes, the gesture involves curling the thumb inside the fist, which complements the phrase and enhances the expression of good luck.
  3. How do Germans use 'Daumen drücken' in conversation? Germans often use 'Daumen drücken' in everyday conversation when wishing someone good luck or expressing hope for a positive outcome.
  4. Are there similar phrases in other cultures? Yes, many cultures have their own ways to wish someone good luck, such as crossing fingers in English-speaking countries or throwing salt over the shoulder.