Daumen drücken
To keep fingers crossed
Literalmente: Daumen (thumbs) + drücken (to press/squeeze)
Use `Daumen drücken` to wish someone luck for exams, interviews, or exciting new adventures.
Em 15 segundos
- The German version of 'crossing your fingers' for good luck.
- Physically involves tucking your thumb inside your fist.
- Used for exams, interviews, or any upcoming stressful event.
Significado
This is the German way of wishing someone good luck. Instead of crossing your fingers, you tuck your thumb inside your fist and press down on it.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6A friend is about to take a difficult exam
Viel Glück bei der Prüfung, ich drücke dir die Daumen!
Good luck with the exam, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Texting a partner before their job interview
Du schaffst das! Daumen sind gedrückt! ✊
You can do it! Thumbs are pressed!
Asking a colleague for support before a presentation
Morgen habe ich die Präsentation. Drückt mir die Daumen!
I have the presentation tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Contexto cultural
The gesture of 'pressing the thumbs' likely dates back to ancient times when the thumb was considered a symbol of power or a 'lucky' finger. In Germany, crossing your fingers (the English way) is actually sometimes seen as a sign of lying, so stick to the thumbs! It is a deeply ingrained physical habit for many Germans during stressful moments.
The Physical Gesture
When you say this, actually make a fist with your thumb inside. It makes the sentiment feel more genuine to Germans!
Don't Cross Fingers
In Germany, crossing your fingers behind your back can mean you are lying. Stick to the thumbs for luck!
Em 15 segundos
- The German version of 'crossing your fingers' for good luck.
- Physically involves tucking your thumb inside your fist.
- Used for exams, interviews, or any upcoming stressful event.
What It Means
In Germany, you don't cross your fingers. You squeeze your thumbs instead. It is the ultimate gesture of support. When you say Ich drücke dir die Daumen, you are telling someone you hope they succeed. It is like sending them a little burst of positive energy. You are mentally (and often physically) holding your thumbs for them.
How To Use It
The phrase is very flexible. You can use it as a verb. For example: Ich drücke die Daumen. You can also tell someone to do it for you. You might say Drück mir die Daumen! before a big event. It works in almost any tense. However, it is most common in the present tense. It shows you are doing it right now.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a friend has a challenge. Maybe they have a job interview. Perhaps they are taking a driving test. It is perfect for texting. You can even send the thumb emoji. It works at work too. If a colleague has a big presentation, it shows you are on their team. It is a warm, supportive thing to say.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that already happened. It is for future luck only. Also, don't use it for very tragic situations. If someone is grieving, Daumen drücken feels too light. It is for challenges and goals, not for deep sorrow. Avoid using it in extremely stiff, legal documents. It is friendly, not clinical. Finally, don't actually cross your fingers while saying it. That might confuse your German friends!
Cultural Background
This tradition is ancient. Some say it comes from old Germanic beliefs. The thumb was seen as a lucky finger with supernatural power. By 'locking' the thumb in your hand, you were trapping the luck. Another theory points to Roman gladiators. Today, it is just a standard part of German life. Every German child learns to squeeze their thumbs for luck. It is as common as saying 'hello'.
Common Variations
You can add ganz fest to make it stronger. Ich drücke dir ganz fest die Daumen! This means you are squeezing really hard. It shows extra support. Sometimes people just say Daumen sind gedrückt. This means 'thumbs are pressed'. It is a quick way to say 'I'm rooting for you'. You might see this often in WhatsApp chats.
Notas de uso
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you use the correct dative pronoun (dir/Ihnen/euch) depending on who you are talking to.
The Physical Gesture
When you say this, actually make a fist with your thumb inside. It makes the sentiment feel more genuine to Germans!
Don't Cross Fingers
In Germany, crossing your fingers behind your back can mean you are lying. Stick to the thumbs for luck!
Make it Stronger
Add the word 'fest' (hard/firmly) to show you really care. 'Ich drücke ganz fest die Daumen!'
Exemplos
6Viel Glück bei der Prüfung, ich drücke dir die Daumen!
Good luck with the exam, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!
A very standard, supportive use between friends.
Du schaffst das! Daumen sind gedrückt! ✊
You can do it! Thumbs are pressed!
Shortened version common in digital communication.
Morgen habe ich die Präsentation. Drückt mir die Daumen!
I have the presentation tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Using the imperative to ask for support from a group.
Ich drücke die Daumen, dass der Bus pünktlich kommt!
I'm crossing my fingers that the bus arrives on time!
Using the phrase for a trivial everyday struggle.
Ich drücke dir ganz fest die Daumen für dein Date heute Abend.
I'm pressing my thumbs really hard for your date tonight.
Adding 'ganz fest' adds emotional weight and warmth.
Wir müssen alle die Daumen drücken, damit Deutschland gewinnt.
We all have to press our thumbs so that Germany wins.
Used in a collective sense for sports fans.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'drücken'.
Ich ___ dir für dein Vorstellungsgespräch die Daumen!
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb 'drücken' must be conjugated to 'drücke'.
Which body part do Germans 'press' for luck?
Viel Glück! Ich drücke die ___.
In German culture, you press the 'Daumen' (thumbs), not the fingers or hands.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Daumen drücken'
Texting friends or family
Daumen sind gedrückt!
Talking to colleagues or acquaintances
Ich drücke Ihnen die Daumen.
Professional emails or speeches
Wir drücken Ihnen fest die Daumen.
When to Press Your Thumbs
Exam Day
Before a math test
Job Search
During an interview
Sports
Watching your team play
First Date
Wishing a friend luck
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is the exact functional equivalent. While the body part is different, the intention of wishing luck is identical.
Yes, it is perfectly fine in a professional setting. Just use the formal 'Ihnen' instead of 'dir', like Ich drücke Ihnen die Daumen.
You can say Ich habe die Daumen gedrückt to show you were rooting for them earlier. It is a nice way to follow up after an event.
Most people just write Daumen sind gedrückt! or use the ✊ emoji. It is quick and very common.
It's a cultural tradition likely linked to the thumb being seen as a 'master' finger with special powers in ancient times.
Usually, you just say die Daumen. Adding 'meine' (my) is grammatically okay but sounds a bit redundant to native speakers.
Absolutely. You can use it for something as small as hoping the rain stops before a walk.
Not necessarily, but many Germans will physically do it while saying the phrase for emphasis.
You would say Ich drücke euch die Daumen. This uses the plural 'you' (euch).
Not really a slang version, but Daumen drücken! as a standalone exclamation is very casual.
Frases relacionadas
Viel Glück (Good luck)
Hals- und Beinbruch (Break a leg)
Toi, toi, toi (An onomatopoeic way to ward off bad luck)
Viel Erfolg (Much success)
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