ins kalte Wasser springen
To take the plunge
字面意思: to jump into the cold water
Use this when you are starting a challenge unprepared but are ready to learn as you go.
15秒了解
- Starting something new without any prior preparation or training.
- Taking a bold risk in a challenging or unfamiliar situation.
- Learning through immediate experience rather than studying or planning.
意思
This phrase describes the moment you start something completely new without being prepared. It is like diving into a pool before you know if the water is freezing or how deep it is.
关键例句
3 / 6Starting a new job role
Ich hatte keine Erfahrung, ich musste einfach ins kalte Wasser springen.
I had no experience, I just had to take the plunge.
Moving to a foreign country
Ohne Deutschkenntnisse nach Berlin zu ziehen, war ein Sprung ins kalte Wasser.
Moving to Berlin without knowing German was jumping into the deep end.
Giving a presentation last minute
Mein Kollege ist krank, also springe ich heute ins kalte Wasser.
My colleague is sick, so I'm taking the plunge today.
文化背景
In German culture, where planning and certifications are highly valued, this idiom represents a rare moment of spontaneity. It highlights the 'learning by doing' philosophy that is increasingly respected in the modern German startup scene. It suggests that while the 'cold' might be a shock, it is ultimately refreshing and necessary for growth.
The 'Throwing' Twist
If you want to say someone else forced you into a situation, use 'jemanden ins kalte Wasser werfen' (to throw someone into cold water).
Grammar Check
Remember that 'ins' is 'in das'. Since you are moving into the water, you must use the accusative case.
15秒了解
- Starting something new without any prior preparation or training.
- Taking a bold risk in a challenging or unfamiliar situation.
- Learning through immediate experience rather than studying or planning.
What It Means
Imagine standing at the edge of a pool. You do not know the temperature. You do not know the depth. But you jump anyway. That is exactly what ins kalte Wasser springen feels like. It means starting a task without preparation. You are facing a challenge head-on. It is about bravery and necessity combined. You learn by doing, not by planning.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when life forces you to act. Use the verb springen (to jump). You can say ich bin gesprungen for the past tense. It works perfectly for jobs or hobbies. Use it when you feel a bit nervous. It shows you are taking a risk. It sounds very proactive and bold.
When To Use It
Use it when starting a new job. Use it when moving to a new city. It is great for social situations too. Maybe you are at a party where you know nobody. You decide to start talking to strangers. That is a classic cold water moment. It fits well in professional reviews. It shows your boss you are adaptable. It is a badge of honor for beginners.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things you have done for years. If you are an expert, you are not jumping into cold water. Avoid it for dangerous physical stunts. It is a metaphorical phrase, not a literal warning. Do not use it if you are being lazy. It implies effort and a bit of a shock. It is not for relaxing situations.
Cultural Background
Germans value preparation and 'Ordnung'. Jumping into cold water is the opposite of that. It represents a break from the typical German love for planning. It has been popular for decades in work culture. It reflects the idea that experience is the best teacher. It is a very common 'Manager' phrase. It suggests that sometimes, over-thinking is the enemy of progress.
Common Variations
You might hear jemanden ins kalte Wasser werfen. This means 'to throw someone into the deep end'. It is used when a boss gives you a hard task. It is less about your choice and more about the situation. Another version is der Sprung ins kalte Wasser. This is the noun form. Both are very common in daily German life.
使用说明
This is a very safe, versatile idiom. It sits perfectly in the middle of the formality scale. Use 'ins' for the most natural sound.
The 'Throwing' Twist
If you want to say someone else forced you into a situation, use 'jemanden ins kalte Wasser werfen' (to throw someone into cold water).
Grammar Check
Remember that 'ins' is 'in das'. Since you are moving into the water, you must use the accusative case.
The German Mindset
Using this phrase in a job interview actually sounds positive! It shows you are brave and don't need your hand held.
例句
6Ich hatte keine Erfahrung, ich musste einfach ins kalte Wasser springen.
I had no experience, I just had to take the plunge.
Commonly used when a new employee starts without a long training phase.
Ohne Deutschkenntnisse nach Berlin zu ziehen, war ein Sprung ins kalte Wasser.
Moving to Berlin without knowing German was jumping into the deep end.
Describes the overwhelming feeling of a new environment.
Mein Kollege ist krank, also springe ich heute ins kalte Wasser.
My colleague is sick, so I'm taking the plunge today.
Shows willingness to help despite lack of prep time.
Ich bin total nervös, aber ich springe jetzt ins kalte Wasser!
I'm totally nervous, but I'm taking the plunge now!
Casual and encouraging tone.
Ich kann nicht Ski fahren, aber ich springe einfach mal ins kalte Wasser.
I can't ski, but I'll just give it a go.
Self-deprecating and adventurous.
Keine Sorge, wir werfen Sie heute ein bisschen ins kalte Wasser.
Don't worry, we're throwing you into the deep end a bit today.
Uses the 'throwing' variation to indicate a challenge.
自我测试
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Ich habe noch nie gekocht, aber für meine Gäste ___ ich heute ins kalte Wasser.
The verb 'springen' (to jump) is the essential part of this idiom.
Which preposition is correct for this phrase?
Er wurde ___ kalte Wasser geworfen.
'Ins' is the contraction of 'in das', indicating movement into the water.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'ins kalte Wasser springen'
Talking to friends about a new hobby.
Ich spring einfach mal rein!
Standard use in most daily conversations.
Ich musste ins kalte Wasser springen.
Used in business to describe adaptability.
Er hat den Sprung ins kalte Wasser gewagt.
When to Jump In
First Day at Work
Handling a project alone.
Language Learning
Ordering food in German.
Relocating
Moving to a new city.
Public Speaking
Giving an unplanned speech.
常见问题
10 个问题It means 'to jump into the cold water'. It describes the literal shock of cold water as a metaphor for a new challenge.
It is usually positive or neutral. It implies you are brave, though the situation itself might be stressful like Es war hart, aber ich bin gesprungen.
Yes, it is very common in offices. You can say Ich wurde ins kalte Wasser geworfen to explain you started without training.
Not at all! It is purely metaphorical. Even someone who hates swimming can ins kalte Wasser springen in an office.
Springen is your choice; werfen means someone else forced you into the situation.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandma, or your friends.
Usually, it is for bigger challenges. Using it for 'trying a new pizza' might sound a bit dramatic unless you are joking.
You say Ich bin ins kalte Wasser gesprungen. Remember to use sein as the auxiliary verb.
No, this phrase is understood and used exactly the same way all across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Don't say in das kalte Wasser. While grammatically okay, everyone uses the contraction ins.
相关表达
Aller Anfang ist schwer
Every beginning is difficult.
Den Stier an den Hörnern packen
To take the bull by the horns.
Einfach mal machen
Just do it / give it a try.
Sich trauen
To dare to do something.
评论 (0)
登录后评论免费开始学习语言
免费开始学习