How do you say “Cut corners” in German?
The closest natural German equivalent is am falschen Ende sparen, which literally means “to save at the wrong end”. English speakers use cut corners to mean to do something in the cheapest or quickest way, at the cost of quality. German lacks a single universal idiom for all contexts of 'cut corners', but this phrase perfectly captures sacrificing quality or safety to save time or money. It is neutral, informal and common in everyday German.
Closest natural German
am falschen Ende sparen
/am ˈfalʃn̩ ˈʔɛndə ˈʃpaːʁn̩/
- Literal meaning
- “to save at the wrong end”
- Register
- neutral, informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
88 out of 100
What a native German speaker would actually say
The English idiom 'cut corners' draws an image of trimming edges or taking shortcuts to save time, money, or effort, usually with negative repercussions for quality. German does not have an exact spatial metaphor that functions universally in this way; instead, native speakers select idioms depending on whether the emphasis is on financial skimping or shoddy execution.
When the intent is economizing where one really shouldn't, compromising durability, safety, or thoroughness, 'am falschen Ende sparen' is the most natural equivalent. If the emphasis shifts strictly toward hurried, careless workmanship, verbs like 'pfuschen' or 'schlampen' are typically preferred.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity2 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in German?
pfuschen
Literally: “to bungle / botch”
Focuses on sloppy craftsmanship or shoddy work resulting from cutting corners.
Abstriche machen
Literally: “to make deductions”
A more neutral, business-friendly way to say one is compromising on quality or scope.
keine halben Sachen machen
Literally: “to not do half things”
Used in the negative to mean doing something thoroughly without cutting corners.
Don't translate it literally
Ecken schneiden
This is a meaningless word-for-word translation that sounds like physically trimming paper or fabric edges.
Word-for-word versions like these are understood as literal statements in German, not as expressions.
In context
English
The builder cut corners on materials, and now the roof is leaking.
German
Der Bauunternehmer hat beim Material am falschen Ende gespart, und jetzt ist das Dach undicht.
English
If we want this product to succeed, we can't afford to cut corners.
German
Wenn wir wollen, dass dieses Produkt erfolgreich wird, dürfen wir nicht am falschen Ende sparen.
Related expressions
- What “Cut corners” means in English
- Go the extra mile, To make an extra effort.
- Cost an arm and a leg, To be very expensive.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11