How do you say “Get something out of your system” in German?
The closest natural German equivalent is sich abreagieren, which literally means “to release one’s pent-up feelings”. English speakers use get something out of your system to mean to release a feeling or satisfy an urge so it troubles you less. Fits releasing anger or tension through an activity. It does not mean satisfying a long-held wish to try something. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural German
sich abreagieren
/zɪç ˈapʁeaɡiːʁən/
- Literal meaning
- “to release one’s pent-up feelings”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
86 out of 100
What a native German speaker would actually say
“Ich muss mich erst abreagieren” means you need to release some tension first. Exercise or talking can provide that outlet.
For an urge to try an experience, explain it directly: “Ich wollte es einmal ausprobieren”. That means I wanted to try it once; it is a different use of the English phrase.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning4 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
I went for a run to get the frustration out of my system.
German
Ich bin laufen gegangen, um mich abzureagieren.
English
I wanted to try surfing once and get it out of my system.
German
Ich wollte einmal surfen, damit mich der Wunsch danach endlich loslässt.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-11-04