How do you say “On pins and needles” in German?
The closest natural German equivalent is wie auf Kohlen sitzen, which literally means “to sit as if on coals”. English speakers use on pins and needles to mean nervous or excited while waiting for something uncertain. A close image for restless, anxious waiting. Register: informal. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural German
wie auf Kohlen sitzen
/viː aʊf ˈkoːlən ˈzɪtsn̩/
- Literal meaning
- “to sit as if on coals”
- Register
- informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
97 out of 100
What a native German speaker would actually say
German replaces the sharp objects with hot coals. The uncomfortable seat captures the same difficulty staying calm while you wait.
It can express impatience as well as worry. Mention the call, result or arrival the person is waiting for to make the feeling clear.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity3 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
We were on pins and needles until the school announced the results.
German
Wir saßen wie auf Kohlen, bis die Schule die Ergebnisse bekannt gab.
English
I'm on pins and needles waiting for her call.
German
Ich sitze wie auf Kohlen und warte auf ihren Anruf.
Related expressions
- What “On pins and needles” means in English
- Get cold feet, To become nervous and back out.
Last updated 2026-09-19