How do you say “On thin ice” in German?
The closest natural German equivalent is sich auf dünnem Eis bewegen, which literally means “to move on thin ice”. English speakers use on thin ice to mean in a risky situation where making one more mistake will cause serious trouble. German uses the exact same metaphor as English, most naturally paired with the reflexive verb 'sich bewegen' (to move). It conveys the identical warning of precarious risk and dwindling patience. It is informal, neutral and common in everyday German.
Closest natural German
sich auf dünnem Eis bewegen
[zɪç aʊf ˈdʏnəm ˈʔaɪs bəˈveːɡn̩]
- Literal meaning
- “to move on thin ice”
- Register
- informal, neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
98 out of 100
What a native German speaker would actually say
The English expression "on thin ice" translates seamlessly into German as "sich auf dünnem Eis bewegen". Both languages draw upon the universal physical imagery of frozen water threatening to crack under excessive pressure. The primary nuance in German is that speakers rarely use the copula alone ("auf dünnem Eis sein"); instead, they almost always combine the image with dynamic reflexive verbs, most often "sich bewegen" (to move/tread) or "sich begeben" (to venture).
In everyday usage, native German speakers frequently intensify the phrase by adding "ganz" ("auf ganz dünnem Eis"). It carries the exact same pragmatic weight as in English, serving as a stern, immediate warning in professional, academic, or personal contexts that one more misstep will lead to serious consequences.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity5 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in German?
sich auf dünnes Eis begeben
Literally: “to venture onto thin ice”
Focuses on the decision to enter a risky debate or situation.
den Bogen überspannen
Literally: “to overstretch the bow”
Commonly used when someone is pushing boundaries or testing patience too far.
mit dem Feuer spielen
Literally: “to play with fire”
Broader idiom for courting danger or courting severe consequences.
Don't translate it literally
auf dünnem Eis sitzen
German prefers dynamic verbs like 'bewegen' (to move) or 'begeben' (to venture) rather than static postures like 'sitzen'.
Word-for-word versions like these are understood as literal statements in German, not as expressions.
In context
English
You're on thin ice after showing up late three times this week.
German
Du bewegst dich auf ganz dünnem Eis, nachdem du diese Woche dreimal zu spät gekommen bist.
English
Be careful with that subject; you're on thin ice.
German
Sei vorsichtig mit diesem Thema; da begibst du dich auf ganz dünnes Eis.
Related expressions
Last reviewed 2026-09-11