The now commonly-used German idiom im Dunkeln tappen for being in the dark, missing facts about something and not being able to understand completely or at all (literally meaning to grope [and toddle] in the dark) was first coined in 1534 in the German Bible translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 59)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German idiom ein Ende mit Schrecken nehmen, today often used in the phrasing “lieber ein Ende mit Schrecken nehmen als ein Schrecken ohne Ende” (meaning that it’s preferable to end an unsatisfying state of affairs painfully to having a painful experience without ever experiencing an end to that) was first coined in 1534 in the German Bible translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 60)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German idiom mit Engelszungen reden for “sliver-tongued” or “speaking with persuasion and/charm” was first coined in 1522 in the German New Testament translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 61)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German expression Fallstrick for “snare,” but today only used in German in the sense to cause someone to stumble (“jemandem einen Fallstick legen”), was first coined in 1534 in the German Bible translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 65)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German expression Feuereifer, which today is used for a strong engagement for something, especially a cause of some kind, was first coined in 1522 in the German New Testament translation by Martin Luther. Since the meaning of that expression has now changed into something positive, the current edition of Luther’s translation (publ. 2017) uses wütendes Feuer — “raging fire.” Source: Günther 2017, p. 67)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German idiom feurige Kohlen aufs Haupt sammeln used to express to make someone feel ashamed (literally meaning heap burning coals on someone’s head) was first coined in 1534 in the German Bible translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 68)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German expression friedfertig, which today is used for someone who is interested in a peaceful coexistence (literally “ready for peace”), was first coined in 1522 in the German New Testament translation by Martin Luther. This has now been changed in the current edition of Luther’s translation (publ. 2017) to Frieden stiften — “make peace,” thus giving it a more proactive meaning in modern language use. In James 3:17, however, eirénikos (“peaceable” or “peaceful” in English) was translated as friedfertig starting with the 1984 revision. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 69)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used German expression gastfrei, literally meaning “generous tóeward guests,” was first coined in 1522 in the German New Testament translation by Martin Luther. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 72)
For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
See also practice hospitality and hospitality.