LOST IN TRANSLATION

Idioms from around the world that have us scratching our heads. This month, it’s a German expression dating back to the First World War.

Phrase: Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof. Literally: I only understand the train station.

Meaning: I don’t understand what you’re on about.

Origin: Thought to be borne out of soldiers’ yearning for home – they found it hard to follow conversations as their thoughts were dominated by their means of transportation home.