In the German language, it is common to encounter expressions where the subject is implied rather than explicitly stated. This linguistic feature often occurs in colloquial speech and idiomatic phrases, where the meaning is understood without the need for a pronounced subject. The omission typically involves the pronoun "es" (it), which is left out when the context makes the subject clear.
Consider the expression "Macht nichts." Literally translating to "Doesn't matter," it omits the subject "es," which would make the full sentence "Es macht nichts." This phrase is used to convey that something is insignificant or not a problem. By dropping the subject, the expression becomes more direct and casual, fitting for informal interactions.
Similar expressions include "Stört nicht" and "Schade." In "Stört nicht" ("Doesn't bother"), the implied "es" is omitted, and the phrase communicates that something is not causing any disturbance. "Schade," meaning "Too bad" or "What a pity," is another example where the subject is not needed because the sentiment is clear on its own.
Expressions related to sufficiency or adequacy also frequently omit the subject. Take "Reicht" as an example, which means "Enough" or "Suffices." The full sentence would be "Es reicht," but in everyday speech, the "es" is often dropped. This phrase indicates that a certain amount or degree is sufficient for the purpose at hand.
Other phrases like "Passt," "Geht so," and "Klappt" function similarly. "Passt" ("Fits" or "Okay") is used to express agreement or that something is suitable. "Geht so" translates to "So-so" or "It's okay," indicating moderate satisfaction. "Klappt," meaning "Works" or "It's working," conveys that something is functioning as intended.
When expressing impossibility or futility, Germans might say "Geht nicht," which means "Not possible" or "Won't work." The omitted "es" in "Es geht nicht" makes the phrase more concise. Similarly, "Bringt nichts" ("No use" or "Doesn't help") and "Hilft nichts" ("Doesn't help") convey that an action is pointless or ineffective, again without stating the subject.
Necessity or inevitability is often expressed through phrases like "Muss," meaning "Must" or "Have to." The full expression would be "Es muss sein" ("It must be"), but the brevity adds emphasis. "Wird schon," translating to "It'll be fine," and "Wird Zeit" ("It's about time") also drop the subject while conveying a sense of assurance or urgency. "Bleibt so," meaning "Stays like this," implies that a situation will remain unchanged.
Expressions about something missing or lacking use the verb "fehlen." "Fehlt noch" means "Still missing" or "Not there yet," with the subject "es" understood from context. "Fehlt was?" translates to "Missing something?" and is a casual way to inquire if anything is lacking.
Agreement or correctness is acknowledged with "Stimmt," which means "Correct" or "That's right." The complete sentence would be "Das stimmt," but in conversation, "Stimmt" suffices to confirm information or agree with a statement.
In all these expressions, the omission of the subject streamlines communication, making speech more natural and fluid.