jemandem die Daumen drücken

/ˈjeːmandəm diː ˈdaʊ̯mən dʁʏkn̩/◆idiom
keep one's fingers crossed

Ich drücke dir die Daumen, dass du die Prüfung bestehst!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you pass the exam!

◆ What It Really Means
to wish someone luck by symbolically crossing one's fingers
Literal Meaning
to press someone's thumbs
Literal Breakdown
jemandemto someone+die Daumenthe thumbs+drückento press
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of someone pressing their thumbs together while making a wish or hoping for good luck, often with the belief that this gesture will influence the outcome positively.
◈ When to Use
Imagine a student before an important exam. A friend says, 'Ich drücke dir die Daumen!' while crossing their thumbs, meaning they are wishing the student luck and hoping their efforts will pay off.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the German cultural emphasis on luck and superstition. Similar expressions exist in English ('keep one's fingers crossed') and other languages, showing a shared belief in symbolic gestures to influence fate.
informal

to wish someone good luck, especially by symbolically crossing one's fingers

Drück mir die Daumen für mein Vorstellungsgespräch morgen!

Keep your fingers crossed for me at my job interview tomorrow!

Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, often accompanied by a gesture of crossing the fingers.

Related Phrases

die Daumen drückenidiom
to wish luck by crossing fingers
die Daumen haltenidiom
to keep fingers crossed (alternative phrasing)

Pro Tip

Gesture matters

While the idiom is often said verbally, the accompanying gesture of crossing thumbs or fingers reinforces the meaning. In writing, it’s common to see phrases like 'Ich drücke dir die Daumen!' without the gesture.

Gold Rule

Context of use

Use this idiom when wishing someone luck in a specific situation, such as exams, job interviews, or competitions. It implies active support rather than passive hope.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from the superstitious belief that crossing fingers (or thumbs) would ward off bad luck and bring good fortune. The thumbs represent protective symbols in many cultures, and the act of pressing them together was thought to create a barrier against misfortune.

Usage Notes

This idiom is widely used in everyday speech and is easily understood across German-speaking regions. It is often accompanied by a physical gesture where the speaker crosses their thumbs or fingers.

Word Breakdown

jemandem
to someone (dative case)
pronoun
+
die Daumen
the thumbs
noun
+
drücken
to press
verb
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