Meaning
Describes that something works smoothly, perfectly, or without problems.
Primary Function
Expressing smooth operation
Communicative Purpose
Emphasizing that a situation or process is going more easily or successfully than expected
Pattern
das läuft wie am Schnürchen
Core Structure
das läuft wie am Schnürchen
Função primária
Expressing smooth operation
Propósito comunicativo
Emphasizing that a situation or process is going more easily or successfully than expected
Situações de gatilho
A project is completed on time, a machine operates without errors, a plan unfolds without obstacles
Contextos
Everyday speech, informal conversations, workplace settings
Padrão
das läuft wie am Schnürchen
Estrutura central
das läuft wie am Schnürchen
Slots de substituição
None – the expression is fixed; there are no variable slots.
Colocados típicos
- funktionieren
- klappen
- gehen
- organisieren
- ablaufen
Substituições comuns
- läuft wie geschmiert – emphasizes smooth operation
- läuft wie am Schnürchen – original version
- klappt wie am Schnürchen – emphasizes success
Erros comuns
Incorrect word order (e.g., *wie am Schnürchen läuft*), wrong article (*der läuft* instead of *das läuft*), mispronouncing *Schnürchen*, explaining the idiom by literal translation
Similar / contraste
das klappt wie am Schnürchen, das geht wie am Schnürchen
Interferências
Do not translate literally as 'runs like a little string'; the phrase is idiomatic and cannot be understood word‑by‑word.
Família do chunk
- wie am Schnürchen
- läuft wie am Schnürchen
- klappt wie am Schnürchen
Nuance
Very colloquial; expresses positive surprise or satisfaction. Often used in informal contexts.
Efeito pragmático
Conveys relaxation and satisfaction, signaling that no further problems are expected.
Dica de memória
smooth as a string
Nota
In professional contexts, the expression can also be used ironically to comment on unexpectedly smooth processes.
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