99 Luftballons by Nena Part 2 — Verse 4

Streichholz

Match

Literally means 'strike wood'.

Common tools like matches play a big role in German metaphors, symbolizing sparks or ignition of larger actions.

Benzinkanister

Gasoline canister

Combines 'Benzin' (gasoline) and 'Kanister' (canister).

Symbolizes danger or potential explosive situations, often used metaphorically in songs and literature.

Streichholz und Benzinkanister

Match and gasoline canister

A metaphorical expression combining potential ignition ('Streichholz') and fuel ('Benzinkanister').

Represents a volatile situation or the potential for conflict.

Hielten sich

Considered themselves

'Hielten' is the past tense of 'halten', which means 'to hold'.

Reflects a cultural inclination towards self-reflection and introspection.

Schlaue Leute

Smart people

'Schlau' means clever or crafty, often used positively.

Germans often value intelligence and strategic thinking.

Hielten sich für schlaue Leute

Thought they were clever people

The phrase can imply either earnest self-assessment or ironic criticism.

Expresses a theme of self-awareness or hubris, common in German literature.

Witterten

Scented

From 'wittern', meaning to smell or sense.

Often used in a predatory or anticipatory context.

Schon

Already

A common word suggesting prior occurrence or emphasis.

Useful for adding nuance to sentences, showing immediacy or inevitability.

Fette Beute

Rich spoils

'Fett' refers to fat or rich, while 'Beute' is loot or spoils.

Often used metaphorically in German to describe substantial gains or rewards.