Es Saugt Und Bläst Der Heinzelmann Bedeutung

The German phrase "Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann" is more than just a line of poetry; it's a cultural reference point, a shortcut to understanding German folklore, and, sometimes, a lighthearted jab at technological mishaps. This article explores the phrase's meaning, origin, and various applications, offering expats, newcomers, and anyone interested a comprehensive understanding of this uniquely German expression.

Origin: August Kopisch's Poem

The phrase originates from the poem "Die Heinzelmännchen" (The Goblins) by August Kopisch, published in 1836. The poem tells the story of the Heinzelmännchen, diminutive house spirits or goblins who secretly performed all the work for the citizens of Cologne at night, allowing them to be lazy during the day. They baked bread, brewed beer, swept the streets, and generally kept the city running smoothly.

The people of Cologne grew accustomed to this effortless existence. However, a tailor's wife, curious about the source of their good fortune, hid peas on the floor of her workshop to make the Heinzelmännchen slip and reveal themselves. This childish and disrespectful act infuriated the goblins. They abandoned Cologne and never returned. From that day on, the people of Cologne had to do all their work themselves, leading to regret and a hard-won understanding of the value of hard work and appreciation.

The specific lines "Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann, wo er nur kann" translate literally to "The Heinzelmann sucks and blows, wherever he can." While seemingly simple, the words capture the industriousness and tireless effort of these mythical creatures. "Saugen" (to suck) and "blasen" (to blow) are used to represent the diverse activities the Heinzelmännchen perform. They are not merely present, they are actively and busily engaged in all sorts of tasks.

The Full Context of the Relevant Verse

To truly grasp the meaning, it's important to understand the lines within the context of the poem. While variations exist, the relevant stanza typically reads something along these lines:

"Wie war's doch sonst in Cöllen
Vor dieser lieben Zeit!
Da thaten all die Gesellen
Ihr Werk bei Freudigkeit.
Nun aber liegt die ganze Stadt
In Faulheit auf dem Bauch,
Und jedermann nur müssig hat
Zu leben seinen Brauch.
Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann,
Wo er nur kann."

This stanza highlights the contrast between the time before the Heinzelmännchen, when everyone diligently performed their own work, and the time after they arrived, when the city descended into idleness. The phrase "Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann, wo er nur kann" encapsulates the *Heinzelmännchen's* energetic and comprehensive takeover of all labor.

Modern Usage and Interpretation

Today, the phrase is rarely used literally to describe helpful goblins. Its meaning has evolved and is often employed in one of several ways:

• As a Metaphor for Efficient Machines: The phrase can be used to describe a machine or device that is exceptionally efficient and performs its function with remarkable speed and thoroughness. For example, a powerful vacuum cleaner, a high-performance engine, or a sophisticated software program could be described as "ein richtiger Heinzelmann" (a real Heinzelmann), implying it "saugt und bläst" effectively.
• To Describe Someone Overly Eager to Please: Sometimes, the phrase is used (often with a slightly ironic or critical tone) to describe someone who is excessively eager to please or to do everything for others. It suggests that the person is going above and beyond, perhaps even to the point of being overbearing or interfering. In this context, it implies that the person, like the Heinzelmännchen, is taking over tasks that others should be doing themselves.
• As a Humorous Observation on Technological Glitches: Perhaps the most common modern usage is a humorous and often self-deprecating remark about technology that is malfunctioning or behaving in an unexpected way. When a machine is making strange noises, performing unintended actions, or simply not working as it should, someone might jokingly say, "Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann!" This implies that some unseen, mischievous force (akin to the goblins) is at work, causing the problem. The humorous effect comes from the contrast between the intended purpose of technology and its unpredictable behavior. Think of a printer that jams constantly or a washing machine that starts making bizarre sounds.
• As a Nostalgic Reference: For many Germans, the phrase evokes a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, connecting them to a shared cultural heritage and a beloved children's story. It's a reminder of a simpler time and a connection to German folklore.

Why is it "Sucking and Blowing?"

The seemingly odd combination of "sucking and blowing" is crucial to the phrase's meaning. It's not meant to be taken literally in a singular action. Rather, "saugen und blasen" is a general representation of diverse, energetic activity. It encompasses all the different kinds of work the *Heinzelmännchen* perform, from the delicate to the strenuous.

Think of the various tasks associated with household chores or craftwork: "Saugen" might represent cleaning (like vacuuming or sweeping), while "blasen" could represent actions like stoking a fire, operating bellows in a forge, or even blowing dust off something. The point is that the Heinzelmännchen are not limited to one particular task; they are tirelessly engaged in *all* necessary activities to keep the city running.

Examples in Context

Here are some examples of how the phrase might be used in contemporary German:

• "Mein Staubsauger ist wirklich ein Heinzelmann, der saugt und bläst wie verrückt!" (My vacuum cleaner is really a Heinzelmann, it sucks and blows like crazy!) - This describes a powerful vacuum cleaner.
• "Er ist immer so hilfsbereit, er saugt und bläst, wo er nur kann. Manchmal ist es schon zu viel." (He is always so helpful, he sucks and blows wherever he can. Sometimes it's already too much.) - This describes someone overly eager to please, perhaps to the point of being intrusive.
• "Der Computer spinnt schon wieder. Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann!" (The computer is acting up again. The Heinzelmann is sucking and blowing!) - This is a humorous observation about a malfunctioning computer.

Cultural Significance

The enduring popularity of "Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann" speaks to the enduring appeal of the Heinzelmännchen story and its embedded cultural values. The poem touches on themes of:

• The Value of Hard Work: The story emphasizes the importance of diligence and the consequences of taking things for granted. The people of Cologne learn the hard way that relying on others (or on magical creatures) to do all the work leads to dependence and ultimately regret.
• Appreciation and Respect: The tailor's wife's disrespectful curiosity leads to the departure of the Heinzelmännchen. The story teaches the importance of appreciating the contributions of others, even if those contributions are unseen or taken for granted.
• The Allure of the Mythical: The Heinzelmännchen represent a long tradition of German folklore and belief in supernatural beings who interact with the human world. The story taps into a sense of wonder and the possibility of magic in everyday life.

Conclusion

"Es saugt und bläst der Heinzelmann" is a versatile and culturally rich phrase that resonates with many Germans. Understanding its origin in August Kopisch's poem, its literal meaning, and its various modern applications provides valuable insight into German language and culture. Whether used to describe an efficient machine, a helpful person, or a malfunctioning gadget, the phrase serves as a reminder of the Heinzelmännchen's tireless efforts and the importance of appreciating the value of hard work. Next time you hear this phrase, you'll not only understand what it means, but also appreciate the historical and cultural context behind it.