ein Huhn sein
being a chicken
The phrase 'ein Huhn sein' is a colloquial German expression that means 'to be a chicken' or 'to be cowardly'. It is used to describe someone who is afraid to do something or who is easily frightened. Like its English counterpart, it can be used in a playful or teasing way, but it can also be used to criticize someone for their lack of courage.
Example sentences using: ein Huhn sein
Ich muss jene Person sein, die ein Huhn ist.
I have to be that person who is a chicken.
This sentence implies that the speaker has to act in fear or hesitation, just like a chicken is usually characterized.
Er hat angenommen, er wäre ein Huhn gewesen.
He assumed he was a chicken.
This phrase indicates that the person thought he was fearful or hesitant in a situation, similar to how a chicken behaves.
Nachdem sie ein Huhn gewesen war, fühlte sie sich besser.
After she had been a chicken, she felt better.
This sentence suggests the woman felt better after behaving in a fearful or hesitant way, which is metaphorically described as being a chicken.