German Phrase
Läuft wie geschmiert.
Meaning
Literally ‘runs like greased’, this idiom describes something that proceeds smoothly, without hiccups or delays. It’s the German equivalent of English expressions such as “runs like clockwork” or “runs like a well‑oiled machine.”
When to use
Use it in informal conversation when you want to praise the efficiency of a process, a project, a piece of equipment, or even a day that’s going without a hitch.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Läuftwiegeschmiert
Laufen (3rd pers. sg.)
‘Läuft’ is the present‑tense, third‑person singular form of the verb ‘laufen’ (to run, to work).
wie as a simile
‘wie’ introduces a comparison; it does not need an article before the following adjective.
geschmiert (participle as adjective)
‘geschmiert’ is the past participle of ‘schmieren’ used adjectivally, meaning ‘greased’ or ‘well‑lubricated’.
🗨In Conversation
Wie läuft das neue Software‑Update?
How’s the new software update going?
Läuft wie geschmiert.
It’s running smoothly.
✕Common Mistakes
Läuft wie ein geschmiertes.
‘wie’ already creates the comparison; adding ‘ein’ makes the phrase ungrammatical.
Läuft wie geschmiertes.
The participle stays in its base form; no ending is needed after ‘wie’.
Läuft wie geschmiertes Auto.
If you add a noun, you must keep the article: ‘wie ein geschmiertes Auto’. Without the article the idiom loses its idiomatic meaning.
↔Alternatives
Läuft reibungslos.
Runs smoothly.
Geht wie am Schnürchen.
Goes like a charm.
Funktioniert einwandfrei.
Works perfectly.
Cultural Tip
‘Läuft wie geschmiert’ is a colloquial, slightly playful expression. It’s common in everyday speech across German‑speaking regions, especially among younger speakers. Because it references lubrication, it’s best kept to informal contexts – you wouldn’t use it in a formal business report, but it works great in a chat with friends or teammates.