German Phrase
Es schüttet wie aus Eimern!
Meaning
This idiomatic expression means that it is raining extremely heavily, as if water were being poured out of buckets. It conveys a vivid image of a downpour and is used in informal spoken German.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on a sudden, intense rainstorm, especially in casual conversation with friends or family. It fits well in everyday situations like walking to work, planning outdoor activities, or describing the weather on the news in a colloquial tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EsschüttetwieausEimern
Impersonal weather verb
The verb "schütten" is used impersonally with "es" to describe heavy rain, similar to "es regnet".
Comparative conjunction "wie"
"wie" introduces a comparison, equivalent to "like" in English.
Prepositional phrase "aus Eimern"
"aus" governs the dative case; "Eimern" is the plural dative of "der Eimer" (bucket).
🗨In Conversation
Es schüttet wie aus Eimern!
It's pouring like from buckets!
Ja, wir sollten besser drinnen bleiben.
Yeah, we'd better stay inside.
✕Common Mistakes
Es schüttet wie aus Eimer!
The noun must be in the dative plural after "aus"; use "Eimern".
Es schüttet wie ein Eimer.
The correct preposition is "aus" and the noun must be plural: "wie aus Eimern".
↔Alternatives
Es regnet in Strömen.
It's raining in streams.
Es gießt wie aus Eimern.
It's pouring like from buckets.
Es schüttet in Strömen.
It's pouring in torrents.
Cultural Tip
The "wie aus Eimern schütten" construction is a classic German weather idiom, especially popular in northern Germany. It is informal and best avoided in formal writing or speeches. Native speakers often pair it with a light‑hearted comment about staying dry or changing plans.