It is a colloquial expression that is only used among friends or at least good acquaintances, as it is somewhat mocking (in a friendly kind of way).
For example, one might say:
“Max hat am Wochenende einen französischen Aufbruch hingelegt.” (Max took the French leave at the weekend - you can also say “…einen französischen Abgang…”)
Or:
“Max hat am Wochenende den Franzosen gemacht.” (Max did the Frenchmen at the weekend)
Both mean that Max left a party or some other social event at the weekend without saying goodbye to the others or the hosts (“Max hat sich aus dem Staub gemacht”).
The old Irish goodbye.
Here in Germany, we say “take the French leave” for some reason…
How do you say it in German? I have never heard of it though i must admit, I have a migration background
It is a colloquial expression that is only used among friends or at least good acquaintances, as it is somewhat mocking (in a friendly kind of way).
For example, one might say:
“Max hat am Wochenende einen französischen Aufbruch hingelegt.” (Max took the French leave at the weekend - you can also say “…einen französischen Abgang…”)
Or:
“Max hat am Wochenende den Franzosen gemacht.” (Max did the Frenchmen at the weekend)
Both mean that Max left a party or some other social event at the weekend without saying goodbye to the others or the hosts (“Max hat sich aus dem Staub gemacht”).
Strange, never heard it with French. I only know it as “Polnischer Abgang” 😅
Yes, I’ve heard that too—it probably varies from region to region.
From what I’ve read, the French seem to say “English leave.”
In Denmark, we don’t have an expression for the leaving itself AFAIK, but staying for only a very short while is known as “a French visit”
I’ve never heard this one - love it.
I’ve heard it called “Irish exit”