What does “auf dem Sprung” mean in German?

She has a day off and is heading out to meet a friend, so she says “Ich bin gerade auf dem Sprung.” It does not mean she is jumping anywhere. “Auf dem Sprung” means you are just about to leave, or you only have a moment because you are on your way out. She even confirms it: “ich gehe jetzt los” — “I am heading off now.” Use it when you are ready to go right now.

Spoken line: “Ich bin gerade auf dem Sprung.” — “I’m just about to head out.” • The “Sprung” really means “jump,” but the whole phrase is about leaving, not jumping. • “Sorry, ich bin auf dem Sprung — können wir später reden?” = “Sorry, I’m on my way out — can we talk later?” • “Ich bin auf dem Sprung zur Arbeit.” = “I’m just heading off to work.” • Often paired with “gerade” (right now) to stress that you are leaving this very moment. It usually sounds casual and a bit rushed.