Von der Pike auf lernen
To learn from the pike up. To start training at the lowest level. Duden explains that it once meant to begin as a common soldier carrying a pike.
Sich die Sporen verdienen
To earn one’s spurs. In the Middle Ages, only a knight could wear golden spurs, and he had to earn them before he was knighted.
Sich hochdienen
To serve one’s way up. To work hard and slowly from a low position to a more important one.
Grünschnabel
Green beak. A young, inexperienced person who is often cheeky.
Lehrgeld zahlen
To pay the apprentice’s fee. To learn by losing something through inexperience.
Alter Hase
Old hare. Someone with a great deal of experience.
Jungfernrede and Hinterbänkler
The maiden speech, a member’s first speech in parliament, and the backbencher, a member who does not stand out and has little influence.