No, you are not the only one who finds the phrase "Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr" absurd. Many people, especially non-German speakers, find it strange or confusing. The literal translation of the phrase is "Good slide into the new year," which doesn't make much sense in English. However, it is a common New Year's greeting in German-speaking countries, and it is meant to convey well wishes for a smooth transition into the new year. **

Yes, "ins" is considered one word. It is a shortened form of the word "inspector" or "insurance" and is commonly used in informal or slang language. **

The use of "im" instead of "ins" is due to the different prepositions used in the German language. "Im" is a contraction of "in dem," which means "in the" in English. It is used to indicate location or position within a specific place or object. On the other hand, "ins" is a contraction of "in das," which also means "in the" in English, but it is used when referring to movement or direction into a specific place or object. Therefore, the choice between "im" and "ins" depends on whether the context requires indicating location or movement. **

"Licht ins Auge" is a German phrase that translates to "light in the eye" in English. It is often used metaphorically to describe a sudden realization or understanding of something, as if a light has been shone on a previously unclear situation. This expression is commonly used to convey the idea of gaining insight or clarity on a particular matter. **

'Ins Wesenlose abschwenken' is a German phrase that translates to 'to drift into nothingness' in English. It refers to the act of losing focus or direction, becoming detached from reality, or entering a state of emptiness or meaninglessness. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is disconnected from their surroundings or thoughts, leading to a sense of aimlessness or disorientation. **

"Lack ins Auge" is a German expression that translates to "paint into the eye" in English. It is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly obvious or blatant about something, often in a negative or intrusive way. It can also imply that someone is being overly aggressive or pushy in their actions or behavior. **

"Blick ins Leere" is a German phrase that translates to "a gaze into emptiness" or "a look into the void." It is often used to describe a feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, or a sense of staring into nothingness. This phrase can be used to convey a sense of despair or a feeling of being lost or directionless. **

"Stich ins Glück" is a German phrase that translates to "stroke of luck" or "lucky break" in English. It is used to describe a fortunate or unexpected turn of events that brings happiness or success. The phrase is often used to express gratitude for a positive outcome or to acknowledge a serendipitous moment. **