These wise sayings have held true for centuries. Here are some famous German Proverbs. Which one is your favorite?
Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt
No, not everything that glitters is gold. That even applies to shiny yellow garden gnomes which may have been subjected to embarrassingly cheap production methods. While this specimen seems to be saying, “Screw clichés,” traditional proverbs, on the other hand, hold timeless wisdom. And no matter how wise this particular gnome (sculpture by Ottmar Hörl) happens to be, he’s still not made of gold.
Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach
Indeed, it’s better to have a sparrow in your hand than a dove on the roof, according to this German proverb. In other words, be happy with what you’ve got, even if it’s not that spectacular. Like many proverbs, this one contains a vague reference to the Bible, which states in the book of Luke: “You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Fünf Minuten vor der Zeit, ist des Deutschen Pünktlichkeit
Germans are known for being punctual. But this proverb takes that trait a step further: “Five minutes ahead of schedule is a German’s punctuality.” It’s true: Many in Germany do tend to overdo it. If you go into a shop five minutes before closing time, you might not get served.
Übung macht den Meister
In English, practice makes perfect. In German, it makes you a master. Which would you prefer to be? If you’re running a marathon, it doesn’t matter, as long as you take first place.
Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hinein
“Whoever digs a pit for others will fall into it themselves,” according to this classic proverb. Here’s another Bible-based saying (Proverbs 26:7) that reminds us to treat others the way we would like to be treated. If not, you may not find anyone who’s willing to heave you out of the pit – or scrape you off the floor.
Perlen vor die Säue werfen
Though the proverb “Don’t throw pearls to the pigs” became widespread in German with Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible in the 16th century, the saying may date back to Antiquity. In the Byzantine Modern Greek churches, pearls were considered a synonym for the holy communion bread. In any case, the bottom line is: Don’t waste the good stuff on those who don’t appreciate it. Oink!
Read Also: National Symbols of Germany
Some Other famous German Proverbs
Buying is cheaper than asking.
Brandy is as lead in the morning, silver at noon, and gold at night.
Both noble and common blood are the same color.
Boredom is the father of all sins.
Birds of prey do not sing.
Big trees cast more shadow than fruit.
Between the anvil and the hammer.
Better twice remembered than once forgotten.
Better one living word than a hundred dead ones.
Better no spoon than no soup.
Better is better.
Better ask twice than go wrong once.
Better an empty purse than an empty head.
Better a good hanging than a bad marriage.
