German proverbs

This article lists proverbs from all German speaking areas in the world.

A

 * Alle wissen guten Rath, Nur nicht, wer ihn nöthig hat.


 * Allein ist besser als mit Schlechten im Verein: mit Guten im Verein, ist besser als allein.
 * English equivalent: Better to be alone than in bad company: good company is better than being alone.


 * Aller guten Dinge sind drei.
 * English equivalent: All good things come in threes.


 * Alles ist seinen Preis wert.
 * English equivalent: "Everything is worth its price" or "Everything is worth what its purchaser will pay."
 * "Cheat me in the Price, but not in the Goods."
 * Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732)


 * Alles zu seiner Zeit.
 * English equivalent: Everything in its season.


 * Alte Füchse gehen schwer in die Falle.
 * English equivalent: An old fox understands a trap.
 * "A weak Invention of the Enemy."
 * Colley Cibber, Richard III (Altered) (1700), Act V, scene 3.
 * Source:


 * Alte soll man ehren, Junge soll man lehren.
 * English equivalent: Gray hairs are honorable. Literally, "One should honor the old, one should teach the young."


 * Am vielen Lachen erkennt man den Narren.
 * English equivalent: A fool is ever laughing.


 * An den Früchten erkennt man den Baum.
 * English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
 * "Children observe daily and — in their behavior — often follow the example of their parents."
 * Source for meaning:
 * Source for meaning:


 * Andere Länder, andere Sitten.
 * English equivalent: Different countries, different customs.
 * Source:


 * Anfangen ist leicht, beharren eine Kunst.
 * To begin is easy, to persist is an art.


 * Angebotene Waare stinkt.
 * English equivalent: Proffer'd service stinks.


 * Arzt, hilf dir selber!
 * English equivalent: Physician, heal thyself!
 * "Do not reproach another person for something of which you yourself are guilty ."


 * Außerordentliche Übel erfordern außerordentliche Mittel.
 * English equivalent: Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies. "desperate times call for desperate measures".
 * "Drastic action is called for – and justified – when you find yourself in a particularly difficult situation."


 * Auch der kleinste Feind ist nicht zu verachten.
 * English equivalent: There is no little enemy.


 * Auf einen groben Klotz gehört ein grober Keil.
 * English equivalent: You must meet roughness with roughness.


 * Aus den Augen, aus dem Sinn.
 * English equivalent: Out of sight, out of mind
 * Source:


 * Aus einem Stein ist schwer Öl pressen.
 * Literally: It's difficult to press oil out of a rock.
 * English equivalent: You cannot get blood from a stone.


 * Aus Schaden wird man klug.
 * English equivalent: Adversity is the mother of wisdom.
 * "Wisdom makes but a slow defense against trouble, though at last a sure one."
 * Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), Chapter XXI


 * Aufgewärmter Kohl war niemals gut.
 * English equivalent: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
 * "Trust not an Enemy, because thou hast done him good Offices: for Men are naturally more prone to revenge Injuries, than to requite Kindnesses."
 * Thomas Fuller, Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)
 * "He that advised thee not to let the Sun set in thine anger, did not command thee to trust a deceiving Enemy next Morning."
 * Thomas Fuller, Introductio ad prudentiam (1727)


 * Aufschub bringt Gefahr.
 * English equivalent: There is danger in delay.
 * "Hesitation or procastination may lead to trouble or disaster."


 * Aus einer Mücke einen Elefanten machen.
 * English equivalent: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
 * Literally: An elephant made out of a mosquito.

B

 * Bald geben, ist doppelt geben.
 * English equivalent: He gives twice, who gives in a trice. Literally: Soon given is doubly given.


 * Bald reif hält nicht steif.
 * English equivalent: Early ripe, early rotten.
 * "Precocious talent or premature success is often shortlived."


 * Barmherzigkeit fängt en zu Hause an.
 * English equivalent: Charity begins at home.


 * Bedenke das Ende.
 * English equivalent: Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end.


 * Bedenke, dass du sterben musst.
 * Latin equivalent: Memento mori.


 * Behüte mich Gott vor meinen Freunden, mit den Feinden will ich schon fertig werden.
 * English equivalent: Defend me from my friends, from my enemies I can defend myself.


 * Bei offener Kiste mag auch der Fromme ein Schalk werden.
 * English equivalent: A nice wife and a back door oft make a rich man poor.


 * Berühre nicht alte Wunden.
 * English equivalent: It is not wise to open old wounds.


 * Besser allein als in schlechter Gesellschaft.
 * English equivalent: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.


 * Besser arm in Ehren als reich in Schanden 
 * English equivalent: A good name is the best of all treasures. Literally: Better poor in honor than rich in shame.


 * Besser spät als nie.
 * English equivalent: Better late than never.


 * Beispiele tun oft mehr als viel Wort' und Lehr'.
 * English equivalent: Precepts teach, but examples move.
 * "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
 * Attributed to Rumi
 * "Show me don't tell me."
 * Tim "Avicii" Berg, The Nights (2014)


 * Besser ein Narr mit allen andern, als ein Weiser und allein.
 * English equivalent: Better foolish by all than wise by yourself. Literally: Better a fool with everyone else than a wise man and alone.


 * Beiß nicht in die Hand, die dich füttert.
 * Do not bite into the hand that feeds you.


 * Bellende Hunde beißen nicht.
 * English equivalent: Barking dogs seldom bite.
 * "People who make the most or the loudest threats are the least likely to take action."
 * Source for meaning:


 * ‘’Beurtheile nicht jeden nach deinem eigen Mass.’’
 * English equivalent: Do not judge others by your own yardstick.


 * Besser ein Spatz in der Hand, als eine Taube auf dem Dach.
 * English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Literally: Better a sparrow in the hand than a dove on the roof.
 * "Something you have for certain now is of more value than something better you may get, especially if you risk losing what you have in order to get it."


 * Blinder Eifer ist Feuer ohne Licht.
 * English equivalent: Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.


 * Blut ist dicker als Wasser.
 * English equivalent: Blood is thicker than water.
 * "In case of need relatives usually help each other more than strangers. The bonds of relationship are more binding than other bonds."
 * Source for meaning:


 * Blödes Herz buhlt keine schöne Frau.
 * English equivalent: Faint heart never won fair lady.
 * Timidus se vocat cautum, parcum sordidus.
 * "The coward calls himself cautious, the miser thrifty."
 * Syrus, Maxims. (~50 BC)


 * Böses mit Gutem vergelten.
 * English equivalent: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Literally: Repay evil with good.

D

 * Da liegt der Hund begraben.
 * English equivalent: To smell a rat.


 * Das Auge sieht weit, der Verstand noch weiter.
 * English equivalent: The eye looks but it is the mind that sees.


 * Das Bessere ist der Feind des guten.
 * English equivalent: Better is the enemy of good.


 * Das Beste kommt selten hernach.
 * English equivalent: Bad is the best choice.


 * Das Billige ist immer das Teuerste.
 * English equivalent: Buy cheaply, pay dearly.


 * Das böse Gewissen verrät sich selbst.
 * English equivalent: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
 * "People who know they have done wrong reveal their guilt by the things they say or the way they interpret what other people say."


 * Das Eisen schmieden, solange es heiß ist.
 * English equivalent: Strike while the iron is hot.


 * Das Glück hilft den Kühnen.
 * English equivalent: Fortune favors the bold.
 * "Those who act boldly or courageously are most likely to succeed."
 * Source:
 * Source:


 * Das Herz lügt nicht.
 * English equivalent: The heart does not lie. —or— The heart sees farther than the head.
 * "We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart."
 * Blaise Pascal, Thoughts (1670)


 * Das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten.
 * English equivalent: Don't throw out the child with the bath water.


 * Das Pferd stirbt oft, ehe das Gras wächst.
 * English equivalent: While the grass grows the steed starves.


 * Das Weib ist des Mannes größtes Glück oder Unglück.
 * English equivalent: Choose a wife rather by your ear than your eye.


 * Das Wort verhallt, die Schrift bleibt.
 * English equivalent: Paper is forbearing.


 * Die zeiten änder sich, und wir ändern uns in ihnen.
 * English equivalent: Times change and we are changed with them.
 * "The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them."
 * George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903)


 * Deine Wäsche wasche zu Hause.
 * English equivalent: It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest; Don't wash your dirty linen in public.
 * "Why wantonly proclaim one's own disgrace, or expose the faults or weaknesses of one's kindred or people?"
 * "It is considered contemptible to defy the rule of solidarity by revealing facts harmful to the group one belongs to."


 * Dem Beichtwater, Arzt unt Advokaten darf man nichts verschweigen.
 * English equivalent: Hide nothing from thy minister, physician and lawyer.


 * Dem Hahn, der zu früh kräht, dreht man den Hals um.
 * Translation: A cock that crows too early gets a twisted neck.
 * English equivalent: Patience is a virtue, and a little will not hurt you.


 * Der Amboss erschrickt vor dem (fürchtet den) Hammer nicht.
 * English equivalent: A good anvil does not fear the hammer.


 * Der Antisemitismus ist der Sozialismus der dummen Kerle.
 * Translation: “Antisemitism is the Socialism of fools.”
 * "Gutenberg, your printing press has been violated by this evil book, Mein Kampf!"
 * Friedrich Kellner, quoted in Mainz Allgemeine Zeitung (September 24, 2005).
 * A common saying of German social democrats, commonly attributed to, who attributed it to Ferdinand Kronawetter. See Der Antisemitismus (1894) by Hermann Bahr, p. 21


 * Der Fisch stinkt vom Kopf her.
 * English equivalent: A fish stinks from the head.
 * "A corrupting influence often spreads from a leader to the rest of the organization group."


 * Der Geizige ist keinem gut, ihm selbst der Ärgste.
 * English equivalent: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.


 * Der Gesunde weiß nicht, wie reich er ist.
 * English equivalent: Health is wealth; Good health is more to be desired than wealth.
 * "Good health is a valuable asset, worth more than any amount of money."


 * Der Neid frisst seinen eigenen Herrn.
 * English equivalent: Envy is its own torturer.


 * Der Stärkere hat immer Recht.
 * English equivalent: Might is always right.


 * Der Ton macht die Musik.
 * English equivalent: It is not what you do, but the way that you do it; Places don't grace men, it's men that grace places.


 * Der Wolf beisst das Schaf um Kleinigkeit.
 * English equivalent: The wolf finds a reason for taking the lamb.


 * Die Arznei ist oft ärger als das Übel.
 * English equivalent: The remedy is often worse than the disease.
 * "Drinking makes such fools of people, and people are such fools to begin with, that it's compounding a felony."
 * Robert Benchley, quoted in The New Speaker's Treasury of Wit and Wisdom‎ (1958) by Herbert Victor Prochnow, p. 129.


 * Die besten Schwimmer ertrinken.
 * English equivalent: The best swimmers often drown.


 * Die beste Verteidigung ist der Angriff.
 * English equivalent: The best defense is a good offense.
 * "You are more likely to win if you take the initiative and make an attack rather than preparing to defend yourself."


 * Die besten Gedanken kommen allzeit hinterdrein.
 * English equivalent: Second thoughts are the best; We shall lose nothing by waitting.
 * "You can always tell someone to go to hell tomorrow."
 * Warren Buffett, attributes this citation to his mentor, Tom Murphy, in the book Getting There: A Book of Mentors (2015)


 * Die Nacht ist keines Menschen Freund.


 * Die Ochsen hinter den Wagen spannen.
 * English equivalent: Don't put the cart before the horse.
 * "It is important to do things in the right or natural order."


 * Dem Trinker kommt der Durst.
 * English equivalent: Appetite comes with eating.


 * Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm.
 * English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
 * "Children observe daily and — in their behavior — often follow the example of their parents.", or: "Children can be similar, if not identical, to their parents in many aspects"


 * ‘’Der Arme isst wenn er was hat, der Reiche wenn er will.’’
 * English equivalent: Beggars can’t be choosers.
 * We must accept with gratitude and without complaint what we are given when we do not have the means or opportunity to provide ourselves with something better.”


 * Der Ertrinkende greift nach einem Strohhalm.
 * English equivalent: A drowning man plucks at a straw.


 * Der Horcher an der Wand hört seine eigene Schand.
 * English equivalent: Eavesdroppers hear no good of themselves.
 * "People who eavesdrop on the conversations of others risk hearing unfavorable comments about themselves; used as a warning or reprimand."


 * Der Hund bellt und die Karawane geht vorüber.
 * English equivalent: The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
 * Source:


 * Der liebe Gott ist immer mit den stärksten Bataillonen.
 * English equivalent: God is on the side of the strongest batallions.


 * Der gerade Weg ist der beste.
 * Translation: The straight path is the best one.
 * Straightforward approach is the best approach.", recommending to abstain from tricks, lies and the like, for such are not only unethical, but would even aggravate achieving one's goal.


 * Der Schuster hat die schlechtesten Schuhe.
 * English equivalent: The shoemaker goes barefoot.
 * "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."


 * Der Weg zur Hölle ist mit guten Vorsätzen gepflastert.
 * English equivalent: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.


 * Der muss einen langen Löffel haben, der mit dem Teufel essen will.
 * English equivalent: He who sups with the devil needs a long spoon.


 * Der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt.
 * English equivalent: Man proposes but God disposes.


 * Der Schein trügt.
 * English equivalent: Appearances deceive.
 * Source:


 * Des Menschen Wille ist sein Himmelreich.
 * English equivalent: His own desire leads every man.
 * "There is no such thing as a lazy person; he is either sick or uninspired."
 * Zig Ziglar, See You at the Top (2000)


 * Doppelt genäht hält besser.
 * English equivalent: Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold.


 * Du siehst den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht.
 * English equivalent: Missing the forest for the trees.


 * Den Teufel nicht an die Wand malen.
 * Translation: Not to paint the devil on the wall.


 * Der Eider dünket seine Ente ein Falk.
 * English equivalent: Every man thinks his own geese swans.
 * "This proverb imitates that an inbred Philauty runs through the whole Race of Flefh and Blood. It blinds the Underftanding, perverts the Judgment and depraves the Reafon of the Diftinguishers of Truth and Falfity."
 * Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721


 * Die Ersten werden die Letzten sein.
 * English equivalent: The last will be first, and the first last.
 * "The truth is, that most men want knowledge, not for itself, but for the superiority which knowledge confers; and the means they employ to secure this superiority, are as wrong as the ultimate object, for no man can ever end with being superior, who will not begin with being inferior."
 * Sydney Smith, Elementary Sketches of Moral Philosophy (1849)


 * Die großen Fische fressen die kleinen.
 * English equivalent: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.
 * "Small organizations or insignificant people tend to be swallowed up or destroyed by those that are greater and more powerful."


 * Die Ratten verlassen das sinkende Schiff.
 * English equivalent: Rats desert a sinking ship.


 * Draußen hat man hundert Augen, daheim kaum eins.
 * English equivalent: Forget other faults remembering your own; Forgive and forget.


 * Durch Völlerei kommen mehr um denn durchs Schwert
 * English equivalent: Gluttony kills more than the sword.


 * Das Kind ins Wasser gefallen.
 * Translation: The child has fallen into the water.
 * English equivalent: Dropped the ball (Made a mistake that allowed something bad to happen).

E

 * Ehrlich währt am längsten.
 * Literal translation: Honesty lasts the longest.
 * English equivalent: Honesty is the best policy.
 * "Speak boldly, and speak truly, shame the devil."
 * Beaumont and Fletcher, Wit Without Money (c. 1614; 1639), Act IV, scene 4.
 * "Friendship ... flourishes not so much by kindnesses as by sincerity."
 * Étienne de la Boétie Discourse of Voluntary Servitude<, Part 3


 * Eigenlob stinkt.
 * Literal translation: Self-praise stinks.
 * English equivalent: Don't blow your own horn.


 * Ein Feind ist zuviel, und hundert Freunde nicht genug.
 * Literal translation: One enemy is too many, and a hundred friends aren't enough.
 * English equivalent: Do not think that one enemy is insignificant, or that a thousand friends are too many.


 * Ein gewiß[sic, Gewiss] ist better als zehn Unghewiß[sic, Ungewiss].
 * One certainty is better than ten uncertainties.
 * English equivalent: He that leave a certainty and sticks to chance, when fools pipe he may dance.
 * "He is no wise man that will quit a certainty for an uncertainty."
 * Samuel Johnson, The Idler No. 57 (May 19, 1759).


 * Ein Hab - ich ist besser als zehn Hätt - ich.
 * English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.


 * Ein Heute ist besser als zehn Morgen.
 * English equivalent: One today is worth ten tomorrows.
 * "Don’t shortchange the future, because of fear in the present."
 * Barack Obama, 10 Downing Street reception speech, April 1 2009.
 * "In the long run we are all dead."
 * John Maynard Keynes, A Tract on Monetary Reform (1923)


 * Ein Kiel treibt den andere aus.
 * English equivalent: One nail drives out another.
 * "As one nail by strength drives out another, So the remembrance of my former love Is by a newer object quite forgotten."
 * William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice (1592)


 * Ende gut, alles gut.
 * English equivalent: All is well that ends well.
 * "Problems and misfortunes along the way can be forgotten as long as the end is satisfactory."


 * Er ladet gern Gäste in anderer Leute Häuser.
 * English equivalent: Men cut large thongs of other men's leather.


 * Er will den Bock melken.
 * English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.


 * Erst denken, dann lenken.
 * English equivalent: Look before you leap.
 * "The man who thinks before he acts, is most likely to act with discretion, and have no future cause to repent of his conduct; but he who acts blindly, without any foresight, will probably suffer for his rashness."
 * (1980). Erst denken- dann lenken!, Bund gegen Alkohol im Stra√üenverkehr.
 * (1980). Erst denken- dann lenken!, Bund gegen Alkohol im Stra√üenverkehr.


 * Erst denken, dann handeln
 * Translation: First think, then act.
 * English equivalent: A closed mouth catches no flies.


 * Ein jeder habe das fröhliche, gesunde Misstrauen.
 * Translation: Everyone should have the happy, healthy distrust.


 * Ein Scheit allein brennt nicht.
 * English equivalent: It takes two to tango.


 * Einer allein ist nicht einmal gut im Paradies.
 * Translation: Being alone is not even good in paradise.
 * English equivalent: There is no greater torment than to be alone in paradise.


 * Er war in Rom und hat den Papst nicht gesehen.
 * English equivalent: He was in Rome and did not see the pope.


 * Es ist keiner so blind, wie der, der nicht sehen will.
 * Translation: No one is as blind as the one who does not want to see.
 * English equivalent: There are none so blind as they who will not see.
 * Source:


 * Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt.
 * Translation: Not all that shines is gold.
 * English equivalent: All that glitters is not gold.
 * An attractive appearance may be deceptive. It may cover or hide a much less favorable content.
 * Source for meaning:


 * Es ist nichts so fein gesponnen, es kommt doch an die Sonnen.
 * English equivalent: There is nothing hidden that will not become public.


 * Ein Unglück kommt selten allein.
 * Translation: A disaster seldom comes alone.
 * English equivalent: Misery loves company.


 * Eile mit Weile.
 * English equivalents: Haste makes waste.


 * Eine Schwalbe macht noch keinen Sommer!
 * Translation: One swallow doesn't make summer.
 * English equivalent: A single swallow doth not the summer make.
 * "Do not feel sure or rejoice noticing a favorable sign. The appearance of a single sign of a favorable event is not yet a definite indication of its coming. It may be an unrelated, sporadic appearance."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Eulen nach Athen tragen.
 * Translation: To carry owls to Athens.
 * English equivalent: To carry coals to Newcastle. (UK)


 * Erst wägen, dann wagen.
 * English equivalent: Diffidence is the right eye of prudence.


 * 'Es ist kein Wurm so klein, dass er sich nicht krümmte, wenn man ihn tritt.
 * English equivalent: Tread on a worm and it will turn.


 * Es ist übel, Hasen mit Trommeln fangen.
 * English equivalent: Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.

F

 * Faulheit ist der Schlüssel zur Armut.
 * English equivalent: Poverty is the reward of idleness.

G

 * Galle im Herzen, Honig im Mund.
 * English equivalent: A honey tongue and a heart of gall.


 * Gelernt ist gelernt.
 * English equivalent: What is learned in the cradle lasts to the tomb.


 * Gebranntes Kind scheut das Feuer.
 * English equivalents: Once bitten, twice shy. / A burnt child dreads the fire.


 * Geduld bringt rosen.
 * English equivalent: Patience is a virtue, and a little will not hurt you.
 * "So are the men of this world: They must have all their good things now; they cannot stay till the next year, that is, until the next world, for their portion of good. That proverb, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come."
 * John Bunyan,The Pilgrim's Progress, (1678)


 * Geklagtes Leid ist halbes Leid.
 * English equivalent: A problem shared is a problem halved.


 * Geld macht nicht glücklich.
 * English equivalents: Money can't buy happiness.


 * Gemein Gerücht ist selten erlogen.
 * English equivalent: Common fame is seldom to blame.
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Geschehene Dinge leiden keinen Rath.
 * English equivalent: When a thing is done, advice comes too late.


 * Geschenk vom Feind ist nicht gut gemeint.
 * Literal translation: A gift from an enemy is not well-intentioned.
 * English equivalent: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
 * "Do not trust gifts or favors if they come from an enemy."


 * Geschichte wiederholt sich.
 * English equivalent: History repeats itself.
 * "Papa Hegel he say that all we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. I know people who can't even learn from what happened this morning. Hegel must have been taking the long view."
 * John Brunner, Stand on Zanzibar (1968)


 * Gesunder Mann, reicher Mann.
 * English equivalent: Good health is above wealth.


 * Gesundheit ist besser als Reichthum.
 * English equivalent: Good health is above wealth.


 * Geteilte Freude ist doppelte Freude, geteilter Schmerz ist halber Schmerz.
 * English equivalent: Joy shared, joy doubled; sorrow shared, sorrow halved.
 * Source for proverb:


 * Gezwungen liebe und gemachte Farbe dauern nicht.
 * English equivalent: Forced love and self-made colors do not last.


 * Gleiche Gemüter suchen sich.
 * English equivalent: Great minds think alike.


 * Gleiches muß durch Gleiches geheilt werden.
 * English equivalent: Fight fire with fire.
 * "The best way to deal with an opponent is to fight back with similar weapons or tactics."


 * Gleich sucht sich, Gleich findet sich.
 * English equivalents: Birds of a feather flock together. / Like will to like.
 * "Every man loves well what is like to himself."


 * Glück bringt Neider.
 * English equivalent: Envy always shooteth at a high mark.
 * Non equidem invideo: miror magis.
 * "Indeed, I do not envy your fortune; I rather am surprised at it."
 * Virgil, Eclogæ, I. 11.


 * Golden Gebiss macht das Pferd besser.
 * English equivalent: Fine feathers make fine birds.


 * Gott bewahre mich vor jemand, der nur ein Büchlein gelesen hat.
 * Literal translation: God protect me from he who has read only one book.
 * English equivalent: Fear the man of one book.


 * Gott lässt uns wohl sinken, aber nicht ertrinken.
 * Literal translation: God lets us sink, but not drown.
 * English equivalent: Bitter pills may have blessed effects, or blessing in disguise
 * "Present afflictions may tend to our future good."


 * Gut verloren, etwas verloren; Ehre verloren, viel verloren; Mut verloren, alles verloren.
 * English equivalent: Courage lost, all lost.


 * Gute Freunde muss man nicht zu viel überlaufen.
 * English equivalent: Friends are lost by calling often and calling seldom.


 * Guter Willen gilt für die Tat.
 * English equivalent: Take the will for the deed.


 * Guter Muth (ist) halber Leib (tägliches Wohlleben).
 * English equivalent: Faith is half the battle.
 * "All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail. That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right about face which turns us from failure to success."
 * Dorothea Brande, Becoming a Writer (1934)

H

 * Halt's Maul, so fliegt dir keine Mücke hinein.
 * Literally: Close your mouth; that way, no mosquitos will fly in.
 * English equivalent: A closed mouth catches no flies.


 * Hast ist meist ohne Vortheil.
 * English equivalent: Haste makes waste.


 * Heute mir, Morgen dir.
 * English equivalent: To day thee, to morrow me.


 * Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.
 * English equivalents: Pride cometh before a fall. / When fortune thunders do not withhold, when fortune smiles do not be overwhelmed.


 * Hoffen und harren macht manchen zum Narren.
 * English equivalent: He that lives on hope shall die fasting.
 * "Do not pin all your hopes on something you may not attain, because you could end up with nothing."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:
 * "Hope tells a flattering tale, Delusive, vain and hollow. Ah! let not hope prevail, Lest disappointment follow."
 * Miss Wrother, in the Universal Songster, Volume II, p. 86.


 * Hurtig zum Imbiß, hurtig zur Arbeit.
 * English equivalent: Quick at meat, quick at work.


 * Hütet euch vor den falschen Propheten.
 * English equivalent: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
 * "WEREWOLF, n~ A wolf that was once, or is sometimes, a man. All werewolves are of evil disposition, having assumed a bestial form to gratify a beastial appetite, but some, transformed by sorcery, are as humane as is consistent with an acquired taste for human flesh. Some Bavarian peasants having caught a wolf one evening, tied it to a post by the tail and went to bed. The next morning nothing was there! Greatly perplexed, they consulted the local priest, who told them that their captive was undoubtedly a werewolf and had resumed its human form during the night. 'The next time that you take a wolf,' the good man said, "see that you chain it by the leg, and in the morning you will find a Lutheran."
 * Ambrose Pierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906)

I

 * In der Furt soll man die Pferde nicht wechseln.
 * English equivalent: Don't change horses in midstream.
 * "It is often wise not to quit an undertaking already begun."


 * In eigener Sache kann niemand Richter sein.
 * English equivalent: No one can be the judge in his own case.


 * Im Becher ersaufen mehr als im Meer.
 * English equivalent: Wine has drowned more than the sea.
 * "What's drinking? A mere pause from thinking!"
 * Lord Byron, The Deformed Transformed. (1824)


 * Im Hause des Gehenkten rede nicht vom Stricke.
 * English equivalent: Name not a rope in his house who hanged himself.


 * Im Glück nicht jubeln, im Sturm nicht zagen.
 * English equivalent: If fortune favors, beware of being exalted; if fortune thunders, beware of being overwhelmed.


 * Im Scherz klopft man oft, und im Ernst wird auf.
 * English equivalent: Many a true word is spoken in jest.
 * "A joke's a very serious thing."
 * Charles Churchill, The Ghost (1763), book iv, line 1386


 * In Zweifelsfalle draußen bleiben
 * English equivalent: When in doubt, leave it out.
 * "If you are unsure what to do, it is best to do nothing at all."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:

J

 * Je mehr man die Katze streichelt, desto höher trägt sie den Schwanz.
 * Translation: The more one pets the cat, the higher it holds its tail.
 * English equivalent: The more you stroke the cat's tail, the more he raises his back.
 * Displaying too much affection or desperation repels your friends and love interests.


 * Je näher dem Bein, desto süßer das Fleisch.
 * English equivalent: The sweetest flesh is near the bones.


 * Je toller, desto besser.
 * English equivalent: The more the merrier.


 * Jedem gefällt das Seine.
 * Translation: Each one likes his own things.
 * English equivalent: The bird loves her own nest.


 * Jedem Narren gefällt seine Kappe.
 * English equivalentː Every fool is pleased with his own folly.


 * Jedes Warum hat seinen Darum.
 * Translation and English equivalent: Every why has a wherefore.
 * "Everything has an underlying reason."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Jung getollt, alt gezollt.
 * English equivalent: Reckless youth makes rueful age.

K

 * Kehre vor Deiner eigenen Tür.
 * English equivalent: Sweep your own doorstep clean.
 * "Freud was way off base in considering sex the fundamental motivation. The ruling passion in men is minding each other's business."
 * Attributed to Robert Frost


 * Kein Kreuzer, kein Schweizer.


 * Keiner weiss wo dem Andern der Schuh drückt.
 * English equivalent: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
 * "Nobody can fully understand another person's hardship or suffering."
 * This is german.
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Kein Buch so schlecht, es steckt was Gutes drin.
 * English equivalent: No book was so bad that some good might be got out of it.


 * Kein Ding ist so gering, es ist einer Bitte wert.
 * English equivalent: Lose nothing for want of asking.
 * "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
 * Steve Jobs, Address at Stanford University (2005)


 * Kleine Kessel haben große Ohren.
 * English equivalent: Little pitchers have big ears.


 * Krummes Holz gibt auch gerades Feuer.
 * English equivalent: Crooked logs make straight fires.


 * Sich nicht um ungelegte Eier kümmern.
 * English proverb: Don't cross your bridges until you come to them.

L

 * Lasset die Sonne nicht über eurem Zorne untergehen.
 * English equivalent: Do not let sunset find you still nursing your anger.


 * Laufen ist eine Schande, aber gesund.
 * English equivalent: He that runs and flees away, might live to see another day.


 * Lebe wie du kannst, nicht wie du willst.
 * English equivalent: Do as you may, if you can't do as you could.


 * Leere Ähren stehen aufrecht.
 * French equivalent: It is not the cow that shouts the loudest that gives the most milk.


 * Leichter gesagt als getan.
 * English equivalent: Easier said than done.


 * Leicht versprochen, leicht gebrochen.
 * English Translation: Lightly spoken, lightly broken.
 * English equivalent: Eggs and oaths are soon broken.


 * Leid oder Freud', in fünfzig Jahren ist's alles eins.
 * English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.


 * Lieben und Husten lassen sich nicht verbergen.
 * English equivalent: Love, smoke and cough are hard to hide.


 * Lieber biegen, als brechen.
 * English equivalent: Better bow than break.
 * "It is better to make some confession, or pay a little deference to others, our neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and especially our superiors, rather than lose our credit or break friendship."


 * Lieber ein Ende mit Schmerzen als Schmerzen ohne Ende. or Lieber ein Ende mit Schrecken als ein Schrecken ohne Ende.
 * Better an end with pain than pain without end. or Better an end with horror than a horror without end.
 * English equivalent: Better go about than fall into the ditch.


 * Lügen haben kurze Beine.
 * English equivalent: A lie has short legs.


 * Lösche nicht, wo dich's nicht brennt.
 * English equivalent: Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.

M

 * Man findet bald einen Stecken, wenn man einen Hund schlagen will.
 * Translation: You will soon find a stick, if you want to beat a dog.


 * Man kann die Natur nicht ändern.
 * Translation: One cannot change nature.
 * English equivalent: What is bred in the bone will not go out of the flesh.


 * Man muß die Dinge nehmen, wie sie kommen.
 * Translation: One must accept things as they come.
 * English equivalent: Take things as you find them.
 * "We should not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. Instead we should make plans fit the circumstances."
 * George S. Patton, War as I Knew It (1947)


 * Man muss das Eisen schmieden solange es heiß ist.
 * Translation: One has to forge the iron while it is hot.
 * English equivalent: Strike while the iron is hot.


 * Man sieht das Hirn nicht an der Stirn.
 * English equivalent: Judge not a man and things at first sight.
 * "Many a time… from a bad beginning great friendships have sprung up."
 * Terence, Eunuchus, Act V, scene 2, 34, line 873.


 * Man sieht am Ende wohl, Wie man es loben soll.
 * English equivalent: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.


 * Man sollte das Fell des Bären nicht verkaufen, bevor man ihn erlegt hat.
 * Translation: One shouldn't sell the bear's fur before one has killed him.
 * Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.


 * Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
 * Translation: One shouldn't praise the day before the evening.


 * Man soll kein Öl ins Feuer gießen.
 * Translation: You should not add oil to the fire.
 * English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
 * "One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark."


 * Man wirft keine Perlen vor die Säue.
 * English equivalent: Do not throw pearls before swine.


 * Mancher küßt die Hand, die er abbhauen möchte.
 * English equivalent: Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.


 * Mit dem, som man ausgibt, mit demselben wird es ausgemessen.
 * English equivalent: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.


 * Mit den Ohren such' dir eine Frau, zieh' mehr die Ohren als die Augen zu Rate.
 * English equivalent: Choose a wife rather by your ear than your eye.


 * Mit Honig fängt man Fliegen.
 * Translation: With honey one catches flies.
 * English equivalent: You can catch more flies with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.


 * Mitgefangen, mitgehangen.
 * Translation: Caught together, hanged together.
 * Caught together, hanged together. (Accomplices to the crime will hang as well as the criminals.)


 * Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund.
 * Translation: Morning hour has gold in the mouth.
 * You will gain much by beginning early in the morning.
 * English equivalent: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.


 * Muth ist halber Leib tägliches Wohl leben.
 * English equivalent: Faith is half the battle.

N

 * Narren bedürfen der Schellen nicht.
 * Translation: A fool does not need any bells.
 * English equivalent: A tongue of a fool carves a piece of his heart to all that sit near him.


 * Natur geht vor Lehre.
 * Translation: Nature comes before teaching.
 * English equivalent: Nature is beyond all teaching.


 * Nehmt euch vor einem Ochsen vorn: vor einem Eisel hinten und vor einen Mönch auf allen seiten in acht.
 * English equivalent: Take heed of an ox before, an ass behind and a monk on all sides.


 * Neidhard ist gestorben, hat aber viele Kinder hinterlassen.
 * Translation: The envious man has died but left many children.
 * English equivalent: Envy takes no holiday.


 * Neue Besen kehren gut.
 * Translation: New brooms clean well.


 * Nicht alle sind Diebe die der Hund anbellt.
 * English equivalent: All are not thieves that dogs bark at.
 * "The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man and never fails to see a bad one."
 * Henry Ward Beecher, in Lectures to Young Men: On Various Important Subjects (1860) Lecture IV : Portrait Gallery


 * Nichts vertrocknet balder als Ihránen.
 * English equivalent: Nothing dries sooner than tears.
 * "Assist the afflicted with something real, if thou canst; As for Tears they are but Water, what good can they do?"
 * Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)
 * Henry George, Bohn A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index (1857)


 * Niemand ist unersetzlich.
 * English equivalent: No man is indispensable.
 * "Once you feel avoided by someone for a while, never disturb them again."
 * Christian Ortiz, Classified: The Human Women Guide (2015)


 * Niemand kann sich über das Meer beklagen, der zum zweiten Male Schiffbruch erlitten hat.
 * English equivalent: No one that has suffered shipwreck for the second time can complain about the sea.


 * The night brings counsel.
 * English equivalent: Take counsel of one's pillow.
 * Note: Specified as a German proverb in the source.


 * Nur tote Fische schwimmen mit dem Strom.
 * Translation: Only dead fish swim with the stream.
 * "Success is whatever humiliation everyone has agreed to compete for."
 * James Richardson, Vectors: Aphorisms and Ten Second Essays (2001), #135

O

 * Öl in Feuer schütten.
 * Translation: To pour oil into fire.
 * English equivalent: (Don't) add fuel to the fire.

Q

 * Quatsch keine Opern. (slang, derog, not traditional)
 * Translation: Don´t talk operas.
 * English equivalent: Few words are best.
 * "It is best to communicate meaning in as few words as possible."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:

R

 * Raten ist nicht zwingen.
 * English equivalent: Counsel is no command.


 * Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold.
 * English equivalent: Speech is silver, but silence is golden.


 * Rund is die Welt, drum Brüder laßt uns reisen.
 * Translation: The world is round, so let's travel, brothers.

S

 * Schande dem, der schlecht davon denkt.
 * English equivalent: Shame take him that shame thinketh.


 * Schlimme Sitten, gut Gesetz.
 * English equivalent: Good laws have sprung from bad customs.


 * I think the better day the better deed.
 * Meaning: "An action is of greater value because it is performed on a holy day."
 * Source for meaning:
 * John Holt, Sir William Moore's Case (1703), 2 Raym. 1028; reported in James William Norton-Kyshe, Dictionary of Legal Quotations (1904), p. 70. Ascribed to Walker in Woods Dictionary of Quotations; used by Thomas Middleton in The Phœnix (1603-04), Act III, scene 1.


 * Schmieds Pferd und Schusters Weiber gehen meistens barfuss.
 * Translation: The smith's horse and the cobbler's wife usually go barefoot.
 * English equivalent: The cobbler's wife is the worst shod.
 * "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
 * Source for proverbs and meaning:


 * Schnell Urteil hat Reue feil.
 * Translation: Hasty judgments begets remorse.
 * English equivalent: Hasty judgment leads to repentance.


 * Schälke muss man mit Schälken fangen.
 * English equivalent: Set a thief to catch a thief.


 * Schön ist, was schön lässt.
 * English equivalent: Handsome is that handsome does.
 * "People should be valued for their good deeds, not their good looks, also occasionally used of things, or as a warning not to be misled by an attractive appearance."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Selbst dem Teufel sein Recht geben.
 * Translation: to give even the devil his right.
 * English equivalent: Give the devil his due.
 * "CYNIC -n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision."
 * Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906)


 * Sicher ist sicher.
 * English equivalent: Better safe than sorry.


 * Steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein.
 * Translation: A steady dripping will carve the stone.


 * Schuster, bleib bei deinen Leisten.
 * Translation: Shoemaker, stick to your trade.


 * Man sieht das Hirn nicht an der Stirn.
 * Translation: You don't see the brain on one's forehead.
 * English equivalent: Don't judge things and a man at first sight.


 * Schlafende Hunde soll man nicht wecken.
 * English Equivalent: Let sleeping dogs lie.


 * Selbst ist der Mann.
 * English equivalent: If you want a thing done right, do it yourself.


 * Sich aufs hohe Pferde setzen.
 * English equivalent: Riding the high horse.
 * "The first Degree of Folly, is to conceit one's self wise; the second to profess it; the third to despise Counsel."
 * Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1754)


 * Sieht doch wohl die Katze den Kaiser an.
 * English equivalent: A cat may look at a king.


 * Sorge macht vor Zeiten grau.
 * Translation: Worrying about too much makes a person old before their time.
 * English equivalent: Fretting cares make gray hairs.
 * Source for proverb:


 * Spiele nicht mit Feuer.
 * Translation: Do not play with fire.
 * English equivalent: If you play with fire you will get burned.


 * Stehend Wasser wird stinkend.
 * Translation: Still waters begin stinking.
 * English equivalent: Standing pools gathers mud.

T

 * Taten statt Worte! or Taten sagen mehr als Wörter. or Lass Wörtern Taten folgen! or Lass Taten sprechen!
 * Translation: Actions instead of words! or Actions speak louder than words (lit. Actions say more than words.) or Let actions result from your words! or Let actions speak!
 * English equivalent: Actions speak louder than words.


 * Teile und herrsche!
 * Translation: Divide and rule.
 * English equivalent: Divide and conquer.
 * "The best way to conquer or control a group of people is by encouraging them to fight among themselves rather than allowing them to unite in opposition to the ruling authority."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Tut nach meinen Worten und nicht nach meinen Werken.
 * English equivalent: Preachers say: Do as I say, not as I do.

U

 * Übung macht den Meister.
 * English equivalent: Practice makes perfect.


 * Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.
 * English equivalent: In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
 * "People of only limited capability can succeed when surrounded by those who are even less able than themselves."


 * Unter dem blühenden Strauch liegt oft ein giftige Schlange versteckt.
 * English equivalent: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.

V

 * Verborgener Schatz ist nichts wert.
 * Translation: A hidden treasure is worth nothing.
 * English equivalent: Money is there to be spent.


 * Verbotene Frucht schmeckt am besten.
 * Translation: Forbidden fruit tastes the best.
 * English equivalent: Forbidden fruit is sweetest.


 * 'Von Todten soll man Nichts als Gutes reden.
 * English equivalent: Speak well of the dead.


 * Viel Rath ist Unrath.


 * Viele Körnlein machen auch einen Haufen.
 * English equivalent: Many a mickle makes a muckle.


 * Von großen Blöcken haut man große Stücke.
 * Translation: From big blocks one chops big pieces.
 * English equivalent: Everybody to whom much is given, much is expected.
 * "More is expected of those who have received more - that is, those who had good fortune, are naturally gifted, or have been shown special favor."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs: **


 * Verstand kommt mit den Jahren.
 * Translation: Reason comes with the years.
 * English equivalent: Wisdom comes with age.


 * Vertrauen erweckt Vertrauen.
 * English equivalent: Trust begets trust.


 * Viel stroh, wenig Korn.
 * Translation: Much straw, little grain.
 * English equivalent: Great cry and little wool / Empty vessels makes the most noise
 * "Much ado about nothing."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Viel Wissen macht Kopfweh.
 * Translation: Much knowledge creates headache.
 * English equivalent: Ignorance is bliss.


 * Viele Handwerke verderben den Meister.
 * Translation: Many trades spoil the master.
 * English equivalent: Jack of all trades and a master of none.


 * Volle Fässer klingen nicht leere desto mehr .
 * English equivalent: Empty vessels make the greatest sound.


 * Vom Regen in die Traufe.
 * Lit. translation: Out of the rain and into the eaves.
 * English equivalent: Out of the frying pan and into the fire.


 * Vorbeugen ist besser als heilen.
 * Translation: It is better to prevent than to cure.
 * English equivalent: Prevention is better than cure


 * Vorrath nimmer schadet.
 * Translation: A store never hurts.
 * English equivalent: A store is no sore; Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it.

W

 * Wahrheit gibt kurzen Bescheid, Luege macht viel Redens.
 * Translation: Truth gives one reason, the lie gives many.
 * English equivalent: Truth is simple, lie sgo round about.
 * Truth gives a short answer, lies go round about.
 * Se moquer de la philosophie, c'est vraiment philosopher.
 * "To make light of philosophy is to be a true philosopher."
 * Blaize Pascal, The Pensées (1669)
 * "Craft must have Clothes; but Truth loves to go naked."
 * Thomas Fuller, Introductio ad prudentiam: Part II (1727)


 * Was du allein wissen willst, das sage niemand.
 * Translation: What you want to keep a secret, tell no one.


 * Was Gutes kommt wieder.
 * Translation: What is good returns.
 * English equivalent:


 * Was man wünscht das glaubt man gern.
 * English equivalent: The wish is father to the thought.


 * Wem das Ferkel geboten wird, soll den Sack bereit haben.
 * Translation: The one whom the piglet is offered must keep the sack ready.
 * English equivalent: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth / Beggars can't be choosers.


 * Wem der Rock paßt, mag ihn anziehen.
 * Translation: To whom the skirt fits, may wear it.
 * English equivalent: If the shoe fits, wear it.
 * "The Sting of a Reproach, is the Truth of it."
 * Benjamin Franklin, Poor Rickards Almanac (1746)


 * Wem nicht zu raten ist, dem ist auch nicht zu helfen.
 * Translation: He who can't be advised, can also not be helped.
 * English equivalent: He that will not be counseled cannot be helped.


 * Wenn alle dir sagen, du seiest betrunken, geh' schlafen.
 * Translation: When everyone tells you that you are drunk, go to sleep.
 * English equivalent: When all men say you are an ass it is time to bray.


 * Wenn das Haupt krank ist, trauern alle Glieder.
 * Translation: When the head is sick, all members mourn.
 * English equivalent: the fish rots from the head down ¬¬¬¬


 * Wenn der Berg nicht zum Propheten kommt, muß der Prophet zum Berge gehen.
 * Translation: If the mountain will not go to the prophet, the prophet must go to the Mountain.
 * English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain.
 * "If you cannot get what you want, you must adapt yourself to the circumstances or adopt a different approach."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wenn der Himmel einfällt bleibt nirgend ein stehen.
 * English equivalent: If the sky falls, we shall catch larks.
 * "To believe a Business impossible, is the Way to make it so."
 * Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia (1732)


 * Wenn der Scherz am Besten ist, soll man aufhören.
 * English equivalent: Leave a jest when it pleases you best.


 * Wenn der Teufel alt wird, will er ein Mönch werden.


 * Wenn du dich nicht selber kitzelst, ein and'rer wird nicht für dich lachen.
 * Translation: If you do not tickle yourself, there is no one else who will laugh for you.
 * English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
 * Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
 * Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.


 * Wem Gott gibt ein Amt, dem gibt er auch Verstand.
 * English equivalent: Where God bestows an office, he gives brains to fill it.
 * Aversion: Every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.


 * Wenn ein Freund bittet, so gilt nicht morgen.
 * Translation: When a friend asks, tomorrow does not count.
 * English equivalent: When thy friend asks, let there be no to-morrow.
 * "The man, who in a fit of melancholy, kills himself today, would have wished to live had he waited a week."
 * Voltaire, "Cato", Philosophical Dictionary (1764).

zitieren.''
 * ''Wenn es not tut, so kann der Teufel die Schrift für sich
 * English equivalentː The devil can cite the Scripture for his purpose.


 * Wenn jeder Herr ist, wer bringt aus dem Stalle den Mist?
 * Translation: When everyone is a lord, who brings the dung out of the stable?
 * English equivalent: There are too many chiefs and not enough indians.


 * Wenn strafen will die Gotteshand, so nimmt sie einem den Verstand.
 * Translation: When God's hand wants to punish, it first takes the sanity.
 * English equivalent: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.


 * Wenn Wünsche hülfen wären wohl Viele reich.
 * English equivalent: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.


 * Wer auf des Andern Schuhe wartet, bis er todt ist, der geht barfuss.
 * English equivalent: Don't wait for dead mens shoes.


 * Wer auf Gott vertraut, hat gut gebaut.
 * Translation: Who trusts in God has built well.
 * English equivalent: He who serves God has a good master.


 * Wer befehlen will, muß gehorchen lernen.
 * Translation: Who wants to command must learn to obey.
 * English equivalent: Who has not served cannot command.


 * Wer den Acker nicht will graben, der wird nicht als Unkraut haben.
 * Translation: Who does not want to dig the land shall have nothing but weed.
 * English equivalent: Sow thin, shear thin.
 * "He that sows bountifully, also reaps bountifully. [...] Open then mouth wide, and it shall be filled; lay broad and firm your foundation for a noble and permanent superstructure; raise high your standard of excellence, if you would make high and worthy attainments. And do what you attempt to do, well."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wer den Kern essen will, muss die Nuss knacken.
 * English equivalent: He that would eat the kernel must crack the nut.
 * "Nothing is achieved without effort."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * 'Wer den Teufel im Schiff hat, der muss ihn fahren.
 * English equivalent: Better never begun than never ended; He that takes the devil into the boat must carry him over the sound.


 * Wer durch Fliehen sich mag retten, kann wieder vor die Luke treten.
 * Translation: Who by fleeing might save himself, may again come before the hatch.
 * English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
 * "It is wiser to withdraw from a situation that you cannot win than to go on fighting and lose – by a strategic retreat you can return to the battle or argument with renewed energy at a later date."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wer Eier unter den Füßen hat, muss leise auftreten.
 * Translation: He who has eggs under his feet must tread lightly.
 * English equivalent: He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.
 * Know your limitations and weaknesses; Don't do something that is sure to damage you.


 * Wer ein Kalb stiehlt, stiehlt eine Kuh.
 * Translation: He that steals a calf steals a cow.
 * English equivalent: He that steals an egg will steal an ox.


 * Wer einen grossen Sprung thun will, geht vorher zuruck.
 * English equivalent: One must step back to take a good leap.


 * Wer Feuer bedarf, sucht es in der Asche.
 * English equivalent: Let him that is cold blow the coals.
 * "My definition of success is doing what you love. I feel many people do things because they feel they have to, and are hesitant to risk following their passion."
 * Tony Hawk, American businessman, entrepreneur, skateboard pro. Interviewed by Gary Cohn for Entrepreneur Magazine (October 2009)


 * Wer Gott vertraut, Hat wohl gebaut.
 * English equivalent: He who serves God, has a good master.


 * Wer im Glashaus sitzst, darf andere nicht mit Steinen bewerfen.
 * English equivalent: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.


 * Wer will haben gute Ruh, Der höre, sehe und schweige dazu.
 * Latin equivalent: Hear, see, be silent, if you wish to live (in peace).


 * Wer Honig lecken will, darf die Bienen nicht scheuen.
 * Who wants to lick honey must not shy away from bees.
 * English equivalent: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.


 * Wer keine Neider hat, hat auch klein Glück.
 * He absent envy, is also absent luck.
 * English equivalent: if you have no enemies it is a sign that fortune has forgotten you; People throw stones only at trees with fruit on them.


 * Wer mich liebt, der libt auch meinen Hund.
 * English equivalent: Love me, love my dog.


 * Wer nicht mit mir ist, der ist wider mich.
 * English equivalent: He who is not with me is against me.
 * "Some people are more nice than wise."
 * William Cowper, Mutual Forbearance (Year of publication unknown)


 * Wer nicht vorwärts kommt, kommt rückwärts.
 * English equivalent: He who does not advance goes backwards.


 * Wer sich unter die Kleie mischt, den fressen die Schweine.
 * English equivalent: He that makes himself an ass must not take it ill if men ride him.
 * "Being fearful and weak-minded is not being nice."
 * Neil Strauss, Rules Of The Game (2007)


 * Wer sich zum Lamm macht den fressen die Wölfe.
 * English equivalent: He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by the wolf.


 * Wer Vögel fangen will, muß nicht mit Knutteln dreinwerfen.
 * English equivalent: Deal gently with the bird you mean to catch.


 * Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst.
 * Translation: Who comes first feasts first.
 * English equivalent: First come, first served.
 * "Those who arrive or apply earliest are most likely to get what they want from a limited supply of things, such as tickets, discounted goods or refreshments."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten.
 * English equivalent: He who laughs last, laughs longest.
 * "Minor successes or failures along the way are of no significance – the person who is ultimately triumphant is the only real winner."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wer zwei Hasen auf einmal jagt bekommt keinen.
 * English equivalent: You must not run after two hares at the same time.
 * "Concentrate on one thing at a time or you will achieve nothing. - Trying to do two or more things at a time, when even one on its own needs full effort, means that none of them will be accomplished properly."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wer's allen recht machen will muss früh aufstehen.
 * Translation and English equivalent: He had need rise early who would please everybody.
 * "It is impossible to do something that everybody will approve of."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wie du dein Bett macht, so magst Du darauf schlafen.
 * English equivalent: As you make your bed, so you must lie.
 * "You must put up with the unpleasant results of a foolish action or decision."


 * Wiederholung ist die Mutter der Weisheit.
 * Translation and English equivalent: Repetition is the mother of knowledge.


 * Wie der Vater, so der Sohn.
 * English equivalent: Like father, like son.
 * "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
 * Source for meaning and proverb:


 * Wie die Mutter, so die Tochter.
 * English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
 * "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
 * Source for meaning and proverb:


 * Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus.
 * Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.


 * Was nicht ist, kann noch werden.
 * Translation: What isn't yet can still become.


 * Wenn das Wörtchen wenn nicht wär, wär mein Vater Millionär.
 * If there wasn't the little word if, my father would be a millionaire.
 * English equivalent: How many ifs fill a bushel?; If ifs and ans were kettles and pans, there would be nae use for tinklers.


 * Wer nicht hören will, muss fühlen.
 * Translation: He who doesn't want to listen will have to experience.
 * English equivalent: He that will not be ruled by the rudder must be ruled by the rock.
 * "Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
 * Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See (1990)


 * Wie der Lohn, so die Arbeit.
 * Translation: What pay, such work.
 * English equivalent: You get what you pay for.


 * Wie die Alten singen, so zwitschern auch die Jungen.
 * Translation: As the old ones sing, so do the young ones chirp.
 * Source:


 * Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es zurück.
 * Lit.: Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.
 * Do not expect friendly reply when being obnoxious.
 * Bad language may have other causes than innate bad character.


 * Wissen ist Macht.
 * Translation: Knowledge is power.
 * English equivalent: Learning is the eye of the mind.
 * Learning about a subject such as psychology will increase your overall competence.


 * Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst.
 * Translation: Who comes first, grinds (his grain) first.
 * First come, first served.


 * Wer nicht wagt, der nicht gewinnt.
 * Translation: Who wagers nothing, he wins nothing.
 * English equivalent: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
 * It is necessary to take risks in order to achieve something.


 * Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hinein.
 * Translation: Who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.
 * Harm set, harm get.


 * Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen. (Plattdeutsche Variante: De A seggt, mut ok B seggen)
 * Translation: If you say A, you have to say B as well.
 * No half-assed evading or cherry picking.
 * If you want or assert A and it turns out to involve B, you have to put up with B too.
 * Follow through [don't wimp out]


 * Wenn der Reiter nichts taugt, ist das Pferd schuld.
 * Translation: If the horseman is bad, it's the horse's fault.
 * English equivalent: A poor craftsman blames his tools.


 * Wo der Wolf wird der Hirt, Da sind die Schafe verirrt.
 * English equivalent: He sets the fox to keep his geese.


 * Wo der Zaun am niedrigsten is, springt jeder über.
 * Translation: Where the fence is lowest, everyone jumps over.
 * English equivalent: Men leap over where the hedge is lower.
 * Note: Also knows as the Law of least effort.
 * Always do things in a way that requires the absolut least amount of labor.


 * Wo Rauch ist, da ist auch Feuer.
 * Translation: Where there is smoke, there is fire.
 * Everything happens for a reason.
 * Other meaning: A rumor contains some truth.


 * Wo der liebe Gott eine Kirche baut, da baut der Teufel eine Kapelle daneben.
 * Translation: Wherever God buys a church, the devil builds a chapel alongside.
 * English equivalent: Also: Where god has a church the devil will have his chapel.
 * Very seldom does any good thing arise but there comes an ugly phantom of a caricature of it.
 * Source for meaning:
 * Source for proverb:


 * Wo keine Versuchung, da ist kein Ehre.
 * Translation: Where there is no temptation there is no glory.
 * English equivalent: Without temptation there is no victory.


 * Worte sind gut, wenn Werke folgen.
 * Translation: Words are good, when work follows.
 * English equivalent: Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves.
 * "Mere words have no value unless they are followed by positive action."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wächst die Ehre spannenlang wächst die Thorheit ellenlang.
 * English equivalent: He that swells in prosperity will shrink in adversity.
 * "Some are elated with the feeling of vanity and the swelling sensation of pride, as soon as any prosperous gales waft over them; and when adversity approaches, in return, there is a corresponding depression of spirit, and the world seems only a frown upon them.”
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * Wähle von zwei Übeln das Kleinste.
 * English equivalent: Choose the lesser of two evils.
 * "If you are forced to choose between two options, both of which are undesirable, all you can do is choose the one that is less undesirable than the other."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent: {{{cite book|author=Martin H. Manser|title=The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=fgaUQc8NbTYC&pg=PA42|accessdate=3 August 2013|year=2007|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-0-8160-6673-5|page=42}}
 * {{{cite book | last1 = Mawr | first = E.B. | year = 1885 | title = Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages | url=http://editura.mttlc.ro/carti/mawr-analogous-proverbs.pdf | page = 5}}


 * Wärme bringt Leben, Kälte Tod.
 * Warmth brings life, coldness death.

Z

 * Zeit heilt alle Wunden.


 * Zeit ist das teuerste Kleinod.
 * English equivalent: Time is precious.


 * Zu nacht sind alle Katzen grau.
 * English equivalent: At night all cats are gray.


 * Zum Dichter muß man geboren sein, Redner kann man werden.
 * English equivalent: Poets are born, but orators are trained.


 * Zur rechten Zeit ein Nadelstich erspart sicherlich neun.
 * English equivalent: A stitch in time saves nine.
 * "No one needs to be told that a vast deal of labor is expended unnecessarily. This is occasioned, to a great extent, by the neglect of seasonable repairs."
 * Source for meaning: