Old Danish proverbs

Old Danish is an archaic form of Danish spoken during the 9th to 11th centuries.

H

 * Han er daarligh, syn Bygning setther effther hwer Mandz Raadh.

M

 * Man kysser offthe then Haand, man willæ aff wore.
 * English equivalent: Many do kiss the hands, they wish to see cut off.


 * Monge Becke oc smaa gore stoor Aa.
 * English equivalent: Small streams make great rivers.

N

 * Naar Leegen ær besth, thaa scal man affladhe.
 * English equivalent: Leave a jest when it pleases you best.

O

 * Oormæ ære offthe vndher blomstræde Bwskæ.
 * English equivalent: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.

S

 * Saligh ær then, ther kan see wedh annen Mandz Skadhe.

W

 * Wiff tagher eij Bradh paa sijn eghen Mark.
 * English equivalent: The fox preys farthest from his hole.