20 Famous German Proverbs In English with Meaning

Proverbs are a window into the culture and wisdom of a language. German, known for its rich philosophical and practical sayings, offers a treasure trove of proverbs that reflect the values, experiences, and humor of its speakers. In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 German proverbs in English, original German forms, phonetic transcriptions, explanations, and examples of how they can be used in daily conversation.

20 Famous German Proverbs In English with Meaning

Whether you’re learning German or simply curious about cross-cultural expressions, this guide will offer valuable insights into the timeless wisdom of German proverbs.

These proverbs, though often succinct, encapsulate deep insights and practical advice that can be universally applied. Translating these proverbs into English not only makes them accessible to a broader audience but also enriches our understanding of German culture.

#1. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” 🐴

Original Proverb: “Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈaɪ̯nəm ɡəˈʃɛnktən ɡaʊ̯l ʃaʊ̯t man nɪçt ʔɪns maʊ̯l]Explanation: This proverb advises not to be critical or questioning of something given for free. It’s akin to saying you shouldn’t inspect a gift too closely.
Examples:

1. When your friend gives you a book, don’t criticize its genre. Remember, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
2. You received a free meal at the event, so just enjoy it without complaint. As they say, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

#2. “Every cloud has a silver lining” 🌥️

Original Proverb: “Jede Wolke hat einen Silberstreifen”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈjeːdə ˈvɔlkə hat ˈaɪ̯nən ˈzɪlbɐˌʃtraɪ̯fən]Explanation: This proverb means that even in difficult times, there is always a positive aspect or hope.
Examples:

1. Even though you lost your job, you might find a better opportunity. Remember, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
2. The delay in your flight might lead to a chance meeting. As they say, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”

#3. “Actions speak louder than words” 🗣️

Original Proverb: “Taten sagen mehr als Worte”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈtaːtn ˈzaːɡn meːr als ˈvɔʁtə]Explanation: This saying emphasizes that what you do is more important and telling than what you say.
Examples:

1. Instead of promising to help, just start doing it. “Actions speak louder than words.”
2. It’s better to show your love through actions rather than just saying it. Remember, “Actions speak louder than words.”

#4. “The early bird catches the worm” 🐦

Original Proverb: “Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm”
Phonetic Transcription: [deːɐ̯ ˈfʁyːə ˈfoːɡəl fɛŋt deːn vʊʁm]Explanation: This proverb suggests that those who start early or act promptly are more likely to succeed.
Examples:

1. If you want to get the best deals, arrive at the sale early. “The early bird catches the worm.”
2. Starting your project ahead of time will lead to better results. Remember, “The early bird catches the worm.”

#5. “You can’t judge a book by its cover” 📚

Original Proverb: “Man soll ein Buch nicht nach dem Umschlag beurteilen”
Phonetic Transcription: [man zɔl aɪ̯n bʊx nɪçt naːχ deːm ˈʊmʃlaːk bəˈʊʁtaɪ̯lən]Explanation: This saying means that you shouldn’t judge someone or something based solely on appearance.
Examples:

1. Don’t be deceived by someone’s appearance. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
2. The new student may not look impressive, but they might excel in academics. Remember, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

#6. “The grass is always greener on the other side” 🌿

Original Proverb: “Das Gras ist immer grüner auf der anderen Seite”
Phonetic Transcription: [das ɡʁaːs ɪst ˈɪmɐ ˈɡʁyːnɐ aʊ̯f deːʁ ˈandəʁən ˈzaɪ̯tə]Explanation: This proverb reflects the idea that people often think others have it better than they do, even though that may not be true.
Examples:

1. Instead of envying your neighbor’s new car, remember that “The grass is always greener on the other side.”
2. You might think other jobs are better, but every job has its challenges. “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

#7. “A stitch in time saves nine” ⏰

Original Proverb: “Ein kleiner Flicken zur rechten Zeit spart neun große”
Phonetic Transcription: [aɪ̯n ˈklaɪ̯nɐ ˈflɪkən tsʊʁ ˈʁɛçtn̩ tsaɪ̯t ʃpaʁt nɔʏ̯n ˈɡʁoːsə]Explanation: Addressing a problem early prevents it from becoming a bigger issue later.
Examples:

1. Fix that small leak in the roof now to avoid major damage later. “A stitch in time saves nine.”
2. Completing tasks early can prevent last-minute stress. Remember, “A stitch in time saves nine.”

#8. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” 🏛️

Original Proverb: “In Rom, mach es wie die Römer”
Phonetic Transcription: [ɪn roːm maχ ɛs viː diː ˈʁøːmɐ]Explanation: This saying advises adapting to the customs and behaviors of the place you are in.
Examples:

1. If you’re traveling, try to follow local customs. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
2. At the new company, follow their practices to fit in. Remember, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

#9. “Better safe than sorry” ⚠️

Original Proverb: “Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈfoːʁzɪçt ɪst ˈbɛsəʁ als ˈnaːxzɪçt]Explanation: It’s wiser to take precautions than to deal with problems that could have been avoided.
Examples:

1. Wear a helmet while biking; “Better safe than sorry.”
2. Double-check your work to avoid mistakes. Remember, “Better safe than sorry.”

#10. “Time heals all wounds” ⏳

Original Proverb: “Die Zeit heilt alle Wunden”
Phonetic Transcription: [diː tsaɪ̯t haɪ̯lt ˈalə ˈvʊndən]Explanation: Over time, emotional pain and difficulties will eventually lessen.
Examples:

1. Give yourself time to recover from the breakup. “Time heals all wounds.”
2. After the initial grief, you’ll feel better. Remember, “Time heals all wounds.”

#11. “Too many cooks spoil the broth” 🍲

Original Proverb: “Viele Köche verderben den Brei”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈfiːlə ˈkœçə fɛʁˈdɛʁbən deːn bʁaɪ̯]Explanation: Having too many people involved in a task can lead to confusion and a poor outcome.
Examples:

1. Avoid involving everyone in the project planning. “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
2. A small team is often more effective. Remember, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.”

#12. “Actions speak louder than words” 🗣️

Original Proverb: “Taten sagen mehr als Worte”
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈtaːtn ˈzaːɡn meːr als ˈvɔʁtə]Explanation: The true measure of someone’s intentions or feelings is demonstrated through their actions rather than their words.
Examples:

1. Show your commitment through your actions. “Actions speak louder than words.”
2. Instead of just talking about your goals, work towards them. Remember, “Actions speak louder than words.”

#13. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” 🐥

Original Proverb: “Zähl nicht die Hühner bevor sie geschlüpft sind”
Phonetic Transcription: [tseːl nɪçt diː ˈhyːnɐ bɛˈfoːʁ ziː ɡəˈʃlʏpt zɪnt]Explanation: Don’t assume you will get something before it actually happens.
Examples:

1. Don’t spend the prize money before the contest results are announced. “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
2. Wait for the final approval before making plans. Remember, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”

#14. “A penny saved is a penny earned” 💰

Original Proverb: “Ein gesparter Pfennig ist ein verdienter Pfennig”
Phonetic Transcription: [aɪ̯n ɡəˈʃpaːʁtɐ ˈpfɛnɪŋ ɪst aɪ̯n fɛʁˈdiːntɐ ˈpfɛnɪŋ]Explanation: Saving money is as valuable as earning it.
Examples:

1. Cutting unnecessary expenses adds to your savings. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
2. Small savings can accumulate over time. Remember, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

#15. “You reap what you sow” 🌾

Original Proverb: “Wie man sät, so wird man ernten”
Phonetic Transcription: [viː man zɛːt zoː vɪʁt man ˈɛʁntən]Explanation: The actions you take will determine the results you receive.
Examples:

1. Hard work will lead to success. “You reap what you sow.”
2. Positive actions lead to positive outcomes. Remember, “You reap what you sow.”

#16. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” 🤝

Original Proverb: “Ein Freund in der Not ist ein Freund in der Tat”
Phonetic Transcription: [aɪ̯n fʁɔʏ̯nt ɪn deːʁ noːt ɪst aɪ̯n fʁɔʏ̯nt ɪn deːʁ taːt]Explanation: True friends are those who stand by you in times of trouble.
Examples:

1. A friend who helps you during difficult times is a true friend. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
2. Support from friends during hardships proves their loyalty. Remember, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

#17. “All that glitters is not gold” ✨

Original Proverb: “Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt”
Phonetic Transcription: [ɛs ɪst nɪçt ˈaləs ɡoːlt vas ɡlɛntst]Explanation: Not everything that looks valuable or attractive is actually so.
Examples:

1. Don’t be deceived by appearances. “All that glitters is not gold.”
2. A flashy offer might not be as good as it seems. Remember, “All that glitters is not gold.”

#18. “Let sleeping dogs lie” 🐶

Original Proverb: “Lass die Hunde ruhen”
Phonetic Transcription: [las diː ˈhʊndə ˈʁuːən]Explanation: Avoid disturbing a situation that could lead to trouble or conflict.
Examples:

1. Don’t bring up old arguments; “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
2. Avoid rekindling past disputes to maintain peace. Remember, “Let sleeping dogs lie.”

#19. “When one door closes, another opens” 🚪

Original Proverb: “Wenn sich eine Tür schließt, öffnet sich eine andere”
Phonetic Transcription: [vɛn zɪç aɪ̯nə tyːʁ ʃliːst ˈœfnət zɪç aɪ̯nə ˈandərə]Explanation: An end or failure in one aspect of life can lead to new opportunities.
Examples:

1. Losing a job might lead to a better opportunity. “When one door closes, another opens.”
2. A setback might pave the way for new beginnings. Remember, “When one door closes, another opens.”

#20. “The best of both worlds” 🌍

Original Proverb: “Das Beste aus beiden Welten”
Phonetic Transcription: [das ˈbɛstə aʊ̯s ˈbaɪ̯dn̩ ˈvɛltən]Explanation: Enjoying the advantages of two different things at the same time.
Examples:

1. Working from home allows you to enjoy both professional and personal time. “The best of both worlds.”
2. Combining business with pleasure can be rewarding. Remember, “The best of both worlds.”

German Proverbs in English Table

German Proverbs in English Printable

Conclusion

Exploring German proverbs offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and philosophical aspects of the language. These sayings, with their deep meanings and practical wisdom, provide valuable insights that can enrich our understanding of everyday experiences.

By translating these proverbs into English, we not only bridge cultural gaps but also enhance our ability to appreciate the nuances of different languages. As you apply these proverbs in your own life, you’ll find that their timeless wisdom continues to resonate, offering guidance and perspective in various situations.

Embracing such cross-cultural expressions broadens our horizons and deepens our appreciation of the world’s diverse linguistic heritage.

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