Proverbs are the gems of a language, reflecting the wisdom, values, and humor of a culture. Switzerland, with its rich linguistic diversity, offers a unique collection of proverbs that are not only insightful but also deeply rooted in everyday life. These sayings, passed down through generations, provide a glimpse into the Swiss way of thinking and living. In this post, we explore 20 original Swiss proverbs in English while preserving their meanings and essence.
Table of Contents
- 30 Famous Swiss Proverbs in English with Meaning
- #1. 🧀 “The best cheese is made in the mountains.”
- #2. 🕰️ “Time is the best healer.”
- #3. 🌿 “A small pot boils over quickly.”
- #4. 🐦 “The early bird catches the worm.”
- #5. 🏡 “Sweep in front of your own door.”
- #6. 🌧️ “After rain comes sunshine.”
- #7. 🐑 “The black sheep spoils the whole flock.”
- #8. 🐕 “A barking dog seldom bites.”
- #9. 🏠 “Home is where the heart is.”
- #10. 🌾 “Many grains make a heap.”
- #11. 🍞 “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
- #12. 🔥 “Don’t play with fire.”
- #13. 🐁 “Even a small mouse can scare a big elephant.”
- #14. 🛤️ “All roads lead to Rome.”
- #15. 🌲 “The trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit.”
- #16. 🌍 “Better to be a small master in your own house than a big servant in someone else’s.”
- #17. 🕊️ “Where there is love, there is peace.”
- #18. 🍁 “Autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
- #19. 🧭 “He who seeks, finds.”
- #20. 🍇 “The grapes are sour that are out of reach.”
- #21. 🌳 “Still waters run deep.”
- #22. 🍂 “The wind doesn’t break a tree that bends.”
- #23. 🎣 “Even the smallest fish wants to be a big fish.”
- #24. 🧘 “Patience is a bitter plant, but it bears sweet fruit.”
- #25. 🏔️ “Mountains never meet, but people do.”
- #26. 🛤️ “Many paths lead to the same destination.”
- #27. 🦊 “Cunning is better than strength.”
- #28. 🕊️ “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
- #29. 🧱 “The foundation of a house is the most important part.”
- #30. 🌞 “Even the sun has its spots.”
- Swiss Proverbs in English Table
- Swiss Proverbs in English Printable
- Conclusion
30 Famous Swiss Proverbs in English with Meaning
Each proverb is presented in its native language, accompanied by a phonetic transcription to help you pronounce it correctly. We also delve into the underlying wisdom of each saying, providing two practical examples of how you might use these proverbs in English. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a student of culture, or simply someone who enjoys the richness of proverbs, this collection will offer valuable insights into Swiss heritage.
Let’s dive into the world of Swiss proverbs and uncover the timeless wisdom they hold.
#1. 🧀 “The best cheese is made in the mountains.”
Original: Der beste Käse wird in den Bergen gemacht.
Phonetic Transcription: [deːɐ̯ bɛstə kɛːzə vɪrt ɪn den bɛrɡən ɡəmɑχt]Explanation: This proverb emphasizes that quality often comes from where there is the most effort or the best environment. It’s a nod to the Swiss tradition of producing cheese in the mountains, where the conditions are ideal.
Examples:
- “Don’t rush through your work; remember, the best cheese is made in the mountains.”
- “Quality comes with patience and care, just like the best cheese is made in the mountains.
#2. 🕰️ “Time is the best healer.”
Original: Die Zeit heilt alle Wunden.
Phonetic Transcription: [diː tsaɪt haɪlt ˈalə ˈvʊndən]Explanation: This well-known proverb highlights the belief that time helps to overcome all problems and heal emotional wounds.
Examples:
- “After a breakup, it’s hard, but remember, time is the best healer.”
- “Don’t worry too much about the past; time is the best healer.”
#3. 🌿 “A small pot boils over quickly.”
Original: Ein kleiner Topf kocht schnell über.
Phonetic Transcription: [aɪn ˈklaɪnər tɔpf kɔχt ʃnɛl ˈʏbɐ]Explanation: This proverb suggests that people who are easily agitated or have a small tolerance can quickly become overwhelmed.
Examples:
- “She always gets angry so fast; a small pot boils over quickly.”
- “Don’t stress yourself out so easily; remember, a small pot boils over quickly.”
#4. 🐦 “The early bird catches the worm.”
Original: Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm.
Phonetic Transcription: [deːɐ̯ ˈfryːə ˈfoːɡəl fɛŋkt deːn vʊrm]Explanation: This common saying is about the advantages of being early or proactive.
Examples:
- “If you want the best deals at the market, go early; the early bird catches the worm.”
- “Get your application in early, because the early bird catches the worm.”
#5. 🏡 “Sweep in front of your own door.”
Original: Kehre vor deiner eigenen Tür.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈkeːʁə foːɐ̯ ˈdaɪnər ˈaɪɡənən tyːɐ̯]Explanation: Focus on your own faults and issues before criticizing others.
Examples:
- “Instead of gossiping, remember to sweep in front of your own door.”
- “Before you judge others, sweep in front of your own door.”
#6. 🌧️ “After rain comes sunshine.”
Original: Nach Regen kommt Sonnenschein.
Phonetic Transcription: [naχ ˈʁeːɡən kɔmt ˈzɔnənˌʃaɪn]Explanation: This proverb reminds us that after difficulties, better times are sure to follow.
Examples:
- “You may be going through a tough time now, but remember, after rain comes sunshine.”
- “Don’t worry, things will get better; after rain comes sunshine.”
#7. 🐑 “The black sheep spoils the whole flock.”
Original: Ein schwarzes Schaf verdirbt die ganze Herde.
Phonetic Transcription: [aɪn ˈʃvɑrt͡səs ʃaːf fɛɐ̯ˈdɪʁpt diː ˈɡantsə ˈhɛrdə]Explanation: One bad influence can spoil a group or situation.
Examples:
- “In a team, it’s important to work well together; the black sheep spoils the whole flock.”
- “Be careful of who you associate with; the black sheep spoils the whole flock.”
#8. 🐕 “A barking dog seldom bites.”
Original: Hunde, die bellen, beißen nicht.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈhʊndə diː ˈbɛlən ˈbaɪsən nɪçt]Explanation: People who threaten or make a lot of noise are often not as dangerous as they seem.
Examples:
- “Don’t be scared of him; a barking dog seldom bites.”
- “She talks tough, but a barking dog seldom bites.”
#9. 🏠 “Home is where the heart is.”
Original: Zuhause ist, wo das Herz ist.
Phonetic Transcription: [tsuˈhaʊzə ɪst voː das hɛrts ɪst]Explanation: This proverb expresses the sentiment that one’s home is not necessarily a place but where one feels most connected or loved.
Examples:
- “No matter where you live, home is where the heart is.”
- “I’ve lived in many places, but home is where the heart is.”
#10. 🌾 “Many grains make a heap.”
Original: Viele Körner machen einen Haufen.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈfiːlə ˈkœrnər ˈmaχən ˈaɪnən ˈhaʊfən]Explanation: Small contributions add up to something significant.
Examples:
- “Every little bit helps; remember, many grains make a heap.”
- “Don’t underestimate small savings; many grains make a heap.”
#11. 🍞 “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
Original: Man kann nicht das Brot und den Kuchen gleichzeitig haben.
Phonetic Transcription: [man kan nɪçt das broːt ʊnt deːn kuːχən ˈɡlaɪçt͡siç haːbən]Explanation: You can’t enjoy two conflicting benefits at the same time.
Examples:
- “You can’t save money and spend it on luxury; you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
- “You must choose one path; you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
#12. 🔥 “Don’t play with fire.”
Original: Spiel nicht mit dem Feuer.
Phonetic Transcription: [ʃpiːl nɪçt mɪt deːm ˈfoʏ̯ɐ]Explanation: Don’t take unnecessary risks that could lead to trouble.
Examples:
- “Be cautious with your actions; don’t play with fire.”
- “If you provoke him, you’re playing with fire.”
#13. 🐁 “Even a small mouse can scare a big elephant.”
Original: Auch eine kleine Maus kann einen großen Elefanten erschrecken.
Phonetic Transcription: [aʊx ˈaɪnə ˈklaɪnə maʊs kan ˈaɪnən ˈɡroːsən eːlɛˈfantən ɛrˈʃrɛkən]Explanation: Even the small and weak can have an impact on the big and strong.
Examples:
- “Never underestimate someone; even a small mouse can scare a big elephant.”
- “Your ideas might be small, but they can have a big impact; even a small mouse can scare a big elephant.”
#14. 🛤️ “All roads lead to Rome.”
Original: Alle Wege führen nach Rom.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈalə ˈveːɡə ˈfyːrən naχ ʁoːm]Explanation: There are many ways to achieve the same goal.
**Examples:
- “Don’t worry if your method is different; all roads lead to Rome.”
- “We can take different
approaches; all roads lead to Rome.”
#15. 🌲 “The trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit.”
Original: Die Bäume, die langsam wachsen, tragen die besten Früchte.
Phonetic Transcription: [diː ˈbɔʏ̯mə diː ˈlaŋzaːm ˈvaksən ˈtʁaːɡən diː ˈbɛstən ˈfʁʏçtə]Explanation: Patience and careful development yield the best results.
Examples:
- “Take your time with this project; the trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit.”
- “Don’t rush; the trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit.”
#16. 🌍 “Better to be a small master in your own house than a big servant in someone else’s.”
Original: Besser ein kleiner Herr im eigenen Haus als ein großer Diener im Haus eines anderen.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈbɛsə aɪn ˈklaɪnər hɛr ɪm ˈaɪɡənən haʊs als aɪn ˈɡroːsər ˈdiːnɐ ɪm haʊs ˈaɪnəs ˈandərən]Explanation: It’s better to have control over your own small domain than to be subservient in someone else’s larger one.
Examples:
- “I prefer running my small business than working for a big corporation; better to be a small master in your own house.”
- “She chose to be an independent artist rather than work for a major company; better to be a small master in your own house.”
#17. 🕊️ “Where there is love, there is peace.”
Original: Wo Liebe ist, ist Frieden.
Phonetic Transcription: [voː ˈliːbə ɪst ɪst ˈfʁiːdən]Explanation: Love fosters peace and harmony.
Examples:
- “In our home, we try to live by the motto: where there is love, there is peace.”
- “Remember, where there is love, there is peace; let’s settle this calmly.”
#18. 🍁 “Autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Original: Der Herbst ist der zweite Frühling, wenn jedes Blatt eine Blume ist.
Phonetic Transcription: [deːɐ̯ hɛʁpst ɪst deːɐ̯ ˈt͡svaɪtə ˈfʁyːlɪŋ vɛn ˈjeːdəs blat aɪnə ˈbluːmə ɪst]Explanation: Even as things end, they can be beautiful and full of life.
Examples:
- “Don’t be sad that summer is over; autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
- “I love autumn because it’s like a second spring; autumn is the second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
#19. 🧭 “He who seeks, finds.”
Original: Wer suchet, der findet.
Phonetic Transcription: [veːɐ̯ ˈzuːχət deːɐ̯ ˈfɪndət]Explanation: Those who actively look for something will eventually find it.
Examples:
- “If you keep searching for the right job, you’ll get it; he who seeks, finds.”
- “Don’t give up; he who seeks, finds.”
#20. 🍇 “The grapes are sour that are out of reach.”
Original: Die Trauben hängen hoch.
Phonetic Transcription: [diː ˈtʁaʊ̯bən ˈhɛŋən hoːχ]Explanation: It’s easy to dismiss something as undesirable when it’s unattainable.
Examples:
- “She said she didn’t want the promotion, but I think the grapes are sour that are out of reach.”
- “He acted like he didn’t care, but it’s just because the grapes are sour that are out of reach.”
#21. 🌳 “Still waters run deep.”
Original: Stille Wasser sind tief.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈʃtɪlə ˈvasɐ zɪnt tiːf]Explanation: Quiet people often have profound thoughts or complex personalities.
Examples:
- “He doesn’t talk much, but still waters run deep.”
- “Don’t underestimate her; still waters run deep.”
#22. 🍂 “The wind doesn’t break a tree that bends.”
Original: Der Wind bricht keinen Baum, der sich biegt.
Phonetic Transcription: [deːɐ̯ vɪnt bʁɪçt ˈkaɪnən baʊ̯m deːɐ̯ zɪçt biːɡt]Explanation: Flexibility helps you survive challenges.
Examples:
- “Be adaptable in tough times; the wind doesn’t break a tree that bends.”
- “Don’t be too rigid in your opinions; the wind doesn’t break a tree that bends.”
#23. 🎣 “Even the smallest fish wants to be a big fish.”
Original: Auch der kleinste Fisch will ein großer Fisch sein.
Phonetic Transcription: [aʊχ deːɐ̯ ˈklaɪn̩stə fɪʃ vɪl aɪn ˈɡroːsɐ fɪʃ zaɪ̯n]Explanation: Everyone aspires to be more significant or powerful.
Examples:
- “He’s just starting out, but even the smallest fish wants to be a big fish.”
- “Remember, even the smallest fish wants to be a big fish, so don’t be surprised by his ambition.”
#24. 🧘 “Patience is a bitter plant, but it bears sweet fruit.”
Original: Geduld ist eine bittere Pflanze, aber sie trägt süße Früchte.
Phonetic Transcription: [ɡəˈdʊlt ɪst ˈaɪnə ˈbɪtərə ˈpflant͡sə ˈaːbəɐ̯ ziː trɛːkt ˈzyːsə ˈfʁʏçtə]Explanation: Patience is difficult, but the rewards are worth it.
Examples:
- “It’s hard to wait, but patience is a bitter plant that bears sweet fruit.”
- “Don’t give up; patience is a bitter plant that bears sweet fruit.”
#25. 🏔️ “Mountains never meet, but people do.”
Original: Berge begegnen sich nicht, aber Menschen tun es.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈbɛrɡə bəˈɡeːɡnən zɪçt nɪçt ˈaːbəɐ̯ ˈmɛnʃən tuːn ɛs]Explanation: Though places may be distant, people always find ways to connect.
Examples:
- “You may not see each other for years, but mountains never meet, people do.”
- “Remember, mountains never meet, but people do, so don’t be afraid to reach out.”
#26. 🛤️ “Many paths lead to the same destination.”
Original: Viele Wege führen zum gleichen Ziel.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈfiːlə ˈveːɡə ˈfyːrən t͡sum ˈɡlaɪ̯çn̩ ˈt͡siːl]Explanation: There are multiple ways to achieve the same goal.
Examples:
- “You can solve this problem in different ways; many paths lead to the same destination.”
- “Don’t worry about doing it differently; many paths lead to the same destination.”
#27. 🦊 “Cunning is better than strength.”
Original: Klugheit geht über Stärke.
Phonetic Transcription: [ˈkluːkhaɪ̯t ɡeːt ˈyːbɐ ˈʃtɛrkə]Explanation: Intelligence and cleverness are more valuable than brute force.
Examples:
- “He outsmarted his opponents; cunning is better than strength.”
- “In negotiations, remember, cunning is better than strength.”
#28. 🕊️ “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Original: Die Feder ist mächtiger als das Schwert.
Phonetic Transcription: [diː ˈfeːdɐ ɪst ˈmɛçtɪɡɐ als das ʃveːrt]Explanation: Words and ideas can have more power than physical force.
Examples:
- “In diplomacy, the pen is mightier than the sword.”
- “Remember, in the long run, the pen is mightier than the sword.”
#29. 🧱 “The foundation of a house is the most important part.”
Original: Das Fundament eines Hauses ist das Wichtigste.
Phonetic Transcription: [das fʊndamɛnt ˈaɪ̯nəs haʊ̯zəs ɪst das ˈvɪçtɪɡstə]Explanation: A solid foundation is crucial to any structure, idea, or endeavor.
Examples:
- “In any project, make sure the basics are strong; the foundation of a house is the most important part.”
- “Don’t rush the beginning stages; the foundation of a house is the most important part.”
#30. 🌞 “Even the sun has its spots.”
Original: Auch die Sonne hat ihre Flecken.
Phonetic Transcription: [aʊx diː ˈzɔnə hat ˈiːrə ˈflɛkən]Explanation: Nothing and no one is perfect.
Examples:
- “Don’t be too hard on yourself; even the sun has its spots.”
- “Remember, even the best plans have flaws; even the sun has its spots.”
Swiss Proverbs in English Table
| The best cheese is made in the mountains. | The black sheep spoils the whole flock. |
| Time is the best healer. | A barking dog seldom bites. |
| A small pot boils over quickly. | Home is where the heart is. |
| The early bird catches the worm. | Many grains make a heap. |
| Sweep in front of your own door. | You can’t catch two hares at once. |
| After rain comes sunshine. | Even the smallest spark can ignite a fire. |
| Trust is good, control is better. | Better to be safe than sorry. |
| Love goes through the stomach. | The devil is in the details. |
| Where there is no love, there is no joy. | You can’t have your cake and eat it too. |
| Where there’s a will, there’s a way. | A rolling stone gathers no moss. |
Swiss Proverbs in English Printable
Conclusion
Swiss proverbs offer a unique window into the values, wisdom, and wit of Swiss culture. These sayings, passed down through generations, reflect the importance of patience, community, and a deep connection to nature.
By translating these proverbs into English, we can appreciate their universal truths and apply their lessons to our daily lives. Whether you’re navigating a challenge, seeking wisdom, or simply enjoying the richness of language, these proverbs provide timeless insights that transcend borders.
Learning proverbs is not just about understanding words; it’s about connecting with a culture and its way of thinking. As you incorporate these sayings into your conversations, you bring a piece of Switzerland’s heritage with you. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who enjoys the beauty of proverbs, this collection will enhance your appreciation for the art of language and the wisdom of the past.
Curious about the timeless wisdom hidden in Swiss culture? 🌍 Discover these 20 captivating proverbs translated into English and add a dash of Swiss insight to your daily life. Don’t forget to follow and like EnglEzz for more linguistic treasures! 🌟 Check out the full list here:
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