A Sprichwort (proverb) is a short memorable sentence or saying, which summarizes reoccurring experiences of human mankind. They can be found in almost every language.
English and German language roots and cultural influences are closely linked and therefore many proverbs are very similar in both languages. For the foreign language student it is very desirable, the icing on the cake so to speak, to master proverbs in the other language.
I would like to introduce some proverbs from time to time in my blog to encourage students to use them when speaking German. Continue reading if you want to find out about proverbs, their English language equivalent, literal translations and practical examples from German speaking articles.
Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst.
First come, first served.
It means who comes first has the biggest choice.
Wer anderen eine Grube graebt, faellt selbst hinein.
Harm set, harm get.
It means: If you prepare a trap for somebody else. Watch out! It might be you fall into your own trap.
