The words of Denmark

Denmark — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Denmark, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Everyone is the smith of their own fortune.”

Enhver er sin egen lykkes smed.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The apple does not fall far from the trunk.”

Æblet falder ikke langt fra stammen.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“You should not judge the dog by its hair.”

Man skal ikke skue hunden på hårene.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Empty barrels rumble the most.”

Tomme tønder buldrer mest.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“There is no cow on the ice.”

Der er ingen ko på isen.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Out of eye, out of mind.”

Ud af øje, ud af sind.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Better one bird in the hand than ten on the roof.”

Bedre en fugl i hånden end ti på taget.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One must strike while the iron is hot.”

Man skal smede mens jernet er varmt.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.”

Som man reder, så ligger man.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Equal children play best together.”

Lige børn leger bedst.

Source: Traditional Danish proverb, public-domain oral tradition