Liechtenstein Proverbs (50)

Traditional proverbs of Liechtenstein in de and English — each with its meaning and source.

Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm.

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

Children tend to resemble their parents in character and behavior.

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Was du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nicht auf morgen.

“What you can take care of today, do not put off until tomorrow.”

Delaying necessary tasks only makes them harder to finish.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund.

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Starting the day early brings the greatest advantage and reward.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Übung macht den Meister.

“Practice makes the master.”

Skill and mastery are built through repeated effort, not talent alone.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten.

“He who laughs last, laughs best.”

A final, unexpected success outweighs any earlier setback or mockery.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Aller Anfang ist schwer.

“All beginnings are hard.”

Starting something new is always the most difficult part of the process.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Ehrlich währt am längsten.

“Honesty lasts the longest.”

Truthful, upright conduct proves more durable and trustworthy than deceit.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Eile mit Weile.

“Hasten slowly.”

Even when moving quickly, keep a measure of calm care to avoid mistakes.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Lügen haben kurze Beine.

“Lies have short legs.”

A lie cannot travel far or last long before it is found out.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer nicht wagt, der nicht gewinnt.

“He who does not dare, does not win.”

Without taking a risk, there can be no real gain or achievement.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Viele Köche verderben den Brei.

“Many cooks spoil the porridge.”

Too many people trying to direct the same task usually ruin the result.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm.

“The early bird catches the worm.”

Those who act promptly gain the advantage over those who delay.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Was sich liebt, das neckt sich.

“What loves each other, teases each other.”

Playful teasing between people is often a sign of genuine affection.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Kleider machen Leute.

“Clothes make the person.”

Outward appearance strongly shapes how others perceive and judge a person.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein.

“Constant dripping wears away the stone.”

Small, persistent effort over time can achieve what force alone cannot.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.

“One should not praise the day before the evening.”

Do not celebrate success until a matter is truly finished.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer im Glashaus sitzt, sollte nicht mit Steinen werfen.

“He who sits in a glass house should not throw stones.”

Do not criticize others for faults you share yourself.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Hunde, die bellen, beißen nicht.

“Dogs that bark do not bite.”

Loud threats often come from those least likely to actually cause harm.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Reden ist Silber, Schweigen ist Gold.

“Speech is silver, silence is golden.”

Restraint in speech is often more valuable than words themselves.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wo ein Wille ist, ist auch ein Weg.

“Where there is a will, there is also a way.”

Strong determination will eventually find a path to its goal.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Andere Länder, andere Sitten.

“Other lands, other customs.”

Different peoples and places have their own norms, so judge with tolerance.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Was Hänschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr.

“What little Hans does not learn, big Hans will never learn.”

Habits and skills are best learned early in life, while one is still young.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Not macht erfinderisch.

“Necessity makes one inventive.”

Difficult circumstances often force people to find clever new solutions.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen.

“He who says A must also say B.”

Once committed to the first step of something, one must follow through with the rest.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Alle guten Dinge sind drei.

“All good things come in threes.”

Good outcomes or attempts are often expected to complete in a set of three.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Eigenlob stinkt.

“Self-praise stinks.”

Boasting about one's own achievements is unattractive and off-putting to others.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Es ist nicht alles Gold, was glänzt.

“Not everything that glitters is gold.”

Attractive appearances can be misleading and do not guarantee real value.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hinein.

“He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.”

Schemes meant to harm others often end up harming the schemer instead.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus.

“As one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.”

How you treat others is generally how you will be treated in return.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Übermut tut selten gut.

“Excessive pride rarely does good.”

Overconfidence and recklessness usually lead to trouble rather than success.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Kommt Zeit, kommt Rat.

“When time comes, counsel comes.”

A solution or clarity often presents itself if one is patient enough to wait.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Ende gut, alles gut.

“End well, all well.”

If a difficult undertaking finishes well, its earlier troubles are forgiven.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht.

“Caution is better than indulgence.”

It is wiser to prevent a problem than to forgive it after the damage is done.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer rastet, der rostet.

“He who rests, rusts.”

A person who stops striving or exercising their skills will grow stagnant.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Geduld bringt Rosen.

“Patience brings roses.”

Enduring hardship patiently eventually yields a beautiful reward.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Der Klügere gibt nach.

“The wiser one gives in.”

It takes greater wisdom to yield in a conflict than to keep fighting.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen.

“Work first, then pleasure.”

Duties should be completed before one turns to leisure and enjoyment.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Zeit ist Geld.

“Time is money.”

Wasted time carries a real cost, just as wasted money does.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Stille Wasser sind tief.

“Still waters are deep.”

Quiet, reserved people often hold greater depth than they show outwardly.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer zuerst kommt, mahlt zuerst.

“He who comes first, grinds first.”

Those who arrive or act earliest are served or rewarded first.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

In der Kürze liegt die Würze.

“Brevity is the spice.”

A short, well-chosen statement often carries more force than a long one.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Man lernt nie aus.

“One never finishes learning.”

Learning is a lifelong process that never truly comes to an end.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Aus Schaden wird man klug.

“One becomes wise through harm.”

Mistakes and setbacks are painful but valuable teachers.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied.

“Everyone is the smith of their own fortune.”

A person's success or failure depends largely on their own effort and choices.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall.

“Arrogance comes before the fall.”

Excessive pride and arrogance usually precede a humbling downfall.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Ein Unglück kommt selten allein.

“Misfortune seldom comes alone.”

Troubles often arrive in clusters rather than one at a time.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Was ich nicht weiß, macht mich nicht heiß.

“What I do not know does not make me hot.”

Ignorance of a problem can spare a person needless worry.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Der Schein trügt.

“Appearances are deceptive.”

Things are not always as they first appear to be.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Wer zwei Hasen auf einmal jagt, bekommt keinen.

“He who chases two rabbits at once catches neither.”

Trying to pursue two goals at the same time often means achieving neither.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition

Man soll das Fell des Bären nicht verteilen, bevor er erlegt ist.

“One should not divide the bear's skin before it has been killed.”

Do not count on a reward or benefit before it is actually secured.

Traditional Liechtenstein Wisdom

Source: Traditional Alemannic/German-speaking proverb, shared regional heritage of Liechtenstein and the German-speaking Alpine region, public-domain oral tradition