Danish proverbs

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Proverbs reflecting conventional wisdom in Denmark.

Contents

A [edit]

  • Æblet falder ikke langt fra stammen.
    • Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Af god begyndelse haabes en god endelse.
    • Idiomatic translation: A good beginning makes a good ending.; Well begun, is half done.
    • Meaning: Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A – beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 54. ISBN 0415160502. 
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 228. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Af to onde Kaar skal man vaelge det bedste.
    • Idiomatic translation: Of two evils choose the least.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 5. 
  • Alderdom beskytter ikke mod dårskab.
    • Idiomatic translation: Wisdom goes not always by years.
    • Meaning: Age will not refrain some people from acting foolish and imprudent.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 39. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Alderen zūres med graa haar, men dyden kroner dem.
    • Idiomatic translation: Gray hairs are honorable.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 35. 
  • Alder er en ond reisebroder.
    • Idiomatic translation: Age and poverty are ill to bear.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 177. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Armod og Kiarlighed ere onde at dölge.
    • Idiomatic translation: Love, smoke and cough are hard to hide.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 50. 

B [edit]

  • Bange hjarte vandt aldrig fager mö.
    • Translation: Faint heart never won fair lady.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 130. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Bedre en salt slid over sitt eget bord, end en fersk gedde overet fremmed.
    • Idiomatic translation: Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Beder gud dig drage, han får dig vel reb, beder han dig ride.
    • Idiomatic translation: God who gives the wound gives the salve.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 878. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ben stiger op, naade stiger ned.
    • Idiomatic translation: Short prayers reach heaven.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 75. 
  • Betre noget en indet
    • Idiomatic translation: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Blind høne kan også finde korn.
    • Translation: "Blind hens can find grain too"
    • Interpretation: Some things succeed because of luck.
    • English equivalent: A broken watch is right two times a day.
    • Kjær, Holbek (1969). Ordsprog i Danmark:. J. Paludan. p. 59. 
  • Bǿden sjelv bǿden steg stynker.
    • Translation: Unasked for service stinks.
    • English equivalent: Proffer'd service stinks.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1149. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Börn er vis sorg, men uvis gläede.
    • Idiomatic translation: Children are uncertain comforts but certain cares.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 654. ISBN 0415096243. 

D [edit]

  • Den der jager to Harer af een busk, faaer sieden nogen af dem.
    • Idiomatic translation: You must not run after two hares at the same time.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 102. 
  • Den där ventär på död mands skoe, går länge barfodet.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't wait for dead mens shoes.
    • Meaning: Don't wait for an inheritance or someone to retire from a position.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 208. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Den hund som bieffer meget, han bider ikkun lidet.
    • Translation: Barking dogs seldom bite.
    • Meaning: Persons who (often) threaten rarely carry out their threats.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 5. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Den veed bedst hvor Skoen trykker, som har den pas.
    • Idiomatic translation: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4. 
  • Des mere man klapper katten, des hǿjere hun bærer rumpen.
    • Translation: Cat patting leads to hump raising.
    • English equivalent: The more you stroke the cat's tail, the more he raises his back.
    • Meaning: Play hard to get, both in friendship and in courtship.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1184. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det bedste er det godste fiende.
    • Idiomatic translation: ”Better is the enemy of good.”
    • Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might slow down progress.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Det er bedre, at vǽre ene, end at have en ond stallbroder.
    • Translation: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.
    • English equivalent: Better be alone than in bad company.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 572. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det er en slem Fugl som besmitter sin egen Rede.
    • Idiomatic translation: Don't wash your dirty linen in public; It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
    • Meaning: Don't speak in public of unpleasant private affairs; Don't speak ill of yourself and the groups you belong to.
    • F. Allen, Maria (2012). The Routledge Portuguese Bilingual Dictionary: Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese. Routledge. p. 439. ISBN 0415434343. 
  • Det er godt, at forlade sig på to ankere.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det er ikke godt at holde en ål ved en hale.
    • Idiomatic translation: You might as well try to hold an eel by the tail.
    • Meaning: Don't take a man by his word.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 480. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det er intet hår så lidet, der jo haver sin skygge.
    • Idiomatic translation: A bad bush is better than no shelter; Every hair casts its shadow; There is no little enemy.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 4. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det mål, I måler med, med skal I self få tilmålt.
    • Idiomatic translation: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det saar man ei kan hele, skal man ei rive op.
    • Idiomatic translation: It is not wise to open old wounds.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 45. 
  • Det sker intet nyt under solen.
    • Idiomatic translation: Nothing is new.
    • Meaning: Absolutely everything has been done before.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det stille Vand Har den dybe grund.
    • Idiomatic translation: Still waters run deep.
    • Meaning: He who is taciturn might be that because his head is filled with ambitious thoughts.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 70. 
  • Du skal kravle, før du kan gå.
    • Translation: You have to learn to crawl before you can walk.
    • Meaning: Learn the basics of any subject first.
    • English equivalent: Learn to walk before you can run.
    • Nielsson, Arne (1998). Viljen til sejr 2.0. ArtPeople. ISBN 8771084339. 
  • Du skal nog få kärligheden at föle.
    • Idiomatic translation: "If you do good, good will be done to you.”
    • Meaning: Good acts quiet often reward themselves.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 

E [edit]

  • Eder og aeg är snart brudne.
    • Translation: Eggs and oaths are soon broken.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Een skalk ska man fange med en anden.
    • Idiomatic translation: Set a thief to catch a thief.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 74. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • En blind hǿne finder også et korn.
    • Idiomatic translation: A blind may sometimes hit the mark.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 36. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • En hest snubler, og har dog fire ben.
    • Idiomatic translation: A good marksman may miss.
    • Meaning: Even the wisest and most competent man might make mistakes.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 57. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Enhver er sin egen lykkes smed.
    • Translation: "Everybody is the smith of his own happiness"
    • Possible interpretation: Don't wait for luck. Create your own happiness.
    • English equivalent: The world is your oyster.
    • Frellsen, Ulla (1995). Enhver er sin egen lykkes smed. Ulla Frellsen. ISBN 8798366610. 
  • Ethvert kart må stå på sin egen bund.
    • Idiomatic translation: Every bird must hatch its own eggs.
    • Meaning: It is unwise to be financially dependent on someone else.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 

G [edit]

  • Gerrighed er sin egen stedmoder.
    • Translation: Covetousness is its own stepmother.
    • Idiomatic translation: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Giv skalken et spand, han tager vel heel alen.
    • Idiomatic translation: Give him an inch and he will take a yard.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 240. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Gud giver alle dem mad, som han giver mund.
    • Idiomatic translation: Each day brings it own bread.
    • Meaning: Try not to worry so much about the future.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 757. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Gå ikke over åen efter vand.
    • Translation: "Don't cross the stream to get water."
    • Meaning: Don't do things in a needlessly laborious way.
    • English equivalent: "Don't carry coal to Newcastle"
    • Larsen (2009). Mørke. Books on Demand. p. 85. ISBN 8776914542. 

I [edit]

  • I rǿrt vand er godt at fiske.
    • Translation: It is good fishing in streamy water.
    • English equivalent: It is good fishing in troubled waters.
    • Meaning: In taking advantage of chaotic conditions one can easily serve one's own purposes.
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 391. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Ikke kan få øje på skoven for bare træer.
    • Idiomatic translation: Missing the forest because of the trees.
    • Meaning: While tending to every detail you might miss out the big picture.
    • Harder, T. Mellem to sprog, Museum Tusculanums forlag, K√∏benhavns universitet.
  • ’'Ikke smide barnet ud med badevandet.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Don't throw out the child with the bath water.”
    • Meaning: Do not reject an idea entirely because parts of it are bad; Someone who is absolutely right about parts of an idea, can still be absolutely wrong about another part of it.
    • Fransson, Ola (2009). Kunskapsbehov och nya kompetenser: professioner i förhandling. Books on Demand. p. 134. ISBN 9173350133. 
  • Ingen er mere döv end den som ikke vill höre.
    • Idiomatic translation: None so deaf as those who will not hear.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1110. ISBN 0415096243. 

M [edit]

  • Man fanger flere Fluer med en Draabo Honing end med en Tünde CEdike.
    • Idiomatic translation: You can catch more flies with a drop of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 100. 
  • Man må hyle med de ulve man er i blandt.
    • Translation: "One must howl with the wolves one is among."
    • English equivalent: "When in Rome do as the Romans."
    • Himmelstrup (2000). Den udødelige soldat og jeg: Ib Michael og hans forfatterskab. Museum Tusculanum forlag. p. 29. ISBN 8772896337. 
  • Man skal smede mens jernet er varmt.
    • Translation: "One should do the blacksmithing while the iron is hot"
    • English equivalent: "Strike while the iron is hot"
    • Possible interpretation: Seize the moment. Take the opportunity now; don't waste it.
    • Hofmann (2011). Hvorfor lugter mine egne prutter bedst. Politiken. ISBN 8740002322. 
  • Mands vilje er mands himmerig.
    • Idiomatic translation: His own desire leads every man.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Mennesket agter, men Gud skifter.
    • Translation: Man proposes but God disposes..
    • Meaning: Things often don't turn out as you have planned.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415160502. 

H [edit]

  • Han skal have fingre af jern, som fanden vil flaae.
    • Translation: He must have fingers made of iron, that the devil wants to flay.
    • Meaning: Someone who treats others badly will eventually turn on you.
    • English equivalent: He who sups with the devil must use a long spoon.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 920. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Han skal have meget smör, som skall stope var mans mund.
    • Idiomatic translation: Pigs grunt about everything and nothing.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Herregunst, april-veyr, spare-ild, quinde-kier-lighed er ubestandig.
    • Idiomatic translation: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Hunden gör og ad maanen.
    • Translation: The dog also barks at the moon.
    • Meaning: Let the world say what it will.
    • English equivalent: The dogs bark but the caravan passes on.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 340. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Hovmod står for fald.
    • Translation: Pride comes before fall.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1148. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Hvo der vil honning slikke, må ikke ræddes for bier.
    • Idiomatic translation: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.
    • Meaning: Suffering is the acceptable in the quest for something great.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 837. ISBN 0415096243. 

J [edit]

  • Jo vedlore Blod, jo mindre Hovmod.
    • Idiomatic translation: Good blood always shows itself.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 34. 

K [edit]

  • Koen skal malkes igennem halsen.
    • Idiomatic translation: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
    • Meaning: Whatever input you give, whatever outpot you get.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Köbe katten i säkken.
    • Idiomatic translation: Never buy a pig in a poke.
    • Meaning: At least do some research before buying a product.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 

L [edit]

  • Lid ei på en ander, det du selv kan gjøre.
    • Translation: Don't trust for others, what you can do yourself.
    • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
    • Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
      • Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lidet er om den mans vrede, som ingen vurder.
    • Idiomatic translation: If you cannot bite, never show your teeth.
    • Meaning: Don't give out threats you can't carry out.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Ligesom die gamle fugle sienge fore, så hvidse de unge efter.
    • Translation: The young birds sings like the old birds.
    • Meaning: Children will become like older generations.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Läge, hjälp dig selv!
    • Idiomatic translation: Physician, heal thyself!
    • Meaning: Don't see the faults in others. Correct your own faults instead.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 

M [edit]

  • Mange hug faelder egen.
    • Idiomatic translation: Little strokes fell great oaks.
    • Meaning: A difficult task, e. g. removing a person/group from a strong position, or changing established ideas cannot be done quickly. It can be achieved gradually, by small steps, a little at a time.
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 252. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Man må gøre en dyd af nødvendighed.
    • Idiomatic translation: Make a virtue out of necessity.
    • Meaning: Acquiesce in doing something unpleasant with a show of grace because one must do it in any case.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1079. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Medens græsset gror, dǿer horsemoer.
    • Idiomatic translation: While the grass grows the steed starves.
    • Meaning: Dreams or expectations may be realized too late.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243. 

N [edit]

  • Nye koste feje bedst.
    • Idiomatic translation: "New brooms sweep clean."
    • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Når man vil slå hunden finder man lätt en kæpp.
    • Translation: If you want to beat a dog you will easily find a stick.
    • Meaning: Someone who wants to be mean will find things to be mean about no matter what.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Når den gamle hund gör, skal mn ud at vinduet.'
    • Idiomatic translation: ”An old dog barks not in vain.”
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Nöd kommer gammel Kierling til at trave.
    • Idiomatic translation: Needs must when the devil drives.
    • Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 

O [edit]

  • Om hundred 'aar er alting glomt.
    • Translation: In a hundred years we will be dead anyway.
    • English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.
    • Meaning: So what if you embarrass yourself?
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 48. 
  • Ofte er Ulvesind under Faareskind.
    • Idiomatic translation: Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.
    • Meaning: The seemingly most respectable people are quiet often in fact scoundrels.
    • From The Bible, Matthew 7:15. Specified as a proverb in: Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 8. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Ord slår ikke någon ihjäl.
    • Idiomatic translation: Hard words break no bones.
    • Meaning: It is often good to tell someone a harsh truth constructively (including yourself).; It is a vey bad idea to lie to yourself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 17. ISBN 0415160502. 

P [edit]

  • "Pels ikke bjørnen før den er skudt."
    • Translation: Don't skin the bear before it's been shot
    • English equivalent: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch"
    • Possible Interpretation: Don't think you have something, until you really got it.
    • skovforening (1926). Dansk Skovforenings tidsskrift. Dansk Skovforening.. p. 110. 
  • Pris en skön dag om aftenen.
    • Translation: Celebrate the day when it is evening.
    • Meaning: Don't celebrate until you are 100 % sure there is a reason to do so.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 200. ISBN 0415160502. 

S [edit]

  • Som moderen er, så er datteren.
    • Translation: Such mother, such daughter.
    • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
    • Meaning: Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and rarely.
    • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Stille vand har den dybe grunde.
    • Translation: Still waters run deep.
    • English equivalent: Still waters run deep.
    • Meaning: Those who are taciturn are perhaps taciturn because of the fact that their heads are filled with ambitious thoughts!
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 598. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Store ord gör själdent from gerning.
    • Idiomatic translation: He that promises too much means nothing.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 92. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Symtom flyger på, men kryber av.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Misfortune comes on horseback and goes away on foot.”
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Sätte alt på eet kort.
    • Idiomatic translation: "Don't put all your eggs in the same basket."
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Söde Ord fylde kun lidt i sakken.
    • Idiomatic translation: Fine words butter no parsnips.
    • Meaning: Merely talking about a problem will not solve it.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 31. 
    • Source for meaning: Speake, Jennifer; Simpson, John (2009). The Oxford dictionary of proverbs. Oxford University Press. pp. 388. ISBN 0199539537. 
  • Sønen slægter gjerne faderen på.
    • Translation: The son has a penchant for taking after his father.
    • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
    • Meaning: Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily.
    • Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

T [edit]

  • Temmerlig farlig er bedre end den bedste dom.
    • Idiomatic translation: A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 68. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tid, ebbe og flod venter ikke på någen.
    • Idiomatic translation: Time and tide waits for no man.
    • Meaning: The Future will forsake those who forsake him; Focus on the major worries you have today, because you will have even more major worries tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tro alle vel, men deg selv bedst.
    • Translation: Think well of everyone, but trust yourself the most.
    • English equivalent: Distrust is the mother of safety.
    • Meaning: Trust no one except yourself, and don't trust yourself entirely either; Trust, but verify.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 699. ISBN 0415096243. 

V [edit]

  • Veien til helvete er brolagt med gode forsetter.
    • Translation: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 

Æ [edit]

  • Ærlighed varer længst.
    • Translation: "Honesty last longest"
    • Possible Interpretation: In the long term, honesty is the best policy
    • Oehlenschläger (1813). Ærlighed varer længst: idyl. 
  • Æt able som är rödt, er ofta råddent indvendigt.
    • Idiomatic translation: A fair face and a foul heart..
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 34. ISBN 0415160502. 
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