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Danish proverbs

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"All want to be lords, but none want to carry the bag." The flag in the middle is the Danish flag. It is surrounded by the flags of the Union between Sweden and Norway.

Proverbs reflecting conventional wisdom in Denmark.

Arranged alphabetically by author or source:
A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z · Æ · See also · External links

A

[edit]
  • Af god begyndelse haabes en god endelse.
    • English: A good beginnings makes a good ending
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "190". Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 185. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. 
  • Alderdom beskytter ikke mod dårskab.
    • English equivalent: Wisdom goes not always buy years.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 39. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Alder er en ond reisebroder.
    • English equivalent: Age and poverty are ill to bear.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 177. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Alle vide gode Raad, foruden den som i Vaande staaer.
    • "The World is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet every one has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the Affairs of his neighbor."
    • Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1743)
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "239, rathen" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. II. p. 133. 
  • Alle ville herrer vǽre, ingen ville sǽkken bǽrre
    • English equivalent: There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 991. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ambolten frygter ikke hammeren.
    • English equivalent: A good anvil does not fear the hammer.
    • Høst, A.F. (1843). "A". Danske ordsprog og mundheld. p. 8. 
  • Armod og Kiarlighed ere onde at dölge. (Armod og kærlighed er onde at dølge)
    • English equivalent: Poverty and love are bad to hide.
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 50. 
  • Af gammelt jern smedes nye våben.
    • English: From the old comes the new.
  • At malke Bukken.
    • English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.
    • von Duringsfeld, Ida; Freihern von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "92" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen vergleichend zusammengestellt von Ida von Duringsfeld und Otto Freihern von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld. II. p. 56. 
  • Avindsyg er sin egen Böddel.
    • English equivalent: Envy is its own torturer.
    • Bohn, Henry George (1857). "A, Danish Proverbs". A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index. p. 348. 

B

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  • Bange hjarte vandt aldrig fager mö.
    • English equivalent: Faint heart never won fair lady.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 130. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Bedre et Æg idag, end en Høne imorgen.
    • English equivalent: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "725, heut". Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 381. 
  • Bedre fattig og sund, end rig og syg.
    • English equivalent: Good health is above wealth.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto. "588, Gesundheit". Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 305. 
  • Bedre at bøje end at briste .
    • English equivalent: Better bend than break.
    • "It is better to make some confession, or pay a little deference to others, our neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and especially our superiors, rather than lose our credit or break friendship."
    • Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order .... Munroe and Company. p. 46. 
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 16. 
  • Bedre en salt slid over sitt eget bord, end en fersk gedde overet fremmed.
    • English equivalent: 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. 
  • Bedre er et Ord for end ti Ord efter.
    • One word beforehand is better than ten afterwards.
    • Bohn, Henry George (1867). "Danish Proverbs". A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index. p. 350. 
  • Bedre er strax at nægte, end længe at love.
    • Better to deny at once, than promise long.
    • Latin equivalent: A prompt refusal has in part the grace of a favour granted.
    • Bohn, Henry George (1867). "Danish Proverbs". A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index. p. 350. 
  • Beder gud dig drage, han får dig vel reb, beder han dig ride.
    • English equivalent: God who gives the wound gives the salve.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 878. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Betre noget en indet
    • English equivalent: Better something than nothing
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Blind høne kan også finde korn.
    • English equivalent: A blind hen shall find corn.
    • Kjær, Holbek (1969). Ordsprog i Danmark:. J. Paludan. p. 59. 
  • Bǿden sjelv bǿden steg stynker.
    • English equivalent: Proffered service stinks.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1149. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Broendt Barn roedes gierne Ilden (Modern Danish: Brændt barn skyr ilden.)
    • English equivalent: Lit: A burnt child dreads the fire. Actual: Those who've had their fingers burned think twice next time"
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 2. 
  • Börn er vis sorg, men uvis gläede.
    • English equivalent: Children are uncertain comforts but certain cares.
    • "Children are bound to cause their parents anxiety, and may or may not also bring them joy."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 2 August 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 654. ISBN 0415096243. 

D

[edit]
  • Den der har glastag på sitt eget hus må ikke kaste sten på andres.
    • English equivalent: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "109". Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. 
  • Den der jager to Harer af een busk, får sjældent nogen af dem.
    • English equivalent: You must not run after two hares at the same time.
    • "Concentrate on one thing at a time or you will achieve nothing. - Trying to do two or more things at a time, when even one on its own needs full effort, means that none of them will be accomplished properly."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. X. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 102. 
  • Den der siger A, maa ogsaa siger B.
    • English equivalent: Who says "A" must say "B".
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Düringsfeld, Otto (1872). "A 1" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. Fries. p. 1. 
  • Den där ventär på död mands skoe, går länge barfodet.
    • English equivalent: Don't wait for dead mens shoes.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 208. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Den hund som bieffer meget, han bider ikkun lidet.
  • Den skal have en lang Skee, der vil søbe af Fad med Fanden.
    • English equivalent: He who sups with the devil must use a long spoon.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida (1875). "440 Teufel" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. II. p. 245. 
  • Dersom Ønsker gialdt, vare vi Alle rige.
    • English equivalent: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "721, Wünsche" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. II. pp. 408–409. 
  • Des mere man klapper katten, des hǿjere hun bærer rumpen.
    • English equivalent: The more you stroke the cat's tail, the more he raises his back.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1184. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det bedste er det godes fjende.
    • English equivalent: The good is the enemy of the best.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "669". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. p. 165. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7. 
  • Det er bedre, at vǽre ene, end at have en ond stallbroder.
    • 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 fattig Roes, man skal laane af Forfædre.
    • Praise borrowed from ancestors is but very sorry praise.
    • "Nationalism is an infantile disease."
    • Albert Einstein
    • George Bohn, Henry (1889). "D". A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index. p. 359. 
  • Det er en ringe Aarsag (Sag) hvorfor Ulven æder Faaret.
    • English equivalent: The wolf finds a reason for taking the lamb.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg, Otto (1875). "682, Wolf" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen vergleichend zusammengestellt von I. von Düringsfeld und O. Freiherrn von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld. II. p. 388. 
  • Det er en slem Fugl som besmitter sin egen Rede.
    • English equivalent: Don't wash your dirty linen in public; It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
    • 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.
    • English equivalent: 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.
    • English equivalent: You might as well try to hold an eel by the tail.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 480. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det er ikke saa let gjort, som det er sagt.
    • English equivalent: Easier said than done.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "237, Rathen" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. II. p. 132. 
  • Det er intet hår så lidet, der jo haver sin skygge.
    • English equivalent: Every hair casts its shadow.
    • 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.
    • English equivalent: You will be judged by the standards you judge others by (Judge not, that ye be not judged)
    • "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." - Matthew 7:1-3 KJV
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det sker intet nyt under solen.
    • English equivalent: Nothing is new.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Det stille Vand Har den dybe grund.
    • English equivalent: Still waters run deep.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 70. 
  • Du skal nog få kärligheden at föle.
    • English equivalent: If you do good, good will be done to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 

E

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  • Een fugl i hånden er bedre end ti på taget
    • English equivalent: One bird in hand is worth two in the bush. (Literally: "One bird in hand is better than ten on the roof").
  • Eder og æg er snart brudne.
    • English equivalent: 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.
    • English equivalent: 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. 
  • Elsk din Nabo men riv ikke Gjerdet ned.
    • English equivalentː A hedge between keeps friends green.
    • Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "128, Nachbarn" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen vergleichend zusammengestellt von I. von Düringsfeld und O. Freiherrn von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld. p. 74. 
  • En blind hǿne finder også et korn.
    • English equivalent: Even a blind hen sometimes finds a grain of corn.
    • "An incompetent person or an unsystematic approach is bound to succeed every now and then by chance."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 8 September 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 36. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • En hest snubler, og har dog fire ben.
    • English equivalent: It is a good horse that never stumbles.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "208". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. pp. 57–58. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7. 
  • Enhver er sin egen lykkes smed.
    • English equivalent: Every man is the blacksmith of his own happiness.
    • Frellsen, Ulla (1995). Enhver er sin egen lykkes smed. Ulla Frellsen. ISBN 8798366610. 
  • Ethvert kart må stå på sin egen bund.
    • English equivalent: Every tub must stand on its own bottom.
    • "Government is good at one thing: It knows how to break your legs, hand you a crutch, and say, 'See, if it weren't for the government, you wouldn't be able to walk.' "
    • Harry Browne, "A solution for the Middle East," WorldNetDaily (April 11, 2002
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 777. ISBN 0415096243. 

F

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  • Friskt (Frit) Mod er halv Tæring.
    • English equivalent: Faith is half the battle.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "114, Muth" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. p. 66. 

G

[edit]
  • Gerrighed er sin egen stedmoder.
    • English equivalent: 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.
    • English equivalent: Give him an inch and he will take a yard.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 240. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • God Viin behøver ingen Krands.
    • English equivalent: Good wine needs no bush.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto. "659, Guter". Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. pp. 343-344. 
  • Gud giver alle dem mad, som han giver mund.
    • English equivalent: Each day brings it own bread.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 757. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Guld nögle lukker alle Döre op uden Himlens.
  • Gå ikke over åen efter vand.
    • Translation: Don't cross the stream to get water.
    • Larsen (2009). Mørke. Books on Demand. p. 85. ISBN 8776914542. 
  • Gammel kærlighed ruster ikke.
    • English: Literal: Old love never rusts. Actual: Old love never dies.
  • Gud bedre Faarene, naar Ulven er Dommer.
    • English equivalent: He sets the fox to keep his geese.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "693, Wolf" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. II. p. 395. 

H

[edit]
  • Han er så storhjarted, ted han stjynker.
    • English equivalent: Riding the high horse.
    • Kok, Johannes (1870). "279 Stolthed, Hovmod, Indbildskhed". Danske Ordsprog og Talemåder fra Sønderjylland: samlede og sammenstillede med gamle og nyere nordiske Ordsprog. p. 26. 
  • Han skal have fingre af jern, som fanden vil flaae.
    • English equivalent: He who sups with the devil must use a long spoon.
    • Desroches de Parthenay, Jean Baptiste (1757). "Fingre" (in French). Dictionnaire des proverbes Danois. p. 167. 
  • Her ligger hunden begravet.
    • English equivalent: To smell a rat.
    • Mau, Edvard (1879). "3998". Dansk ordsprogs-skat: eller Ordsprog, Skjaemtesprog, Rimsprog, Mundheld, Talemaader, Tankesprog, samt et lille Udvalg af Bibelsteder, efter trykte og utrykte Kilder samlede og ordnede, tillige med nogle varianter, oplysninger og henvisninger. p. 446. 
  • Han skal have meget smör, som skall stope var mans mund.
    • English equivalent: Literal: He must have a lot of butter in order to stop a mans mouth. Actual: Money buys a man's silence.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Han vil baade have sin Rumpe varm og sin Vedkast heel.
    • English equivalent: You can't have your cake and eat it (too).
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "545, geben" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. pp. 284-285. 


  • Herregunst, april-veyr, spare-ild, quinde-kier-lighed er ubestandig.
    • English equivalent: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Hovmod står for fald.
    • English equivalent: Pride comes before fall.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1148. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Hvad hjælper det at græsset er grønt hvis koen er død.
    • English: Literal: what is the value of green grass if the cow is already dead. Actual: all preliminary efforts may be wasted if you fail to execute in time.
    • (2021) Aagaard, Kent
  • Hvo der vil honning slikke, må ikke ræddes for bier.
    • English equivalent: Honey is sweet, but the bees sting.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 837. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • 'Hvo der skiber Fanden, faaer at føre ham (maa endeligen føre ham frem).
    • English equivalent: Better never begun than never ended; He that takes the devil into the boat must carry him over the sound.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "439, Teufel" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. II. pp. 244–245. 
  • Hvo som gjør sig til Faar ædes af Ulven.
    • English equivalent: He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by the wolf.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "70" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. p. 39. 
  • Hvo som vil gjøre et stort spring, skal gaae vel tilbage.

I

[edit]
  • I rǿrt vand er godt at fiske.
    • English equivalent: It is good fishing in troubled waters.
    • "In taking advantage of chaotic conditions one can easily serve one's own purposes."
    • 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.
    • English equivalent: Can't see the wood for the trees.
    • Harder, T. Mellem to sprog, Museum Tusculanums forlag, K√∏benhavns universitet.
  • Ikke smide barnet ud med badevandet.
    • English equivalent: Don't throw out the baby with the bath water.
    • Fransson, Ola (2009). Kunskapsbehov och nya kompetenser: professioner i förhandling. Books on Demand. p. 134. ISBN 9173350133. 
  • Ingen Penge — ingen Ven.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "568,Geld" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. I. p. 294. 

J

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

K

[edit]
  • Koen skal malkes igennem halsen.
    • English equivalent: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Købe katten i sækken.
    • English equivalent: Let the buyer have a thousand eyes for the seller wants only one.
    • "What's the news?
      None, my lord, but that the world's grown honest.
      Then is doomsday near."
    • William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1600-02), Act II, scene 2, line 240.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 

L

[edit]
  • Lid ei på en ander, det du solve kan gjøre.
    • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lidet er om den mans vrede, som ingen vurder.
    • English equivalent: If you cannot bite, never show your teeth.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lige for Lige.
    • English equivalent: Give and take is fair play.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "6̟03, Gleiches" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 313-314. 
  • Ligesom die gamle fugle sienge fore, så hvidse de unge efter.
    • The young birds sings like the old birds.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lykken kommer og Lykken gaaer.
    • English equivalent: The wheel of fortune is forever in motion.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "611, Glücksrad" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 318. 
  • Läge, hjälp dig selv!
    • English equivalent: Physician, heal thyself!
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 

M

[edit]
  • Man skal varlig Vennehuus søge.
    • English equivalent: Friends are lost by calling often and calling seldom.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "508, Freunde" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 262. 
  • Mange Fjædre gjøre en Seng.
    • English equivalent: Many a mickle makes a muckle.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "540, Viel" (in German). X. I. p. 299. 
  • Mange hug faelder egen.
    • English equivalent: 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 fanger flere fluer med en dråbe honning end med en tønde eddike.
    • English equivalent: 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 gøre en dyd af nødvendighed.
    • English equivalent: Make a virtue out of necessity.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1079. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Man må hyle med de ulve man er i blandt.
    • 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 længe gaae bag en Vildgaas för man hitter Strudsfieder.
    • You must walk a long while behind a wild goose before you find an ostrich feather.
    • English equivalent: To run the wild goose chase.
    • Bohn, Henry George (1857). "Danish proverbs". A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs: Comprising French, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Danish, with English Translations and a General Index. p. 389. 
  • Man skal smede mens jernet er varmt.
    • English equivalent: Strike while the iron is hot.
    • Hofmann (2011). Hvorfor lugter mine egne prutter bedst. Politiken. ISBN 8740002322. 
  • Mands vilje er mands himmerig.
    • English equivalent: His own desire leads every man.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Medens græsset gror, dǿer horsemoer.
    • English equivalent: While the grass grows the steed starves.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Mennesket agter, men Gud skifter.
    • English equivalent: Everything in its season.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415160502. 

N

[edit]
  • Naar Fanden bliver gammel (syg), saa vil være Munk.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "Teufel, 436" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen sprachen vergleichend, zusammengestellt. II. p. 243. 
  • Naar Legen er bedst, skal man holde op.
    • English equivalent: Leave a jest when it pleases you best.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "122, aufhören" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanishcen und romanischen Sprachen Vergleichend. I. p. 59-60. 
  • Naar Nøden er storst, er Hjelpen nærmest.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "197, Noth" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. Fries. pp. 109–. 
  • Natten er ingen Mands Ven.
    • von Duringsfeld; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld (1875). "135, Nach" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen vergleichend zusammengestellt von Ida von Duringsfeld und Otto Freihern von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld. p. 76. 
  • Nye koste feje bedst.
    • English equivalent: "New brooms sweep clean."
    • 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.
    • English equivalent: A stick is easy found to beat a dog.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Når den gamle hund gör, skal mn ud at vinduet.
    • English equivalent: 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.
    • English equivalent: Needs must go when the devil drives.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60. 

O

[edit]
  • Om hundred 'aar er alting glomt.
    • English equivalent: It will all be the same a hundred years hence.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 48. 
  • Ofte er Ulvesind under Faareskind.
    • English equivalent: Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves.
    • Mrs Mawr, E B (2005). Analogous Proverbs In Ten Languages (reprint ed.). Kessinger Publishing. p. 8. ISBN 1417964677. 
  • Ord slår ikke någon ihjäl.
    • English equivalent: Hard words break no bones.
    • "Do not wonder, if the common people speak more truly than those of high rank; for they speak with more safety."
    • Francis Bacon, Exempla Antithetorum, IX. Laus, Existimatio (Pro.)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 17. ISBN 0415160502. 

P

[edit]
  • "Pels ikke bjørnen før den er skudt."
    • English equivalent: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
    • skovforening (1926). Dansk Skovforenings tidsskrift. Dansk Skovforening.. p. 110. 
  • Pris en skön dag om aftenen.
    • English equivalent: Praise the day at dawn.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 200. ISBN 0415160502. 

R

[edit]
  • Rygtet dræber Manden.
    • English equivalent: Give a dog a bad name and hang him.
    • von Düringsfield, Ida; von Düringsfield, Otto (1875). "578, Gerücht" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. I. p. 300. 

S

[edit]
  • 'Saa længe træder man Ormen paa Halen, at han vender Brodden igien.
    • English equivalent: Tread on a worm and it will turn.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "477, tritt" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. II. p. 266. 
  • Smedens hest og skomagerens kone har altid de dårligaste sko.
    • English equivalent: The cobbler's wife is the worst shod.
    • "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "7". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 65. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Som moderen er, så er datteren.
    • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
    • "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. 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. 
  • Stille vand har den dybe grunde.
    • English equivalent: Still waters run deep.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 598. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Store ord gör själdent from gerning.
    • English equivalent: He says the moon is made of cheese.
    • Nous promettons selon nos espérances, et nous tenons selon nos craintes.
      • "We promise according to our hopes; we fulfill according to our fears."
    • François de La Rochefoucauld, Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims (1665–1678)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 92. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Symtom flyger på, men kryber av.
    • English equivalent: Misfortune comes on horseback and goes away on foot.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Säg mig Hven du omgaaes med, og jeg skal sige dig Hvem du er.
  • Sæl er den, der kan see ved anden Mands Skade.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; Freiherr von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "288, Schaden" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen sprachen vergleichend, zusammengestellt. II. p. 163. 
  • "Sæt ikke alt på et kort"
    • English equivalent: Don’t put all the eggs in the same basket.
    • "Spread your risks or investments so that if one enterprise fails you will not lose everything."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 18 August 2013. 
  • Söde Ord fylde kun lidt i sakken.
    • English equivalent: Fine words butter no parsnips.
    • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 31. 
  • Sønen slægter gjerne faderen på.
    • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
    • "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]
  • Temmelig farlig er bedre end den bedste dom.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 68. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tid, ebbe og flod venter ikke på nogen.
    • English equivalent: Time and tide waits for no man.
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order .... Munroe and Company. p. 169. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tid er penge.
    • English equivalent: Time is money.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1008. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tomme Kar skratte mest .
    • English equivalent: Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
    • von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Ida Freifrau; von Reinsberg-Düringsfeld, Otto Freiherr (1875). "22". Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. p. 11. 
  • Tro alle vel, men dig selv bedst.
    • 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.
    • English equivalent: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Vi ere Alle Adams Sønner.
    • English equivalent: We are all descended from Adam.
    • von Düringsfeld, Ida; von Düringsfeld, Otto (1875). "10 Adam" (in German). Sprichwörter der germanischen und romanischen Sprachen. I. p. 6. 

Æ

[edit]
  • Æblet falder ikke langt fra stammen.
    • English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • "Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Ærlighed varer længst.
    • English equivalent: Honesty is the best policy.
    • Oehlenschläger (1813). Ærlighed varer længst: idyl. 
  • Æt able som är rödt, er ofta råddent indvendigt.
    • English equivalent: A fair face and a foul heart.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 34. ISBN 0415160502. 

See Also

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