11 German Proverbs That Make No Sense In English

Translating between languages is always interesting and often quite amusing, especially when it becomes more philosophical and abstract as with proverbs. While many German proverbs and sayings are the same in English, there are also many that when directly translated, sound simply ludicrous! Here are 11 of our favorites:

Closest English approximation: Everything comes to an end

Closest English approximation: Don’t run before you can walk.

Closest English approximation: He’s sharp tongued

Closest English approximation: Keep your head up

Closest English approximation: Goes together like chalk and cheese

Closest English approximation: The ol’ball and chain

Closest English approximation: Life is no picnic

Closest English approximation: Beggars can’t be choosers

Closest English approximation: To blow hot and cold

Closest English approximation: Sink or swim

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.