And what is that then ? It is a mental library of " oven-ready" replies ( thanks Boris) which you can trot out like a flash when required, and your German-speaking person ( GSP) will be impressed at your speedy response.
We do it in English all the time ...
" When should I start learning German "
" The early bird catches the worm"
OR ...
" Why do galaxies rotate?"
" He who thinks he knows everything knows nothing."
OR Can I google some proverbs ?
" He who seeks, shall find"
Or ... But will I remember them all ?
" He who strives, thrives" ( I made that one up)
(Who knows, it might catch on)
( What is it in German?)
Here's a ten good ones to get you started ..
[1] Lügen haben kurze Beine.
"Lies have short legs"
( You'll not get far in life by lying)
[2] Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
" Don't praise the day before the evening"
( Don't be too happy about something before you're sure it will go well)
[3] Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund
" The morning hour has gold in its mouth"
( The early bird catches the worm)
[4] Freunde erkennt man in der Not
" You realise who your friends are in an emergency"
( A friend in need is a friend indeed)
[5] Der Apfel fàllt nicht weit vom Stamm.
" The apple doesn't fall far from the trunk"
( Like father, like son)
[6] Nicht nur auf ein Pferd setzen.
" Don't back just one horse"
( Don't put your eggs all in one basket)
[7] Steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein
"Constant dripping wears away the stone"
( Little strokes fell big oaks)
[8] Der Klügere gibt nach.
" The cleverer one gives in)
(Lose a battle to win the war)
[9] Leben wie Gott in Frankreich.
" Live like God in France"
( Live the life of Riley)
[10] Wie du mir, so ich dir.
" Like you to me, so I to you"
( Tit for tat)
So .. learn that lot, and you'll have started your quest to always have a nifty " snappy answer" to whatever situation you're in.
..and now, a bit of Nina Hagen ........
Have the Germans got a saying just like that ?
I'm sure they have, they've got so many words
butthey'reoftenruntogether..howabsurd!
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actuallyitworksverywellandisquitefascinating
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