proverb
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proverb
A short, generally known sentence that expresses a piece of life wisdom, a rule, or a common experience.
„Was du heute kannst besorgen, das verschiebe nicht auf morgen“ ist ein bekanntes deutsches Sprichwort.
'Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today' is a well-known German proverb.
'Sprichwort' (proverb) is a compound word made up of 'sprich' (the imperative form of 'sprechen' (to speak)) and 'Wort' (word). So it is literally a 'spoken word' that passes on wisdom or a rule.
Mein Opa kennt für jede Situation ein passendes Sprichwort.
My grandpa knows a fitting proverb for every situation.
Proverbs are often introduced in a sentence with fixed phrases. Typical formulations include 'Ein altes Sprichwort besagt, dass…' (An old proverb says that...) or 'Wie das Sprichwort sagt, …' (As the proverb says, ...).
Wie das Sprichwort sagt: Ende gut, alles gut.
As the proverb says: all's well that ends well.
Common adjectives used with 'Sprichwort' (proverb) are 'alt' (old), 'bekannt' (well-known), or 'passend' (fitting). A typical verb in this context is 'besagen' (to state/say).
Ein altes deutsches Sprichwort besagt, dass Lügen kurze Beine haben.
An old German proverb says that lies have short legs.
saying / remark / ruling
Der Spruch and das Sprichwort can both refer to a short statement containing a piece of life wisdom. Spruch is the broader and often colloquial term, also used for a motto or a joke; Sprichwort, by contrast, is generally known and passed down through tradition. For a traditional rule of life, Sprichwort is more precise.
Für das Plakat wählte sie das Sprichwort: Ende gut, alles gut.
For the poster, she chose the proverb: All's well that ends well.
Für das Plakat wählte sie den Spruch: Gemeinsam sind wir stark.
For the poster, she chose the saying: Together we are strong.
