Germans have many popular proverbs, however, literally translating them is another matter…
German: “Nur die Harten kommen in den Garten.”
Translation: Only the strongest survive.
German: Du gehst mir tierisch auf den Keks.
Translation: You’re driving me crazy.
German: Zu viele Köche verderben den Brei.
Translation: Too many cooks spoil the broth.
German: Die Kuh vom Eis holen.
Translation: Escape a risky situation. (Well, trying to get a cow off thin ice would be a rather risky situation!)
Note: The literal translation is actually “Lid closed, monkey dead.”
German: Klappe zu, Affe tot.
Translation: Let’s put an end to this.
German: Ich glaub, mein Schwein pfeift.
Translation: I don’t believe it.
German: Da liegt der Hase im Pfeffer.
Translation: This is the cause of that/ That’s the problem.
German: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei.
Translation: All good things must come to an end.
German: Kleinvieh macht auch Mist.
Translation: Small amounts can add up (to something bigger).
Adapted from http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis/german-proverbs-translated-literally-into-english#.vmol13zgpl
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