Top 50 Danish Proverbs (and what they mean)
Danish culture is characterized by being rich in art, architecture and literature, for all the creations that have resulted throughout history and that continue to be preserved as the nation's greatest treasure and as the pride of its inhabitants. But ultimately, what people in Denmark are most recognized for is their inclination to good customs, empathy, solidarity, equality and in general for their actions, respecting the rules of their country.
Simplicity and good deeds. If there is a phrase that defines the Danish population, it would ultimately be this. For this reason, they have earned the title of being one of the best cultures in the world to be taken as an example.
- We recommend you read: "The 80 best Italian Proverbs and Expressions"
Best Danish proverbs
As a tribute to this inclusive and friendly culture, we bring below the best sayings and phrases of this country.
1. To who afraid to ask, ashamed to learn.
It never hurts to ask when we have doubts.
2. Bad is never good until worse happens.
This proverb is a bit catastrophic, but it's important to remember that no matter how bad something is, it can always get worse.
3. Gifts must be delivered by hand, not thrown.
Whatever you want to give, do it with love and not out of obligation.
4. Flattery is like the shadow makes us neither bigger nor smaller.
Flattery is a sign of how well we are doing.
5. "Virtue in its rightful midst," says the devil, placing himself between the two magistrates.
Some 'fair' things are only for the people who can buy them, rather than for everyone equally.
6. You don't need to see the thoughts; just look at the expressions on their faces.
Our expressions say much more about us than we imagine. Especially if we look closely.
7. More than one man wakes up with the day that he will not see die.
We all always hope that each morning represents a better day.
8. He who does not have money in his bag must have pleasant words in his mouth.
No matter our social situation, we should always be kind to the other people around us.
9. Rice is born in water and must die in wine.
Many people have the opportunity to be successful, no matter where they come from.
10. Most of the people walking behind me will be children, so I will keep the steps short. (Hans Christian Andersen)
It is important to educate the little ones, but it is even more important to integrate the game into it, because it is the best way in which they learn.
11. Shared pain is half pain.
If you share your sorrows with someone you trust, you will see how your head clears and your heart stops hurting.
12. Friendship ends where mistrust begins.
If two people distrust each other, can they be called friends?
13. When there is a place in the heart, there is it in the house.
We all carry a piece of our home within our hearts and whoever is welcome there is welcome in our home as well.
14. The bottom of the heart is further away than the end of the world.
The bottom of your heart is as deep as your capacity for empathy.
15. He who does not give his son a trade teaches him to be a thief.
A great lesson that every family should listen to, because education is paramount for a promising future.
16. A country with many herrings does not need a doctor.
People who maintain a healthy lifestyle do not need to constantly go to the doctor.
17. Many people are like clocks: they indicate one hour and touch another.
This proverb is a warning about hypocritical people. So we must not get carried away by someone's appearance.
18. Fools, if they keep quiet, seem less so.
This proverb can also agree with another that says "the tongue is the punishment of man."
19. Never fall for your bread and butter.
You must be careful with your actions because they can be the cause of your ruin.
20. Blacksmith's children are not afraid of sparks.
Families who provide proper and firm upbringing have children who can fend for themselves.
21. Eggs and oaths are easily broken.
Not all promises are kept, there are those who may break their word.
22. If you get married you will regret it. If you don't get married, you'll be sorry too. (Sören Aabye Kierkegaard)
Not everyone is cut out for marriage, but we all wish we had a special someone by our side to share with.
23. Have your hand ready to put it in the hat and late to put it in your pocket.
This saying tells us that we must always remember to be kind and empathetic.
24. To risk is to lose your balance momentarily, not to risk is to lose yourself.
Sometimes taking risks is the only way to achieve that goal we want.
25. Something smells rotten in Denmark. (William Shakespeare)
One of the most iconic phrases in Shakespeare's book, Hamlet, referring to betrayal.
26. It is the path of my moon above Denmark that makes my face shine like this! (Jens August Schade)
A beautiful phrase that shows us the beauty of the landscapes of this country.
27. Do good and forget it.
Good deeds are not rewarded with money, nor are they presumed.
28. Happiness gives sight to a blind man.
Happiness always gives us an optimal attitude.
29. The moment chosen by chance is always worth more than the moment chosen by ourselves.
Sometimes random moments are just what we need to happen.
30. Unworthy children are the ones who most boast of their worthy descendants.
There are those who bury their family past in order to build a dream family.
31. Passion embellishes the ugly.
What is done with passion will always be beautiful, because it is done with love.
32. The poor man can die; what you cannot do is be sick.
A proverb that talks about the shortcomings of the health system with respect to low-income people.
33. The congratulations that you like do not last long.
What gives us most happiness seems to last only an instant. That is why you have to enjoy it to the fullest.
34. Honey is sweet but bees sting.
Good things take effort, a few tears, and a couple of sacrifices.
35. God gives all the birds his food, but he does not let him fall into their nests.
Opportunities come, but we must look for them, rather than wait for them to magically appear.
36. Poverty and love are hard to hide.
Two of the things that sooner or later show themselves, no matter how hard they try to hide.
37. The heart is a wealth that cannot be bought or sold, it is given away.
The heart is one of the most precious goods, as it is only given to those who deserve it.
38. Write down the advice of someone who loves you, even if you don't like it at the time.
It is not always easy to tell the truth, but it is necessary even if it hurts.
39. Blame it on a lazy man's salary.
Lazy people are almost a leech to others.
40. Whoever boasts of one vice does it of all.
Vices have destroyed the lives of thousands of people, even though they cause momentary satisfaction, because they are never in control.
41. Post-harvest advice is like rain after harvest.
Sometimes the advice is over the top, as it can be criticism in disguise.
42. Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale. (Hans Christian Andersen)
Life is the most precious thing we have and with it we can make our dreams come true.
43. Every man comes down to his death carrying in his hands only what he has given.
It is our good deeds that we are remembered for after death.
44. Everyone wants to reach old age, but nobody likes to be called old.
An irony that worries us all. As if old age were a sentence.
45. Whoever takes the child by the hand has the mother for the heart.
Parents are the best example we can have.
46. A good thing is to repent, but a better thing is not to expose yourself to it.
If we can avoid causing harm, it is preferable. But if we are wrong, it is necessary to make amends.
47. A person must stand tall to see his own destiny.
To have a promising future, it is necessary to trust ourselves.
48. Act honestly, and respond with courage.
Two virtues that go hand in hand and that reveal our true nature.
49. The tears of a rich widow quickly dry up.
There are those who find consolation in money.
50. The road to a friend's house is never long.
We are always happy to visit a friend, because he is part of our family.
