Bedeutung
The first person gets the advantage.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The mill is a central symbol in Czech folklore, often associated with water goblins (vodníci) and hard-working millers. This proverb is one of the few that remains in daily use from that era. Similar proverbs exist in Slovakia (Kto skôr príde, ten skôr melie) and Poland, showing a shared agricultural history across the Austro-Hungarian and Slavic regions. Czechs are known for being 'lovci slev' (discount hunters). This proverb is the unofficial motto of the massive 'Letáky' (discount flyers) culture in Czechia.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Kdo dřív přijde...' and nod. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't say 'žere'
While 'Kdo zaváhá, nežere' is a common variation, 'žere' is for animals and can be offensive if used about people in the wrong company.
Bedeutung
The first person gets the advantage.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Kdo dřív přijde...' and nod. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't say 'žere'
While 'Kdo zaváhá, nežere' is a common variation, 'žere' is for animals and can be offensive if used about people in the wrong company.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Kdo dřív ________, ten dřív ________.
The standard proverb uses 'přijde' (comes) and 'mele' (grinds).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Kdo dřív přijde, ten dřív mele'?
A shop has 5 free iPhones for the first customers.
This situation is about priority and being first, which is exactly what the proverb means.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Musíme si pospíšit na ten výprodej!' B: 'Jasně, protože...'
The proverb explains why they need to hurry to the sale.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenKdo dřív ________, ten dřív ________.
The standard proverb uses 'přijde' (comes) and 'mele' (grinds).
A shop has 5 free iPhones for the first customers.
This situation is about priority and being first, which is exactly what the proverb means.
A: 'Musíme si pospíšit na ten výprodej!' B: 'Jasně, protože...'
The proverb explains why they need to hurry to the sale.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenYes, it is one of the most used proverbs in the Czech language, especially in commercial and social contexts.
Absolutely. It's perfect for discussing deadlines, limited resources, or project priorities.
It is the 3rd person singular of 'mlít' (to grind). In this context, it means the miller grinds your grain.
Close, but not exactly. 'The early bird' is 'Ranní ptáče dál doskáče'. Our phrase is more about the order of a queue.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ranní ptáče dál doskáče
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
První bere
synonymThe first one takes (it).
Kdo zaváhá, nežere
similarHe who hesitates doesn't eat.
Pozdě bycha honit
contrastIt's too late to cry over spilled milk.
