U nevolji se poznaje prijatelj
u nevolji se poznaje prijatelj
A friend in need is a friend
Bedeutung
True friends help you when you have problems.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The concept of 'Kumstvo' (godparenting) is the ultimate form of this proverb. A 'Kum' is expected to be the first person to help in any 'nevolja', and this bond is considered more sacred than blood in many parts of Serbia. In Montenegro, this proverb is closely linked to 'Čojstvo'—the heroic code of protecting others. Helping a friend in trouble is not just a choice, but a requirement for being considered a 'čovek' (a true man/human). For Serbians living abroad, this proverb often refers to the community helping new immigrants find jobs or housing. It's a way of maintaining ethnic solidarity in a foreign 'nevolja'. In villages, 'Moba' was a tradition where neighbors helped each other with big tasks (like harvesting). If someone didn't show up during a neighbor's 'nevolja', they were socially shamed using this proverb.
Use it for Gratitude
Instead of just saying 'Hvala' (Thanks), use this proverb to show you deeply value someone's loyalty. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like someone lending you a pen, it sounds sarcastic. Save it for 'real' problems.
Bedeutung
True friends help you when you have problems.
Use it for Gratitude
Instead of just saying 'Hvala' (Thanks), use this proverb to show you deeply value someone's loyalty. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for small things like someone lending you a pen, it sounds sarcastic. Save it for 'real' problems.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
U ________ se poznaje prijatelj.
'Nevolja' (trouble/misfortune) is the key condition for testing friendship in this proverb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct version of the proverb:
The reflexive particle 'se' usually comes before the verb in this fixed expression, and 'nevolji' must be in the Locative case.
Match the situation to the proverb.
In which situation would you say 'U nevolji se poznaje prijatelj'?
The proverb is used when someone provides support during a difficult time, such as an illness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hvala ti što si mi pozajmio novac za kiriju.' B: 'Nema na čemu, pa znaš kako kažu...' A: '________________________.'
The context of lending money for rent is a 'nevolja', making this proverb the perfect response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenU ________ se poznaje prijatelj.
'Nevolja' (trouble/misfortune) is the key condition for testing friendship in this proverb.
Select the correct version of the proverb:
The reflexive particle 'se' usually comes before the verb in this fixed expression, and 'nevolji' must be in the Locative case.
In which situation would you say 'U nevolji se poznaje prijatelj'?
The proverb is used when someone provides support during a difficult time, such as an illness.
A: 'Hvala ti što si mi pozajmio novac za kiriju.' B: 'Nema na čemu, pa znaš kako kažu...' A: '________________________.'
The context of lending money for rent is a 'nevolja', making this proverb the perfect response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
3 FragenNot at all. While it is an old proverb, it is still used daily by all generations, including in text messages and on social media.
Technically yes, but as a proverb, it's almost always kept in the masculine 'prijatelj' to represent the general concept of a friend.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but the term 'prijatelj iz interesa' (friend out of interest/fair-weather friend) describes the person the proverb warns about.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Na muci se poznaju junaci
similarHeroes are known in suffering.
Prijatelj u nevolji
specialized formA friend in need.
Vuk dlaku menja, ali ćud nikada
contrastA wolf changes his fur, but never his nature.
Ruka ruku mije
similarOne hand washes the other.
