Bedeutung
No matter how good you are, someone is better.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In the Ottoman era, craftsmen belonged to guilds where humility was a core virtue. A master would use this phrase to ensure apprentices never stopped striving for perfection. In Turkish offices, using this proverb can be a polite way to suggest that a team should seek outside consultancy or expert advice without offending the internal team's ego. Turkish sports commentators frequently use this to explain why a dominant team might lose. It frames the loss as a natural part of the world's order rather than a shameful failure. Parents use this to prevent their children from becoming 'spoiled' by success. It teaches that there is always a higher goal to reach.
Deflect Compliments
Use this phrase when someone praises you excessively. It makes you look wise and humble, which is highly valued in Turkish culture.
Don't Sound Arrogant
Be careful not to use this to tell someone else they aren't good. It's best used as a general truth or about yourself.
Bedeutung
No matter how good you are, someone is better.
Deflect Compliments
Use this phrase when someone praises you excessively. It makes you look wise and humble, which is highly valued in Turkish culture.
Don't Sound Arrogant
Be careful not to use this to tell someone else they aren't good. It's best used as a general truth or about yourself.
The 'Hand' Metaphor
Remember that 'el' is a powerful symbol in Turkey. It represents power, skill, and even family lineage.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
El ______ üstündür.
The proverb uses the ablative case '-den' to show comparison.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A friend is bragging that they are the best chess player in the world.
The proverb is a tool to encourage humility in those who are overconfident.
What is the figurative meaning of 'el' in this proverb?
In 'El elden üstündür', the word 'el' represents:
In Turkish proverbs, 'el' often symbolizes labor, skill, or the person performing the action.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: 'Bu sınavdan 100 aldım, benden daha zekisi yok!' Mehmet: 'Tebrikler Ahmet, ama unutma ki ________.'
Mehmet is reminding Ahmet to stay humble despite his success.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEl ______ üstündür.
The proverb uses the ablative case '-den' to show comparison.
A friend is bragging that they are the best chess player in the world.
The proverb is a tool to encourage humility in those who are overconfident.
In 'El elden üstündür', the word 'el' represents:
In Turkish proverbs, 'el' often symbolizes labor, skill, or the person performing the action.
Ahmet: 'Bu sınavdan 100 aldım, benden daha zekisi yok!' Mehmet: 'Tebrikler Ahmet, ama unutma ki ________.'
Mehmet is reminding Ahmet to stay humble despite his success.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenYes, especially in competitive gaming, sports, and professional settings. It's a classic that hasn't lost its relevance.
You can, but 'Akıl akıldan üstündür' is more specific for intellectual matters.
It is the 'is' copula. It makes the sentence a formal statement of fact.
No, if used to suggest that the company can still improve or learn from others, it shows you are ambitious and realistic.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Akıl akıldan üstündür
similarOne mind is superior to another.
Boynuz kulağı geçer
builds onThe horn surpasses the ear.
Dağ dağa kavuşmaz, insan insana kavuşur
contrastMountains don't meet, but people do.
Usta elinden çıkmak
specialized formTo be made by a master's hand.
