Wer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des Talers nicht wert.
Who doesn't honor the penny, isn't worth the dollar.
Signification
Value small amounts of money, and you'll be worthy of larger ones.
Contexte culturel
Frugality is a highly respected trait in Germany. This proverb is often cited as the reason why Germans are world leaders in saving rates. This is one of the first proverbs German children learn, often when they receive their first 'Sparschwein' (piggy bank). The Pfennig survived until the introduction of the Euro in 2002, making the proverb feel relevant for centuries.
Master the Genitive
Use this proverb to practice the genitive case. It's one of the few places you'll hear it used naturally in daily life.
Irony Alert
Younger Germans might use this ironically if a friend is being overly stingy about a few cents.
Signification
Value small amounts of money, and you'll be worthy of larger ones.
Master the Genitive
Use this proverb to practice the genitive case. It's one of the few places you'll hear it used naturally in daily life.
Irony Alert
Younger Germans might use this ironically if a friend is being overly stingy about a few cents.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing historical coin.
Wer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des _______ nicht wert.
The Taler is the traditional large coin used in this proverb.
Which case is 'des Talers'?
In the phrase 'des Talers nicht wert', what is the grammatical case?
The article 'des' and the ending '-s' indicate the genitive case.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A child wants to throw away a 5-cent coin.
The proverb is specifically used to teach the value of small coins.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Soll ich die 2 Cent wirklich aufheben?' B: 'Ja, denn...'
This is the logical response to someone questioning the value of a small coin.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Small vs. Large Value
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des _______ nicht wert.
The Taler is the traditional large coin used in this proverb.
In the phrase 'des Talers nicht wert', what is the grammatical case?
The article 'des' and the ending '-s' indicate the genitive case.
A child wants to throw away a 5-cent coin.
The proverb is specifically used to teach the value of small coins.
A: 'Soll ich die 2 Cent wirklich aufheben?' B: 'Ja, denn...'
This is the logical response to someone questioning the value of a small coin.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it was replaced by the Cent in 2002, but the word remains in this proverb.
Because the adjective 'wert' historically required a genitive object.
Yes, people will understand you, but it's not the 'official' proverb.
Expressions liées
Kleinvieh macht auch Mist
similarSmall animals also produce manure (Small things add up).
Den Gürtel enger schnallen
relatedTo tighten the belt.
Auf großem Fuß leben
contrastTo live on a big foot (To live beyond one's means).
