Signification
The ending is the most important part.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often used in the context of 'klapa' singing (traditional a cappella). If a performance ends on a perfect, harmonious chord, the audience might say 'Konac djelo krasi'. In coastal regions, this is often applied to the construction of 'suhozid' (dry stone walls). Finishing the top layer of stones is a moment of great pride. In the capital's business culture, it's used to emphasize that the 'final report' or 'final delivery' is what the client will remember most. Used during the 'kolinje' (traditional pig slaughter) or harvest festivals to celebrate the successful end of a hard day's communal work.
Use it for Graduation
This is the #1 most common phrase to write in a graduation card in Croatia.
Don't say 'Kraj djelo krasi' in formal writing
While 'kraj' is okay in speech, 'konac' is the traditional and more respected form.
Signification
The ending is the most important part.
Use it for Graduation
This is the #1 most common phrase to write in a graduation card in Croatia.
Don't say 'Kraj djelo krasi' in formal writing
While 'kraj' is okay in speech, 'konac' is the traditional and more respected form.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Konac _____ krasi.
'Djelo' means 'work' or 'deed' and is the standard middle word of this proverb.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Konac djelo krasi'?
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb is used for successful completions.
Match the Croatian word with its role in the proverb.
Match the following:
Konac (The end) is the subject, djelo (the work) is the object, and krasi (adorns) is the verb.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Napokon sam završio diplomski rad!' B: 'Čestitam! ________.'
This is the most natural way to congratulate someone on finishing a major task.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKonac _____ krasi.
'Djelo' means 'work' or 'deed' and is the standard middle word of this proverb.
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb is used for successful completions.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Konac (The end) is the subject, djelo (the work) is the object, and krasi (adorns) is the verb.
A: 'Napokon sam završio diplomski rad!' B: 'Čestitam! ________.'
This is the most natural way to congratulate someone on finishing a major task.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in modern Croatian it means thread. In this proverb, it uses the archaic meaning of 'end'.
No, although it has Latin roots, it is a secular proverb used by everyone.
Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic or humorous. It's usually for bigger achievements.
The standard form is 'Konac djelo krasi'. Changing the order makes it sound less like a proverb.
'Po jutru se dan poznaje' (The day is known by the morning) is often considered the opposite.
Yes, it shows you are focused on results and finishing tasks.
Yes, it is a standard proverb known from Slavonia to Dalmatia.
It's like 'dy-eh-lo'. The 'dj' is one sound.
Yes, it often carries a sense of relief.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
Expressions liées
Sve je dobro što se dobro svrši
similarAll is well that ends well.
Prvo skoči pa reci hop
contrastFirst jump, then say hop.
Po jutru se dan poznaje
contrastThe day is known by the morning.
