Meaning
You avoid things that hurt you before.
Cultural Background
In Denmark, this proverb is taught in schools and is a common way to explain personal boundaries. The German version is almost identical, reflecting the shared cultural history of Northern Europe. In Spain, France, and Portugal, the metaphor shifts to a cat and water, showing a different cultural focus on animal behavior. In China, Korea, and Japan, the focus is often on the long-term nature of the fear, sometimes specifying a timeframe.
Don't overthink
It is a fixed phrase. Just memorize the whole thing as one unit.
Use it to show empathy
It is a great way to show you understand why someone is scared.
Meaning
You avoid things that hurt you before.
Don't overthink
It is a fixed phrase. Just memorize the whole thing as one unit.
Use it to show empathy
It is a great way to show you understand why someone is scared.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Brændt barn _____ ilden.
The correct verb for 'to shun/avoid' in this proverb is 'skyer'.
Which situation is appropriate for this proverb?
When should you use 'Brændt barn skyer ilden'?
The proverb is about learning from past negative experiences.
Match the Danish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match: Brændt barn skyer ilden
Both express the idea of being cautious due to past experience.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vil du prøve at investere igen?' B: 'Nej, jeg tabte alt sidst. _____.'
This is the correct proverb to explain the hesitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBrændt barn _____ ilden.
The correct verb for 'to shun/avoid' in this proverb is 'skyer'.
When should you use 'Brændt barn skyer ilden'?
The proverb is about learning from past negative experiences.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Both express the idea of being cautious due to past experience.
A: 'Vil du prøve at investere igen?' B: 'Nej, jeg tabte alt sidst. _____.'
This is the correct proverb to explain the hesitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsDet er grammatisk muligt, men det lyder forkert. Brug altid ental.
Nej, det er en meget almindelig og accepteret talemåde.
Det er en metafor for noget, der gør ondt.
Related Phrases
Man lærer af sine fejl
similarOne learns from one's mistakes
En gang er ingen gang
contrastOnce is no time
Øvelse gør mester
contrastPractice makes perfect
Man skal kravle, før man kan gå
builds onOne must crawl before one can walk
