Meaning
Everyone should get what they deserve or prefer.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply tied to the concept of 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' (coming to terms with the past). Its use in public can lead to significant controversy. Before the 20th century, the Latin version 'Suum Cuique' was the motto of the Order of the Black Eagle, the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia. The phrase was a cornerstone of Roman law, defined by Ulpian as 'the constant and perpetual will to render to every man his due.' Younger Germans often use the phrase without knowing its history, leading to intergenerational misunderstandings.
Historical Sensitivity
Always remember the Buchenwald connection. If you are unsure, use 'Jeder wie er mag' instead.
Grammar Check
Make sure to use the dative 'Jedem'. 'Jeder das Seine' is a common mistake for non-native speakers.
Meaning
Everyone should get what they deserve or prefer.
Historical Sensitivity
Always remember the Buchenwald connection. If you are unsure, use 'Jeder wie er mag' instead.
Grammar Check
Make sure to use the dative 'Jedem'. 'Jeder das Seine' is a common mistake for non-native speakers.
Advertising Taboo
Never use this phrase as a slogan for a business in Germany; it almost always results in a public scandal.
Reclaiming the Phrase
Some people use it consciously to reclaim its original meaning, but this requires near-native fluency to pull off without sounding insensitive.
Test Yourself
Which form of the pronoun is correct in this proverb?
_______ das Seine.
The proverb requires the dative case 'Jedem'.
In which situation is it SAFEST to use 'Jedem das Seine'?
Choose the best context:
In casual, non-political contexts like food preferences, the phrase is generally acceptable.
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Ich mag keine laute Musik, aber mein Bruder liebt Heavy Metal. Nun ja, _________.
The phrase fits perfectly to acknowledge a difference in taste.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich finde diesen neuen Modetrend schrecklich.' B: 'Ich auch, aber viele Leute tragen das jetzt.' A: 'Stimmt, _________.'
The standard form is 'jedem das Seine'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Safe vs. Risky Alternatives
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ das Seine.
The proverb requires the dative case 'Jedem'.
Choose the best context:
In casual, non-political contexts like food preferences, the phrase is generally acceptable.
Ich mag keine laute Musik, aber mein Bruder liebt Heavy Metal. Nun ja, _________.
The phrase fits perfectly to acknowledge a difference in taste.
A: 'Ich finde diesen neuen Modetrend schrecklich.' B: 'Ich auch, aber viele Leute tragen das jetzt.' A: 'Stimmt, _________.'
The standard form is 'jedem das Seine'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it is not illegal like the Swastika. However, it is socially taboo in many contexts and can lead to severe criticism.
Yes, in a casual context about tastes (like food or music), most friends will understand it as 'to each their own.'
The Nazis used it cynically to tell prisoners they deserved their fate. This perversion of a classical motto is a key part of its history.
'Jedem das Seine' is the standard proverb. 'Jedem den Seinen' (masculine) was used in a famous failed Tchibo ad campaign.
'Jeder wie er mag' or 'Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten' are perfectly safe and very common.
Yes, it is used throughout the German-speaking world, though the historical sensitivity is strongest in Germany.
Grammatically yes, if referring to a female group, but 'Jedem das Seine' is the fixed idiom.
No, its roots are in Greek philosophy and Roman law, not the Bible.
Apologize and explain that you meant it in the sense of 'to each their own' and were unaware of the historical sensitivity.
Only in legal or philosophical texts discussing the concept of 'Suum cuique.' Avoid it in general formal writing.
Because it is in the dative case, acting as the indirect object of an implied verb like 'give'.
Dutch has 'Ieder het zijne,' which is used similarly and without the same level of controversy.
Yes, but irony regarding this phrase is very risky and should be avoided by learners.
It's similar, but 'Live and let live' (Leben und leben lassen) is more about tolerance of behavior, while 'Jedem das Seine' is about preferences or justice.
Related Phrases
Über Geschmack lässt sich nicht streiten
similarTastes cannot be argued about.
Jeder wie er mag
similarEveryone as they like.
Jedem Tierchen sein Pläsierchen
similarTo every little animal its little pleasure.
Gleiches Recht für alle
contrastEqual rights for everyone.
Suum cuique
specialized formThe original Latin form.
