Meaning
Sometimes it is better to remain silent than to speak.
Cultural Background
While Germans value honesty, they also have a strong sense of 'Privatsphäre' (privacy). This proverb is often used to respect that boundary. In German business meetings, silence is often seen as a sign of deep thought rather than a lack of knowledge. During times of political tension in German history, this proverb took on a more serious, survivalist meaning.
Shorten it
In casual conversation, just say 'Schweigen ist Gold'. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't be rude
Using this to tell someone to shut up can be very rude. Use it more as a self-reflection or gentle advice.
Meaning
Sometimes it is better to remain silent than to speak.
Shorten it
In casual conversation, just say 'Schweigen ist Gold'. Everyone will know what you mean.
Don't be rude
Using this to tell someone to shut up can be very rude. Use it more as a self-reflection or gentle advice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing metals.
Reden ist ______, Schweigen ist ______.
The proverb always places Silver with speaking and Gold with silence.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend is about to tell a secret that isn't theirs to tell.
This proverb is specifically about the value of discretion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Soll ich ihm sagen, dass sein Auto hässlich ist?' B: 'Nein, lass mal. ______.'
B is advising A to stay silent to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Match the German word to its English equivalent in the proverb.
1. Reden, 2. Schweigen, 3. Silber, 4. Gold
Direct vocabulary translation within the proverb context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Value of Communication
Practice Bank
4 exercisesReden ist ______, Schweigen ist ______.
The proverb always places Silver with speaking and Gold with silence.
Your friend is about to tell a secret that isn't theirs to tell.
This proverb is specifically about the value of discretion.
A: 'Soll ich ihm sagen, dass sein Auto hässlich ist?' B: 'Nein, lass mal. ______.'
B is advising A to stay silent to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct vocabulary translation within the proverb context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, though often ironically or in professional settings. It's a foundational part of German cultural knowledge.
No, the proverb is fixed. 'Sprechen ist Silber' sounds wrong to a native speaker.
It is neutral to formal. It's safe to use with your boss or your friends.
To show that speaking isn't 'bad' (silver is still valuable), but silence is simply 'better' (gold).
Not at all. It's about 'Diskretion' (discretion), not 'Schüchternheit' (shyness).
There isn't a direct one, but 'Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen' implies you must continue speaking/acting once you've started.
Related Phrases
Schweigen wie ein Grab
similarTo be silent as a grave.
Ein Mann, ein Wort
contrastA man, a word (keeping one's promise).
An die große Glocke hängen
contrastTo hang something on the big bell (to gossip).
