Meaning
Quiet or reserved people often have profound thoughts or feelings.
Cultural Background
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, there is a cultural appreciation for 'Tiefgründigkeit' (profoundness). This proverb is often a high compliment. Romantic era writers often used water as a metaphor for the soul. The idea that the surface doesn't show the whole truth is a major literary theme. In modern German business culture, 'stille Wasser' are often seen as reliable and focused, contrasting with 'Dampfplauderer' (people who talk a lot but say little).
Use it for compliments
It's a great way to show you appreciate someone's quiet nature without calling them 'boring'.
Plural only!
Always use 'sind' and 'Wasser' (plural). Singular sounds like a drink order.
Meaning
Quiet or reserved people often have profound thoughts or feelings.
Use it for compliments
It's a great way to show you appreciate someone's quiet nature without calling them 'boring'.
Plural only!
Always use 'sind' and 'Wasser' (plural). Singular sounds like a drink order.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Stille Wasser sind _______.
The fixed proverb is 'Stille Wasser sind tief.'
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A quiet colleague suddenly solves a problem no one else could.
This proverb describes hidden depth or talent in a quiet person.
Which is the correct plural form used in the proverb?
_______ Wasser sind tief.
In the plural nominative without an article, the adjective ending is -e.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Markus hat gestern ein Gedicht geschrieben? Er redet doch nie!' B: 'Tja, _______.'
The proverb explains the surprise of a quiet person doing something creative/profound.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesStille Wasser sind _______.
The fixed proverb is 'Stille Wasser sind tief.'
A quiet colleague suddenly solves a problem no one else could.
This proverb describes hidden depth or talent in a quiet person.
_______ Wasser sind tief.
In the plural nominative without an article, the adjective ending is -e.
A: 'Markus hat gestern ein Gedicht geschrieben? Er redet doch nie!' B: 'Tja, _______.'
The proverb explains the surprise of a quiet person doing something creative/profound.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsUsually no. It's mostly an observation of hidden depth, though it can imply a warning if the context is suspicious.
It might sound a bit arrogant to call yourself 'deep'. It's better used to describe others.
'Wasser' is the traditional poetic plural used in proverbs to represent bodies of water.
Related Phrases
Harte Schale, weicher Kern
similarHard shell, soft core.
Mehr sein als scheinen
similarTo be more than you appear to be.
Viel Geschrei und wenig Wolle
contrastMuch ado about nothing.
