Meaning
Things that take a long time to develop are often of good quality.
Cultural Background
Reflects the value of 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). Similar appreciation for precision and patience in watchmaking. Used in the context of traditional coffee house culture and slow living. Often contrasted with the modern 'hustle' culture.
Use the comma
Always include the comma after 'währt'. It is grammatically required.
Don't over-use
It's a proverb, so use it sparingly to maintain its impact.
Meaning
Things that take a long time to develop are often of good quality.
Use the comma
Always include the comma after 'währt'. It is grammatically required.
Don't over-use
It's a proverb, so use it sparingly to maintain its impact.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Was lange währt, wird endlich ____.
The proverb ends with 'gut' to signify a positive outcome.
Which situation is appropriate for this proverb?
When should you use this phrase?
The proverb is for encouraging patience, not for criticizing laziness or demanding speed.
Match the German proverb to its English equivalent.
Was lange währt, wird endlich gut.
Both phrases convey the same sentiment about patience and quality.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich bin so frustriert, dass das Haus noch nicht fertig ist.' B: '____'
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response to someone frustrated by a delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWas lange währt, wird endlich ____.
The proverb ends with 'gut' to signify a positive outcome.
When should you use this phrase?
The proverb is for encouraging patience, not for criticizing laziness or demanding speed.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Both phrases convey the same sentiment about patience and quality.
A: 'Ich bin so frustriert, dass das Haus noch nicht fertig ist.' B: '____'
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response to someone frustrated by a delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, if you are explaining why a project took longer than expected. It shows patience and a focus on quality.
It can be, if it sounds dismissive. Use it only if you are genuinely trying to offer comfort.
It means to last or endure over a period of time.
No, it is a fixed proverb.
People sometimes just say 'Was lange währt...', but it's better to use the full phrase.
Yes, it is a very well-known and frequently used proverb.
Yes, it can be used to describe a relationship that takes time to build.
It can be, if used in a situation where the delay is clearly due to incompetence.
It sounds like 'vairt'.
Yes, 'Good things come to those who wait' is the closest equivalent.
Yes, it's a great way to justify a long cooking time for a complex dish.
It is neutral and can be used in almost any setting.
Related Phrases
Gut Ding will Weile haben
synonymGood things need time.
Eile mit Weile
similarHaste makes waste.
Geduld zahlt sich aus
similarPatience pays off.
Rom wurde nicht an einem Tag erbaut
similarRome wasn't built in a day.
