Meaning
Education and information give a person strength.
Cultural Background
This phrase is often written on the walls of primary schools across Serbia to inspire children from a young age. Serbians associate this phrase with Dositej Obradović, who believed that 'books, not bells' would save the nation. Serbian parents often prioritize their children's education above all else, seeing it as the only 'safe' investment. In the growing IT sector in Belgrade and Novi Sad, this phrase is used to promote constant upskilling.
Keep it simple
Don't add any extra words. The beauty of this proverb is its three-word punch.
Watch the 'ć'
Make sure to use the soft 'ć' in 'moć', not the hard 'č'. It changes the feel of the word.
Meaning
Education and information give a person strength.
Keep it simple
Don't add any extra words. The beauty of this proverb is its three-word punch.
Watch the 'ć'
Make sure to use the soft 'ć' in 'moć', not the hard 'č'. It changes the feel of the word.
Use it for motivation
This is the perfect phrase to write on the first page of your Serbian notebook!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Znanje __ moć.
The proverb uses the 3rd person singular of the verb 'biti' (to be).
Which of these means 'Knowledge is power'?
Choose the correct Serbian proverb:
'Znanje je moć' is the standard canonical form.
In which situation would you most likely hear 'Znanje je moć'?
Match the phrase to the context:
It is a motivational proverb about education.
Complete the dialogue.
Marko: 'Zašto toliko čitaš?' Ana: 'Zato što je ______.'
Ana is explaining her motivation for reading.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Knowledge vs Ignorance
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZnanje __ moć.
The proverb uses the 3rd person singular of the verb 'biti' (to be).
Choose the correct Serbian proverb:
'Znanje je moć' is the standard canonical form.
Match the phrase to the context:
It is a motivational proverb about education.
Marko: 'Zašto toliko čitaš?' Ana: 'Zato što je ______.'
Ana is explaining her motivation for reading.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually in an educational or motivational context, not while buying groceries.
It's understandable, but it's not the proverb. 'Moć' is the correct word.
It's neutral to formal. You can use it with anyone.
Yes, Serbian requires the verb 'to be' in this sentence.
Dositej Obradović is the historical figure most associated with this sentiment.
Yes: Знање је моћ.
You can, but it changes the meaning to 'Power is knowledge', which is a different philosophical point.
Yes, Croatian (Znanje je moć) and Bosnian use the exact same form.
It is neuter (ending in -e).
It rhymes with 'coach' but with a much softer 'ch' sound at the end.
Related Phrases
Učenje je svetlost
similarLearning is light
Neznanje je tama
contrastIgnorance is darkness
Vreme je novac
similarTime is money
Ispeci pa reci
builds onThink before you speak
Ko rano rani, dve sreće grabi
similarThe early bird catches the worm
