Understanding proverbs and idioms

In short: Proverbs are fixed sentences carrying life wisdom, idioms are fixed expressions with figurative meaning. Neither can be translated literally.

In more detail: Taking an idiom literally often means missing what is meant, for example with “buy a pig in a poke”.

In detail

• Proverb: A complete sentence with general wisdom, for example “practice makes perfect”.
• Idiom: A fixed expression built into a sentence, for example “put your foot in it”.
• Origin: Many come from crafts, agriculture or the Bible.
• Imagery: Helps express abstract ideas vividly.
• Learning languages: Idioms are among the hardest parts of a foreign language.
• Caution: Some expressions are outdated or discriminatory and should be avoided.
• Practice: When reading, pay attention to idioms and look up their meaning (lernen-lernen-methoden-die-wirklich-funktionieren).