The German language has many unusual expressions about sizes. How do you like this phrase so unexpected, but at the same time very motivating: “there is also manure from small cattle”? We continue our journey through the world of German proverbs and sayings.

For big and small

If a game or entertainment is suitable for people of all ages and promises good humor to all participants equally, the expression “für Groß und Klein” will be very useful. So “for big and small” is exactly what is suitable for children and adults.

A trifle with great consequences

According to chaos theory, to radically change the future, the smallest changes in the present are enough. And so even a slight flutter of the butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane. “Small actions – big consequences”, say the Germans in such cases. The expression “Kleine Ursache, große Wirkung” is applicable and it doesn’t take much to confirm the well-known fact of doing good.

big in size

If the Germans say “this is great for you”, then they don’t mean big clothes that hang on the body. This phrase means that the work or task is not up to you. So if a child declares that he can drive a car, you might as well raise your hands: “Das ist noch eine Nummer zu groß für dich!”

And from the small cattle there is also manure

Anyone who has changed diapers for their children will agree with this sentence! In German, a proverb has a positive meaning, it is used when it is necessary to emphasize the importance of the smallest contribution to a great cause. By the way, you can translate “Kleinvieh macht auch Mist” into Russian as “With the world on a thread – a naked shirt”.

You are wonderful!

If the Germans say to someone “you are great!” or “Du bist großartig!” then this person really did something special. This expression is used when simple gratitude and “thank you” are not enough. For example, parents will praise their young children in this way when they are successful for the first time.

Don’t be a stingy!

The term “Korinthenkacker” describes overly meticulous and overly correct people who find it difficult to let go. There are several theories about the origin of this expression. It is said that it is a pity for the misers to part with what they have eaten, and that is why their droppings are small, like raisins.

Get lost in the little things

Anyone can get lost in trifles if they get distracted by unimportant things during a task or in a conversation. Obviously, no one is interested in hearing from a neighbor the tiniest details of his vacation, and even when in the end he simply forgets what he meant at the beginning. It’s time to say to this bore: “Bitte nicht im Klein-klein verstricken!”

It makes no sense!

The endless verbal escapades of the bores in Germany will be briefly commented on: “This is a trifle, a trifle!” If the phrase “Das ist doch Kleinkram” sounds, it means that our interlocutor has delved too deeply into small details. It really is time for him to learn to focus on the main thing!

Not a little, but to the fullest!

“Nicht kleckern, sondern klotzen!” – this expression is rarely used today, but only in a positive sense. So a German, if he has pampered himself with something, and even to the maximum and denying himself to nothing, can shrug his shoulders and say: “Not small, but to the maximum!”.

live in style

“Auf großem Fuß leben” is what the Germans say about people who throw money around. The expression is believed to have originated in the distant times of Henry Plantagenet, Duke of Anjou (1132-1189), who wore oversized shoes due to the growth of one foot. These impractical shoes became fashionable among the nobility of the time, who could afford to live in style.