ProverbPerseveranceGerman origin

Aller Anfang ist schwer

Meaning: Starting something new is always the hardest part.

Literally: Every beginning is hard

Example: “Die erste Woche im neuen Job war anstrengend, aber aller Anfang ist schwer.” — The first week in the new job was tiring, but the first step is the hardest.

Equivalents in English, French, Dutch, and Russian

  • English: The first step is the hardest
  • French: Il n'y a que le premier pas qui coûte (literally: Only the first step is costly)
  • Dutch: Alle begin is moeilijk (literally: Every beginning is difficult)
  • Russian: Лиха беда начало (Likha beda nachalo) (literally: The trouble is only in starting)

Origin: Often linked to the Latin maxim omne initium difficile est, every beginning is difficult.

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