
ProverbWisdom
German origin
Besser biegen als brechen
Meaning: It is better to give a little than to break completely.
Literally: Better to bend than to break
Example: “Nimm den Kompromiss an. Besser biegen als brechen.” — Accept the compromise: the bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.
Equivalents in English
Origin: A tree that bends in the storm survives; one that stands rigid snaps.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
- Der Cottbuser Postkutscher putzt den Cottbuser Postkutschkasten. A jaw-breaking compound-noun 'ts/tsch/sch' marathon — the German love of compound words w…
- Hinter Hermann Hannes Haus hängen hundert Hemden raus. A relentless 'h' aspirate drill — every word opens with the same breathy attack.
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