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Am Anfang ist alles schwer

/am ˈanfaŋ ɪst ˈaləs ˈʃveːɐ̯/
phrase★Intermediate— The first steps are the hardest◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
A motivational saying indicating that initial efforts are challenging but will become easier with time and practice.
¶ Literal Meaning
At the beginning, everything is hard
Literal Breakdown
Am AnfangAt the beginning+ist alles schweris everything hard
◇ Mental Image
A mental picture of someone struggling at the start of a journey or task, but gradually overcoming obstacles.
◈ When to Use
A teacher might say this to a student who is struggling with a new subject, or a coach to an athlete who is practicing a new skill.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb is widely recognized in German-speaking cultures and is often used to encourage perseverance in learning or new endeavors.
informal

A proverb meaning that initial efforts or attempts at learning or doing something new are often difficult, but things become easier with practice and perseverance.

Lernen Sie eine neue Sprache? Am Anfang ist alles schwer, aber Sie werden bald Fortschritte machen.

Are you learning a new language? The first steps are the hardest, but you'll make progress soon.

💡

This proverb is often used to encourage someone who is struggling with a new task or skill.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Der Anfang ist das halbe Werkproverb
The beginning is half the work

💡Pro Tip

Encouragement

Use this phrase to reassure someone that initial difficulties are normal and will improve over time.

📖Word Origin

This proverb is a traditional German saying that reflects the common experience of finding initial efforts challenging but rewarding with persistence.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used to comfort or motivate someone who is struggling with a new endeavor, emphasizing that difficulty is temporary.

Word Breakdown

Am Anfang
At the beginning
phrase
+
ist alles schwer
is everything hard
phrase
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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