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Steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein

/ˈʃteːtɐ ˈtʁɔp͡fn̩ ˈhøːlt dən ˈʃtaɪ̯n/
proverb★Intermediate— persistent effort leads to success◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
Small, consistent efforts over time can achieve great results.
¶ Literal Meaning
A steady drip of water can hollow out a stone.
Literal Breakdown
steter Tropfensteady drip+höhlthollows out+den Steinthe stone
◇ Mental Image
The image of a steady drip of water slowly wearing away a hard stone over time.
◈ When to Use
A teacher might use this proverb to encourage a student who is struggling with a difficult subject, reminding them that consistent practice will lead to mastery.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the German cultural value of perseverance and the belief that steady effort is more important than sudden bursts of activity.
general

This proverb emphasizes that small, consistent actions over time can achieve significant results, much like how a steady drip of water can eventually wear away a stone.

Sie hat jahrelang jeden Tag ein bisschen gespart, denn steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein.

She saved a little every day for years, because persistent effort leads to success.

Er übt jeden Tag eine Stunde Gitarre, weil er weiß: Steter Tropfen höhlt den Stein.

He practices guitar for an hour every day because he knows that small, consistent efforts lead to mastery.

💡

This proverb is often used to encourage perseverance and patience in pursuing long-term goals.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Kleine Tropfen graben auch Steineproverb
Small drops can also wear away stones
Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hineinproverb
He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself

💡Pro Tip

Use in motivational contexts

This proverb is best used when encouraging someone to stay persistent in their efforts, especially when progress seems slow.

⚡Gold Rule

Emphasize consistency

The key message is that small, regular actions accumulate over time to produce significant results.

📖Word Origin

The proverb originates from ancient wisdom, with similar expressions found in various cultures. The German version became widely known through literary and philosophical works.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is used to motivate people to keep working steadily toward their goals, even if progress seems slow. It is often applied to learning, career development, or personal improvement.

Word Breakdown

steter Tropfen
steady drip
phrase
+
höhlt
hollows out
verb
+
den Stein
the stone
phrase
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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