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Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht

/ˈfoːɐ̯zɪçt ɪst ˈbɛsɐ ˈaːs ˈnaːxzɪçt/
proverb★Intermediate— Better to be cautious than to be lenient◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
The proverb advises that taking precautions and being careful is more valuable than being lenient or neglectful, as the latter can lead to more serious consequences.
¶ Literal Meaning
Caution is better than leniency
Literal Breakdown
Vorsichtcaution+ist besser alsis better than+Nachsichtleniency
◇ Mental Image
The proverb evokes the image of weighing the benefits of being cautious versus the risks of being lenient, suggesting that caution is the wiser choice.
◈ When to Use
A parent advising their child to wear a helmet while riding a bike, saying 'Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht,' to emphasize the importance of safety.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects a cultural value in German-speaking regions that prioritizes safety, responsibility, and foresight over recklessness or leniency.
general

This proverb emphasizes that taking precautions and being careful is more valuable than being lenient or neglectful, as the latter can lead to more serious consequences.

Wenn du unsicher bist, ob du das Geld ausgeben sollst, dann Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht.

If you're unsure whether to spend the money, then it's better to be cautious than to be lenient.

In der Küche Vorsicht ist besser als Nachsicht, besonders wenn man mit scharfen Messern arbeitet.

In the kitchen, it's better to be cautious than to be lenient, especially when working with sharp knives.

💡

This proverb is often used to advise someone to take preventive measures rather than dealing with the consequences of negligence.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Sicherheit geht vorproverb
Safety comes first
Besser vorsichtig sein als es bereuenproverb
Better to be cautious than to regret it

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is versatile and can be applied to many situations where caution is advised over leniency.

⚡Gold Rule

Proverb Structure

The structure 'X ist besser als Y' is common in German proverbs, comparing two contrasting actions or qualities.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'Vorsicht' (caution) and 'Nachsicht' (leniency), highlighting the importance of proactive caution over reactive leniency.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to advise caution in various situations, from personal decisions to professional settings.

Word Breakdown

Vorsicht
caution
root
+
ist besser als
is better than
phrase
+
Nachsicht
leniency
root
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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