Wer nicht arbeitet, der soll auch nicht essen

/veːɐ̯ nɪçt ˈʔaʁbaɪ̯tət dɛɐ̯ ʃɔl aʊ̯x nɪçt ˈɛsn̩/
proverbIntermediate If you don't work, you don't eatproverb
What It Really Means
The idea that individuals should contribute to society through work and that those who do not should not receive the benefits of society.
Literal Meaning
Those who do not work should also not eat.
Literal Breakdown
WerWho+nicht arbeitetdoes not work+derthat person+sollshould+auch nicht essenalso not eat
Mental Image
The proverb evokes the image of a society where work is a fundamental duty and those who do not work are excluded from its benefits.
When to Use
A politician might use this phrase in a speech to argue for stricter work requirements for welfare recipients.
Cultural Note
This proverb has been used in various contexts, including Marxist critiques of capitalism and modern debates about social welfare policies.
formal

A proverb emphasizing the importance of work and self-reliance, suggesting that those who do not contribute to society should not benefit from it.

Die Regierung betonte, dass die Gesellschaft auf dem Prinzip 'Wer nicht arbeitet, der soll auch nicht essen' aufgebaut ist.

The government emphasized that society is built on the principle that 'If you don't work, you don't eat.'

💡

This proverb is often used in political and economic discussions to justify work requirements for social benefits.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Ohne Fleiß kein Preisproverb
No pain, no gain
Arbeit macht freiproverb
Work sets you free

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb is often used in discussions about work ethic and social responsibility, but it can also be controversial when applied to welfare policies.

Gold Rule

Usage in Debates

This phrase is frequently used in political and economic debates to argue for or against work requirements for social benefits.

📖Word Origin

This proverb is derived from the idea of work ethic and social responsibility, often attributed to various historical figures, including Karl Marx in his critique of capitalism.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in debates about welfare, labor policies, and social justice. It can be interpreted as both a motivational saying and a controversial political statement.

Word Breakdown

Wer nicht arbeitet
Who does not work
phrase
+
der soll auch nicht essen
should also not eat
phrase
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