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Wer nicht mit der Zeit geht, bleibt stehen

/veːɐ̯ nɪçt mɪt deːɐ̯ tsaɪ̯t geːt, blaɪ̯pt ʃteːən/
proverb★Intermediate— If you don't keep up with the times, you'll be left behind◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
The need to adapt to change to avoid falling behind in a rapidly evolving world.
¶ Literal Meaning
Those who do not walk with the time remain standing.
Literal Breakdown
WerWho+nichtnot+mit der Zeitwith the time+gehtgoes+bleibtremains+stehenstanding
◇ Mental Image
A person who refuses to move forward in time, symbolizing stagnation and being left behind by progress.
◈ When to Use
A manager might use this proverb to motivate their team to adopt new technologies or strategies to stay competitive in the market.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the German cultural emphasis on progress, efficiency, and continuous improvement. It is often used in educational and professional settings to encourage adaptability and innovation.
general

A proverb emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and progress to avoid falling behind in a rapidly evolving world.

Die Firma hat sich nicht weiterentwickelt und ist deshalb bankrott gegangen. Wer nicht mit der Zeit geht, bleibt stehen.

The company didn't evolve and went bankrupt as a result. If you don't keep up with the times, you'll be left behind.

Er weigert sich, neue Technologien zu lernen. Wer nicht mit der Zeit geht, bleibt stehen.

He refuses to learn new technologies. If you don't keep up with the times, you'll be left behind.

💡

This proverb is often used to encourage innovation, learning, and adaptability in both personal and professional contexts.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Wer rastet, der rostetproverb
Those who rest, rust (encourages continuous activity)
Stillstand ist Rückschrittproverb
Standstill is regression

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb is deeply rooted in German culture, which values efficiency, innovation, and forward-thinking. It is often used in business, education, and personal development contexts.

⚡Gold Rule

Adaptability

The proverb underscores the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. It is a call to action to stay relevant and competitive.

📖Word Origin

The proverb originates from German and reflects the cultural value of adaptability and progress. It is often attributed to anonymous wisdom but has been widely used in German-speaking regions for centuries.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the necessity of keeping up with societal, technological, or professional changes.

Word Breakdown

Wer nicht mit der Zeit geht
Those who do not move with the times
phrase
+
bleibt stehen
remain standing (i.e., fall behind)
phrase
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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