aller Anfang ist schwer

/ˈalɐ ˈanfaŋ ɪst ˈʃveːɐ̯/◆proverb

the first steps of any endeavor are the hardest

Der erste Tag an der neuen Schule war schwer, aber aller Anfang ist schwer.

The first day at the new school was hard, but the first steps of any endeavor are the hardest.

◆ What It Really Means

The initial stages of any endeavor are the most challenging, but perseverance leads to progress.

¶ Literal Meaning

Every beginning is hard.

Literal Breakdown

allerevery+Anfangbeginning+istis+schwerhard

◇ Mental Image

A journey where the first steps are uphill, requiring effort and determination.

◈ When to Use

A friend is struggling to start a new business, and you say, 'Don’t worry, aller Anfang ist schwer. It will get easier with time.'

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the German cultural emphasis on perseverance and resilience, often used to motivate or reassure someone facing initial difficulties.

informal

A proverb emphasizing that the initial stages of any task or project are often the most challenging, but perseverance leads to progress.

Ich weiß, das Lernen einer neuen Sprache ist schwer, aber aller Anfang ist schwer.

I know learning a new language is hard, but the first steps of any endeavor are the hardest.

This proverb is often used to encourage someone who is struggling with the initial difficulties of a new task.

Synonyms

Der erste Schritt ist der schwerste Am Anfang ist alles schwer

The first step is the hardest

Pro Tip

Encouragement

Use this phrase to comfort someone who is struggling with the beginning of a new task or project.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from German folklore and reflects the cultural value of perseverance and resilience.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to motivate or reassure someone facing initial challenges.

Word Breakdown

aller Anfang

every beginning

phrase

ist schwer

is hard