aller Anfang ist schwer

/ˈalɐ ˈanfaŋ ɪst ˈʃveːɐ̯/
proverbIntermediateproverb
What It Really Means
Starting something new is inherently challenging, but the effort is worthwhile.
Literal Meaning
All beginnings are difficult.
Literal Breakdown
allerall+Anfangbeginning+istis+schwerdifficult
Mental Image
The proverb evokes the image of a steep climb or a heavy burden at the start of a journey, symbolizing the effort required to begin something new.
When to Use
A mentor advising a young entrepreneur about the challenges of starting a business: 'Aller Anfang ist schwer, aber mit Leidenschaft wirst du erfolgreich sein.' (Every beginning is difficult, but with passion, you will be successful.)
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects a cultural value in German-speaking societies that emphasizes perseverance and the importance of effort in achieving long-term goals.
general

This proverb emphasizes that starting something new is often challenging, but perseverance leads to success.

Aller Anfang ist schwer, aber mit Geduld wirst du es schaffen.

Every beginning is difficult, but with patience, you will succeed.

Er wollte ein neues Geschäft gründen, aber er wusste, dass aller Anfang ist schwer.

He wanted to start a new business, but he knew that every beginning is difficult.

💡

This proverb is often used to encourage someone who is facing initial difficulties in a new endeavor.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Am Anfang steht das Wortproverb
In the beginning was the word
Der Weg ist das Zielproverb
The journey is the destination

💡Pro Tip

Encouragement

Use this proverb to motivate someone who is feeling discouraged by initial setbacks.

Gold Rule

Contextual Use

This proverb is most effective when used to acknowledge effort and perseverance rather than to criticize.

📖Word Origin

This proverb has been part of German language and culture for centuries, reflecting the universal human experience of facing challenges when starting something new.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to offer encouragement or to acknowledge the natural difficulties of new beginnings.

Word Breakdown

aller
all
determiner
+
Anfang
beginning
noun
+
ist
is
verb
+
schwer
difficult
adjective
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch