ein guter Koch macht einen guten Brei

/aɪn ˈɡuːtɐ ˈkɔx maxt aɪnən ˈɡuːtn̩ bʁaɪ/◆proverb

good results come from good preparation

Mit guter Planung und Vorbereitung wird das Projekt erfolgreich sein.

With good planning and preparation, the project will be successful.

◆ What It Really Means

Quality results come from quality effort and preparation.

¶ Literal Meaning

A skilled cook makes good porridge.

Literal Breakdown

ein guter Kocha good cook+machtmakes+einen guten Breigood porridge

◇ Mental Image

The image of a cook preparing porridge symbolizes the process of turning simple ingredients into something valuable through skill and effort.

◈ When to Use

A teacher might say this to students before an important exam to encourage them to study well, or a manager might use it to motivate a team to put in extra effort for a project.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the German cultural emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the belief that quality work requires quality effort.

informal

This proverb emphasizes that quality outcomes depend on quality inputs and effort. It suggests that success in any endeavor requires careful preparation and skill.

Wenn du dich gut auf die Prüfung vorbereitest, wirst du gute Noten bekommen.

If you prepare well for the exam, you'll get good grades.

Ein guter Koch macht einen guten Brei – deshalb kaufen wir nur frische Zutaten.

A good cook makes good porridge – that's why we only buy fresh ingredients.

This proverb is often used to encourage thorough preparation and attention to detail in any task.

Synonyms

Gute Vorbereitung führt zu guten Ergebnissen Was du säst, wirst du ernten

Antonyms

Ein schlechter Koch macht einen schlechten Brei

Related Phrases

Was du säst, wirst du erntenproverb

You reap what you sow

Gute Vorbereitung ist die halbe Mieteproverb

Good preparation is half the battle

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb reflects the German cultural value of thoroughness and attention to detail in work and daily life.

Gold Rule

Usage Rule

This proverb is versatile and can be applied to any situation where effort and preparation lead to success.

Word Origin

This proverb originates from German culinary traditions, where the quality of porridge (Brei) was directly tied to the skill of the cook.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to emphasize the importance of quality inputs and effort in achieving good results.

Word Breakdown

ein guter Koch

a skilled cook

phrase

macht

makes

verb

einen guten Brei

good porridge

phrase

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