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wie Vater, so Sohn
/viː ˈfaːtɐ zoː ˈzoːn/◆proverb
children often resemble or behave like their parents
Er ist genau wie sein Vater – wie Vater, so Sohn.
He's just like his father – like father, like son.
informal
A proverb indicating that children often inherit or develop similar characteristics, behaviors, or traits as their parents, whether positive or negative.
Die Kinder haben die gleichen Interessen wie ihre Eltern – wie Vater, so Sohn.
The children have the same interests as their parents – like father, like son.
Er hat die gleichen Fehler wie sein Vater gemacht – wie Vater, so Sohn.
He made the same mistakes as his father – like father, like son.
This proverb is often used to highlight generational patterns in behavior, personality, or even physical appearance.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
This proverb is widely recognized in German-speaking cultures and is often used in everyday conversations to comment on family resemblances.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the observation that children often resemble their parents in various ways, reflecting cultural beliefs about heredity and upbringing.
Usage Notes
This proverb is commonly used in both positive and negative contexts to describe similarities between parents and children. It can be used to praise or criticize, depending on the context.
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