Morgenstunde
Die Morgenstunde hat Gold im Munde.
The early morning hours are worth their weight in gold.
the time in the early morning when productivity and clarity are at their peak
Er stand in der Morgenstunde auf, um ungestört zu arbeiten.
He got up in the early morning hours to work undisturbed.
Often used in proverbial contexts to emphasize the value of early rising.
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Pro Tip
Idiomatic Use
Use 'Morgenstunde' to emphasize the benefits of early rising or to describe the peaceful atmosphere of dawn. It is often paired with the proverb 'Morgenstunde hat Gold im Munde' to encourage productivity.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative Meaning
'Morgenstunde' refers to the early morning hours themselves, not a literal gold content. The phrase 'hat Gold im Munde' is purely metaphorical, suggesting that the time is valuable.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Morgen' (morning) and 'Stunde' (hour), first attested in Middle High German as 'morgenstunde'. Literally 'morning hour', but culturally associated with the proverb 'Morgenstunde hat Gold im Munde' (early morning is worth its weight in gold).
Usage Notes
While 'Morgenstunde' directly translates to 'early morning hours', it carries a positive connotation of productivity and freshness. The phrase is often used metaphorically to suggest that starting early leads to success.