figures of speech Archives - Page 6 of 18

Zuverlässigkeit

Germans plan far into the future. This only makes sense, though, if all involved are reliable in sticking to the plan. Zuverlässigkeit – dependability, reliability, soundness, trustworthiness – delivering what you promised by the date you agreed to.

Zuverlässigkeit is so critical to Germans that it is considered a virtue, as a matter of personal character developed over time. Zuverlässigkeit, therefore, needs to be demonstrated from the very beginning of a working relationship. It is the basis for trust.

Auf Wunder ist kein Verlass. Don’t depend on miracles. Eines ist sicher: Die Rente. One thing is for sure: social security. Und er rollt und rollt und rollt – Der VW Golf. And it goes, and goes, and goes – the VW Rabbit.

“Abgemacht ist abgemacht”

Agreed is agreed. Once an agreement has been reached, it is binding and does not require further confirmation.

“Ein Mann, ein Wort.”

“One Man. One word.” A person’s word is their bond; if someone says they will do something, it will be done without the need for follow-up.

“Was gesagt ist, gilt.”

“What is said, counts.” Once something has been said and agreed upon, it stands and is valid.

“Gesagt, getan.”

“Said and done.” What has been promised is immediately acted upon; no further discussion is needed.

“Vertrag ist Vertrag.

“A contract is a contract.” Agreements-whether formal or informal-are binding and must be honored as such.

First check, then commit.

Erst prüfen, dann zusagen. Literal translation: First check, then commit. Meaning: Emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reviewing all information before making a commitment.

let him who binds himself

Drum prüfe, wer sich ewig bindet. Literal translation: Therefore, let him who binds himself forever, first see whom he is binding himself to. Meaning: Originally from Friedrich Schiller, this phrase is often used to stress the importance of careful consideration and gathering context before making long-term commitments.

Without context, no agreement.

Ohne Kontext keine Zustimmung. Literal translation: Without context, no agreement. Meaning: Stresses that agreement is only possible when all relevant information is available.

“Pacta sunt servanda.”

(Latin) “Agreements must be kept.” This legal principle is often cited in German business and legal contexts to emphasize the binding nature of agreements.