A2Business

Wer rastet, der rostet

One should stay active and busy; inactivity leads to decline in skills or physical/mental fitness

In German

Wer rastet, der rostet

ver rah-stet der ros-tet

Literal Translation

Who rests, rusts

Meaning

One should stay active and busy; inactivity leads to decline in skills or physical/mental fitness.

Equivalent:"A rolling stone gathers no moss"

Origin:A metaphor from mechanics, where a machine or tool that is not used will rust and become unusable. Applied to humans, it means lack of activity leads to decline.

Example Sentences

1
Auch im Ruhestand sollte man aktiv bleiben, denn wer rastet, der rostet.
Even in retirement, one should stay active, because who rests, rusts.
2
Im Job ist es wichtig, sich ständig weiterzubilden, wer rastet, der rostet.
In a job, it's important to keep educating yourself; who rests, rusts.

FAQ

How do you say "One should stay active and busy; inactivity leads to decline in skills or physical/mental fitness" in German?

"One should stay active and busy; inactivity leads to decline in skills or physical/mental fitness" in German is "Wer rastet, der rostet" (ver rah-stet der ros-tet). Example: Auch im Ruhestand sollte man aktiv bleiben, denn wer rastet, der rostet..

Even small contributions or earnings, when accumulated, can amount to something significant

Kleinvieh macht auch Mist

kline-fee makhkt oukh mist

To use one's savings, often implying an emergency or unexpected need

Den Sparstrumpf plündern

den shpar-shtrumpf ploen-dern

To secretly give someone money or a gift, often as a bribe or an unofficial payment

Jemandem etwas zustecken

yeh-man-dem et-vas tsoo-shtek-en

To receive the largest portion or share of something, often unfairly or disproportionately

Den Löwenanteil bekommen

den loe-ven-an-teil be-kom-en