Probieren geht über Studieren

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German

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Literally, trying goes over studying, or more loosely translated as trying is better than studying. Attested since the 19th century. It, along with its earlier form Probieren ist über Studieren (which is attested since at least 1790), likely emerged as a native and rhyming alternative to Erfahrung ist der beste Lehrmeister, which is a calque of Latin experientia est optima rerum magistra.

Pronunciation

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  • Audio:(file)

Proverb

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Probieren geht über Studieren

  1. experience is the best teacher; experimentation and hands-on experience is more valuable than theoretizing
    • 1817, “Das Goldmacherdorf. Eine anmuthige und lehrreiche Geschichte vom aufrichtigen und wohlerfahrnen Schmelzerboten”, in Aarauer Zeitung: 1817[1], Aarau: Sauerländer, page 680:
      In diesem Buche wird einfach und verständlich erzählt: []
      27. Probieren geht über Studieren; von Ausführung des Plans der neuen Armenanstalt, und wie sie in Goldenthal gedeiht.
      In this book it is easily and understandably explained: []
      27. Trying is better than studying; about the execution of the plan of the new alsmhouse, and how it thrives in Goldenthal.

See also

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Further reading

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