I

ll

1

H

1

ill

I
l

I

H

108
642

 

THS

THE PROVERB AND PROVERBIAL
EXPRESSION IN BERTHOLD AUERBACH'S
DORFGESCHICHTEN

Thesis for the Degree of M. A
MICHIGAN STATE COLLEGE
Allan Edwin Frelander

I953

This is to certify that the

thesis entitled

The Proverb end Proverbiel Expression

in Berthold Auerbeoh'e mammscfitcnmi.

presented by

Allen Edwin Frelender

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

H.4L. dqrggh. Qeruen

Major professor

Dme September 24th, 1953

 

TH] PROVERB AND PEDVERBIAL EXPRESSION
IN BERTHOLD AUERBACH'S

NRF GESCHICHTEN

By
Allen Edwin Irelander

A THESIS

Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Michigan
State College of Agriculture end Applied Science
in partial fulfill-out of the requirutente

for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS

Deportnent of Foreign Languages

1953

-=Hr’:-5§$

le‘bl:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

the author wishes to express his most sincere thanks to Dr. Stuart
A. Gelleeher under whose inspired scholarship, never failing interest,
and constant supervision this study was undertaken and.completed. He
sould.also 11k: to express his gratitude to Dr. H. Kistler and Dr. Gs
I. Badmnersky for their many helpful suggestions. Grateful aeknosledgp
lent is also due to Rev. Iillial G. Hankerd of St. Mary's Cathedral in

Lansing for his help in locating the biblical references.

3 174 98

'{Hhfil‘é

9

Wm evils-'9 v-

 

TABLE OF COI‘TEH TS

A mo1€ILEDGL m:T S O O O O I O O O O O 0 O O

The invented didactic expressions

Proverbs with an explanatory comment
Proverbs with no reference to the village

The Inappropriate Proverbs .

didactic proverbs

tances of repetition

Flippant expressions . . . . . . . . .

INTRODUCTION
CHATTER I.
A. The
B.
C. Ins
D.
E.
F.
CHAPTER II.
A. The
l.
2.
3.
it.
5.
b.
B. A s
l.
2.
3.
H.
5.
CHAPTER III.
LIST OF

The Appropriate Proverbs, and a Study of

appropriate proverbs.. . . .
Weather proverbs . . . . .
Superstitions . . . . . . .

"Ortsneckereien"
Hemely proverbs . . . . .

tudy of the style . . . . . .
Proverbial phrases . . . .
Very short proverbs . . . .
Figures of speech . . . . .
Parallelism and contrast .

Proverbs depicting an impossible situation

0 O O

Proverbs concerning good health . .
Proverbs with a religious reference

9

Summary and Conclusions . . . . . . . . . .

LIST OF REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . .

PAGE
ii

iv

p

O\DOQO\F‘N

-._Hg~.-n:..1

 

INTRODUCTION

Berthold Auerbach, though not one of the giants of German Litera-
ture, is widely known as the author of M W Wchichten.
He was born Moses Baruch herbach in the Swabian village of Nordstetten,
l'ebruary 28, 1812. This is the village which later became the locale
for his most important creative literary work.

Neither his father nor mother were peasants. His mother was quite
well read and could read the Bible in Hebrew. His father was a business
man who travelled a good deal. Ihen Berthold was thirteen years old it
was decided that he should study Jewish theology and become a Rabbi as
his paternal grandfather had done. He entered the Jewish seminary at
nearby Hechingen. Later he studied at Stuttgart,T5bingen, and Munich.
He was not satisfied as a student of theology and attended lectures-:i‘n
law and literature. Part of his education was completed while holding
a government scholarship, which was withdrawn when it was discovered
that he had Joined an allegedly subversive group of students.

He was married for the first time May 30, 18347 which marriage
lasted only until April 1M, 1818. His first wife died of complications
which arose as the result of childbirth. Auerbach harried again July
1, 18’49 and was very happily married the rest of his life.

.» During the course of his life he travelled widely. and was on
intimate terms with the greatest literary talents of his country. Ihile
the first half of his life was most productive of high calibre literature,

the latter portion of it was spent in expanding theses conceived earlier.

 

He died rebruary 8, 1882 at the age of seventy, after having lived a
full. productive, and at times hard life.

Since he spent all of his adult life away from his native Nord—
stetten one wonders at his ability to portray with any consistent
clarity the lives of these people. In this paper the writer is concern-
ed with Auerbach's'use of proverbs as a device to represent success-
fully or unsuccessfully the real village atmosphere in these ”local-

color” stories.

{Ht-S

CEAH'ERI

In the introduction to his W Berthold Auerbach said
that it as his desire to record faithfully the way of life of the people
of his native Schwarswald. It is the aim of this study to evaluate to
Just what degree he was faithful to the proverbial idiom of his people,
and also to what degree his scholarly background, and didactic moral-
istic tendencies interfered with his avowed purpose.

His gerfgeschichten have often been criticised for their presenta-
tion of drawing-room peasants.1 In this connection it should be pointed
out that all of Auerbach's most direct impressions of what village life
was really like were gathered during the first thirteen years of his
life. He began to write these stories after having been am from their
locale for fifteen years. These facts as well as the general impression
left by the stories themselves support the contention that they are all
the results of reflection rather than a direct objective observation of
village conditions. Anerbach also had a variety of didactic reasons
for writing these stories which led him to take a few liberties with
reality.2

By definition didacticism is a property of the proverb,3 a property

which luerbach did not lose sight of while writing what is essentially

 

11.qu von Strauss and Torney, p13 Dorfggschichte in deg modernen
Literatur Leipzig, 1906, p. 23.

 

21bid., p. at.

3Friedrich Seiler, Q9; Deutsche Sprichwort, Strassburg, 1918, p. h,

 

2

a pedantic series of stories. There are different degrees of pedagogy
in a proverb, and different ends to which the pedagogical proverb may
be used. A proverb might be mildly, or intensely didactic; it may be
used to soothe or to incite the bearer. All of these variations were
found in the Dorfgeschichten.
Intense religious, moralistic didacticism is seen in:
53. Der Glaube masht selig und der Glaube macht reich.”

52. Eg.kein Glaube £31, ist auch kein Sonntgg. (S.D., IV, 102.)5
38. Dig Frommigheit ist die Kindheit QEEDSeele. (S.D., II, 155.)

 

The above proverbs violate the principle that,

Vor allem vertrggt das Sprighwort weder mit hochfliegenden noch
mit tiefbohrenden Gedanken.

They are expressions of profound and exalted thoughts which one would
not ordinarily associate with a peasant group. They are reflections of
luerbach‘s theological training rather than expressions current among
a village people.

Spinoza, Auerbach's first novel belongs among the polemic works
of the authors of "Das Junge Deutschland”. His interest in politics was
more than Just a passing one, and elements of political polemics can
be seen in the following proverbs.

57. Eine durch's Gesetz erzwungene Gate ist auch keine Gate mehr.

 

 

h

The number 53 and all preceding numbers hereafter refer to the
number of the proverb in the list of proverbs at the end.

5Berthold Auerbach, Dig.Schwarzwalder QQrfgeschichten, Stuttgart,
1857-186“, hereafter referred to in text and notes as S.D.

bnobert Petsch,§pruchdichtung des Volkes, Halls, 1938, p. 110.

 

Hf‘tfits

.7.» “ii/‘3'? ' J

 

138. I_n; Salz liegen gu_ lassen.7
172. DEEDRegierupg ist Meister, und Jetzt muss man dem Wesser den
hauf lassen.

 

The above expressions are used by Auerbach to indicate that the village
people were extremely dissatisfied with their government. Peasants in
general are apt to have been more indifferent to political currents
than is indicated in the above expressions. They are a bit too rational
to have been current among a peasant groups

In the following proverbs Auerbach told his readers to keep as.much
of their political power as they possibly could.

b. Ich lass' mich nicht ausziehen ehe £91; n_1_i_ch i_n_'_s_ Z_B_e_1_:_t_ 195'.

13. Die Axt bleibt bei mir bis man.mir sedhs Bretter mitgibt.
92. :53 $3 $1.21; 31513;; nicht aus der Hand bi; Leg set}. his-
The usual, independent attitude of the peasants is thus encouraged by
the politically intent Auerbach.

A rather large group of didactic proverbs was intended to overcome
indifference to the passing of time. Expressions which prod the hearer
into activity do not seem to be appropriate on the lips of a peasant.

b5. {2, wer nicht 'naus knmmt, knmmt nicht heim.

153. gap. kann die Streu nicht schfitt‘eln, _s_9_ lang w E Bette liegt.
158. Das Stuhdle bringt's Kindlgp.

 

 

While the preceding proverbs said "Hurry", the following proverbs
say "Tait". These expressions counsel the reader and hearer to endure
an intolerable situation even though such endurance might require a great

deal of patience. Among the expressions which advocate endurance are:

 

7Cf. K.F.W. Wander, Deutsches Sprichwgrter-Eexikon, Leipzig, 1867-
1880, III, 18u9, "Salz' 8; hereafter referred to in text and notes as
Wander, "Des Schuldenverhfiltnis hdrt nicht auf, es stirbt and verdirbt
n1Chte '

H ESIS

.
G
e

 

83. 'MBchte man la_ 93: $12; $3}; Wish-8

162. Man muss kein unrein Wasser ausschutten, his man reines hat.

16}. Was man nicht verheben ken—n, Lag mg; m_g_n 133521;.
These expressions, since they advise moderation, are more appropriate
on the lips of a peasant, who is traditionally the most conservative
member of any political organization. Since, however, the context from
which these expressions are taken is highly polemical it must be contend-
ed that the expressions themselves as part of a polemic are not appro-
priate to a peasant group.

A valid conclusion which can be drawn from Auerbach's use of
didactic proverbs is that he has done an injustice to his avowed real-
istic technique in using many proverbs which were not current in a
village society. His religious moralistic expressions are too complex
for the layman and are a reflection of his own theological training
rather than an objective transcription of the speech of the people.
Since a peasant group is apt to have been somewhat indifferent to poli-
tics those expressions which have serious political implications are
also inappropriate.

Very closely related to the pedantic proverbs are those “words of
wisdom" which Auerbach has concocted to create an intensely didactic
effect. These expressions, which are his own invention, are certainly
instructive even though they do not have a distinctly proverbial form.
They lack the economy of expression of a true proverb. It is neverthe—

less evident that Auerbach attempted to condense these statements into

 

8cf. Gustav Wustman, Die Sprichwgrtliphen Redensarten, Leipzig,
1895, p. 28b. "Die Kuhhaut geiten ist einer von den scherzhaften Ans-
drflcken unsres velksmundes fur: zu Fuss gehen.”

5
as concise a form as possible. They are extremely effective devices
though it is hardly possible that such lengthy expressions could ever
achieve any oral currency, which is a fundamental property of the true

pro verb.9

218. Wenn ein Hund an der Kette liegt, werfen die Buben mit Steinen
nach _1h_.l_, sie wissen wohl warum, wenn 21; aber 123 _i_§_t_, huil
(s. D., VIII, 1003

221. Venn ich mein' l_i_.____nke Hand in Q; r_e_____chte nehm', hab' £9}; a_l_]_.
meine guts Fr‘und' bei einander. (S. D., 171,—314. )

217. Du steckst schon __g_ darin, $13.1. willst _z____ehn Kegel schieben und

 

 

sind vggch gm; gen; aufgesetgt. (S. D., II, 7.
216. LV gel _i_m "£1.21 d_a_ pfeift e_i__n Jedes anders und e_g heisst
doch, das 33 "£11. Got-t lobsin‘e-n- 13.13., VI, 164.)“

 

 

 

 

In another of these instructive though invented expressions he described
how the men of the village had formed a united front against an intrusion
by the local government into their personal affairs. Auerbach charac-
terizes this rather shaky union in these satiric terms;

220. Wis ein Sack vol___l_._ Nggel, er is____t_ schneller auggeschflttet $1.1
vied}: zusammengelesen. (S. D., IV, 95.

The above expressions lack an effective easily remembered form, and were
thus not current as proverbs. They have the instructive tendency of a
proverb, but lack proverbial brevity.

However, among the expressions Luerbach concocted there is one
which merits special attention because of the manner in which he presented
it. In one of his stories he depicts two people who are almost con.-
tilually arguing and as a result lead very unhappy lives. As a result

of this situation whenever two people lived in discord 'hiess es

 

901’. page 1, footnote number 3, Friedrich Seiler, Da____s_ Deutsche
Sprichwort, Strassburg, 1918, p. h.

6
sprflchwarterlich, n1. leben wie der Michel und der Koanradle.'10 It 1.
evident that though the expression used by Anerbach in this case may have
had proverbial qualities at the time, it could not long have maintained
them. It would very soon have lost all meaning, as Archer Taylor says,
“Since all proverbs make.a general application of a particular in-
cident, it is clear that the meaning and m‘lications of the incident
must be obvious to the speaker and hearer.

Taylor mentions several instances in which persons who were very
familiar with proverbs made attempts to become the originators of pro-
verbs and were unsuccessful in every attempt. It is even believed that
some of the proverbs found in Wander's Lexikon are not genuine but
rather attempts on his part to start a proverb.12 Thus it is quite
possible that Auerbach may have thought about originating a proverb
with the expression.mentioned above. If so, he demmnstrated a great
ignorance of the true nature of a proverb.

An interesting fact is that only seven instances of the repeti-
tion of a proverb were found. The repeated use of certain expressions
is characteristic of specific classes of people. Such a phenomenon
would be especially true of a peasant group. The scarcity of repeated
proverbs however, does not support this contention. The seven repeated

proverbs are;

H}. 25.3. Garn an; 3.1.921. Boden laufen lassen. (3)13

 

10S.D., I, 195. Expression No. 85.
11Archer Taylor, Thg_Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 82.
121bid., p. 175.

13The figures in parentheses are the number of occurrences.

7

 

 

 

 

77. £1; hatte einen Kerb bekommen. (2)
78. 139; _i_gt e_i_n Kreuz. (2)
91*. Mein Mann ischt Kosher. (8)
100. pg; beisst kein' Maus keinen Faden davon. (2)
13h. 19h.habe dich Em Sack. (2)
151+. EB. 15; kein Strick _s_9_ lang man findet sein End'. (2)

 

All of these proverbs lend themselves to repetition very well. Number
7.7 has only a very narrow applicability and is thus the only member of
the above group which does not lend itself to repetition. It is most
often used in those situations in which a proposal of marriage has been
refused.

One of Auerbach's expressions is so exceptional that it may, as is
said, prove the rule. Alain w E2129. Koaner, is repeated more often
than any of the others. According to lender, who refers only to Auer-
bach as its source, it means that, 'Mit mir kann sich niemand vergleichean-l4
In the story from which it is taken it is used by only one person, a
young woman who is very proud of her husband. This type of expression,
used in Just this way one would expect to find in abundance in the
pgrfgeschichten, but such is not the case.

Another member of this group of repeated proverbs likewise merits
a few words since in two of its three occurrences it has almost directly
opposite meanings. Number ’43, Das Garn auf dem Boden Lagen lgssen, is
used in one instance to mean complete relaxation after the completion

of some difficult task}.5 In another instance it means to take up a

 

Inlander, III, W45. "Mann", 187M.

15s.D., v1, 68.

"I'H E5515

 

 

task with all of one‘s energy.l6 None of the other repeated proverbs
exhibits this dual meaning.

There are several instances in which proverbs are used which so
closely parallel each other that for all practical purposes they are
repetitions. This parallelism can be seen in;

92. Iahesh' msLlsaamshnmmmmmm-ianmm

The parallel to which is,

Balthes ward wie man sagt gig}; Lsffel £1; 9;; Hand genomen _e_h_e_ gr;
mgegessen hat. (S.D., II, 22.;

Another instance of this type of parallelism can be seen in,

88. Lieber heute als mom.
and its more emphatic parallel, ‘

89. Lieber heute Nacht a__l_s_ W gig.
Such instances of parallelism are as rare as those exactly repeated
proverbs. This reluctance to use certain expressions repeatedly is a
sin of omission. It is certain that if his were an accurate transcrip-
tion of peasant speech there would be more cases of repetition.

There seems to be a certain self-consciousness in Auerbach‘s re-
luctance to use a proverb repeatedly. This impression is bolstered by
the many instances in which he points out and explains some of the pro-
verbs used. In mny cases his comments are quite interesting. An excel-
lent example of his explanatory comment can be seen in connection with
his proverb, 113;; ka__p_n_ keinen auf die Gabe}; nehmen, which he goes on to

explain means, ”So viel als einen Bid schwgren von dem Bilde der

 

16S.D., II, 35.

9
erhobenen drei Finger genommen."17 The omnipotent Auerbach is forever
present in the Dorfgeschichten. Many instances in which Auerbach in-
dicated that an expression used was proverbial can be considered as
coincidental.. The citing of a proverb in a conversation could be of
importance in adding authority to ones point of view, and it is in this
way that some of the proverbs are pointed out. When the author inter-
rupts his narrative to make explanatory comments he is doing the story
and the proverb an injustice. Auerbach often does Just that. This
tendency to explain the proverbs he used is poor artistic technique
but an excellent method for the pedagog. It was his opinion that he
could derive art from.the lives of the people of the Schwarzwald. The
return to the "simple life”, which he advocated, necessitated a few
words of explanatory comment for the benefit of those who were not
familiar with the village.

Some of the proverbs have no place whatsoever in a series of stor-
ies which has its locale in a village. These are rather splcialized
proverbs which refer to situations with which a village people would
not be familiar. Several are of such a nature that they would.have
more likely been current in a center of commercial activity than in a
small country town. They are:

1+7. Zahlen mit. bear: Geld, d_.as zwingt Qi_e_ w.

#9. Geschgft geht vor Allem.
70. indenschulden sind kein' Sdhand'.

 

A few others are distinctly out of place among peasants and refer

to scholastic matters. These are of such a nature that they would.have

 

17Expression No. #1. wander, I, 1315, "Gabel', 13.

H ESl

 

(

 

10

been more appropriate among a group of students. They are:

130. Wie kommen die Rlben i_n_ £131; _S_a_c__lg?18

1H5. Ich hab' heute schon 9193}; W als sieben Weiber und

drei Professoren.

168. Vorreden gar; Nachreden.
The last member of the above group occurs in the introduction to the
Dorfgeschichten, and is an extremely common proverb. As such it can—
not be seriously attacked. The other two are definitely not material
taken from the village.

The most obvious instance of a proverb which is out of place is
number 103+, ]_)_e_1_‘_ 3.93.9.3. Mensch weiss nicht w_i_e 5131; _e_i_._l_f_ge_ L111. This
is an urban rather than a rural proverb since it is obvious that there
are no secrets in a village.

Some of the proverbs and proverbial expressions found have a flip-
pancy which seems to indicate a far more sophisticated source than a
village. They are sometimes very complex in their imagery, and in some
cases have a rhyme. It seems hardly possible that a young village
girl would think of such a pointed sarcastic retort as the following.
When asked where her friend is, she replies,

211+. In d_gr_ Haut muber 11; 0hren_, wenn _s_:_l_g nicht g ist, is;
51.1 verloren. (S.D., III, 192-193.)

 

Others of this group which possess this impudent, flippant quality are;

151. Damit kann i313 ni_c:h_t_ weit springen.
72. Das macht der Kat_z_' keinen Bucks};

The impudence and flippancy of these expressions seem to indicate that

the peasants of the Schwarswald were quite sophisticated and witty.

 

18Wander, III, 1750, "Rfibe', 72. 'Ungeflhr so, wie dieser oder
jener Mitglied eines gelehrten Vereins, einer Alcademie wird.fl

 

 

"1‘ H E515

 

 

11
A very large proportion of the proverbs were cited by Wander as

existing in collections prior to 1800, and are thus at least that old.
Many of these old proverbs are still current. Wenn die Kuh graussen_
ist, macht man den Stall 53,19 is an expression which is current today.
The proverbs of this large group vary widely in content and usage. The
outstanding characteristic of these old expressions is their stockhin-
trade nature. They are the type of proverbs which are known by everyone
and cannot be used either to prove or disprove Auerbach's fidelity to

the proverbial ididl of Nordstetten.

 

19Expression No. 81. This expression dates back to 1590, cf.
Wander, II, 1681, "Kuh", 380.

' H (5.51

 

 

CWER II

We shall now treat those instances in which the proverbs were ap—
propriate to a peasant group in both content and usage. While the ap-
propriate proverbs are not nearly so numerous as the inappropriate they
are no less important in determining the general trend of the proverbs
and in many instances are very interesting.

'A.weather proverb of whatever kind means what it says and no
more."20 It is essentially for this reason.that the weather proverbs
found must be classed as appropriate. Only four weather proverbs

occur. They are,

191. Im Westen... 5.1.96. gig Sonne bluti roth unter “.311 prophezeite
fEr'morgen einen guten Tag. ZS.D., I, 132.
190. §2_gibt morgen gutDWetter, ihr machet sauber G'schirr. (S.D.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

I, 252.)

188. fig i_s_t_ ein a__1cter glaube: wenn E n_1i_t. Lingern auf sin 93-
witter weist, dann t gg_gig, (S.D., VII, 172;)

189. Weisse Weihnachten, . e Ostern.

The first and last members of the above group are very old and can be

definitely classed as stockbin-trade expressions which like all weather
proverbs exhibit no metaphorical shift in meaning.21 The third.member
of the above group demonstrates a fusion of superstitious and prophetic
elements common to many weather proverbs. Taylor does not mention any
general category into which the second proverb of the above group might

fit. It might bear further study.

 

20Archer Taylor, Thg.Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 111.

211bid., p. 111.

"2' H ES

 

 

13

"Proverbs do not often contain traces of superstitions."22 A

small but distinct group of the proverbs definitely makes allusions to
superstitions. The outstanding peculiarity of this group is that half
of them are used in a very effective manner in the presentation of char-
acter. While they are used in an effective presentation of character,
and are thus an extremely mechanical device, they also demonstrate a
certain familiarity with the life and speech of the common people. They

are;

199. Kein Hund nimmt ein Stuck Brod von ihm.

198. Der mfremde Hund so “zutraulich gegen ihn sei.

195. Nicht umsonst sagten die Leute dass Florian die Eunde bannen
annte, gigzwildesten“ wenn gr gig_§§£_scharf ansah wurden
zahm und scheu.

192. DTeEheIm.hatte has. Trauma und fror er war also dochs chuldig.

197. (I will see), b man die Birne schuttelnLkann.

196. Denn es ist bekannt dass man mit Hindeuten nach einem Stern
einen Eggel dieA Augen aussticht.

193. 2W6 often speak of yous, sifirst al§_gightg,ig_deinem-rechten
0hr?

19%. Wenn man mit einem fremden L3ffe1 essen will, soll man vorher

dreimal hineinhauchen.

 

 

 

 

In the first three proverbs of the above group the effect of a man upon
a dog is used to indicate what sort of a man is being presented. The
first two are used to present exactly opposite types of men. How "bad"
is the man from whom no dog will take anything to eat, and how "good"
is he with whom even a strange dog is immediately friendly. The simplic-
ity and naivete of these expressions make them extremely effective
and give them a genuine air of appropriateness.

Expression number 197 deserves a few words of explanation. Fruit

trees were used at one time as "Liebesorakel". It is in this sense that

 

_v V V V

221bid., p. 69.

11+

this exPression is used. The speaker is saying in effect, that she is
going to test the love of one person for another.23

Closely related to those expressions which have a distinct reference
to superstition are those proverbs which concern themselves with good
health and its maintenance. One of the most effective and appropriate
of these is the little rhyme:

20h. Es ist kein' m Thierle zu vergessen
Es ruht ein St’Edie nach dem Es_e___en.

The same thought is expressed a bit more concisely in,

131. 113:; w Rjih'le geht fiber gin gu_t's ggflh'le.
One of the most interesting of this group is one which clearly demonstrates
the fusion of superstition and proverbial health elements:

203. Wiegt man eine Wieve in der kein Kind ist, so nimmt man dam
Kinds das man “spgter hineinlegt, die gesunde Ruhe. (S. D., IV,
337

Several of the health proverbs refer to a child's training,
11+}. Lass ih‘n nur recht schreieg, 5.9.52 a; flog all 5.1.2322 Le_1;_z_1_t_,
which advice is of course given with tongue in cheek;

Another of the proverbial expressions is an excellent instance of
appropriateness. It is the type of semi-gossip expressions which were
found to be rare in the Qggfgeschichten. The people used it in reference
to a woman who had several stillborn children. Number 201, Qig_ng£g_
sagtgg, ihr Gift t8d_te die Kinder ya page, is the sort of thing one

wmuld expect to find more of.

 

23E. Hoffmann_Krayer, and.Hanns Bashtold—Staubli, Handworterbuch
des Deutschen Aberglaubens, Berlin und Leipzig, 1927, 1,957, "Nadhts',

E“;

,P
“nova-w ‘-t "

 

15
Traces of formal religion.are rare in proverbs. Though others may
have biblical sources the following are most obviously biblical;
207. £E§_nichts hat Gott gig_Welt erschaffen.2n
211. Ich kann von der Freude allein nicht 1eben.
209. gott @31th (_i_i_e_ 583mg der VIE—gr a9. den Ignaz-n.
208. Siebzig Jahr ein Mensghleben heisst gg_ig.der Schrift.
These expressions are used in the Dorfgeschichten by all types of people.
They are without doubt expressions which were used, though perhaps in
a different context, by the pastors of the area. The peasants have taken
these expressions and turned them about in some cases to prove a point.
Any argument used by the pastor was, for the peasant, the ultimate in
validity. It was with this in mind that they used his arguments to
make their own point clear. Expression 207 is used by a carnival pitchp
man in his efforts to get the peasants to gamble,25 Which demonstrates
how far the expression has been removed from the pulpit.

As an indication of the mood in which a message from the pulpit
was accepted the following proverb serves very well.

205. (Is), Ls}; 2g wahr wie wenn's der Pfarrer 19}; _d_e_1_‘_ M 25;.
Thus any statement heard from the pulpit was indeed true, and was appar-
ently considered fair game for those who needed to make a point clear.
The use of such proverbs does not imply that the peasant had.any know-

ledge of the theological implications involved. They are merely expres-

sions which had been heard and were used in turn by the peasants.

 

l§hNumbers 206-213 in the list at the end give the references to the
authorized English version of the Bible.

25The complete expression is, Ein Kreuzer ist g§£_kein Geld, aus
nichts hat Gott die Welt erschaffen, aus gar kein_Geld wird Geld.

I
u at W!“ J "

 

16
26
“Ortsneckereien', are truly popular. There is only one repre-

sentative of this category among our expressions.

8%. Florian lagggete Alles, denn.;§ugnen gilt bei Wfirttemherg.
(S.D., II, 82.)

There are, however, a good many other impudent or insulting expressions
which briefly characterize a neighbor. Some of these expressions scorn
his occupation:
25. Die annen essen wie Drescher.
1H0. NeunundneunziggschAfer hundert Betggger.

115. E_1__f Ochsen und ein Bauer sind dreizehn Stuck Bindvieh.
50. Er “ist ein G'studirter die haben oft Mucken im Kopf.

Scholars have often been the subject of ridicule among the “common
people,” and as an expression of their attitude concerning them the
last expression in this group is extremely pointed. Expressions 1&0,
and 115 are not used by peasants in the stories and are thus not un-
usual. It would be truly unusual if the peasants were to make such
derogatory statements about themselves.

Several brief proverbs which are effectively used in an impudent
characterization make no mention of trade or occupation, but since
they possess the same impudent tone they are mentioned here with the
'Blason Pbpulairs'.' They are;

98. Ja der hat das Maul nicht in der Tasch'.

99. Dein Maul brandht keinen Wetzstein.

42. Junge Gdns' haben grosse Mfiuler.

103. Wer sich mausig macht den friest die Eatz'.

31+. D_a_ kann man ihn up; einen Finger wickeln.
M5. §£_!§£,im ganzen Eggfe bekannt, :1g_b§§_Geld.

 

An outstanding peculiarity of this group is that three of them scorn the

 

261rcher Taylor, ghg_Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 99.

H ESI

.-‘.
a

 

17
talkativeness of the person referred to in the expression. These are
all appropriate expressions amonga peasant group, and are used in an
effective manner in the presentation of character.

One small group of proverbs is very homey and might be considered
to be reflections of Auerbach's homelessness. This feature of these
proverbs must not cause one to think that, since they all praise the
old homestead, they are thus most appropriate among a peasant group.
Examples of this group are;

l 90. Man liegt nirgends besser als daheim.
22. Ohne eigen.Haus kein eigener Herd.

33. Was man daheim nicht findet, is: draussen verloren.

These expressions say in effect that there is no place like home. The
last member of this group is of interest because of a certain riddle—
like quality. An approximate translation would read, "What one cannot
find at home cannot be found away from.home'. They are the type of ex-
pressions which would be appropriate no matter what the class of society
is in which they are used.

Because the content of a proverb is generally a far more inter-
eating and productive area of study than an investigation of proverbial
style, structural peculiarities have not been investigated with the
proper technique or attitude.27 In addition,since a proverb is not
merely the expression of a thought, but an expression whose form is Just
as important as its content, its structural qualities should not be

lightly passed by.

 

27Archer Taylor, Thg_Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 135.

18

From the structural point of view the largest single group of
expressions is composed of those which lack.the rigid form.of a proverb
but are similar to the proverb in every other respect. This is a group
of sixty-seven proverbial phrases. They differ from formal proverbs in
that,while a proverb does not vary in any respect, the proverbial phrase
is subject to changes in grammatical structure. These variations always
take the form.of a change in person or tense.28 The proverbial phrase
because of its flexibility can be used by an author with far more facil—
ity than the rigidly formal proverb. The phrase which contains all of
the pithy pointedness of the proverb can be put on the lips of a pea-
sant without any of the formal distractions of indicating that the
thought expressed is proverbial. The peasant can thus be made to ap-
pear to be a savant. This is the result which Auerbach had in mind.

Among the most interesting of the proverbial phrases are the follow-
ing three expressions which are all used in the same situation:

119. §5n2§t_§u_gngu£_polnisch betteln gehen?

1H1. Hat dich die Emmerenz mit einem gel}; Q13; 99;; in; gig Ila};

weiter geschickt?

77. EEDhatte einen Korb bekommen.
The situation in which the above expressions are used is that in which
a proposal of marriage has been refused. The first of these phrases is
explained by Wander as, 'eine bekannte Form die Pfflnder beim.Pf3nder-

spiel einzulBsen."29 Its use in the same situation in which "einen Kerb

bekommen' is so common is unusual. It certainly demonstrates the

 

281bid., p. 18h.

29Wander, III, 1372, "Polnisch", a.

 

4“. 0“ t‘VI'JV‘ :'

 

-.- _.__

l9
variety of ways in which a proverbial expression can be used.

Eight of the expressions have no verb in their structure. This
feature has been regarded as a sign of considerable age.30 Outstandp
ing examples of this group of verblessproverbs are;

luO. NeunundneunzigSchfifeg, hundert Betrfiger.
95. §g_sp5ter der Markt, lg scEEEEr die qut'.
179. _E_i_p_ 11% m Tausend.
Expression 95 demonstrates very clearly the efficacy of parallelism.of
form as well as content. Hyperbole is used to advantage in 179. It
also demonstrates the equating of two widely differing concepts. One
word is as good as a thousand and so I’ll say no more than one.

Very closely allied to those expressions which have no verb in
their structure are those expressions which are also extremely short
but possess a verb though little more. These short proverbs are very
effective, a few of the most representative ones are;

18h. Zeit macht Ben.
36. Fleiss ist Tugend.
158. Das Stflndle bgingt's Kindle.
In spite of their extreme brevity a very wide generalization is made
by each of the above proverbs.

'Alliteration is a characteristic of both simple speech, and elab-

orate diction."31 Among our proverbs are very few instances of alliter-

ation. The best examples of it are:

189. Veisse Weihnachten, grfine Ostern.

30Archer Taylor, Thg_Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 14“.

311b1d., p. 137.

20
103. 1191; §_i_c_h_ mausig misfit- (leg; frisst die Katz'.
To compensate for the scarcity of alliterative proberbs there are a
great many cases of the use of "Zwillingsformeln". These phrases are
of two kinds, those with a stem rhyme and those which are alliterative.
A few examples of each kind are:

a) Alliterative

Schelten und Schimpfen, I (S.D., I, 77.)
Stock und Stein, (S.D., II, 59.)
Gift und Gallo, (S.D., II, 199.)

b) St em rhyme,

rumpf und stumpf, (S.D., IV, 87.)
Stein und Bein, (S.D., v, 171+.)
hfiben und drliben, (S.D., v, 111+.)

The above are truly popular expressions. Those with astem rhyme are
said to be the oldest.32

Personification is another figure of speech which seems to be only
sparingly used, only three distinct examples can be cited:

170. Die W3nd§_haben Ohren.

179. Ein Wort beisst nicht.

11k. 133%}: frfssi HSSJEJE'.
All the above expressions are very much stockbinptrade and display very
little ingenuity.

Auerbach uses the simile to a great advantage in satirically sketch—
ing character. These instances in which a human being is compared to an

animal are very frequent and are not meant to flatter the person con-

cerned.

32Gustav Wustmann, Die Sprichwfirtlichen Redensarten, Leipzig,
1895, p. 8.

 

21

157. Stumm wie e_i_g Fisch.
M2. lungs 5335' haben grosse Mguler.

or consider the more cleverly devised,

223. Diethelm £135 1_1_m_ die Kiste herum wie die Kitze gm 1133
mm“ und sah mit Schmerzen das alles verschliessgg
2222M asaaslasa- (8.13.. V. 23-)

This type of simile in which a character is compared to an animal with
a satiric or humorous intent is quite common in the Dorfgeschichten.

One of the most common stylistic traits of proverbial expression
is the presence of parallelism.and contrast. Parallelism of thought as
well as of structure is common in the proverbs. An example of parallel-
ism in which both halves of the proverb are equated in content as well

as in structure is seen in:

8. Vie man berichtet, §g_wird gerichtet.

 

Parallelism and contrast are the properties which form.the substance of
the didactic proverb.
Consider the implications to both the bearer and user of a proverb

which equates money and power as in:

M7. mwmwflmasw-
The thought of the proverb exists in that which is equated as in.the
above proverb, as well as that which is contrasted as below:

5. Egg 5133.33 1913;, d_a_ sei's oft aussen‘fix und innen nii.
The predominant characteristic of the contrasts and parallels is one of
an extreme sophistication.

'A.collection and a close study of proverbs in which an impossible

situation is described would certainly be fruitful.”33 If the proverbs

 

33ircher Taylor, % Proverb, Cambridge, 1931, p. 1M1.

“.HE

 

 

22
found are taken literally there are mny instances of the description
of an impossible situation. These are of two types. There are those
which present an obviously impossible situation as though it were

po ssible, such as:

 

7. Es hat einmg]; Einer einen Blirenpelz verkauft she 93; den Egren
geschossen hat.
3?. Fluchet meine 8511 such dann werden sie such fett davog.

 

The second method of presenting an impossible situation is to state
within the content of the expression that the situation described in
it is impossible, such as:

26. _I_3_s_ fallt kein Baum auf einem Schlag.
153. Man kann die Streu nicht schfltteln so la_n_g man 133 Bette liegt.

The second method containing negative aspects is more often seen than

the former.

"(HE

 

SUMHARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The problem treated in this paper was to show whether or not the
proverbs and proverbial expressions in the Dorfgesdhichten were appropri-
ate to the village from which Auerbach said they stem.

The content of the proverbs, as well as the manner in which they
are used indicate quite clearly that for the most part the proverbs
are not distinctly a product of the village. The didacticism of some
is far too intense, while for others the complex moralizing serves to
put them beyond the understanding of the peasants of Nordstetten. The
intense pedagogical tone of Auerbach's stories is further reflected in
these expressions which he has invented. The scarcity of repeated pro-
verbs reveals a sin of omission, since it is clear that if his were
an accurate transcription of peasant speech there would be many more
repeated expressions. Some of his proverbial expressions which bear
explanatory comment indicate that the author did not hesitate to reveal
himself as the omnipoulnt creator who was not afraid to put his narrative
aside in order to speak even more directly to the reader. Others of
the proverbs are so violently out of place in a village that they strike
one immediately as being inappropriate.

While the bulk of the proverbs and proverbial expressions belong
in one or another of the above groups, there are a few categories which
were found to be appropriate to the village in both content and usage.
The weather and superstitious proverbs were the most unquestionably

genuine of the appropriate groups. It is to be noted that the appropriate

24

proverbs did not seem to be taken as seriously by Auerbach as some of
those which had an intensely pedagogical tone. Of the distinctly village
proverbs, those which had a reference to superstition are used with

great skill in sketching character. Those expressions which.had bib.
lical sources are used by the peasants in their disputes since they are
the ultimate in valid.argument. These genuinely appropriate proverbs
though fewer in number and treated less seriously by Auerbach are often
more interesting than the intensely didactic.

A study of the structure and style of the proverbs reveals two
important trends. Proverbial phrases were found in abundance. These
because of their grammatmalflexibility are more easily used in the pre-
sentation of highly idealized peasants than are the more rigid formal
proverbs. The second important stylistic feature of the proverbs was
the abundance of instances of parallelism and contrast. It is the
presence of these qualities that makes a proverb mildly or intensely ,_.
didactic. The comparisons and contrasts drawn give a clear indication
of the degree of the didacticism. A proverb which equates zahlen Egg
zwingen leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader about the intent of
the author.

The conclusion drawn from.this study is that Auerbach knew the
.powers and limitations of proverbial expression, but did not go to his
villagers to any great extent for their native proverbial expression.
The variety of his proverbs demonstrates almost every conceivable type
and use of sudh expressions. Didacticism is the dominant trend in both

content and.usage. Had he not been so determined to prove or teach he

\

25
could have written stories more genuinely representative of the village.
It is clear that the stories are reflections rather than reportorial
observations. It is not that he did not know his proverbs but rather
that his didactic moralistic tendencies together with his separation from
his subject matter caused him to use proverbs which were either not the
property of the village, or used them in a manner which would have been

foreign to the villager.

1.

5.

6.

10.

11.

12.

13.

1h.

15.

LIST OF PROV“?BS

"Man kann Allest wenn man nur recht will.“ I, 340. Wander, V,
388, "W611en", 13; Wander, V, 390, "Wollen", 64.

"So alt wie mein kleiner Finger." I, 127. Wander, I, 53, "Alt"
(adJ.5, 71.

"In einen sauern Apfel beissen.” VII, 220. Wander, I, 109,
”Apfel', 1060 ‘

"Sie... hatte ihm so in die Augen gestochen.” I, 126. Wander, I,
181, "Ange", 3M4.

”Man wisse wohl, da sei‘s oft aussen fix and innen nix." III, 2th.
Wander, I, 207, '1ussen", 2, '

”Ich lass' mich nicht ausziehen ehe ich mich in's Bett leg'.”
IV, 122. Wander, I, 210, 'Ausziehen", 5.

"Es hat einmal Einer einen Barenpelz verkauft ehe er den Baren
geschossen hat." VII, 101. Wander, I, 235, "BArenhaut', 1, and 6.

"Wis man berichtet, so wird gerichtet." IV, 116. Wander, I, 318,
"Bericht", 3.

”Der Bettelsack doch ein Loch habe und da nicht zu helfen sei."
IV, 67. Wander, I, 35“, ”Bettelsack', 2.

”Blut wird nicht zu wasser.' IV, 79. Wander. I. “10. "Blut”. 1+.
and 50

“Ich borg' nichts, das macht die beste Freund' zu Feind'.‘ II,
51. Wander, I, #31, ”Bergen", 11.

"Man muss das Brett bohren wo es dflnn ist.” IV, 68. Wander, I,
1428, 'Bohren' , 7.

"Die Axt bleibt bei mir bis man mir sechs Bretter mitgibt.” I,
182. Wander, I, ub2, "Bret”, 7.

"Br wollte ihnen... eine Brille auf die Nase setzen.” II, 9 .
Wander, I, M67, "Brille", 37.

"Ans so wilden Buben wird oft was ganz Besonders." VI, 19M.
Wander, I, 49“, ”Bubs", 2, and 3.

 

‘The key word is underlined.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

an.

25.

26.

270

28.

30.

31.

32.

33.

27

"Ja freilich es hat ein Jedes sein Biindele.’l IV, 73. Wander, I,
510, "B3ndeldhen."

lEr hatte ihm nur den Daumen auf's Augen halten wollen.” V, 236.
Wander, I, 561, "Daumen", 10.

"Er spielte wieder mit ihnen unter Einer Decks.” I, 193. Wander,
I, 566, "Decks”, 22.

"Dem Dieb brennt der Hut auf dem Kopf.” IV, 152. Wander, II,
1M99, ”Kopf", 11.

”Aber du bist so dumm, dass dich die Gans' beissen.’ V, 237.
Wander, I, 705, 'Dumm', H7.

'Die Menschen sind mehr dumm ale b38.‘ IV, 172.

"Ohne eigen Haus kein eigener Herd.“ VIII, #8. Wander, I, 771,
'Eigen” (subst.), 10.

“Sieben Stunden hinterm Elend." VII, 96. Wander, I, 807, 'Elend"
(subst.), 32.

"Ja, der Esel kommt heraus." v, 11. Wander, I, 875, "Esel", 55h.

"Die kgnnen essen wie Drescher." VII, 13. wander, I, 897,
”Essen" (verb.), 216.

"Be £311: kein Baum auf einem Schlag.” v, 206. Wander, I, 922,
"Fallen” , 15.

"Du hast den Alten auf den Nest gefangen." II, 218. wander, I,
927, "Fangen", 20.

“Er ist ein Faullenzer, der kehrt sich Morgens siebenmal im Bett
und wendet dem Teufel den Braten.” VIII, 10. Wander, I, 9M2,
"Faule" (der), 7.

 

"Ich bin vom Fegfeuer in die H811e kommen." III, #2. Wander, I,
955, ”Fegefeuer”, 7.

”Ich habe den Brosi so fest wie einen Finger an der Hand.” VI, 21.
Wander, I, 1024, "Finger", 207.

"Wenn.man Feuer wolle, mfisse man es in der Asche suchen." VIII,
1M9. Wander, 1, 155, "Asche", 10.

"Das hiess aber ein Feuer mit Oel lbschen wollen." VIII, 66.
Wander, 111, 11h1, “061', 61.

"Its man daheim nicht findet ist draussen verloren." IV, 100.

 

3“.

35-

36.
37.

145.

N6.

#7.

50.

51.

28

"Da kann man ihn.um einen Finger wickeln.” I, 339. wander, I,
1023 , 'Iinger" , 181 .

'Ich.mein' du verbindest dir den unrechten ginger.” VI, 227.
Wander, I, 1021, "Finger", 129.

I'Fleiss ist Tugend.‘ VIII, 23. Wander, I, 115, 'Arbeit", 6.

"IIuChet meine Sau auch dann werden sie such fett davon." IV, 30.
Wander, I, 1080, 'Fluchen", 7.

”Die Frommigkeit ist die Kindheit der Seele." II, 155.

 

”Des Schlossbauers Fflchsle haben eure Schimmele fiberritten." I, 98.

'Auf einem.Fuss lauft man nicht.“ I, 393. Wander, I, 1295, "Fuss",
2.

"Er kann keinen auf die Gabel nehmen." I, 163. Wander, I, 1315,
I Gabel" , 13o

'Junge Gans' haben grosse Mauler." III, 308; IV, 127. Wander, I,
1330, “Gama" . 95.

"Das Garn auf dem Boden laufen lassen.I II, 35; VI, 68; a variant
with "Strick', IV, 1141+. Wander, I, 1312, "Garn”, 52.

"Wenn's der Geis zu wohl auf dem Platz ist da scharrt sie.‘ VI,
227. Wander, I, 14u6, "Geiss", 2.

"Br war im ganzen Dorfe bekannt, wie be. Geld." III, 35. Wander,
I, 1473, "Geld", 51.

"Das Geld ist doch an allem Unglfick in der Welt schuld." VIII, 1723.
Wander, II, 910, "Hunger", #6.

”Zahlen mit baar Geld, das zwingt die Welt.” V, 22. Wander, V,
“82, "zahlen', 27.

"gelegenheit macht Diebe.“ III, 18. Wander, I, 1528, "Gelegenheit",
1 .

"Geschfift geht vor Allem.I VI 1M7 and 1&8. Wander I 1581
"GeschE't'n, 12. ' ' ' ' '

I'Er ist ein gistudirter die haben oft Macken im Kopf." II, 211.
Wander, III, 745, fificken", 6.

"Tief in's Glas gaske.' VI, 8. wander, I, 169”, "Glas", 60.

52.

53.

5h.

55-
56.

57.

580

59.

61.

62.

63.

6h.

65.

66.

67.

68.

29
"We kein Glaube ist, ist auch.kein Sonntag." IV, 102.

"Der Glaube macht selig und der Glaube macht reich.‘ V, #6. Wanp
der, 1, 1698, "Glaube", 20.

"Wenn Gott sagt: heute, sagt der Teufel: morgen, und der Pfaff
sagt: gestern.' IV, 200. Wander, II, 8“, I'Gott", 2049.

"Ins Gras beissen.‘ I, 57. Wander, II, 126, "Gras', 83.

'QEE ist gut, und besser ist besser.‘ II, 185. Wander, II. 179.
"Gut“ (adJ.), 151.

”Eine durch's Gesetz erzwungene Gate ist auch keine Gate mehr."

II, 12h. wander, II, 206, "Gfite', 15.

"Sie haben... den Handschuh.hingeworfen.' III, 286. wander, II,
336, 'Handschuh”, 13.

"Dem ist's gut von der Haue gefallen." I, 180. Wander, II, 388,
“Haue" 8.
O

I'Ein Jeder muss seine Haut selber zu Markxe tragen." IV, 53.
Wander, II, #40, "Haut", 61. -

"Da thut er's nicht und wenn ich aus der Haut fahr‘." VI, 114.
Wander, II, #42, 'Haut', 110.

"Unser Herrgott lasst Einem von Schaffen keinen Schaden zukommun.”
II, 15%. Wander, I, 117, “Arbeit', 55.

"Der Severin muss doch das Herz auf dem rechten F1eck:haben.' VI,
152. Wander, II, 619, ”Hers", M70.

"Er hatte das Heu vor der unrechten Thflr abgeladen." IV, 28.
Wander, IV, 909, ”Strum", 3.

"Ja, wer nicht 'naus kommt, kommt nicht heim.” II, 13. Wander,
II, 661, 'Hinauskommen', 1.

"Den.Hflhnern die Schwfinz 'naufbinden, sie tragen's schon allein
oben.I II, 126. Wander, II, 803, ”Kuhn“, 129.

"Man muss keinen Hund tragen zum.Jagen.' IV, 39. Wustmann, 127,
#309.

”W6 Fflnfe halb hgggern, kann auch ein Sechstes mitthun.“ III, 180.
Wander, IV, 1212, “Tisch', 91.

69.

700

71.

72.

73-

71+.

75-

76.

77.

78.

79-

80.

81.

82.

83.

8%.

85.

30

'Das ist ehu ft wie gesprungen.” VI, 66. Wander, II, 92“,
"Hupfen", 6.

'Judenschulden sind kein' Schand'." II, 51. wander. IV. 307.

"Schuld" ZZahlungspflicht.), 52.

“Man tragt mehr KfllberhAute auf den Markt als Ochsenhgute.” VII,
198. wander, II, 1108, "iglberhgute".

”Das macht der Katz' keinen Buckel.‘l III, 139. Wander, II, 1198,
“Kat 26'. , 6700

IDu machet kein' Katz', wenn man dir auch die Haar dazu gibt.”
IV, 88.

"Man redet so lang von der Kirchweih bis sie endlich da ist.“ VI,
4. Wander, II, 1351, "Kirchweihe”, 9.

"Die Klgger haben kein' Noth und die Prahler kein Brod.” V, 13.
Wander, III, 1386, ”Prahler”, 2.

"Es hat schon lang in mir kocht, jetzt ist's fibergelaufen." II,
59- wander, II, 1u51, ”Kochen", 6o.

”Er hatte einen Korb bekommen.“ II, 63; VI, 159. wander, II,
1538. “Kerb” , 27.

"Das ist ein.Kreuz.' II, 196, and 199. Wander, II, 1608, 'lreuz",
96.

"Main Kreuz ist gross, und wenn ich.auf den hhchsten Berg steig',
ich kan's nicht fibersehen.‘I II, 8%. Wander, I, 806, 'Elend'
(subst.), 30.

"Der Fink da fiber uns lustig ist und hat keinen.Kreuzer im Sacks“
VIII, 167. Wander, III, 1820, “Sack”, 285.

"Wenn die guh_draussen ist, macht man den Stall zu." 11,56. wen.
der, II, 1681, "Kim”, 380.

'Wenn die §3h_einen Batzen gilt.” VIII, 5. Wander, II, 1692,
“Kuhn, 622.

"MBchte man ja auf der ggh_fortreiten.' I, 178. Wustmann, 286,
#711. :

”Florian lagggete‘filles, denn, Laugnen gilt bei Wfirttemberg.“ II,
82.

"Die 1eben wie der Michel und der Koanradle.' I, 195.

86.

87.

88.

89.
90.

98.

99-

100.

101.

102.

31

"Man sieht einem auf den Leib aber nicht in den Magen.‘ II, “8.
Wander, III, 332, "Magen', 95.

'Aber wart' nur der letzt' hat noch nicht gepfiffen." I, 283.
Wander, III, 46, ”Letzter', 16.

 

"Lieber heut als morgen." I, 105: Wander, III, 17”, “Lieber”,
2; Wander, II, 638, ”Heute', 118.

"Lieber heut Nadht als morgen fr6h.‘ VII, 149.

“Man liegt nirgends besser als daheim." VII, 151. Wander, III,
187, 'Liegen", 30.

"Lustig, und wenn der Sack sieben Lbcher hat.“ VI, 36.

”Ich geb' den.L6ffel nicht aus der Hand bis ich satt bin.” VII,
5%. Wander, III, 223, 'LBffel', 32.

"Denn eine Lflge, die man einmal ausgesprochen, bringt man sum
zweitenmale um so fertiger und sicherer vor.‘ II, 82. Wander,
III, 253, 'Lfige", 17. ‘

"Mein Mann ischt Koaner.‘ v1, 61, 79, 106,130,13u,lh8,15h,
180. Wander, III, nus, "Mann”,187u.

'Je spater der ”arkt Je schdner die Leut'. " V, 8. Wander, III,
#65, "Markt", #5.

”Des Barbele machte dem Sepper... so tflchtig den Marsch." I, 135.
Wustmann, 317, #789.

”Er chhte gern dem Meister das haul sues machen.“ III, 181.
Wander, III, 519, "Maul", N55.

'Ja, der hat das Maul nicht in der Tasch'." I, 180. Wander, III,
512, "Maul", 273.

'Dein Maul braucht keinen Wetsstein.‘ VIII, 187. wander, III,
513, "Maul", 287, also III, 525, ”Maul”, 632.

”Da beisst kein' Mans keinen Faden davon.“ I, 66; III, 22. Wander,
III, 5h3, "Mans“, 233, also III, 595, "Maus", 275.

'Wenn die Maus' satt sind, nachher schmeckt das Mehl bitter." I,
#00. wander, III, 541, "Maus", 177.

”Der Alte ist Ja so arm.dass die Mfius' von ihm verlaufen sind."
11,8. Wander, III, 542, "Mans”, 201.

103.

10k.

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

112.

113.

11M.

115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

32

"Her sich.m&usig macht den frisst die Katz'." IV, 105. Wander,
III, 5M3, ”Mans", 216.
”Der sehnte Mensch weiss nicht,w1e der eilfte 1ebt." II, 62.

Wander, V, 293, 'Wissen”, 105, and 116.

"Mar en ist auoh ein Tag." III, 191. wander, III, 728, "Morgen"

(adv. , 17.

"Zwei harte Mflhlstein§_mahlen nicht gut.“
758, 'Mflhlsteine”, 9.

VII, 95. wander, III,

IMan den Leuten so zu sagen in den Mund gudkt.“ II, 23. Wander,

III, 520, "Maul", M88.

"M6331 n ist aller Laster Anfang.‘
"fiissiggang", 17.

"Es ist keine Mutter so arm sie halt 1hr Kindlein warm."
167. wander, III, 809, "Mutter“, 105.

II, 316. Wander, III, 791,
VII,

"Es ist so ernst gemeint wie ein Mutterfluch.“
III, 817, 'Mutterfluch', 1.

IV, 97. Wander,

 

"Er traf den Nggel auf den Kopf." II, 22h.

”Nagel', 31.

wander, III, 861,

"In: den Nggeln brenne.- v, 16. Wander, III, 802, "Nagel', M5.
'Und wenn such, er hat nichts und ich hab' nichts und zweimal

nichts gibt gar nichts.I II, 6. Wander, III, 1020, 'Nichts', 99.

”Noth frisst Hobelspfin'.‘
(81113812.) , 1730

II, 67. wander, III, 1052, “Moth“,

"Elf Ochsen und ein Bauer sind dreizehn Stflck.Rindvieh." VII,

139. Wander, I, 262, IBauer', (der), 175.
"Das ist ein fremder Besuch, da sollt man 3a den Ofen einechlagen.‘
III, 109. Wander, III, 1121, "Ofen”, 15M.

”Da muss man sich so zu sagen fiber's 0hr hauen lessen und thun

als ob nichts geschehen ware.” V, 22. wander, III, 1130, 'Ohr’,

160.

”Die mussten ihm auf den Pfiff gehorchen." VII, 21. Grimm, VII,

1696, 'Pfiff', 1.

”Kannst du so gut figlnisch betteln gehen?" I, 39“. wander, III
9

1372, 'Polnisch',

120.

121.

122.

123.

12k.

125.

126.

127.

128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

133.

13%.

135.

136.

33

'Seinem Sohn... seine Meinung auf die Post geben." VII, 90.

wander, III, 1376, "Post“, 6.

"Die Praxi mache den Meieter.“ I, 96. wander, III, 1389,
"Praxi 3" , 6o
'Probiren geht fiber Studiren." II, 187. Wander, III, 1406,

'Probiren', 8.

'Der kommg vom PrfigeIe an den Prfigel." III, 33. Wander, III,
11117, "Pruglein', 1.
”Du.hast einen Pudel geschoben.” III, 12. Wander, III, 1418,

"Pudel', 18.

”Erst Rothes und nachher Brotes." I, 176.

"Bath", 96, and 97.

Wander, III, 1471,

"Wenn der Regenbogen lang stfinde, wfirde man sich nicht mehr
nach Ihm umsehen.” II, 35. wander, III, 1583, "Regenbogen", 7.
VI, 223.

'Reeget's nicht, so tropfelt's doch.“ Wander, III,

159 , ”Regnen", 148.

"Bin heruntergekommener Reicher hat noch mehr als ein aufkommender
Armer.‘ VIII, 51. wander, III, 1617, "Reiche' (der), 120.

”Man kann ein Ross und ein Sdhaf nicht zusammenspannen.’ V, 239.
Wander, III, 1098, "Ochs", 125; wander, III, 1102, ”Ochs', 219.

 

"Wie knmmen die Raben In den Sack?“ II, 125. wander, III, 1750,
"Rube”, 72.

"Ein gut's Rfih'le geht uber ein gut's Brflh'le.” I, 380. wander,
III, 1768, "Rflhlein'.

"Der hat sein Sach' Jetzt kann er's sieden oder braten." I, 180.

Wander, IV, 557, "Sieden'. 5-

"Er war grad wie ein voller Sack."

II, 157.
"SBCk'. “’20

Wander, III, 1809,

“Ich habe didh 1m Sack.”
1818, "Sack”, 298.

V, 112, and 113; VII, 215. hander, III,

”Wer alles sags, was or weiss, dem wird das kalte Nasser 1m Bach
zu heiss.“ IV, 95. Wander, III, 1836, “Sagen", 148.

"War kein Essig und Oel hat, der kann seinen Salat ungegessen
lassen." VI, 223. wander, III, 18M5, "Salat", 11.

137.

138.
139.

140.

1&1.

Ih2.

183.

Inn.

1M5.

1M6.

187.
1M8.

189.

150.

151.

152.

153.

3h

“Ans dem Salz von mir kriegt hat." II, 131. Grimm, VIII, 1709,
"k".

'Im Salz liegen zu lassen." V, 272. Wander, III, 1899, "Salz", 8.

"De ist kein Salz und kein Sdhmalz in der Anzeig'." III, 12.
Wander, III, 1853, "Salz', 69.

"Neunundneunzig Schfifer, hundert Betrfiger.“ V, I“. Wander, IV,
IV, 71, "Schfifer', 23.

”Eat dich die Emmerenz mit einem.Helf dir Gott um ein Haus weiter
goschicktf' I, 39M. wander, II, M22, “Haus' 588; Wander, II,
425, ”Haus', 675.

'So sohiessen die Leute... meist fiber das Ziel hinaus." I, 102.
Wander, V, 582, "2161', 28.

”Lass ihn nur recht schreien,dass er auch gut singen lernt.' VI,
85. Wander, IV, 342, "Schreier', 1.

"De haben Sie in's Schwarze getroffen.’| VIII, 113. Wander, IV,
427, "Schwarzes', h.

"Ich hab' heute schon mehr eschwfitzt als sieben Weiber und drei
Professoren." III, 3“. Wander, IV, 30, "Schwatzen', N8.

'Sonst sohlatzen sie dem.Teufel ein 0hr veg.” II, 235. Wander,
IV, “30, "Schratzen", N3.

"Wer schwatzen will, muss die Pfeif' 'rausthun.” II, 228.

"So habt ihr... ein hfllzernes Sdhwert dae nicht hauen und nicht
stechen kann.” III, 91. Grimm, IX, 2577.

"Denn seine offene Seele war auf sein Antlitz herausgetreten.‘
II, 193. Wander, IV, 59h, 'Seele', 88.

”War gut sitzt, soll nicht r50ken.‘ VIII, 221. Wander, IV.
581, "Sitzen", 50.

"Damit kann ich nicht weit springen." V, 206. Wander, IV, 7N7,
"Springen", 32.

"Ich bin wie aus dem Stein gesprungen." VI, 34. Wander, IV,
818, ”Stein" 221.

”Man kann die Stleu nicht sohfittsln, so lang man im Bette liegt.'
IV, 195. Wander, IV, 908, "Streu”, 2.

15k.

155.

156.

157.
158.

159.

160.

161.

162.

163.

16V.

165.

166.

167.

168.

169.

170.

35

”Es ist kein Strick so lang, man findet sein End'." IV, 68, and
108. Wander, IV, 910, 'Strick', 18.

"Ich halt' dich am Strick um den Hale." V, 112. Wander, IV,
912, "StI‘iCk' , b3.

"Wenn sis auf eigene Strflmpfe kommen werden sie geizig und hart."
II, 63. wander, IV, 925, 'Strumpf', 32.

'Stumm wie ein Fisch.' I, 64. Wander, IV, 940, ”Stumm", 6.

"Das Stfindle bringt's Kindle." IV, 155. Wander, IV, 987,
"Standiein", 1.

'Jeder Mensch muss ein‘ Portion Sfinden und ein' Portion Schnaps
trinken, so viel eben auf sein Theil kommt.' III, 35. Wander,
IV, 1145, 'Theil', 10.

"Der hat man die Sugpe versalzen.‘ II, 120. Wander, IV, 977,
”Suppe", 123.

'Das ist der hflchste azumgg_den ihr ausspielen annet.' IV, “0.
Wander, IV, 13M2, “Trumpf”, 8.

"Man muss koin unrein Nasser ausschfitten, his man reines hat.”
IV, 96. Wander, IV, 1811, "Nasser“, 26”.

"was man nicht verheben kann, das lasst man liegen." IV, 7“.
Wander, III, 187, 'Liegen", 23.

”Man verkauft nicht Jedes Stflckle Vieh, das man zu Markt bringt,"
VII, 68. Wander, III, 465, ”Markt', 48.

"Seine Mutter liess, wie man sagt, keinen ngel vorbeifliegen
ohne ihm etwas an ihren Sohn mitzugeben.‘ I, 305. Wander, IV,
1675, "Voglein", 1+0.

"Ein Vegel macht keinen Plug.” IV, 79. Wander, IV, 165“,
”Vogel', 180.

"Wis wenn's ihm ein Vgglein pfiffen hatte." III, 53. Wander,
IV, 1675, 'Vdglein", 39’.

"vorreden spart Nachreden.” I, i. wander, IV, 1097, "V0rrede", N.

"Ist so wahr wie wenn's der Pfarrer Von der Kanzel sagt.I I, 111.
Wander, IV, 17uu, "wehr', 38.

"Die wands haben 0hren.’ IV, 75. Wander, IV, 1776, "Wand", 5.

171.

172.
173.
174.
175.

176.

177-
178.

179.
180.
181.

182.
183.

184.

185.
186.

187.

36

"Wird dir das Nachtessen noch einmal gewfirm .' II, 37.

"Jetzt muss man dem Wasser den Lauf lassen.” IV, 78. Wander,
IV, 1810, "Wesser', 258.

"Er gehe nicht weiter ins Vassar als er Boden habe." V, 20.
Wander, IV, 1810, "Nasser", 261.

”Has Wasser ist den Bach 'nab und vorbei." VI, 68. wander, IV,
1825, "wasser", 598.

"Den Veg hat der Fuchs gemessen, und hat den Schwanz dazu gegeben." f
I, 312. Wander, IV, 1854, ”Weg' (subst.), 282. E
"Der Wein hAngt aneinander.” V, 48. Wander, V, 91, "Vein", 122. ,
"Wis weiter, wie g'heiter.‘ II, 5. Wander, V, 152, "Weit", 5. f
"80 wohl wie einem.Voge1 im Hanfsamen.” I, 137. Wander, V, 332, , _
"WON", (adJo), 52. :.'__

 

"Ein W0rt beisst nicht.“ VIII, 15. Wander, V, 428, "Wort", 712.
"Ein Wort wie Tausend." II, 19. Wander, V, 432, "Wort", 836.
"Mir ist das ganz Wurst." IV, 162. Wander, V, 471, ”Wurst", 86.

"Er... eine hBIzerne Wurst auf's Kraut 1egte.' IV, 8. Wander,
V, 471, ”Wurst“, 98.

”Des man sich ob der leeren Krippe leicht zankt." VIII, 145.
Wander, V, 498, 'Zanken", 6.

'Zeit macht Heu.‘ IV, 145. wander, V, 554, nZeit", 719.

"Ein versprochener Zukunftstrunk macht eher verdrossen als lustig."
V, 193. Wander, IV, 1343,_”Trunk", 26.

"Du willst mir nur die Zunge haben.” V, 218. Wander, V, 642,
”Zunge', 2b70

"Was fur Zwei ist, ist nicht far Drei." VII, 127. Wander, V,
665, 'Zwei', 24.

 

188.

189.
190.

191.

192.

193.

194.

195-

196.
197.
198.

199.

200.
201.

202.

37

Miscellaneous Proverbial
Expressions

”Es ist ein alter Glaube: wenn man mit Fingern auf sin Gesitter
weist, dann schlfigt es sin.” VII, 172. Handwfirterbuch, IV, 4,
"Himmel", 16, and 17.1

"Weisse Weihnadhten, grfine Ostern.“ I, 317. Wander, V, 84,
"Weihnachten', 30.

"Es gibt morgen gut Wetter, ihr machet sauber G'schirr." I, 252.
Wander, IV, 1211, "Tisch', 67.

'Im Weston... ging die Sonne blutigroth unter und prophezeite
fflr morgen einen guten Tag.” I, 132. wander, IV, 621, “Sonne”,

257.

"Diethelm hatte base Trdume und fror, er war also doch schuldig."
V, 207.

(She says that she and his mother often speak of him), "Spfirst
als nichts in deinem rechten 0hr." I, 405. Wustmann, p. 354,
#884.

"Wenn man mit einem fremden LBffsl essen will, soll man vorher
dreimal hineinhauchen." III, 115. gendwbrterbneh, VI, 788,
”Nacht”, 190.

"Nicht umsonst sagten die Leute dass Florian die Hunde bannen
kfinnte, die wildesten wenn er sie nur scharf ansah wurden zahm
und sdheu.' II, 68. Handerterbuch, I, 684, “Ange”, 45.

"Man mit Hindeuten nach einem Stern einem Engel die Angen auss-

stidht.‘ VII, 155. Eandgflgterbugh, I, 1393, ”Blenden”, 10.
(I will see), ”ob man die Birne schfitteln kann.” II, 197.

W21. I. 957. "Baum”, 6.

(She thought that he must be g00d.man), “Da der fremde Hund so
zutraulich gegen ihn sci." VII, 62.

"Kein Hund nimmt sin Stflck Brod von ihm." I, 95, Wander, II,
895, 'Hund", 1710.

'Jetzt heul' nicht, du thust dem Kind Schaden." VI, 85.
”Die Leute sagten, ihr Gift thte die Kinder im Leibe." I, 104.

(Er))1 'der das getan hat muss die Wunde mit seiner Zunge reinigen."
1,11.

 

» -. .I. .9

38

203. "Wiegt man eine Wiege, in der kein Kind ist, so nimmt man dem
Kinds das man spate: hineinlegt, die gesunde Rube. IV, 33.
Handerterbuch, VII, 850, "Ruhe', 4.

204. ”Es ist kein'm Thierle zu vergessen,
Es ruht ein Stflndle nach dem Essen." I, 252.

205. (Es), "ist so wahr wie wenn's der Pfarrer von der Kanzel sagt."
I, 111. wander, IV, 1744, "wahr", 38.

206. "Da muss man sich so zu sagen fiber's 0hr hauen lassen und thun
als ob nichts geschehen ware." V, 22. Wander, III, 1130, "0hr",
160. Matthew, XXVI, 51.

207. "Ein Kreuzer ist gar kein Geld, aus nichts hat Gott die Welt
erschaffen, aus gar kein Geld wird Geld.” II, 92. Wander, III,
1016, 'Nidhts”, 17. Genesis, I, 2.

208. “Siebzig Jahr ein Menschenleben heisst es in der Schrift.” II,
149. Psalms, 90, 10. ‘

 

209. "Gott ahndet die Sfinde der Vflter an den Kindern.” I, 86.
Exodus, n, 5.

210. "Gib mir jetzt mein Geld. Ich kann nicht, ich kann mir's Ja
nicht aus den Rippen schneiden." II, 61. Genesis, II, 21-23.

211. "Ich kann von der Freude allein nicht leben.' VI, 155. Matthew,
IV, 4.

212. "Der Fink da fiber fins lustig ist und hat keinen Kreuzer 1m.Sack.'
VIII, 167. wander, III, 1820, "Sack", 285. Matthew, VI, 25—27.

213. "Main Kreuz ist gross, und wenn ich auf den h3dhsten Berg steig',
ich kann's nicht fibersehen." II, 84. wander, I, 806; "Elend',
30. Luke, XXIII, 26.

214. (Where is shot), "In der Haut bis fiber die 0hren, wenn sie nicht
da ist, ist sie verloren.“ III, 192.

215. "Die Leute meinen's gut, sis wollen die Menschen bessern, aber
das heisst man zu Tod kuriren.“ III, 29.

216. "Die VBgeI im.ws1d da pfeift ein Jedes anders und es heisst doch,
dass alle Gott lobsingen.‘ VI, 164.

217. "Du steckst schon.lrg darin, du willst zehn Kegel schieben und
sind doch nur neun aufgesetzt." II, 74.

218.

219.

220.

221.

222.

223.

39

"Wenn ein Hund an der Kette liegt, werfen die Buben mit Steinen
nach ihm, sie wissen wohl warum, wenn er aber 10s ist, hui!" VIII,
100.

"Der Wein da schmeckt Ja nach nichts, der schmeckt Just wie wenn
man die Zung' zum Fenster 'naus streckt. III, 93.

(The men have gotten together and their union is), "wie ein Sack
voll NAgel, er ist schneller ausgesdhfittet als wieder zusammen—
gelesen.I IV, 95.

'Wenn ich mein' links Hand in die rechte nehm', hab' ich all
meine gute Freund' bei einander.” VI, 34.

"Man muss thun, was man in seiner Zeit ffir Recht hfilt; andere
Zeiten k3nnen's wieder anders machen.“ VII, 169.

"Diethelm ging um die Kiste herum wie die Kfitze um einen Wursthlckp
ler und sah mit Schmerzen das alles verschliessen ohne Miau zu
machen.” V, 23.

 

LIST OF REFERENCES

Auerbach, Berthold. Gesammelte Sdhriften. Zweite Gesamtausgabs, Verlag
der J. G. Cottaschen Buchhandlung, Fande I-VIII, Stuttgart, 1857-
1864.

Bettelheim, Anton. Berthold Auerbach, Der Mann, Sein Werk, Sein Nachlasg.
J. G. Cotta'sche Buchhandlung, Stuttgart und Berlin, 1907.

Borchardt, Wilhelm. Die Spricthrtlichen Redensarten im_deutschgn_
Volksmunde. In ggnzlicher Neubearbeitung herausgegeben von Gustav
Wustmann. Ffinfte Auflage, F. A. Brockhaus, Leipzig, 1895.

 

 

Grimm, Jacob, und Wilhelm. Deutsghg§_W3rterbudh. Verlag von S. Hirzel,
Leipzig, 1854 ff.

HoffmannPKrayer, E., and Hanns BachtoldPStgubli. HandWBrterbuch deg

' "..fi. -i_‘w-l."a' 3‘1:

 

 

Deutschen Aberglaubens. Herausgegeben vom Verband deutscher Vereine ;
fur Volkskunde, Walter di Gruyter & 06., x Bands, Berlin und Leipzig,
1927.

Petsch, Robert. Sprudhdichtung des Volkes (Grundriss der Deutschen
Volkskunde in Einzeldarstellungen, herausgegeben von Kurt Wagner.
Max Niameyer*7er1ag), Halls, 1938.

 

Seiler, Friedrich. Das Deutsche Sprichwort. (Grundriss der Deutschen
Volkskunde, Band II, Herausgegeben von John Meier. Verlag von
Karl J. Trflbner), Strassburg, 1918.

 

Strausz und Torney, Lulu von. Die Dorfgeschichte in der modernen
Literatur, (Beitrflge zur Literaturgeschichts #7. Herausgeber
Herzann Graef.Ver1ag ffir Literatur, Kunst und Musikb, Leipzig,
190 0

Taylor, Archer. The Proverb, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1931.

 

Wander Karl F. W. Deutsches Sprichwgrter-Lexiknn. F. A. Brockhaus,
Binds I-V, Leipzig, 1867-1880.

~ :nr 79"-
:1 i2"?

"M
I.
. a

ROO'
, t A M
USE ON
LY
'00

 

 

 

 

 

uNWmmulmlulwllmwwlllH