“Morgenstund har guld I mund” – The morning hour has gold in its mouth

Meaning

“Morgenstund har guld i mund” is a Danish expression that means “The morning hour has gold in its mouth.” This expression conveys the lesson that waking up early and making good use of the morning time brings success and prosperity.
By starting activities early, one can make progress while others are still asleep, allowing for more efficient and valuable outcomes.

Other cultures have similar expressions. In English, the phrase “The early bird catches the worm” conveys the idea that acting early leads to success. In Japanese, there is a similar proverb: “Early rising brings benefits,” which teaches that waking up early brings advantages. Across different cultures, there is a common understanding that utilizing the early morning hours contributes to success.

Origin

This proverb originates from Denmark’s agricultural society. Farmers would wake up before sunrise and begin work as soon as the sun rose. Manual labor and caring for livestock often had to be done early in the morning, and using this time effectively was seen as key to a bountiful harvest. Additionally, “guld” (gold) symbolizes value, and starting early in the day directly contributes to a productive and successful day.

Usage

“Morgenstund har guld i mund” is still widely used today in contexts such as work, study, or exercise, where using the morning hours can lead to success.
It is particularly fitting when emphasizing the value of getting an early start on tasks. It is also used in business settings or when encouraging students to make the most of their study time.

Conclusion

“Morgenstund har guld i mund” is a Danish proverb meaning “The morning hour has gold in its mouth.” It conveys the lesson that starting early brings success and prosperity. This expression is still used today to emphasize the importance of making good use of early morning hours, reflecting a deeply rooted value in Danish culture.