jedem das Seine

German

Etymology

Ultimately from suum cuique.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈjeːdəm das ˈzaɪ̯nə/
  • Audio:(file)

Proverb

jedem das Seine

  1. to each his own; each person gets what he deserves
    Synonym: jedem, was er verdient
  2. to each his own; each person is entitled to his or her personal preferences and tastes
    Synonyms: jedem Tierchen sein Pläsierchen; jeder, wie er will

Usage notes

  • Jedem das Seine is written on the entrance to the Buchenwald concentration camp. Its use is therefore sometimes viewed as controversial in modern-day Germany.