Best German proverb of the day: "The devil's favorite piece of furniture is the long bench" A life lesson on overcoming procrastination

Best German proverb of the day: The German proverb “Des Teufels liebstes Möbelstück ist die lange Bank” delivers a timeless warning about procrastination and the consequences of delaying important tasks. The proverb translates to “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench” and uses vivid imagery to remind people that constantly putting things off can create unnecessary problems.

The saying is closely linked to the German idiom auf die lange Bank schieben, which means to postpone or delay something indefinitely. Together, the expression and the proverb encourage people to complete their responsibilities without unnecessary hesitation.

Meaning of “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench”

The message behind “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench” is that procrastination can become a harmful habit. The proverb suggests that delaying important decisions or tasks often benefits no one and may result in missed opportunities, increased stress or more difficult situations later.


The image of the devil favouring the "long bench" symbolises how postponement can quietly prevent people from achieving their goals. Rather than solving problems, constant delay usually allows them to grow.

German proverb highlights the importance of acting promptly

The proverb “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench” reflects a long-standing German emphasis on discipline, responsibility and efficient time management. It encourages people to deal with tasks as they arise instead of pushing them aside.

The saying applies to many aspects of life, including education, work, finances and personal commitments. Whether completing an assignment, making an important decision or addressing a problem, acting promptly can often prevent greater difficulties in the future.

The proverb carries a similar message to the English saying “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” both of which stress the value of timely action.

Life lesson behind “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench”

The wisdom behind “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench” remains highly relevant in modern life, where distractions and competing priorities can make procrastination a common challenge.

The proverb encourages people to develop habits of discipline, planning and accountability. Completing tasks on time not only improves productivity but also reduces anxiety and creates opportunities for steady progress.

Why the German saying remains relevant today

Traditional German proverbs often use memorable images to communicate practical lessons about everyday life. “Des Teufels liebstes Möbelstück ist die lange Bank” has remained popular because its message continues to resonate in both personal and professional settings.

The proverb reminds people that success is often built through consistent action rather than delay. “The devil’s favorite piece of furniture is the long bench” continues to serve as a powerful lesson that overcoming procrastination is an important step towards achieving long-term goals.