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.