Undank ist der Welten Lohn
German
Alternative forms
- Undank ist der Welt Lohn
Etymology
Literally: “Ungratefulness is the reward of the world.” The form Welten, here, is not a plural but an archaic genitive singular. Compare Dutch ondank is 's werelds loon.
Proverb
Undank ist der Welten Lohn
- Good deeds for the sake of others are unlikely to be met with gratitude, but are nevertheless honorable (and might be rewarded in the afterlife).