Ein jeder kehre vor seiner Tür, und rein ist jedes Stadtquartier. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Printable Wall Art

“Ein jeder kehre vor seiner Tür, und rein ist jedes Stadtquartier.”
“Let everyone sweep before their own door, and every neighborhood will be clean.”

Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) — German poet, novelist, and statesman.

About this quote

This proverb urges individuals to focus on their own responsibilities and behaviour rather than judging or attempting to correct others. By looking after one's own affairs and maintaining personal standards, the broader community naturally becomes orderly and harmonious. It suggests that grand societal improvements begin with simple, individual actions and self-examination rather than unsolicited criticism of one's neighbours.

Written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, this rhyming couplet appeared in his 1815 collection Zahme Xenien. Goethe adapted an existing German proverb to express a timeless piece of moral advice through simple, accessible verse.

People often hang this print in a hallway or entryway as a daily reminder of personal responsibility.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.