That I advise to you began many years ago during my college days in London.

As a German design student living in England, I would often share German sayings from home with my English friend and flatmate, Chris, translating them as literally as possible. We'd laugh at how strange they sounded in English, but the more we talked about them, the more we realised how universal many of them were.

I have always been intrigued by the way a simple saying can offer a glimpse into another culture. Sometimes poetic, sometimes bizarre, they often seem to reveal far more than their few words suggest.

One evening, while debating whether it was wise to mix beer and wine, I quoted an old German saying:

Bier auf Wein, das lass sein. Wein auf Bier, das rat ich dir.

Beer after wine, leave it alone. Wine after beer, that I advise to you.

We couldn't stop laughing. Hidden inside that wonderfully literal translation was the name of a project that would not come to life until many years later.

Today, That I advise to you is a growing collection that began with German sayings and is gradually expanding to include fascinating words and wisdom from around the world.

As a graphic designer, I have long dreamed of turning these sayings into beautifully crafted objects, including prints, postcards, calendars and, one day, a book you might discover in a favourite gallery or bookshop. But first and foremost, this is a place to explore and enjoy the remarkable ways people express themselves around the world.

I hope this collection continues to grow far beyond Germany and becomes a place where you can discover sayings, words and wisdom from around the world. If you know one that deserves to be shared, I would love to hear from you. I hope That I Advise To You inspires curiosity, sparks conversation, brings a smile and, in its own small way, helps us understand one another a little better.

Finally, this project is dedicated to two people.

To my father, who had an endless collection of good advice, much of it inherited from his own parents, grandparents and favourite aunties and uncles, and who first taught me the value of a good saying.

And to Chris, for the laughter, the conversations, and for being there right at the beginning.

Rochus Dahnken