„Geschehene Dinge sind nicht mehr zu ändern."
There is no use crying over spilt milk.
What does „Geschehene Dinge sind nicht mehr zu ändern." mean in German?
„Geschehene Dinge sind nicht mehr zu ändern." means "There is no use crying over spilt milk.." Literally: "Things that have happened are no longer to be changed.."
Literal Translation
"Things that have happened are no longer to be changed."
English Equivalent
"Don't cry over spilt milk."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Past participle as adjective; 'zu + infinitive' = possibility
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Es läßt sich nicht ändern."
It can't be helped.
„Das ist nun einmal nicht anders."
It's so and cannot be helped.
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
