Scratching and borrowing do well enough, but not for long.
More German Proverbs:
He who won't be advised, can't be helped.German
One "take this" is better than ten "God help you!"
German
Joy and sorrow are next door neighbours.
German
What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.
German
A happy man does not hear the clock strike.
German
Everyone wipes his feet on poverty.
German