den zweiten Schritt vor dem ersten
Translation
putting the cart before the horse, the second step before the first
Examples
Lerne erst die Grundlagen. Tu nicht den zweiten Schritt vor dem ersten.
First learn the basics. Don't put the cart before the horse.
Mit der Heirat tust du den zweiten Schritt vor dem ersten.
By getting married, you're putting the cart before the horse.
Grammar Patterns
den zweiten Schritt vor dem ersten tun/machen to put the cart before the horse You shouldn't put the cart before the horse.
Similar Words
das Pferd von hinten aufzäumen (to put the saddle on the horse from behind)
Etymology
A literal description of doing things in the wrong order: 'zweit-' (second), 'Schritt' (step), 'vor' (before), 'erst-' (first).
Memory Tips
The image is very clear: someone trying to take their second step in the air before their first foot has even landed. It's a visual metaphor for doing things out of order.