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How To Learn German In 2017 Posted by Sten on Jan 5, 2017
Frohes neues Jahr wünsche ich euch! (I wish you a happy new year!) It is that time of the year again. At the beginning of January, we make gute Vorsätze für das neue Jahr (resolutions for the new year). We want to lose weight, do more sports, maybe finally go to this place we always…
A few things to know about delicious Sachertorte Posted by Sten on Dec 29, 2016
At the beginning of this week, there was this mysterious Holzdose (wooden box) on the Küchentisch (kitchen table) at work. A decorated S crowned the words Hotel Sacher, written in Schönschrift (calligraphic writing). Located in WIEN, as the box revealed. A Siegel (seal) underneath told me what’s inside: Original Sacher Torte, it said, again in Schönschrift. You wonder what that is? Soft, chocolatey crumbles, a perfectly sweet…
What are Reichsbürger? Posted by Sten on Dec 22, 2016
There is a bizarre Bewegung (movement) in Germany: The Reichsbürgerbewegung (Reich’s Citizens Movement). They recently came into the spotlight because a Polizist (police officer) was shot. Who are these people? What do they stand for? And what do they want? Let’s find out! What is a Reichsbürger? A Reichsbürger is a German citizen that doesn’t recognize the German state. Some of them believe that…
How To Use The Umlaut RIGHT Posted by Sten on Nov 30, 2016
The Umlaut is used a lot in German. The a, o, and u become ä, ö, and ü. They sound different, and give words a different meaning. When do you use it though? And how? How do you pronounce them? Any exceptions? You read it all here! Why Umlaut? First of all to avoid confusion: In German, Umlaut has two meanings: it refers to the letters ä, ö…
Zeit für eine Geschichte – Weihnachtsmann-Edition Posted by Sten on Nov 26, 2016
Christmas is coming! And with it comes the Weihnachtsmann (“Christmas Man” – Santa Claus) to Germany. Today, he arrived at the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in Leipzig, Germany. Here is a little story of his arrival, plus some vocabulary to train your German, much in the spirit of the Zeit für eine Geschichte series I made last year. Click here for that…
Black Friday – But Not The One You Think Posted by Sten on Nov 25, 2016
Black Friday is known in the United States as a day of ridiculous discounts and jaw-dropping, long lines at stores. This day was exported to other countries as well, including European countries. Mostly online stores offer great discounts here as well. Black Friday is called “black” for the great profits (the “black numbers) companies make…
Der Blaue Engel – The Label You Can’t Miss Posted by Sten on Nov 24, 2016
If you have ever received an envelope from the German government or agency, there is a good chance it had this on it. Also if you bought recycled Küchenrolle (kitchen paper), there is a good chance it is there. Even some electronic devices carry it. What? The Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) label. What is it? And what does it…