Archive for 'Culture'
Communication difficulties: Der Tatortreiniger Posted by Sandra Rösner on Mar 25, 2015
Communication difficulties can arise whenever two people are engaged in a conversation. This also applies to the episode “Nicht über mein Sofa” (Not over my sofa) of the German comedy TV series Der Tatortreiniger (The Crime Scene Cleaner). Fortunately, the two interlocutors overcome their communication problems and Frau Hellenkamp finally opens the door for Schotty to let…
Der Duden – the cornerstone of German spelling Posted by Sten on Mar 25, 2015
Was ist richtig, was ist falsch? Schlag im Duden nach! Like the Oxford Dictionary, the Dikke van Dale, or Mirriam-Webster, Germany has the Duden. Just like all the above-mentioned famous dictionaries, the Duden has its own history. In the 19th century, Konrad Duden, a High School teacher at the Gymnasium created his own dictionary, which was named after him. It influenced the creation…
5 Reasons to visit Munich Posted by Larissa on Mar 18, 2015
Let me share with you my love for Munich and why I live here. I always think that Munich is a bit like London… but cleaner, more organised, and with a lot more trees! Here are my top 5 reasons why you should visit: →There is always a quiet spot in Munich Even if you…
Top 10 German Words of 2014 Posted by Constanze on Mar 12, 2015
When you learn a language, you are not just learning the words and phrases that make up that language; you learn about the culture of the country it’s spoken in, too. In fact, you can learn a lot about a country’s culture and politics from its words alone. There’s no better example of this than…
Die Überfremdung and PEGIDA Posted by Constanze on Mar 4, 2015
Guten Tag! Often when I write posts about ‘untranslatable’ German words I try to include references to German culture (where applicable) or add in extra information relating to those words. Today I’ve chosen a word that is relevant to the current political situation in Germany. Die Überfremdung. What does Überfremdung mean? Überfremdung describes excessive…
That’s typically German: Line-jumping and bottle deposit Posted by Sandra Rösner on Feb 19, 2015
During my holidays in England it was easy for me to recognize typical German peculiarities: Waiting in line is not among them. But when it comes to bottle deposit Germany is way out in front of it. I’m German, to wait in line is torture to me! I’m envious of the British about their patience…
That’s typically German: Debit cards and bedding Posted by Sandra Rösner on Feb 10, 2015
When you visit Germany you will discover that a number of accustomed conditions might differ from your homeland. The first week of February, I spent my holidays in England and there it was easy for me to realize a few standards that are typically German. Payments by debit card and characteristic bedding are just two…