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…
Expressing Feelings and Emotions Posted by Larissa on Feb 24, 2015
Ever wanted to say “I am bored” in German and ended up saying Ich bin langweilig (I am boring) by accident? This post will help you express yourself clearly without ending up telling people you’re boring! In English it’s pretty easy if we want to express ourselves, we just say “I am …” for everything…
Bavarian Lessons: Making Pancakes Posted by Constanze on Feb 23, 2015
Today I am posting a very special Bairisch (Bavarian German) lesson in honour of the glorious celebration of Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday (Der Fastnachtdienstag in German). I know, I know, I’m a bit late, but why should pancakes be limited to one day of the year? I made some today – in fact, I make them…
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…
Aus vs. Raus Posted by Constanze on Feb 16, 2015
Guten Tag! One of my favourite ways of getting inspiration for blog posts is simply by talking to people. I absolutely adore it when people ask me questions, because even if they are as simple as, “What’s the word for xyz in German?” I always come away from the conversation with new ideas. This particular…
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…