Fun German words are the frequent target of ire from language learners. Many find plenty to laugh at in their militant tones and often incomprehensible length, especially compared to other languages. But once you start to break it down, you'll find that the real humor isn't in how German looks or sounds. Instead, it's the […]
In this article, you’ll familiarize yourself with how to tell the time in German and how to make appointments. It is needless to say how important time is in communication from meeting with a friend to making a doctor’s appointment in German. Understanding the Basics Before diving into any details, it is wise to have […]
Being a German-learner in Germany, you want German immersion; you want to be in the thick of it. But you also need that level of German immersion that makes it comprehensible, so you’re not drowning. And when you’re socialising with adults this isn’t always easy. And if your gracious German host sees you struggling, they […]
Water is a big deal in Germany; no-one seems to drink from the tap, even though people will tell you it’s perfectly safe to drink. I used tap water in our kettle for a couple of months until it got clogged with a greyish-white sediment and had to be thrown away. Because then you start […]
Before moving to Germany, and even before starting to learn German, I discovered German food, and I would rate it the most underrated cuisine in the world. Even Germans don’t rate it highly, putting Italian food at the top of their list, statistically speaking. And look, maybe it’s not for everyone, maybe it’s not for […]
If you asked someone what the worst maritime disaster in history was (in terms of loss-of-life) most people would, understandably, resort to the most well-known: the Titanic. At least 1500 people lost their lives in this terrible event in 1912, but it’s certainly not the worst. This dubious distinction goes to the sinking of the […]
I have always liked balconies. When we were looking for places to rent in Germany, I was always pushing for a flat with a balcony: eine Wohnung mit Balkon. Fortunately for me, in the built-up areas of western Europe, balconies are very common. Plus, there’s the German obsession with fresh air (“Ich brauche frische Luft!”). […]
I was late and as I entered the bar I noticed the banner reading “happy birthday”. I managed to track down the birthday boy. I didn’t know him well at the time but he would become an important friend in my life soon. It was a small bar that we both frequented and to my […]
Knowing how to say “Hello”, “Goodbye” and “Thank you” or “Nein, Danke.” in German is not just one of the basics you need to know when you want or have to interact with German native speakers with greetings in German. You also need to consider the regions where you encounter Germans. Because in addition to […]
The first time I heard about the city of Cologne, was when I had a French teacher who told a joke in the first class that went like this: “I am from Cologne, but do not think that this means I am always smelling so good.” By train from the north, you cross the Rhine […]
