Monday, May 22, 2006

More German survival tips

Am I having a German lifestyle yet? Wow, German survival tips really do seem to be the rage these days. Tips about surviving German idiosyncrasies, I mean.

The lingo thing, for instance:

“Germans are fond of saying they don’t speak English. Don’t believe them. Even the beggars can panhandle in a foreign language. Apparently innate shyness and fear of risking imperfection are what prevent many from speaking English.”

Well that’s always been my excuse. About not wanting to speak English, I mean. But I’ll speak German with anybody. Then they’re the ones who have the problem.

Du mich verstehen können?

Kommentare auf Deutsch? Logisch.

PS: Hmmm. On a sadder note, recent events seem to put making jokes about survival in Germany in a completely different light.

Posted by clarsonimus at 07:56:38 | Permanent Link | Comments (2) |
Comments
1 - At least the Germans will talk English with you once you show that you REALLY can't talk German - unlike the French who will only talk English to you once you've demonstrated you're not American or English...

For an amusing look at Dutch idosyncracies that we found funny look up 'The Undutchables" (Comment this)

Written by: iiq374 at 2006/05/22 - 22:41:41
2 - Have you ever pretended to be German to a group of loud, bumbling Americans who beg information from you? I'm ashamed to admit that adopting my best High German accent and subtly deriding my erstwhile compatriots, with a measure of disbelief, has become a favorite method of communing with my hosts. (Comment this)

Written by: Christy at 2006/05/23 - 16:58:41
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