![]() ![]() Similarly tricky are the three forms of the definite article in German: der, die, das. The “c” in "China" is pronounced as a "k," "ch" or "sch," depending on the region. In Bavaria the bread bun becomes a "Semme(r)l" and in Baden a "Weck". Language also differs from region to region. But there are also more joyful words: in Germany, many people look forward to upcoming events so eagerly that they downright thrill for them in anticipation - "Vorfreude" (literally, “pre-joy”) is the word for this. Similar words exist for other emotions: melancholy feelings about one's own life are called "Weltschmerz" (literally, “world-pain”), the fear of missing something important "Torschlusspanik" (literally, “panic at the closing door”). The Germans have a precise word for this feeling: “Fremdschämen”. When something embarrassing happens to someone else, many people feel the shame along with the other person. Native speakers of English are just as unfamiliar with "longseller", that is, a book which has sold successfully for a long time, as they are with "home office" or "home trainer”. Pure copying, however, is too boring for Germans: "handy" in English describes a thing that is practical, but in German it is a word for “cell phone”. The language of young people continually makes use of English: for example, the word "cringe" (to be embarrassed) became the youth word of the year 2021. Kummerspeck refers to excess weight gained from emotional overeating.English words like "cool" or "chill" have long since made it into German. Kummerspeck– In all fairness, this word isn’t exactly used in everyday conversations, but I ran across it on the internet and just had to share. And if I get really kranky, I am comforted knowing that I can be taken to the Krankenhaus (hospital) in a Krankenwagen (ambulance). ![]() I think it’s perfect…when I’m sick, I’m definitely a Krank. They’re telling you to keep your hands off your cell phone. The signs aren’t suggesting that you behave improperly with the handyman. If you ever drive in Germany, you may see signs that say Finger Vom Handy. Little do they know that we use this word in an entirely different way. Handy– Here is a word that Germans would probably insist is English. They spotted a sign that entertained them to no end: Puppenhaus. No…it wasn’t on an outhouse door…the sign referred to a House of Dolls and Puppets. ![]() The other day, I was strolling through the streets of a cute little German town with some friends. Puppen – If you say the Puppen out loud in English-speaking countries, thoughts in line with Fahrtwind may come to mind. I recently looked up Fahrt in my German dictionary to check my interpretation …and lo and behold, I discovered another gem: Fahrtwind…the German word for airstream. The phrase means Have a Great Trip, but it sounds like something else entirely (how perfect to see this phrase on a gas pump!). No offense to speakers of this wonderful and challenging language, but to a person with a background in English… I find that certain words are worth a giggle.įahrtwind – I always get a kick out of Gute Fahrt. As I continue my struggle to learn the German language, I’ve stumbled upon a few more words to add to my original list of Five Funny German Words.
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