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Spricht hier jemand Deutsch?Apr 16 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line When in any foreign land, try to learn a few basics of the native language. Does anyone here speak German? I've lived in Germany for 6 months, and have learned a few phrases and common courtesies along the way. One of the first things I discovered is that most everyone is very friendly. A greeting is always extended when entering a shop or restaurant, and it is common courtesy to return that greeting: Guten Morgen GOOT-en MORG-en: Good Morning Guten Tag GOOT-en taak: Good afternoon I always ask Sprechen Sie Englisch (SHPREKH-en zee English) Do you speak English? if I think I'll need to communicate with more than a nod, since I speak very little German. If they don't speak English it's not difficult to communicate, just takes a bit more effort. When finished with your transaction, always say thank you: Danke (DAHNK-uh), or Danke Schoen (DAHNK-uh Shin). For you're welcome, say bitte(BIT-uh). Most Americans are familiar with the somewhat stilted Auf Wiedersehen (owf VEED-uh-zayn) for goodbye. What most Germans say instead is Tschus, which rhymes with juice. It's like our see ya, or bye. Do you need to use the restroom? In Germany, indeed in most of Europe, no one is embarrassed to say the word toilet. The proper way to ask is Wo is die Toilette (Voh ist dee toy-LET-eh)? Or you can say “WC?” and most people will know what you mean. The restrooms are labeled Herren for the mens room, and Damen for women. I once pointed to my daughter who was doing the "potty dance" -- I didn't have to say anything. Some other helpful words to know while you’re in Germany: Yes: Ja yaa No: Nein nine Please: Bitte BIT-uh Good: Gut goot Some helpful phrases: I speak little German: Ich spreche wenig Deutsch ik SPHREK-uh VAYN-ikh doytch I am an American: Ich bin Amerikaner ikh bin american My name is...: Ich hiesse Ikh His-uh I’m...: Ich bin ikh bin ...sick: krank krahnk ...hungry: hungrig HUNG-rick I’m looking for...: Ich suche ikh ZOOK-uh ...my hotel: mein Hotel meyn ho-TEL ...the train station: den Bahnhof dayn BAAN-hof If you are searching for a museum or another tourist attraction, just saying "Ich Suche" followed by the English version of your desired destination will work. Germany is a wonderful place, and most people are very open and willing to try to communicate with those of not versed in the German language. However, I always try to speak a little bit of German even if it's just my greeting. It shows respect and seems to open the doors of communication. Oh yes, before I forget -- beer is pronounced...beer. Whew. Tschus!  |
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by knotheadusc
by artemis8
