7 April

Hamsters, bumblebees and ponies

Hamsters, bumblebees and ponies

  These difficult times have brought the German expression Hamsterkauf to the attention of Brits. Whether hamster buying makes them think of the little animals going shopping or people stocking up on the pets, I’m not sure. Either way people are delighted by it. Not quite the same maybe, but certainly related are the very funny […]

18 November

Again what learned ;-)

Again what learned ;-)

The first time a German said “equal goes it loose” to me, I had no idea what he was talking about and why he found it so hilarious. He explained and I managed a smile, but still didn’t find it that funny. Was this German humour? Direct translations from German into “English” have exploded since […]

13 November

The Igel has landed

The Igel has landed

  Picture the following situation: Maria walks up to the coffee machine where her colleague Gabi is standing with the new Italian Sales Manager, Stefano. Gabi makes the introductions. And Maria says “Yes, we met on the floor yesterday.” Stefano looks confused and a bit embarrassed. Gabi grins and says “I think you mean you […]