Deutschlisch

When good Deutschlisch goes bad

Sometimes, I am glad that Deutschlisch exists. This is because I get to use the convenient and practical German phraseology (cool word, huh?), all from the comfort of speaking English. So I often ask if there is an ATM “in the near from here” (in der Nähe von), or if friends want to ‘make a party’ (well, do you?).

BUT! There is a warning which must be issued to users of Deutschlisch: it can make your English bad! When someone calls me, and I’m at a friend’s house, I report that “I’m by Herr Versteh-a-lot”. ‘Bei’ does not equal ‘by’! Speaking of my good friend, Herr V, he advised me whilst cooking: “When you want to make the curry hot, add chili.” Okay: -

1. DON’T tell Miss Verständnis how to cook. She is the Guru;

2. What you mean, dear Herr V, is “if you want to make the curry hot.” This is the problem with saying wenn too much.

This is an Englischer Service Announcement, brought to you free of charge by the always caring and concerned Miss Verständnis.