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As part of my continuing saga abroad, this month I’ll present a brief lesson of the German language. Now, many of you may be wondering how could I give a lesson on German when I don’t actually speak German. I’ve often wondered that myself. So, let’s begin.
“Fahrt:” As strange as it may seem, this word, which is a verb, has nothing to do with one’s diet. Instead, it comes for the word fahren, which means “to drive.” As such, people here will wish you a “gute fahrt,” which is normally said after eating a meal and you are on your way out the door.
Related to this word is Ausfahrt. It happens to be the largest invisible city in Germany, as every time you leave the autobahn, the sign points to “Ausfahrt.” In an unrelated coincidence, it is also the German word for “autobahn exit.” Because of this fortunate happenstance, I’m certain that the German government will realize one day that they can save quite a bit of money by printing only one sign for both the city and the exit.
“Ein Bier, bitte:” This is the universal Germanic expression for peace, love and happiness. Around establishments of food and drink, servers will happily plop down a foaming mug of beer for you if you use this phrase. When used liberally, this expression will bring giddy laughter and spontaneous singing and shouting from the user. Do not confuse this with the American expression, “Give me a Bud,” which in literal German is apparently a derisive insult at once’s ancestry and clothing taste, and will result in immediate expulsion from Germany. In Bavaria, this insult can be considered a capital offense.
“Unbegrenzt Geschwindigkeit:” There is no known English translation for this unpronouncable phrase, as it does not exist in America, except on isolated sections of I-696. The concept is this. You can drive as fast as you can, and people will get out of the way for you, even policemen (I think. Like I said, it’s difficult to translate). Conversely, you must remember to get out of faster people’s way as well. Isn’t that a cool concept? This phrase can be used in many of Germany’s autobahn, but usually only during lightly travelled times, such as early Sunday morning. Sadly, Germany is that last place in Europe where this phrase is used.
“Stau:” This word, which in effect is the exact opposite
of the phrase above, has two simultaneous meanings. It means
both “big, huge autobahn traffic jam” and “roadside
picnic.” These staus are usually reported on the radio,
presumably so other travellers can find out where these staus
are and join in the fun. Once driving from the Frankfurt airport,
I once measured such a roadside picnic on the other side of the
autobahn that was over 20 kilometers long before I stopped counting.
“Kaputt:” This is the sound that German equipment makes right before it stops working. Interestingly, languistics expert around the world are finding out that equipment from other countries make similar noise. In Japan, for example, it is “khaputa,” while the Native American word for it in Canada, America and Mexico is “its-ka-put,eh.” Languistic experts would have you believe this has nothing to do with the world-wide mobilization of machines as they overthrow the yoke of domination that humanity has enslaved them in, but unfortunately, no linguistic expert can be reached by telephone at the moment for comment.
“Mahlzeit:” This is a largely southern term, originating from Bavaria. It’s literal translation is “meal time,” but it has become a general greeting around lunchtime in Bavaria. Since we Americans are not known for our language skills, it is generally acceptable to mispronounce this. The most common way is to pronounce it like, “Wazzup,” as in, “Yo, Dukey! Mahlzzzzeit!”
Hopefully, with practice, you can use these phrases to blend invisibly into the German culture during your travels here. Good Fahrting!
| << May 2001<< | >> July 2001>> |
(The BahnStormer is the official newsletter of the Rally Sport Region (Detroit area) of the Porsche Club of America. You can contact the editor at .)
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