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[Teacher in Rome]

A German friend told me this story about her father trying to order cheese in a french restaurant. He couldn't speak a word of French and he was desperate to wind up his meal in his usual way. The French waitress didn't speak a word of German, and this was the conversation they had, accordng to my friend. (Apologies in advance - I speak very little German.)

Father: ich wil kass
Waitress: Comment? Qu'est-ce que vous desirez?
Father: kas, kas. Ich wil kas essen
Waitress: Je suis desolee, mais je ne comprends pas
Father: KAS
Waitress: Mousse au chocolat? Cafe?
Father: Nein! KAS
Waitress: Vraiment, je suis desolee.
Father: (At the end of his tether) Ach, lech me am arsch
Waitress: Ah! Du fromage!

[longtimeteach]

Hi Chris,

Your comment about your boyfriend speaking German really gave me a good laugh! My students are always telling me that "in Bavaria - which is NOT part of Germany - they speak a very strange language and the Swiss always sound as though they're clearing their throats"!

Actually, 'switzerdeutsch' might be easier to understand than some of the platt we have around here.

How do you like the job? How is Karlsruhe? As dull as some say or have you managed to find some lively spots over there?