10 German words for a night out in Berlin

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Berlin’s alternative and anarchic nightlife can be suitable for almost everyone. If you are visiting for a weekend, or having been living here for some time, you want to be well-prepared to know how to address in German your party mood or you after day hangover state. Deutsche Welle listed ten curious points to be aware of before going out for a night in Berlin.

FEIERABEND

Feel like going out tonight? First thing, you have to break free from working commitments and the stress. Germans have a word to describe exactly that moment: ‘Feierabend’, which literally means, to finish work or to knock off (work).

AUFBREZELN

After work, a quick pit-stop back home to freshen up is definitely something worth considering before a nice night out. After all, you never know how the night is going to evolve. Aufbrezeln means exactly this; to pamper up, whether with a fresh t shirt for boys and a line of lipstick for girls (or the other way round..).

VORGLÜHEN

Although it wouldn’t be proper to incite readers to drink, not to drink German beers would be like missing out on a pillar of the country’s cultural heritage. Vorglühen, in English to pre-heat / pre-drink, is exactly that: the drinking of one, two or, who are we kidding, three or more drinks prior to commencing the night out, to relax and zone out of the working mind and get into the partying one.

WEGBIER

After a while in Berlin you’ll notice it: whether it be one girl or boy walking on her own in the sole company of a cold beer in their hand, or bigger groups of people holding two or more bottles of beers (coats have pockets after all), you’ll be able to spot them in any neighbourhood of the city at any time of the night. A Wegbier is the beer you take along with you for the walk.

n.b. although drinking in public is legal in Germany, it is well advised to contain your exuberant- drunk spirits and maintain a dignified behavior – a bit of style never harms.

TÜRSTEHER

Sven: if you haven’t met him you surely heard about him. Berghains’ bouncer, in German, would be the Türsteher, as so would be a doorman or a doorkeeper, for the literal meaning is “Him who stands at the door”. Assuming a more active role than this passive description conveys, they are notorious here in Berlin. Starting by knowing how to address them could be a first, small, step towards getting into a club.

AUF EX

“Auf ex!” If your friends demand you do to so, perhaps it’s best you prepare for what will happen next. The literal translation? Empty your glass in one sip.

DÄMMERUNG

It’s that moment between day and night, or night and day – the beginning and end of a day all melted into one word. Between dusk and dawn, it can be a truly magical moment in Berlin (according to the season), and you’ll most likely find yourself more often than not at Dämmerung wondering how it is possible that the night is already over!

NACHTSCHWÄRMER

Being a night crawler. Everyone has one of those friends in Berlin that only emerge out of their den once the sun has set. Or maybe, you’ve become one of these yourself. Another interesting translation from German is night owl; you know that they are hiding somewhere during the day, but you’ll only see them at night.

KATER

Kater would be a ‘tomcat’, a male cat. But being one of those wonderful German words that have a certain meaning but actually mean something else, Kater is more commonly used to explain the state of being of the day following a night to remember (or not). You know it? You know it…

Photo:  © Christoffer Boman CC BY SA 2.0

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Want to refine your German? Take a look at the German courses that Berlino Schule organizes.

5 tiny German words that once learned will make you feel integrated

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By now we all know it, whether through our German class or in our everyday encounter with native speakers, German is a tricky language to master. One of the reasons is surely its very, very extensive vocabulary. Yet not all of the words are as long as a sentence, some are very small and although seemingly insignificant at first they are actually the indicator of your proficiency in German. We are talking about those small words that once heard will make you long to learn and use in a conversation, and that will make you feel very satisfied when you’ll say them at the right moment.

  1. Doch

It is a conjugation that has a similar meaning to “aber” (but, yet) and can be used as a reinforcer to many sentences. As a single word ,however, it indicates a positive answer to a negative question. i.e. “Didn’t you go the movies yesterday?” … “Doch!”

  1. Genau

One of the first German words we usually learn and it means “exact, exactly”. Germans commonly use it to show that they are attentive to what their interlocutor in saying. Being one of the easiest and simple words, it is very common for people approaching the language that they’ll hear themselves use it and abuse it in any given context.

  1. Achso

This is an exclamation that Germans used to affirm (to great surpise) that they have finally understood what wasn’t evident before. In English the equivalent would be something like “Ooooh! Now i get it!”. i.e. “Isn’t Tim the collegeau you fought with? Achso!”. When you’ll start, it will be very hard to quit.

  1. Krass

It is an adjective that means “extreme” in the colloquial jargon of the Deutsch youth. It sort of took the place of the former cool and geil (strong) to convey something, ha!, a bit more extreme. Krass may be a night at the Berghein as much as a visit to a concentration camp. Learning how to use it is indispensable to demonstrate one’s linguistic proficiency when facing a native speaker. The risk? Everything that happened to you “Es war richtig krass!” (was really extreme!).

  1. Spontan

Germans are notorious for the pleasure they take out of planning. At times, though, they also enjoy being spontaneous, or, spontan. “Do you know what you’ll be doing this weekend?” … “I don’t know, I’ll be spontan!”

 

Cover photo: “Voll Krass” © Oliver Ponsold – CC BY SA 2.0

5 reasons why learning German is really difficult, and 5 reasons why it’s not

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Learning German can daunting, fun and frustrating all at once. It is a test of patience and will, but it many cases it is not as difficult as it seems.

For this reason we have put together a balanced list of 5 reasons by which learning German can be really hard, and 5 reasons by which it isn’t that much.

Five reasons why learning German is hard…

1. Because you can say the same thing in about 500 different ways

German has a very rich lexicon. This is partly due to its incredible ability to create new terms through Wortbildung, literally, the building of words. As a sort of creative exercise, different words and nouns can be joined with one or more suffixes. Furthermore the French cultural domination of the 18th century spoiled the German language and influenced the expression of certain concepts from the time. When then Romanticism and its underlying nationalist ideology spread throughout Europe in the 19th century, certain linguists quite literally invented 100% German words to convey those same expressions (some examples include: division= Aufteilung, definition= Bestimmung…).
The result? Several things in German can be said with two completely different words that actually have the same meaning. The choice of the word will then depend on the context and stylistic criteria. Unfortunately, this richness in choice applies also to whole sentences and expressions.
Thus even if you have been studying German for 10 years and know of 5 different ways to ask “how are you?”, be sure that a native speaker will come to you one day and employ that 6th way that you couldn’t even begin to imagine it existed.

2. Because the spoken language is terribly different from the written one

Yes, this is probably the most interesting, not to say terribly frustrating, aspect of German: no matter how well you know ALL the possible grammatical rules, the gender of thousand of nouns, the sentence structure etc… most likely the you won’t be able to understand one thing from your first conversations with a German, in particular in informal situations. The spoken language has in fact a name for it’s own, the so called Umgangssprache (vehicular language). Its lexicon has even been assembled in dictionaries, and holds the peculiarity of being transversal to dialects.

What characterizes the spoken language is that array of small words that have absolutely no meaning on their own and that Germans use to give a tone to the sentence (a bit like hand gestures for Italians) such as mal, schon, halt, doch… The use of these words will immediately separate a native speakers from who, regardless of how fluent they may be, learned German as a second language. There is then the tendency to ask „Wo kommst du her?“ and „Wo gehst du hin?“ as opposed to the common „Woher kommst du?“ and „Wohin gehst du?“. To our delight, Germans also like to liven up the language with particular expressions and to the universally known “Wie geht’s?” they will probably prefer a „Wie läuft’s?“ or a „Wie ist es?“…

3. Because there are three genders for nouns and with the exception of a few rules, the choice is absolutely random

This is possibly the greatest shock when starting to learn German: to find out that not only there are three different genders (masculine, feminine and neutral), and only few, vague rules (words that end in -ung are all feminine, those ending in -er are usually masculine), but most importantly, that the gender is not always dependent on the word structure, but on some completely random and unexplainable criteria. More than trying to find a logical reason behind the fact that a girl, for instance, is neutral (das Mädchen), the advice is to just accept it and move on. The same applies for plural.
The result is that unlike other languages, where it is pretty much enough to learn a word and move on, in German you’ll have to simultaneously learn it’s gender and it’s plural form. A mental violence, basically.

4. Because certain sounds are really hard to pronounce

Some have made it. This story takes the contours of a legend because certain sounds in German are really, really hard to pronounce. Some have a difficult time with the ch (not to be confused with the sch!) of which there are actually two different versions: the one found after vowels as a, o, u (Dach, Buch, Loch, in phonetic x) and the one found after the interior vowels i, e, ä, ü, ö (ich, Brecht, lächeln, Löcher, Bücher in phonetic ç). If you never noticed don’t worry, it’s normal, Germans themselves probably don’t even realize. One other fascinating sound is the guttural r, the one that departs from that unknown angle of the throat and that completely changes the sound of words like Brot.

5. Because we can’t accept that some verbs can be separated and that a piece of that verb has to be placed at the end of a sentence

Yes, when looking on the dictionary you’ll find a “full” word with a certain meaning, such as ausgehen = to go out, but in everyday sentences that same word will be split in two and the suffix will go at the end. Why? Who knows. Episodes in which you’ll find yourself translating a sentence and happily think to have understood what verb it is, just to find out that you actually missed a “piece” of it, will be very recurrent. And your brain will trip every time you’ll try to converse and have to think of that small element.

Photo: “Schnecken Schlecken” © Andreas: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124330160/ – CC BY SA 2.0

…and 5 reasons for which it isn’t that hard after all

1.It’s a very logical language

It’s true, German has several grammatical rules, but few exceptions. Once you learn the rule you will unlikely have unpleasant surprises.

2. Because there are few pronunciation rules

Except for the difficulty of the sounds aforementioned, one can’t say that German has tough pronunciation rules. Unlike English, for instance, where every word is pronounced in its own way or French, where to rules are so severe and dictations are done even in the most progressed course levels. In German the only sounds that change are certain diphthongs (such eu= oi and ei=ai) and the v which is read as f. For the rest, pretty much all the words are pronounced as they are written. And this is surely something worth mentioning…

3. Because nouns are recognized due to the capital letter

Even if you never studied this language, surely you may have noticed in for instance instruction manuals that several words in German are written with a capital letter. Those are nouns: common or abstract these may be, in German they always have a capital letter. This way of doing resides to the times of Luther and it has been contested for long yet never abandoned: Germans are too convinced of the enhanced readability of a text.

4. Because German has rules to which one can abide to, whereas in English the grammar is more ‘flexible’, so to say

Although English is one of the most learned and used languages globally, the English grammar remains a mystery to much of the native and foreign speakers alike. To this day English has no academy  (unlike French’s Académie française or the Spanish’s Real Academia Española), and debates on verb tenses are very much alive. With German it’s easier, you have the rules and you ought to respect them. They might not always ‘make sense’, but at a certain point the the inner struggle fades.

5. Because you don’t have the gerund and the duration form

In English the dilemma on whether to utilize the gerund or not (i.e. “What do you do”? vs “What are you doing?”) is unresolved. The absence of such in German simplifies our life, not to mention that the (in)famous duration form is nonexistent. So, if you’ve been eating for the past hour you will simply say “Ich esse seit einer Stunde“. Simple and concise.

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If you are starting to get intrigued by the German language, take a look at the German courses that Berlino Schule organizes.

The essential guide to your first German conversation: 10 sentences to present yourself

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When entering a German course, as much as in everyday life in Germany, the first questions you will find yourself to answer are always the ones about yourself.

To avoid finding yourself without words, or struggling to hold the first conversation with native speakers, we have put together ten useful sentences to help you present yourself both in formal and informal contexts:

1. Do you speak German/English?

Sprichst du Deutsch/ Englisch? (informal)
Sprechen Sie Deutsch/ Englisch? (formal)
You can also use the verb können to ask informally “Kannst du Deutsch/ Englisch (sprechen)?”

Answer: I am very sorry, I don’t speak German / Just a bit

Es tut mir leid, ich spreche kein Deutsch / ich kann kein Deutsch sprechen.
Nur ein bißchen.

2. What is your name?

Wie heißt du? (informal)
Wie heißen Sie? (formal)
Was ist dein/Ihr Name? (informal/formal)
N.B. you can also ask for the Vorname to indicate the first name, or Nachname if you are interested in knowing the surname.

Answer: My name is…

Ich heiße… Mein Name ist…

3. It’s a pleasure to meet you!

Es freut mich dich / Sie kennenzulernen (informal / formal)
Schön/ Nett, Sie Kennenzulernen!
Or, more simple expressions include:
Sehr angenehm; Sehr erfreut; Freut mich.

4. Where do you come from?

Woher kommst du / kommen Sie? (informal/ formal)

Answer: I come from… I am… (nationality)

Ich komme aus… Ich bin… (eg. italiener)
Aus welcher Stadt kommst du / kommen Sie? (informal / formal)

5. Where do you live?

Wo wohnst du / wohnen Sie? (informal / formal)

Answer: I live in Berlin

Ich wohne in Berlin.

6. How long have you been in Germany for?

Wie lange bist du/sind Sie schon in Deutschland? (informal/ formal)

Answer: For two years

Seit zwei Jahren.

7. How old are you?

Wie alt bist du / sind Sie? (informal / formal)

Answer: I am 26 years old

Ich bin 26 Jahre alt.

8. What is your profession?

Was bist du/ sind Sie von Beruf? (informal / formal)
Was machst du/machen Sie beruflich? (informal / formal)
Was ist dein/Ihr Beruf? (informal / formal)

Answer: I am a… I do…

Ich bin… Ich mache…

9. Do you enjoy Berlin?

Wie gefällt dir/Ihnen Berlin? (informal / formal)

Answer: I really enjoy it! / I don’t like it.

Berlin gefällt mir sehr. / Es gefällt mir nicht.

10. I have to go now. See you soon!

Ich muss gehen. Wir sehen uns bald!
Bis dann / gleich!
or, as a more formal alternative, Auf Wiedersehen!

 

Photo:How to Earn Customer Loyalty By Focusing on Customer Experience © Joe The Goat Farmer CC BY SA 2.0

9 German words they’ll (almost) never teach you in school

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German is not only the language found on dictionaries and in school. Here is a list of nine words used in everyday life that you won’t find in books.

After years of German language courses, you might think that you are ready for the big step: to converse with mother tongue speakers. Yet, when speaking German there might be the high possibility of being disappointed in one own’s preparation when tackling a conversation. In schools and in language courses, in fact, not always will one learn the most recurrent colloquial expressions. Here are some that will make your conversations more realistic and close to German colloquial jargon:

1.Na?

After the first attempts of approaching the German people one will swiftly realize that often even courteous expressions differ from what was studied on books. Even a “How are you?” might sound different from the common “Wie geht’s dir?”. “Na?” might be easily translated to “Well?”. It is commonly used to ask clarification and/or information to someone with whom you are in confidence with.

2. Naja

“Na?” however must not be confused with “Naja”, which instead expresses doubt and puzzlement. It might be used to answer the question “How are you?”, with a “Fine” that actually conveys other feelings.

3. Quatsch

It is a quite recurrent word and it might sound as “Nonsense!”. It is found also in the expression “Das ist totaler Quatsch!” to affirm that what said has absolutely no sense.

4. Mach’s gut!

At the end of a night out with friends the expression “Mach’s gut!” might be used to say goodbye. Instead of the more common “Tschüß”, “Mach’s gut!” conveys a caring “Take care of yourself”.

5. Quasi, sozusagen, halt

“How”, “so to say”, “like” are expressions used and abused in almost every language. They are found also in German, in particular in young people’s jargon. Integrating these expressions will make our conversation more colloquial and close to everyday language.

6. Krass

“Krass” is a term that fits well almost everywhere, and it is used as an exclamation of reaction to a strong emotion, whether positive or negative. It might thus mean “Incredible!” “Damn!” and generally convey surprise in front of something unexpected.

7. Geil

Once learned the meaning of this word, a day won’t pass without hearing it. It is used to indicate that something is really nice, incredible, super, actually supergeil, as Friedrich Liechtenstein sings in a famous Edeka ad. Yet this term actually has a different meaning in origin, being an adjective that signifies that something is “Lascivious” (and may be used in a vulgar manner as well). Thus, it would be strongly advised to avoid using this term in formal contexts.

8. Jein

When you are not capable of giving a direct answer and wish you could reply with a “yes/no/maybe” you can reply with the german “Jein”, which conveys precisely this idea.

9. Auf jeden Fall

Literally means “in any way” but may be used to say “surely” and feel more integrated with the natives that use this expression with great frequency.

 

Cover photo: © Jugendliche im Gespräch – Bankenverband – Bundesverband deutscher Banken – CC BY SA 2.0

November German courses @ Berlino Schule

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Learning German might be very discouraging and daunting at first due to its complicated grammar and very strict rules. Having a good teacher and being in the right learning environment is fundamental, and for this reason you should trust the right people and means: after the success of its Summer School, Berlino Schule opens the season with a wide offer of language courses lead by professional and qualified teachers with years of experience. The courses take place in small classes with a maximum of 10 students and in a positive and stimulating environment fit for all of those who want to learn German in a sympathetic approach.
At the end of the course you will receive a certificate of participation.

The School offers courses at various levels and at different paces:

Intensive courses

A1.1 (German for beginners): this intensive course for beginners will start on the 7th of November, and will take place 4 days per week (Tuesday to Friday, 8.45-11.15) through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). It will last until the 1st of December.
This course has been thought for those who wish to properly acquire the basics of the German language through the help of professional teachers. The cost of the whole course is of €192 (only €4 per hour!)

A1.2: this intensive course for beginners will start on the 7th of November and will take place 4 days per week (Tuesday to Friday, 11.40-14.10) through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). It will last until the 1st of December.
The cost of the whole course is of €192 (only €4 per hour!)

A2.1: this intensive course for beginners will start on the 7th of November and will take place 4 days per week (Tuesday to Friday, 8.45-11.15), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). It will last until the 1st of December.
The cost of the whole course is of €192 (only €4 per hour!)

B1.1: this intensive course for beginners will start on the 7th of November and will take place 4 days per week (Tuesday to Friday, 8.45-11.15), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). It will last until the 1st of December.
The cost of the whole course is of €192 (only €4 per hour!)

Evening courses

A1.1: this evening course for beginners will start on the 7th of November and will take place 2 days per week (Tuesday and Thursday, 19.15-21.40), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). The course will last until the 11th of January. The cost of the whole course is of €240.

A1.2: this evening course for beginners will start on the 6th of November and will take place 2 days per week (Monday and Wednesday, 19.15-21.40), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). The course will last until the 10th of January. The cost of the whole course is of €240.

A2.2: this evening course for beginners will start on the 7th of November and will take place 2 days per week (Tuesday and Thursday, 19.15-21.40), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). The course will last until the 11th of January. The cost of the whole course is of €240.
B2.1: this evening course for beginners will start on the 6th of November and will take place 2 days per week (Monday and Wednesday, 19.15-21.40), through 3 teaching units (45 minutes each). The course will last until the 10th of January. The cost of the whole course is of €240.

 

Prices & Registration

In addition to the cost of the course a €20 registration fee will be required. This will be a one-off fee that lasts the whole year. Registration to the course is allowed also once the course has began.

Location

The courses will take place at the headquarters of Berlino Schule & Berlino Magazine in Gryphiusstr. 23. Our school is located in Friedrichshain, one of the most charming, lively and safe quarters of Berlin. Walking distance from the School is the East Side Gallery, the longest remnant of the Berlin Wall and one of the best known landmarks of Berlin.

Course Calendar

Along with the intensive and evening courses, Berlino Schule also gives you the opportunity to take part in conversation classes. For any further info visit our website at BERLINOSCHULE or send us an email at info@berlinoschule.com

Intensive, evening, conversation and Skype classes: Berlino Schule’s German courses from September 2017

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A wide range of German courses are starting at Berlino Schule: intensive, evening and conversation classes. Of course it’s also possible to book private and Skype lessons.

Berlino Schule presents its 2017/2018 program of German courses, that is to say from September 2017 to May 2018. There will be many levels and solutions available: morning, afternoon or evening courses, conversation classes (general or specific classes for architects and urban planners), intensive and super-intensive courses. Small groups (14 people maximum), very affordable prices (intensive and super-intensive courses costs just 4€ per hour: it is hard to find a cheaper school with so qualified teachers), school located in the heart of Friedrichshain, one of the most beautiful and at the same time lively districts in Berlin, the core of the city’s vitality. More than 300 students of all ages are attending our recently founded school (established in August 2015), enjoying the broad range of our courses. All teachers are qualified and have acquired years of teaching experience. Are you looking for an accommodation as well? For 2 or 4 weeks? We can help you. We are in contact with several house owners who rent rooms or apartments. Let’s go now straight to the point, talking about dates and costs. Please note that, as for all language schools, one hour consists of 45 minutes.

Read this article in Italian.

INTENSIVE CLASSES: 48 HOURS OF LESSONS OVER 4 WEEKS. PRICE: 192€ (plus 20€ registration fee just for the first time)

Let’s start with the intensive courses, which last 4 weeks for a total of 48 hours of lessons. Each course corresponds to a German level, as defined by CEFR. The courses take place either from Monday to Thursday or from Tuesday to Friday (8:45-11:15 or 11.40-14.10). One “break” day a week is given to strengthen and learn what has been studied during the week, as well as to carry over days lost due to festivities. The price amounts to 192€ + 20€ of registration fee to pay just in case you join a Berlin Schule course in 2017 for the first time (you will also receive the True Italian Card, which entitles students to get discounts in several Italian restaurants and cafés in Berlin). All that just for 4€ per hour. You can hardly find an alternative low cost course with such small groups of students (14). Upon agreement with the school, which will decide case by case, it is possible to enroll in a course even though it has already started, having the possibility to get a discount for the classes you couldn’t join. A certificate of attendance will be issued on demand at the end of every course. If you need to test your level of German before enrolling in the course, it is possible to attend an interview (also via Skype) with one of our teachers. Please CLICK HERE and have a look to our German courses calendar or scroll downwards. For further information, contact us by email: info@berlinoschule.com

EVENING GERMAN CLASSES: 48 HOURS OF LESSON OVER 8 WEEKS. COST: 240€ (plus 20€ registration fee just the first time)

Evening courses are spread over two months time. Lessons take place twice a week. Each lesson lasts 3 hours for a total of 48 hours of lessons. The course costs 240€ + 20€ registration fee if it is the first time you are attending a Berlino Schule course in 2017. By signing up to the course, you will also receive the True Italian Card, which entitles students to get discounts in several Italian restaurants and cafés in Berlin. The courses are either held on Monday and Wednesday or alternatively on Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:15 pm to 9:40 pm. Upon agreement with the school, which will decide case by case, it is possible to enroll in a course even though it has already started, having the possibility to get a discount for the classes you couldn’t join. Please CLICK HERE and have a look to our German courses calendar, or scroll downwards. For further information, contact us by email: info@berlinoschule.com.

GERMAN CONVERSATION CLASSES: 24 HOURS OF LESSON OVER 12 WEEKS. COST: 120€ (plus 20€ registration fee just the first time). MINIMUM LEVEL REQUIRED: B1.

Those working in international environments in Berlin do not always have the possibility to speak German regularly. Every Tuesday from the 5th October 2017 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, Berlino Schule offers students a conversation course. The lessons are focused on various current topics, regarding the German daily life as well. The students will often discuss about an article taken from a newspaper or a text which will give them the chance to exchange opinions and to improve their vocabulary. They will also have the chance to refresh some grammar rules of the German language that might have been forgotten. The minimum level required to join this course is B1.1. A 12-lesson package costs 120€ + 20€ registration fee if it is the first time you are attending a Berlino Schule course in 2017. By signing up to the course, you will also receive the True Italian Card, which entitles students to get discounts in several Italian restaurants and cafés in Berlin. Please CLICK HERE and have a look to our German courses calendar. For further information, contact us by email: info@berlinoschule.com.

ONE TO ONE LESSONS AND SKYPE LESSONS

We want learning to be accessible to everyone, even if you don’t live in Germany or don’t have the time to come to our school. Our individual and Skype classes are made up for beginners (A1.1) and advanced learners (C1). An attendance certificate will be given to you at the end of your eLearning classes. If you want to take individual classes, no previous knowledge is required. Our flexible schedule will meet your specific linguistic needs and working hours. The attendance will be define with the school.The price is 28 € per hour (45 minutes). For further information, contact us by email: info@berlinoschule.com.

INTENSIVE COURSES CALENDAR (48 HOURS OF LESSONS OVER 4 WEEKS: YEAR 2017

COURSES LISTED PER LEVEL

A1.1

12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A1.2

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.1

12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.1

12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.2

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.1

 

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.2

10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

LEVEL C1 (C1.1 e C1.2)

Please contact us at info@berlinoschule.com

COURSES LISTED PER MONTH

SEPTEMBER

A1.1 12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.1 12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.1 12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

OCTOBER

A1.1  10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A1.2 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.1 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.2 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.2 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

NOVEMBER

A1.1 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A1.2 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.1 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.1 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.2 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.1 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.2 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

DEZEMBER

A1.1 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A1.2 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.1 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.2 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.1 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.2 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.1 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.2 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

JANUARY

A1.1 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A1.2 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.1 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2 99 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.1 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.2 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.1 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.2 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

FEBRUARY

A1.1 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A1.2 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.1 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.2 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.1 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.2 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.1 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.2 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

MARCH

A1.1 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A1.2 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.1 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.2 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.1 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.2 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.1 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.2 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

APRIL

A1.1 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A1.2 33 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.1 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.2 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.1 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.2 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.1 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.2 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

MAY

A1.1 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A1.2 22 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

A2.1 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

A2.2 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B1.1 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B1.2 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

B2.1 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 8.45 – 11.15)

B2.2 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri, 11.40 – 14.10)

COURSES LISTED PER SERIES

Series from 12 September (8.45 – 11.15)

A1.1: 12 SEPTEMBER – 6 OCTOBER  (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri)

A2.2: 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri)

B1.1: 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri)

B1.2: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B2.1: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B2.2: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

Series from 10 October (11.40 –14.10)

A1.1: 10 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri)

A2.2: 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri)

B1.1: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B1.2: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B2.1: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

B2.2: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 7 November (8.45 – 11.15)

A1.1: 7 NOVEMBER – 1 DECEMBER  (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER (Mon-Fri)

A2.1: 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri)

A2.2: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B1.1: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B1.2: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

B2.1: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 4 December (11.40 – 14.10)

A1.1: 4 DECEMBER – 22 DECEMBER  (Mon-Fri)

A1.2: 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A2.2: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

B1.1: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

B1.2: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 9 January  (8.45 – 11.15)

A1.1: 9 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A2.2: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

B1.1: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 6 February (11.40 – 14.10)

A1.1: 6 FEBRUARY – 2 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

A2.2: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 6 March  (8.45 – 11.15)

A1.1: 6 MARCH – 30 MARCH (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

A2.1: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 3 April (11.40 – 14.10)

A1.1: 3 APRIL – 27 APRIL (Tue-Fri)

A1.2: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

Series from 2 May  (8.45 – 11.15)

A1.1: 2 MAY – 25 MAY (Tue-Fri)

GERMAN EVENING CLASSES CALENDER (48 HOURS OF LESSON OVER 8 WEEKS)

COURSES LISTED PER LEVEL

A1.1

11  SEPTEMBER – 1 NOVEMBER (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

7 NOVEMBER – 11 JANUARY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

15 JANUARY – 7 MARCH (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

13 MARCH – 3 MAY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

7 MAY – 27 JUNE (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

A1.2

6 NOVEMBER – 10 JANUARY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

16 JANUARY – 8 MARCH (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

12 MARCH – 2 MAY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

8 MAY – 28 JUNE (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

A2.1

11 SEPTEMBER – 1 NOVEMBER (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

15 JANUARY – 7 MARCH (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

13 MARCH – 3 MAY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

7 MAY – 27 JUNE (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

A2.2

6 NOVEMBER – 10 JANUARY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

12 MARCH – 2 MAY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

8 MAY – 28 JUNE (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

B1.1

6 NOVEMBER – 10 JANUARY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

16 JANAUARY – 8 MARCH (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

12 MARCH – 2 MAY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

8 MAY – 28 JUNE (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

B1.2

7 NOVEMBER – 11 JANUARY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

15 JANUARY – 7 MARCH (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

13 MARCH – 3 MAY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

7 MAY – 27 JUNE (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

B2.1

6 NOVEMBER – 10 JANUARY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

16 JANAUARY – 8 MARCH (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

12 MARCH – 2 MAY (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

8 MAY – 28 JUNE (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

B2.2

7 NOVEMBER – 11 JANUARY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

15 JANUARY – 7 MARCH (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

13 MARCH – 3 MAY (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

7 MAY – 27 JUNE (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

COURSES LISTED PER SERIES

Series from 11th September (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

A1.1: 11 SEPTEMBER – 1 NOVEMBER

A1.2: 6 NOVEMBER – 10 JANUARY

A2.1: 15 JANUARY – 7 MARCH

A2.2: 12 MARCH – 2 MAY

B1.1: 7 MAY – 27 JUNE

Series from 7th November (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

A1.1: 7 NOVEMBER – 11 JANUARY

A1.2: 16 JANUARY – 8 MARCH

A2.1: 13 MARCH – 3 MAY

A2.2: 8 MAY – 28 JUNE

Series from 15th January (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

A1.1: 15 JANAURY – 7 MARCH

A1.2: 12 MARCH – 2 MAY

A2.1: 7 MAY – 27 JUNE

Series from 13th November (Tue and Thu, 19.15-21.40)

A1.1: 13 MARCH – 3 MAY

A1.2: 8 MAY – 28 JUNE

Series from 7th May (Mon and Wed, 19.15-21.40)

A1.1: 7 MAY – 27 JUNE

GERMAN CONVERSATION CLASSES: 24 HOURS OF LESSON OVER 12 WEEKS. MINIMUM LEVEL REQUIRED: B1

Every Thursday from the 5th October from 7 PM to 8:30 PM

Series of 12 lessons (2 hours per lesson)

For further information, contact us by email: info@berlinoschule.com

Being 20 years old: 7 German words that will describe your life

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The German language is often seen as obscure, tough and hard to cope with. It’s true, a lifetime might simply not be enough for learning such a language, but what’s undeniable is the fact that German owns some words which perfectly depicts certain states of mind and feelings. That’s the reason why using those complicated-yet efficient terms will make you feel highly satisfied once you get to master the language.

Romanticism led many writers to look for the right words that could fully express their feelings for a society which was leading those young writers to the adulthood.

Schnapsidee. The Schnapsidee are ideas that usually come at night or in the early hours of the morning when you are in the company of other friends who are struggling to go home due to too much alcohol. The Schnapsidee just light up, are genial and often hidden by the desire to immortalize a particular state of exhilaration and carelessness during a successful night. When you have one, you end up bringing home a road sign , or a glass from the bar, a neon sign or whatever a drunk could wish for.

Mutterseelenallein.  Literally the word means “alone like a mother’s soul” and refers to a sense of discouragement and loneliness that even a mother’s proximity could not alleviate.

Hotel Mama. This expression is clear by itself. You are more 25 y.o. and still live with mom and dad, your desire is to become independent but, since you haven’t reached your autonomy yet, you need to accept some hard compromises and restrictions about your privacy. Another term used to indicate who lives with parents is Nesthocker: the abusive roommate of the mother’s nest.

Torschlusspanik.It is literally the “panic of the closed door”, that sensation felt when people around us reach relevant work positions, marry, create a family and we live our lives as we are twenty, afraid to engage ourselves in  demanding relationships which could have massive impacts  and consequences on our lives. It encapsulates, in short, all the anxieties and regrets for some chances we haven’t caught.

Lebensabschnittgefährte. It is the sentimental condition of those who do not want to or just fear to engage too much in a relationship and not be able to go back. The word literally means “the companion of a part of life,” perhaps not very romantic as a concept but many relationships are only suited to a certain time of life, the one in which everything is still uncertain, such as the city in which you live,  study, work. Moreover, if part-time jobs or fixed-term jobs both exist, why should love be meant to last forever?

Zukunftsangst. Being afraid of the future is something that we all share, but when you are 20 or almost 30 years old, you are overwhelmed by this kind of feeling. The world reveals itself to you with all its shades, its streets, as you remain motionless, uncertain about the path to follow, because at this point of your life you realize that dreams and projects you had when you were younger cannot be fulfilled or are too expensive to become real.

Lebenskunst. The Art of living. Overwhelmed by doubts, uncertainties, hopes, desire of satisfaction , young people  have realized that life should be appreciated for a whole set of small things that make it more enjoyable and less bitter, almost a true work of art. That’s why many young people want to explore new places, always looking for low-cost solutions, having fun during the week-ends with some friends until night, things you just cannot do anymore once you become a responsible adult.

 

Translation edited by Maria Cristina Odierna 

Italian version here.

Six concepts that German language can express in only one word

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German as a language is well-known for the incredibly vast range of terms along with the great accuracy of its terminology, which often consists of many and difficult compound words; German-speaking people in fact are able to express structured concepts with only one word.

Using precise terms which perfectly express moods, feelings and sensations Germans and German vocabulary are famous for being both synthetic and efficient. Elsewhere we have already talked about beautiful words like Vorfreude, the joy of waiting, or Fernweh, the nostalgia of the other, of the far. This time we want to concentrate on six exceptional words – some fun, others more romantic and thoughtful – that once again show how German is a language that is also attentive to the smallest shades of the inner world of man.

Futterneid. Literally “food envy”, a feeling that we all have tried, at least once, at the restaurant (but metaphorically also in other contexts) when, after ordering a dish, we immediately realize that what our diner companion has ordered looks more appetizing and inviting.

Fremdschämen. A common feeling, experienced especially by the more empathetic ones. The verb and its noun refer to the sense of shame caused by somebody’s attitude, not ours. So when you’re brother will embarrass you, engaging himself in an awkward karaoke session while he’s drunk…well, German language has the perfect word for that situation.

Ruinenlust. This is definitely the most romantic word of the list, also from a historical point of you. The term refers to the pleasure felt while admiring ruined and crumbling old castles, relicts from the past which remind us of the ruthless flow of time.

Kummerspeck. Back to ordinary matters, this noun is related to the act of eating in order to find solace and consolation when we are worried, miserable or unfulfilled. When you’re gripped by negativity and you wish to plunder the fridge, well, think about this German word: Kummerspeck!

Sitzfleisch. Even the Germans do not let themselves be discouraged by long-term efforts, long boring activities, they rely on their perseverance to carry out large intellectual businesses. This term has something  to do with the slow constancy of the study, as shown by its literal translation: “sitting meat”. In short, whether you use glue or chains you need to stay “glued” to the chair for hours and hours in order to get good results.

Frühjarsmüdigkeit. Spring is, for many, the season of renewal, of nature and spirit. But sometimes, especially when the mind fails to support these changes or the body abandons the slumbers of April, it is easy to get caught by the Frühjarsmüdigkeit, the well-known spring fatigue  which pushes the lazy ones to wish for some sleep.

 

 

Translation edited by Maria Cristina Odierna 

Italian version here.

16 signs that you are a master of German language

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You attended a German language course. You spent hours doing homework and consulting the vocabulary. You forced yourself to listen to the radio and watching movies in German until collapsing on the keyboard. You abused Tandempartner/innen to have your daily dose of conversation. Well, it was really hard but it was worth it because now you are proud of your achievements and German is not a big obstacle anymore. You could even claim to “rock” the language without being denied. Some time ago, the English newspaper The Local made a list of the clear signs of being a German language master.

Berlino Magazine wants to make its own Top 16 too.

Shortening. Just like Germans, you use shortcuts such as Kuli for Kugelschreiber (ballpoint pen) or WM for Weltmeisterschaft (world cup). Well, if some German words have more than 35 letters, we have to find a solution anyhow.

Dialect? Kein problem. Dialect – for example Berlinerisch – doesn’t make you feel like a fish out of water anymore.

Jargon and idioms. You go beyond the simple grammar construction and you use Redewendungen (idioms) and Sprichwoerter (proverbs) and Umgangsprache (jergon). So if you want to say “not my business” you use <<Das ist aber dein Bier>>.

Enough Denglish. That dangerous mix of German and English is gradually disappearing and you can easily separate them.

Separable verbs. When you use a separable verb and you can reach the end of the sentence without forgetting which preposition you have to add (and especially, remembering that you HAVE to add a preposition at the end).

The grammar book is no longer useful. The grammar book is not open on your desk anymore but you use it for its original purpose: as a support for the book shelf.

Verbs with prepositions. Now it is easy to use the right preposition and case with verbs like leiden, sehnen, sich einigen. Same with articles, substantives and adjectives in the speech: it is not rocket science anymore.

The Konjunktiv I. When, reading an article you find the Konjunktiv I and you don’t think “look, a typo, so dumb!” because you know it is a reported speech.

You read newspapers. You can read local newspapers about the daily news on Die Welt or Suddeutsche Zeitung without taking ages.

You can read books in less than two months. You can finish a book before the author pass away. But, more importantly, you don’t need to underline the 80% of the words because you don’t know them.

Listening to the news. You’re able to listen and understand the news of Deutsche Welle avoiding the Langsame gesprochene Nachrichten, where the speaker is as powerful as a lullaby.

Netflix in German. You watch TV series in German. Ok, you did it before too with english subtitles. Then you switched to German subtitles. But now you don’t need subtitles anymore. And you don’t cheat watching Goodbye, Lenin! Cool, isn’t it?

No more endless thinking about what you are saying. The grammar rules that you used to hate now are crystal clear and start to be automatic even when you speak. So you feel free to talk and you realise you’re saying it right!

Real time chatting. When you have to respond on Facebook or Whatsapp to a person which you care about and it does not take the whole day to check the grammar correctness.

German dreams. Sometimes it happens that you dream in German. And not a fake German but a real German with correct grammar and perfect structures. You have to get used to that German has taken over your brain, even if you don’t want to admit it.

You enjoy your social life. When you go out with your German friends after a hard working day and it’s not a problem for you to speak the language with them. You can enjoy the conversation because it’s not a huge Hausaufgabe anymore. And you feel like home.