March 20, 2007

Kann Ich Ihnen helfen?

So, Regine, our language tutor, has given us several useful phrases to use around town. She even gave us examples of what a shopkeeper might ask or say to us.

I was so excited the other day, when shopping at Hieber's (our one of three little grocery stores), I was addressed by one of the workers there. I actually understood what he said and didn't have to say "Bitte?" or "Entschuldigen?" So, I mustered up my courage, searched my brain for a phrase, and said "Ya, Ich suche fur die Mangosaft?" He looked at me very patiently and then as plain as day said "Do you speak English?" I'm sure the expression on my face completely fell as I said "Yes, I'm trying to find Mango Juice."

At my next meeting with Regine, I laughingly explained what had happened. Apparently, I confused the man by adding 'fur die' in the sentance. Had I just said "Ich suche Mangosaft," he would have understood me. I guess that's the trouble with trying to directly translate something, you can easily add lots of extras that are unnecessary. Well, I learned my lesson, and now even if it sounds funny to me I will always remember to say "Ich suche ..."

Oh, head over to our Newsletter section...Thad just uploaded our latest letter: http://www.thadandjana.com/prayer.htm

Comments

Don't let 'em kid you. They are both doing very well with the language and got us through virtually every situation. Jana even managed to get us completely through a situation with the French Post Office as we attempted to buy French stamps I use to bribe my programmer here at Bell. And, then she ordered us crepes like a native. Ich bin auf sie sehr stolz.

Posted by: Phil at March 20, 2007 9:53 PM

Well, what a fabulous compliment! I'm just glad our order turned out okay (and very yummy too!).

For those of you who were worried about me, I have progressed beyond "Der Junge ist unter dem Flugzeug," which is only helpful if you are standing on the tarmac of an airport and you see a boy under a plane...the things a computer program will teach you!?!

Posted by: jana at March 20, 2007 10:08 PM

I guess that German phrase is something along the lines of "Le singe est sur le branche", no? ;-) Sounds like you'll be completely fluent and even prepared to answer Isabella's million questions in German by the time we make our way over there!

Posted by: Melissa at March 21, 2007 3:17 AM

Hey, you could certainly use that phrase when walking through a forest and see a monkey in a tree! It's the silly things that come in handy, right!?

We'll make sure to come up with some "useful" phrases for Bella, then she can charm the locals here.

Posted by: jana at March 21, 2007 10:15 AM