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Communicate with a German


It was going around for a while, how to decode what an English man actually means when he says something. A Harvard Business Review article attributes the insights to Nannette Ripmeester's research and insights. What I was missing in all those tables is the reverse translation. So here it goes:
What a German says What the British should hear What the German meant
Bad idea! Please think about that some more Bad idea! But I will still drink beer with you
This won't work Interesting approach, quite innovative This won't work, but I will still drink beer with you
I like it That's not bad I like it and I want to drink beer with you
What a crap That is interesting What a crap, but I will still drink beer with you
Du bist ein Idiot
(You are an idiot - informal addressing)
With respect... You are not thinking straight today, but I will still drink beer with you
Sie sind ein Idiot
(You are an idiot - formal addressing)
With the greatest respect You are an idiot, go away!
You are insane That is a very brave proposal You are insane, but I will still drink beer with you
This is nonsense Very interesting This is nonsense, but I will still drink beer with you
Shut up and go away! I hear what you say Stop talking, you can't convince me, let's drink beer instead
As usual: YMMV

Posted by on 01 April 2014 | Comments (0) | categories: After hours

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