The Instagram account Ode to German Words introduces us to compound words and idioms that convey modern situations and feelings we can all relate to. They range from expressions of joy to scathing insults, all illustrated in cute graphics with further explanations and fun facts in the initial comment. Treppenwitz is both a situation and a feeling that we've all had, but also have had to use way too many words to describe it.
Oh, English has a rather short phrase for "I don't care," but this one is much more colorful. Continue reading to see some more highlights.
Haven't we all known someone with a face that needs slapping? It's probably safer to point that out in German instead of actually doing it. Providing the person you're speaking to doesn't know German.
One word is better than seven, but it's just as useful to say, say, "Thursday" instead.
German has the facility to make new words that convey a lot of words jammed into one, sometimes comically long words. Gewöhnungsbedürftig has subtle nuances, like hinting that the person is open to new experiences. But it would be a chore for a monolingual to learn the pronunciation. You can find a slew of charming and strange words and phrases at Ode to German Words. -via Boing Boing
