Alte Zürcher Blog - german language

SPAM

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:59:00-0400

No, not that sort, but the almost forgotten original sort, providing this weeks favourite German word.

In Switzerland, and I suppose German speaking countries, we have "Fleischkäse". This is a sort of luncheon meat, but also a meat-loaf type of hot dish.

I've been amused by the various translations into English which do the rounds at the ex-pat pubs. The literal translation is "meat-cheese" - a term which would probably turn a Texan ranch hand vegetarian.

Today I saw it on a menu billed as "liver cheese". It looked quite tasty served with gravy and mashed potatoes actually, but I demurred.

Blaw ye winds

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:47:00-0400

Title notwithstanding, this is indeed a post about the German language. My collection of favourite German words increases daily (well monthly maybe) and I thought I'd start airing them.

First on the list is an all time favourite

Dudelsack

Anyone with my Scottish heritage will be amused by the name. In truth this isn't the awe inspiring Highland War Pipe that has deafened and decimated friend and foe alike, but rather a gentler European version.

You can find many a muckle mair aboot it at yon hyperlink

What's in a name?

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:16:00-0400

In my constant struggle to come to terms with the German language, I find the occasional odd associations.

For example, over here they have a beer called Angst. Now I'm sure most people know what "angst" means, in fact I'm sure I've heard the word more in english-speaking circles than german ones.

However a beer called Angst is a nice one. I'm not sure if the idea is that it induces worry ("Gimme some more Angst, barman") or that it relieves it.

It brings to mind an Aussie advert some years ago, for an un-named amber liquid, whose slogan was "The beer that helps you get through". Some people will agree with me that there is a large amount of honest-to-goodness-truth in this, unlike most other advertising slogans, but of course the campaign didn't last very long...