Back in the days when I was learning German I came across many words that sounded similar to English words. I usually only had to use a word wrong once to learn the German meaning. It’s lots of fun seeing the differences now.
‘So, machen wir das kurz und prägnant.’ Right. Let’s make this short and pregnant! Wait, I meant short and concise.
Here are my favorite words that sound the same in both languages but have totally different meanings.
g Chef = boss
e chef = cook
I love this one, every time someone spoke of their boss I envisioned a cook. When I was responsible for a department at the library many people called me ‘boss’. Often they would pronounce ‘chef’ in what they thought was English. More than once someone called me ‘Chief’. That was when I put my right hand up and say “Hou” like the Native Americans (Sioux).
g Gift = poison
e gift = present
Those two couldn’t be further apart in their meaning. You have some poison for me? Awww, how nice, you shouldn’t have!
g mitgift [with gift] but not with poison, = dowry
g Mist = manure
e mist = light spray of water or dew
How can something be so nice in one language and so smelling in another? In Niagara Falls there’s a boat that takes you close to the falls. It’s called Maid of the Mist…
g Rat = advice
e rat = animal similar to a mouse
So, what exactly lives inside a Rathaus? Rats? Maybe.
[Bernese German] Müntschi = kiss
e munchies = little snacks
While in a restaurant in Deleware, USA with my brother and sister-in-law we were looking at the menu. My brother-in-law started snickering then he said in Bernese German: ‘Look, they sell kisses here!’
g Ausfahrt = exit
e fart = flatulence
More than once when we had English speaking people in the car and came to an exit they laughed. Of course, flatulence goes out.
Like I said, there are many more words that sound similar in English and German. This is only a selection.
g bald = soon
e bald = without hair
I hope everyone has enjoyed this post so, please, ‘Komm bald!’ come bald.
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