False Friends & Idioms
Though it looks like a present, the German word “Gift” means this.
What is poison?
This knotted, salt-topped baked good is a Bavarian staple.
Was ist eine Brezel?
Was ist Oktoberfest?
This Ulm-born physicist developed the theory of relativity.
Wer ist Albert Einstein?
This German metal band is known for pyrotechnic live shows and the song “Du Hast.”
Wer ist Rammstein?
Although it looks like “become,” the German verb “bekommen” means this.
What is to get/receive?
This pale Munich sausage is traditionally eaten before noon with sweet mustard.
Was ist eine Weißwurst?
On December 6, German children leave out their shoes for this saint to fill with treats.
Wer ist Heiliger Nikolaus?
This Mainz goldsmith introduced movable-type printing to Europe.
Wer ist Johannes Gutenberg?
Berlin’s East Side Gallery is a long stretch of this famous wall covered in murals.
What is the Berlin Wall?
Though it sounds English, the German word “Handy” refers to this.
What is a cell phone?
This hot spiced wine is a staple of German Christmas markets.
Was ist Glühwein?
German Unity Day, marking reunification, is celebrated on this date.
What is October 3rd?
These two brothers wrote tales like “Hansel and Gretel.”
Wer sind die Brüder Grimm?
This Düsseldorf band pioneered electronic music with albums like Autobahn.
Wer ist Kraftwerk?
“Das ist nicht mein Bier” literally mentions beer, but means this.
What is "That’s not my business/problem"?
This German dessert looks like a plate of pasta, but it’s actually vanilla ice cream pressed through a noodle press.
Was ist Spaghettieis?
Children count down to Christmas with this type of calendar, which hides a treat behind each door.
What is an advent calendar?
This Bonn-born composer kept writing music after going deaf.
Wer ist Beethoven?
This wooden wall clock from the Black Forest has a little bird that pops out to announce the hour.
What is a cuckoo clock?
A German with “tomatoes on their eyes” is doing this.
What is failing to notice something obvious?
Apfelschorle is apple juice mixed with this.
What is sparkling water?
On the first day of school, German children receive this cone-shaped gift filled with sweets and school supplies.
Was ist eine Schultüte?
This Leipzig composer wrote the Brandenburg Concertos.
Wer ist Johann Sebastian Bach?
Expressionist painter Franz Marc is famous for his paintings of horses in this color.
What is blue?