Again: Merriam-Webster explains a German word

I should have a word with the editor from Merriam-Webster’s “Word of the Day” newsletter. They explained again a German word and this not even fully – at least if you wanted to use it in Germany. The word or rather expression was “Gesundheit!”. It used to be and partly still is used as the German equivalent of “Bless you!”. However, it is not polite to say it any more, when someone sneezes. Instead the person who sneezes is supposed to beg pardon for it (i.e. in German “Entschuldigung.” or “ ’tschuldigung”).

Well, let’s see what today’s word will be.

Rather than the newsletter, I actually look forward to the daily British and American English expressions on my white board. The overall top list is still lead by “mutton clothed as lamb” and “Do you think that I have an overriding concern for a rodent’s derriere”.

I am actually thinking about my departure. I already know when I want to leave and when everything shall be picked up etc. And if everything turns out as it should, then I will only work for two days in September and start fresh again on October 4th in a new job in Frankfurt. Well, unfortunately, I will still have to plan my birthday party… I do not think that I get away with it the Ugandan way: wait until the last minute, buy some crates of beer and let the rest be a surprise. I still do not know, whether it will be in Frankfurt or in Bielefeld. Traditionally it has to be in Bielefeld. But then I will have to cope with all those family related troubles (ignoring the fact that I may have to host friends from Frankfurt, too…)

I honestly hope to see my best mate from Kampala soon again. I am kind of missing him and – not only if he manages to move back to Uganda – I also envy him.