The following are some of the most frequently asked questions I get as an American here in Germany.
Q: Where in America are you from?
A: New Jersey. (Its close to New York City).
A: New Jersey. (Its close to New York City).
Q: Do you know Jersey Shore?
A: Unfortunately, yes.
A: Unfortunately, yes.
Q: Why Germany?
A: Because I fell in love with a German boy.
A: Because I fell in love with a German boy.
Q: So do you speak German?
A: Some days it feels like I can, and other days, God only knows what is coming out of my mouth.
A: Some days it feels like I can, and other days, God only knows what is coming out of my mouth.
Q: What do you/Americans think about Obama as a President?
A: I wouldn't want to be in his shoes these days.
A: I wouldn't want to be in his shoes these days.
Q: Why do Americans like Hershey Chocolate? Its awful.
A: I'm not sure, maybe because we don't have Ritter Sport or Milka?
A: I'm not sure, maybe because we don't have Ritter Sport or Milka?
Q: Why do Americans like McDonald's so much?
A: Do we?
Q: Can you give me some tips on where to visit in _____ (insert place in the US)?
A: Sure.
Q: Can you give me some tips on where to visit in _____ (insert place in the US)?
A: Sure.
Q: How do you say _____ (insert random German word) in English?
A: ____ (insert hopefully accurate English translation of German word)
Q: I saw ______ (insert place/object/thing) in a movie. Is it really like that in America?
A: Hmmm... probably not.
Q: I've been to the US before, but I was only in New York/ Los Angeles/ Florida. I want to see Texas,
where the real Americans live. (Okay its not really a question, but for some reason a lot of Germans think Texas is the place to be.)
A: (Never really sure how to answer this one...)
Any more that I'm forgetting?
How about "I have a meeting in Detroit. But the flights to NYC are so much cheaper. Think you could pick me up there instead?" I gather they think it's comparable to Munich-vs.-Nuremberg or Frankfurt-vs.-Cologne-Bonn.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which: I'd love to see you at the WEBMU in Cologne in October!! Some details and links to more info are at http://slicken.it/q9 -- what do you say?