My Favorite Things Thursday: Modal Verbs

Sometimes I think my German is getting better.  After all, I can ask for what I want at the store, understand a movie, and sometimes speak over the phone. But then I try to help a six year old with his homework, and I realize, “Nope, I am still a German language moron.”

How do I deal with this?  Well I try to construct easier German sentences. How do I do this, you might ask. (OK, you are probably not asking, but I will tell you anyway.)  The answer is modal verbs. Words like können (can), sollen (should), and müssen (must) I use a lot. Why is this the answer?  Because these are easy to conjugate and then all you have to do is stick the main verb at the end without conjugating it.  Done and done. I just sound like a weirdo always talking about things a can, should, and must do.

In case you think German grammar is dull (what is wrong with you?), here are some other favorite things.

1. Women in fur coats in 50 degree weather.

2. Young women totally rocking capes.

3. Men using cigarette holders a la Audrey Hepburn.

 

Manic Munich Monday: Socks

I had to go shopping for a few things downtown today.  This experience gave me plenty of fodder for my Monday whining session.

1. Tourists who are impolite to the men and women selling Biss Magazines, because they do not understand that it is sold by homeless or once homeless individuals and is about important social issues. [If you are in Munich and have a little extra cash you should pick up a copy.  I am not talking about this anymore, because I can’t make jokes about it]

2. Terrible street performers who feel the need to use amplification.

3. The zoo that is H&M/the organization at Zara. (This is why I never buy any of their crap).

But no!  I want to complain about something that strikes fear into my very heart.

She is gesturing in this way because she is thinking "ugh! Why did I think this was a good idea!?"

Sandals/open-toed shoes with socks!!!  I know fashion designers and stylists were pushing them in a lot of the Fall 2010 shows. Nevertheless, this is a terrible idea.  Also here in Germany it is way too close to the long-standing tradition in men’s and women’s fashion of wearing socks (usually black) with shoes that have no business being paired with chunky socks.

Still, why am I so horrified?

Because I can totally see myself falling victim to this.  I have already come dangerously close.

If you would like to save me from this fate. You can distract me by giving me something from this MAC make-up line.

Disney Villainesses Inspired Make-Up!