Jens ClasenNov 11, 2022

The German word "wählen" can mean
- to pick, to choose
- to elect
- to dial
The German word "Null" can mean
- zero
- loser, jerk

So, someone saying "Ich habe die Null gewählt" either means
- "I've dialed zero."
Or
- "I voted for that idiot."

Enjoy our language!

#TheGermanWord

Show threadJens ClasenNov 11, 2022

The German word "Ungeheuer" means "monster".

The German word "ungeheuer" means "very".

So:
"Das Hemd steht dir ungeheuer gut"
means
"This shirt suits you very well"

But:
"Das Hemd steht dir Ungeheuer gut"
means
"This shirt suits you well, you monster"

Enjoy our language!

#TheGermanWord

Show threadAxel 🚴😷🐧🐪⌨ | #WeAreNatenomNov 11, 2022
@jensclasen: Wait, shouldn't the "dir" in the second sentence be written with a capital "D" (i.e. "Dir") then, too?
Show threadMK aus BNNov 12, 2022
@xtaran @jensclasen only when writing a letter, I think.
Show threadIntrasNov 12, 2022
@argo @xtaran @jensclasen not anymore. Nowadays the capital letter is only required for the more formal "Sie". "Du/du" is always right in lower cases but when writing a letter or mail the old version with capital "D" ist also allowed.
Show threadAxel 🚴😷🐧🐪⌨ | #WeAreNatenomNov 12, 2022

@Intras @argo: Thanks for that hint! That's probably the point. I don't know all of the new rules as I finished school before that language reform. Hence I learned and still know mostly the old rules.

Cc @jensclasen

Show threadIntras
@xtaran yeay I think that's the reason, why the new rules include both ways to write "Du
/du". All those changes brought up enough confusion
Nov 13, 2022 at 12:06amWeb