Advice from a German speaker

[proser]

I have seen a part on ebay.de but want to ask the seller if they will send to the UK.

Can some please advise of the correct working in german.

 

[N7OGP]

Google Translate|

 

[proser]

thanks, but when I translate it back to english, it's all wrong. That's why I was hoping for a German speaker.

 

[BlackC55]

BTB500's Mrs Speaks german

 

[moonloops]

Unlike the reverse, you will find that 99% of Germans speak very good English

 

[SL300-24]

I agree, just send the question in English and I bet you get a good English reply....

 

[James Rothwell]

They do appreciate it when we try and speak German even if it's very poor!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Having worked with Germans for over ten years and numbering quite a few as friends, while it is certainly true they appreciate attempts at their language, shockingly bad in my case, if you want to be precise about things, it is better to ask the question in English than it is to ask it in bad German. Scope for misunderstanding is common. If you haven't had an answer by Wednesday, I am seeing a German in the morning and I shall happily ask.

 

[Druk]

The trouble with sending in German (although that is preferable) is that you then get a reply back, also in German. Which, if it needs further comment, is another pita. Try it in English first with an apology tacked on for your lack of German speaking.

 

[Charles Morgan]

If you want to be polite about your absence of English, start it off with this (no doubt poor German) - 'Es tut mir leid, aber Ich kann nicht Deutsch sprechen - bitte, sprechen Sie Englisch?' ('I am sorry but I can't speak German, do you speak English') and then ask the question in English (I would give you that but my German runs out at that point...good with menus, wine and beer though!).

 

[proser]

Well I sent my question in German (translated on google) and English.

Got the reply back in German but was able to understand it as it had a monetary value in it.

If the part stays low then it'll be a good buy

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[NormanC]

Isn't it about time that the EEC made everyone speak English. It'd really help international trade!!

 

[prprandall51]

I can't believe that nobody has replied "Vill you zend eet to zee UK?". It always works for me.

 

[ringway]

I can't believe that nobody has replied "Vill you zend eet to zee UK?". It always works for me.

"Tell him this road Toby, not ziss rode"

 

[NewMB]

Isn't it about time that the EEC made everyone speak English. It'd really help international trade!!

Careful..... don't forget where your car's from!

"Ja Ja - Alles Klar!"

 

[Rayny]

An oldie, but my German extends this far :-

We at Mercedes-Benz feel that members of your UK operation could benefit from knowing certain auto terminology used by your German counterparts.
This should avoid embarrassment at our inter-departmental meetings.
Therfore before the next technical meeting please make the effort to read and inwardly digest the following.

INDICATORS - Die Blinkenleiten Tickentocken
SPEEDOMETER - Der Egobooster
PUNCTURE -Die Phatte mit Bludy****en
LEARNER - Die Twatten mit Elplatt
ESTATE CAR - Die Bagsromm fur Shagginginauto
WINDSCREEN WIPER - Die Fippenflappenschittenspredden
FOOTBRAKE - Der Edbagenonvindskreen stoppenquick
BREATHALYSER - Die Puffintem fur Pistenarsen
SEATBELT - Der Klunkenklickn Frauleintrapper
HEADLIGHTS - Das Dippendontdazzle ubastud
FOG WARNING - Die Puttenfuttendownen Fukit
HIGHWAY CODE - Der Wipen fur ****n
TYRES - Phlattfarts
TRAFFIC JAM - Der Bluddingfukken damnundblasten
BACKFIRE - Der Lowdenbangen mekkenme ****enjumpen
JUGGERNAUT - Der Fukkengret trucken
ACCIDENT - Der Bleedinmess
NEAR ACCIDENT - Der Bleeden neer shcittenselfen
CYCLIST - Pedalpushen pilloken
REAR VIEW MIRROR - Der Youkhunter Tooklosen

 

[Gridlock]

True Story - I saw the above printed on official Rover letterhead being passed around Longbridge (with BMW instead of MB, natch) just after the takeover, my uncle brought it home. Weird to see it nearly 20 years later online.

I still want to know if anyone tried any of them on actual Germans

It also works better if you read it in a Brummie accent, for some reason...