Police officers are not stupid. At least they get psychological training. In order to make you feel guilty beforehand and make you  spell out it  yourself, they always ask you what legal transgression you might have committed. Don´t buy into their scheme. Here are three standards that will put a lid on any overzealous law enforcer.

Police officer: Can you imagine why I stopped you?

Answer:

• because I have more horse power than you?
• because I graduated from high school, and don´t have to wear a uniform to feel self-confident?
• because you ran out of doughnuts and you´re on depression induced by low blood sugar ?

vocab tips:   legal transgression = Gesetzeswidrigkeit, overzealous = übereifrig, to put lid on someone = jemanden zum Schweigen bringen

George best at his best: George Best was not only a talented soccer player, but also a gifted wordsmith. If you think the title is strong medicine, brace yourself for the clip:

vocabulary tip: squander = verprassen, verschwenden

Knowing a language perfectly with respect to grammar and pronunciation is no guarantee to blend in with the natives unnoticed. A language is not only pure means of communication, but also expresses the speakers cultural background and mindset.

According to from which country your dialog partner comes from, he does not only want to get his message through, but also wants to communicate his personality. English as the world´s communication tool No. 1, in the meantime, reminds me of the Babel Fish, responsible for many intercultural Tsunamis, its users not being aware of the fact that knowing the language alone, does often not suffice.

The Germans famous for beer and cars, are also notorious for their direct way of communication.
While a Spaniard would require a pretext of half an hour, why you would not want to meet up for a beer, a German would just say “NO” and considering “I don´t have time“ enough reason for this harsh turn down.

In order no to be offended, keep in mind that the Germans love efficiency. While for a Brit it is not enough just to get his message through and fritters half a day away in small talk and unsubstantial banter, your standard issue Fritz loves to gets his things done and does not feel the need not be forcefully witty and to apologize for rejection. Neither does he take it personally when the tables are turned on him in this respect.

What can freshen up an international meeting more than a Germans direct negativity and straightforward questions that make all participants squirm with embarrasment? It´s like a shock therapy and make even the most entrechend opponents losen up.

Some of the questions you might be facing in a job interview could be below the waistline:

Q1:Which of the problems with your former boss was the most difficult to handle?

• A1: There were so many, I don´t really remember.
• A2: I have a problem with work in general.
• A3: What´s your problem?

Q2: Tell me about a time when you had fun at work.

• A1: When I was on vacation.
• A2: When the boss was on vacation.
• A3: When the boss was on a sick leave.

Q3: What is your biggest weakness?

• A1: Why is everybody against me?
• A2: I´m too sensitive, please stop asking me such nasty questions.
• A3: I´m weak in general.