Today, after my first German language exam, my class went out to get a late lunch together. I had to leave early, however, because my little dog Sugar was due to be picked up at the groomer - a very fancy place that we picked because they advertised in English ("Where are you going?" the instructor asked "Der Hundsalon." I replied. And then had to add "No, seriously."). Just by way of background, I'd like to mention that a grooming appointment in the U.S. lasts anywhere from three to six hours and is over whenever they call you. Here, Sugar was promised to be complete 90 minutes after her drop-off and, like clockwork, the German groomer delivered. Not before skewering me for letting Sugar get so matted, but I digress.
So then, as I waited on the subway platform carrying my toy poodle (she refused to be put down near the train), a woman approached me and asked in German whether I had just come from the hairdresser. After a stunned moment, I realized that I got the gist of what she was saying, and then she added that my dog looked very beautiful, so I said "Danke" about four times too many. I have breached the language divide, if only for a moment, and it felt great! Did I get a little creative with verb conjugation on today's exam? Perhaps. But I'm progressing where it counts.
Tomorrow afternoon, because I have a very serious and important life, I will be picking up the other dog from the same place, as they could not be scheduled together. New German best friend, if you're out there, I'll be ready and waiting by the U6 line to listen to you and just say "Danke."
She is going to look good for her baby sister. So, for a moment, a window opened where you felt you belonged. Danke for that. I know how to say that but not sure I'll say it unless I understand a word or three in the sentence--which is unlikely. Good for you and I hope the test went well.
ReplyDeleteI am sure ther are more than a few Germans out there waiting for a friend just like that.
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