Learning German? A continuation of an interactive performance art and social intervention which uses language as a medium to explore transnational identity and the question of integration/immigration to Germany
My punishment for missing a day: I got lectured by in pedantic German for forgetting to make my video. Here I get yelled at at 12:30am just after realizing I missed the time because I am an idiot.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: die Schwachmat
Closest English Translation: idiot, stupid, fucktard
Literal Translation: weak-automatic (mat comes from Automat)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Stubenhocker
Closest English Translation: couch potato, homebody
Literal Translation: parlor/living room squatter
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: die Schlafmütze
Closest English Translation: sleepyhead
Literal Translation: sleep cap
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Trauerkloß
Closest English Translation: mope, stick in the mud
Literal Translation: sad lump, sad dumpling
16 Apr: Amis from kate hers on Vimeo.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Ami, die Amis
Closest English Translation: American, Yankee
Literal Translation: shortening of American
Ami, like other slang, is sometimes considered offensive, derogatory or low class as in “Ami go home! Ami geh heim!” Some people use it also to self-describe or use it in a rather affectionate manner. It depends who is saying it and how its being said.
What experiences have you had with the word Ami? Please share!
This video is participating in a new interactive online project. Check out capsuling.me for more information.
15 Apr: Stümper from kate hers on Vimeo.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Stümper
Closest English Translation: botcher, dilettante, incompetent
Wikipedia: On May 21, 1980 the roof collapsed killing one and injuring numerous people. The hall has been rebuilt in its original style and reopened in 1987 at the 750 years jubilee of Berlin.
14 Apr: Störenfried from kate hers on Vimeo.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Störenfried
Closest English Translation: troublemaker, mischiefmaker
Literal Translation: bothering peace?
My apologies to Stephanie and Hanjo for interrupting our film evening. However, I got to be a real Störenfried in this case. I made this video about 10 minutes to midnight in a rush to beat the clock. Were they ever annoyed with me!
11 Apr: Heulsuse from kate hers on Vimeo.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: die Heulsuse
Closest English Translation: crybaby
Literal Translation: howl-suse
das deutschsprachliche Projekt Teil 2 