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
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Kurpfuscher
Closest English Translation: quack doctor, charlatan
Literal Translation: not sure – anyone got some back history on this word?
In this video, I am meditating on being a Kurpfuscher. I am thinking only in my mind the word. Can you tell? Am I taking on the characteristics of a Kurpfuscher? Ok, look, I was trying something new.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Winkeladvokat
Closest English Translation: quack lawyer, crooked lawyer
Literal Translation: angle advocate
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Leichtmatrose
Closest English Translation: amateur, dilettante
Literal Translation: derogatory term for ordinary seaman, someone who isn’t used to the high seas
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Giftmischer
Closest English Translation: chemist, troublemaker, stirrer
Literal Translation: poison mixer, preparer of poison
From what I gather, this can be really used to call someone a poison mixer, someone who in fact tries to poison other people. It is also apparently used as a way to call someone a troublemaker.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Pfennigfuchser
Closest English Translation: penny pincher, tight wad
Literal Translation: penny “sly old fox”
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: die Laberbacke
Closest English Translation: chatterbox, blabbermouth
Literal Translation: nonsense cheek?
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: die Tratschtante
Closest English Translation: gossip, blabbermouth
Literal Translation:gossip/chitchat aunt
Thanks to Nancy Schwade, Stephen, Dana and Tina for taking part in the video. And thanks to Melissa Steckbauer for her curated show at The Wand– girl, we talked trash about you!
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Zappelphillip
Closest English Translation: Fidgety-phillip
Literal Translation: Fidgety-Phillip
zapeln – to fidget, flounder
Thanks to Hyo-Jin Shin, friend and traditional/experimental musician and performer – my Zappelphillip partner-in-crime and Pol Guillen, for his shooting expertise.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Lausbub
Closest English Translation: scallywag, louse, creep
Literal Translation: louse guy
Location: Berlin, Germany
Word or Expression: der Kloppi
Closest English Translation: moron, idiot
Literal Translation: a shortened version of Bekloppte, which means wacko, loony, or schmuck. Used very often by the younger generation.
Thanks to Gwen MacGregor and Sandra Rechico, the artists who made the “You are here” red dot which plays a main role in the video!
das deutschsprachliche Projekt Teil 2 