>> Unfortunately it’s not helped by the fact that the French tend to me filled with
>> mirth at our attempts to converse in their language and assume a pained expression and
>> cannot help correcting you whenever you try.
>>
Myself and SWMBO visited a very quiet bar in Heidelburg one lunchtime, and entirely successfully ordered a drink and a meal each in German, with a bit of banter. It was a pleasant place to sit, and so we returned in the evening after a long walk around the town.
...it was an elastic walls job at night. The place was heaving, and the waiters weren't waiting for orders, simply filling a tray and looking for takers. Approached by a young Herr, I said "Ein großes und ein kleines Bier bitte". To which came the emphatic response, Ve haff only von size!
That's me identified and told, then! :-(
(And when I used to go out with friends who lived in Frankfurt, they would order in German and be replied to in English. I would order in German, and be replied to in German, with that look that said "I know you're not quite German, but I can't pin you down"). :-)
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