LINGUA FRANCA Sprachschule

LINGUA FRANCA Sprachschule updated their address.

LINGUA FRANCA Sprachschule updated their address.

Idiom 130 – „if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Want to cut personnel costs? Hire a bunch of monkeys!
translation to this week's idiom and more available at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-130-if-you-pay-peanuts-you-get-monkeys/

Idiom 130 – „if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 130 – „if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys“ 9. November 2017English / Englisch#business, , idiomRichard Mowrer I was talking to a friend last weekend about her job as a physiotherapist. She’s worked at the same practice for a few years and was complaining about the high staff turn...

LINGUA FRANCA Sprachschule updated their business hours.

LINGUA FRANCA Sprachschule updated their business hours.

idiom 129 – „ace in the hole“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"Why didn't you tell me the other buyers pulled out of the negotiations, Marion?"

"I'm sorry Frank, I wanted to keep it quiet and drop the news on the seller. It's our ace in the hole!"

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-129-ace-in-the-hole/

idiom 129 – „ace in the hole“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog idiom 129 – „ace in the hole“ 23. August 2017English / Englisch#business, , idiomRichard Mowrer Today’s idiom is neither violent, nor bloody. It comes from the world of poker and is used in the following discussion between two co-workers who are in the middle of some tough negotiations...

Idiom 128 – „in one fell swoop“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Logistics, birds of prey, Shakespeare, the translation of "in one fell swoop" and more can be found here: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-128-in-one-fell-swoop/

Idiom 128 – „in one fell swoop“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 128 – „in one fell swoop“ 27. Juli 2017English / EnglischRichard Mowrer We’ll continue in our ad-hoc miniseries of idioms with violent origins but not so violent meanings. Allow me set the stage: it’s the end of the month in a small warehouse (Lager) and two co-workers are discussing what must...

Idiom 127 – to throw someone under the bus“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

„Well, some people say that he was taking too much money, and Michelle got angry.“

„So she threw him under the bus?“

„It appears so…“

Find the translation and more at:

http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-127-to-throw-someone-under-the-bus/

Idiom 127 – to throw someone under the bus“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 127 – to throw someone under the bus“ 18. Juli 2017English / EnglischRichard Mowrer Today’s idiom is a bit violent, maybe a bit bloody, but very descriptive. All the best idioms are, so pay attention and enjoy the gossip (Klatsch) : „Why is Karl packing up his things? Has he been fired?“ „Yo...

Idiom 126 – to hold a candle | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"How does Caryn do it? It’s Wednesday and she’s already made at least 25 new sales!"

"I dunno, but we can’t hold a candle to her! I hope our manager doesn’t notice…"

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-126-to-hold-a-candle/

Idiom 126 – to hold a candle | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 126 – to hold a candle 13. Juli 2017English / EnglischRichard Mowrer We’re back! After a long, looooong break, it’s time to return to idiom blogging! Here we go: Two co-workers, Andy and Bill, are talking about the newest member of their sales team, Caryn. She’s in her first week, doing wel...

Idiom 125 – off the hook | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

I had an unpleasant and time consuming job to do this week. But then I made our intern do it and now, I'm off the hook!

Find the translation to the idiom "off the hook" and more at:
http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-125-off-the-hook/

Idiom 125 – off the hook | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 125 – off the hook 21. Dezember 2016English / Englisch#business, , idiomRichard Mowrer We had a new delivery of office supplies coming in at the end of week. It was so big, in fact, that I would have needed to re-arrange a lot of the current stock (Bestand) in the storage room. B...

Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #3 – „eventually“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

After reading this week's "Misused Words & Expressions" entry, you might eventually learn something!

http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/misused-words-expressions-in-eu-publications-entry-3-eventually/

Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #3 – „eventually“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #3 – „eventually“ 16. Dezember 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer I knew we’d eventually have to hit this point. Sooner or later, we would have to take a moment and think about the word eventual, which is a „false friend“ of the German word ev...

Idiom 124 – to butter someone up | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"How are you going to get Harold to approve of the new software?

"I was going to butter him up with U.S. Open tickets..."

Find the translation to the idiom "to butter someone up" and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-124-to-butter-someone-up/

Idiom 124 – to butter someone up | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 124 – to butter someone up 14. Dezember 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer „Honestly, Alex, I don’t think that Harold in Purchasing will like your new billing software concept too much. You know how old fashioned he is…“ „I know; I’m a bit worried about his reaction myself. Guess I’ll just h...

Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #2 – „to control“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Second post in a series on misused English in EU documents. Find out the correct translation for the word "kontrollieren" and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/misused-words-expressions-in-eu-publications-entry-2-to-control/

Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #2 – „to control“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Misused Words & Expressions in EU Publications – Entry #2 – „to control“ 23. November 2016English / Englisch#business, , vocabularyRichard Mowrer Our second entry in the series on misuse of English in European Union documents take a look at a word that, in Germany, almost all English st...

Idiom 123 – under the weather | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

„Hey Nadine, can you mention something quick about the projected sales figures for 2017 in this afternoon’s meeting with the Budgeting Committee?“

„Sorry Alex, but I’m going home after I finish up this e-mail. I’m feeling under the weather and need some rest.

FInd the translation and more at: “http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-123-under-the-weather/

Idiom 123 – under the weather | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 123 – under the weather 17. November 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer „Hey Nadine, can you mention something quick about the projected sales figures for 2017 in this afternoon’s meeting with the Budgeting Committee?“ „Sorry Alex, but I’m going home after I finish up this e-mail. I’m feelin...

Misused English Words and Expressions in EU Publications | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

First post from Jeremy Gardner's "Misused English words & expressions in EU publications" - find out what I am ACTUALLY talking about http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/misused-english-words-and-expressions-in-eu-publications/

Misused English Words and Expressions in EU Publications | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Misused English Words and Expressions in EU Publications 3. November 2016English / EnglischEU, language learning, vocabularyRichard Mowrer I might be preaching to the choir (offene Türen einrennen) here, but have any of you ever read EU publications and been totally baffled by what you read? Here’s…

idiom 122 – to draw a blank | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"Hey Walter, can you remember that lady's name... the one that just called?"

"It's... uh... I'm sorry Elizabeth, I'm drawing a blank."

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-122-to-draw-a-blank/

idiom 122 – to draw a blank | LINGUA FRANCA Blog idiom 122 – to draw a blank 12. Oktober 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer „Hey Walter, I’m trying to find the number for the lady who called in and left a message requesting an offer. What was her name again?“ „It was… wait a minute. Sorry Elizabeth, I’m totally drawing a blank here.“ „Did you wr...

idiom 121- the „gut feeling“/ „my gut tells me“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"Karen, can you remember where Mrs. Simson left that contract I asked you about?"

"I thought she left it on her windowsill…but I’ve got a gut feeling that she just took it with her by accident."

Find the � translation and more at http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-121-the-gut-feeling-my-gut-tells-me/

idiom 121- the „gut feeling“/ „my gut tells me“ | LINGUA FRANCA Blog idiom 121- the „gut feeling“/ „my gut tells me“ 22. August 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer Two colleagues are looking for some important paperwork in their boss’s office: „Karen, can you remember where Mrs. Simson left that contract I asked you about?“ „I thought she left it on her windowsill…b...

Should I stay or should I go? | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/

Obligatory BREXIT post! Share your thoughts and fears or hopes for the future!

Should I stay or should I go? | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Should I stay or should I go? 24. Juni 2016English / EnglischRichard Mowrer So, 51,9% of British citizens have voted NOT to remain a member state of the European Union. You were probably faced with this bit of news this morning when you awoke, or maybe a colleague told you once you arrived at your w...

idiom 120- the metaphorical „ballpark“ (PART 1) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"So, how much will it cost to repair the brakes?"


"I can’t tell you exactly until after a thorough inspection.
But I could say a ballpark figure, maybe $750?"

Find the translation and more at http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-120-the-metaphorical-ballpark-part-1/

idiom 120- the metaphorical „ballpark“ (PART 1) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Idiom 119- take a rain check | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

"Dave, are you coming with us to the new gallery after work today?"

"Oh no! I forgot about that, Abby. I’ll have to take a rain check. Could we go next week instead?"

"Well, today’s the opening, so Tom and I will go anyway. But we’ll tell you if it’s worth it!"

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-119-take-a-rain-check/

Idiom 119- take a rain check | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Idiom 118- caught red-handed | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Did you hear about the the Creative Director? He came into the office late today, smelling of alcohol. About three hours later, his secretary went into his office and and caught him red-handed taking a nap! He had been sleeping the whole morning!

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-118-caught-red-handed/

Idiom 118- caught red-handed | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Idiom 117- jump on the bandwagon | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

I've had a beard for the last ten years or so. But in the last three or four years, beards have become very stylish and it seems that everybody is trying to grow a beard. They're all just jumping on the bandwagon, I tell you!

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-117-jump-on-the-bandwagon/

Idiom 117- jump on the bandwagon | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

What Makes a Confident Speaker? (Part 2: Listen Actively) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Passive listening? Ditch it and switch to active listening- it may take more time but you'll have a lot more fun and get more out of it! http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/what-makes-a-confident-speaker-part-2-listen-actively/

What Makes a Confident Speaker? (Part 2: Listen Actively) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Idiom 116 – sell like hotcakes | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

We’re standing in a German discount supermarket on the 31st of December. The store is full; the people have that special panicked look on their faces that you only see before a public holiday. Young men and boys are gathered under a large sign advertising fireworks and filling their bags to the brim with consumer explosives. The fireworks are selling like hotcakes. The metal bin underneath the fireworks sign is soon empty.

Find the translation and more at: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-116-sell-like-hotcakes/

Idiom 116 – sell like hotcakes | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

What Makes a Confident Speaker? (Part 1: Focus on Communication) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Part 1 of a series on confidently speaking a foreign language- there will be more over the holidays! http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/what-makes-a-confident-speaker-part-1-focus-on-communication/

What Makes a Confident Speaker? (Part 1: Focus on Communication) | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Idioms “up the wazoo“ : American phrases to confuse (just about) everyone! | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Almost every week, you’ve been accustomed to seeing the Lingua Franca blog take a closer look at one specific idiom- what its history is and what (roughly) its German counterpart could be. Now, you’re up to bat!

http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idioms-up-the-wazoo-american-phrases-to-confuse-just-about-everyone/

Idioms “up the wazoo“ : American phrases to confuse (just about) everyone! | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

Swings and roundabouts | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

My company is trying hard to save money. In one attempt to cut costs, we outsourced our IT department to an overseas service provider. But we have had to spend so much time explaining every little detail and dealing with language problems. In the end, it costs us as much as we saved by moving the IT staff off our payroll. It’s swings and roundabouts, really.

Find the translation and more at:
http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-115-swings-and-roundabouts/

Swings and roundabouts | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 115 – Swings and roundabouts

Did German almost become America’s official language in 1795?

Many of you may have heard the story that in the late 1700s German almost became the official language of the USA, missing out by only a single vote. Well I’m afraid it’s not really true. But, like many such myths, there is a grain of truth around which this story grew. Find out more below:

Did German almost become America’s official language in 1795? For centuries, stories have persisted about Congress almost approving German as our official language, except for one vote by its German-speaking leader. So how close is that story to the truth?

10 Things People Once Complained Would Ruin The English Language

English (and German, for that matter) is under attack! Or so we are told constantly. The threat comes from text messages / the internet / young people / political correctness / foreigners / Americans …!

But this is nothing new. People have always feared that their language was on the brink of collapse. Past „threats“ have even included the printing press and Shakespeare.

10 Things People Once Complained Would Ruin The English Language You've probably heard that English is being ruined — by the Internet, by texting, by Americans, by young people who have no respect for proper grammar. But it turns out that people have always worried over English, and over the centuries, have accused all sorts of things of "ruining" the l…

Nobel Prize: How English beat German as language of science - BBC News

Today, new scientific discoveries are almost always published in English. But in 1900 English was far from the dominant scientific language. The dominant language was German. So how did English rise into its current position?
The article below also includes a link to a podcast of the interview on which the article was based.

Nobel Prize: How English beat German as language of science - BBC News A world war, xenophobia and the rise of American research made English the universal language of science.

Stuff From The Future - What is the Future of the English Language?

English is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people, making it the third largest language by native-speaker number after Mandarin and Spanish. But when you include non-native speakers, that number could be as high as 2 billion, making it by far the most widely spoken language in the world. What effect does it have on the language when the majority of the people speaking it are non-native? The video below examines this question. For more on this topic, go to: http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/the-future-of-the-english-language-or-do-you-speak-globish/

Stuff From The Future - What is the Future of the English Language? If you traveled four hundred years into the future, would you be able to understand your fellow English speakers? Join Ben Bowlin as he explores how the Engl...

British Superstitions | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

After our post on German superstitions it’s time to have a look at some typical British cultural beliefs. Click on the link below. When you have read the article there, you will no longer be surprised to see an Englishman panicking when he sees a single magpie (Elster), and starts wildly looking for more magpies, before giving up and reciting a poem while saluting the single bird.

British Superstitions | LINGUA FRANCA Blog British Superstitions

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Word Crimes

Are you a linguistic prescriptivist who loves a catchy tune? Here is the world's premiere parody song-writer, "Weird Al" Yankovic with his hit all about his frustration at the bad grammar and language usage you see all over the internet. Oh, and you might recognise the tune...

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Word Crimes "Weird Al" Yankovic's new album "Mandatory Fun" out now on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/MandatoryFun Amazon: http://smarturl.it/MandatoryFunAMZ Google Play: ht...

7 Strange German Superstitions And Slightly Crazy Cultural Beliefs

Superstitions vary from culture to culture, with one group’s beliefs often seeming very strange to those not familiar with it. The article below presents some of the most common German superstitions from an outsiders‘ perspective. Have you experienced any strange superstitions from other cultures? Tell us in the comments below!

7 Strange German Superstitions And Slightly Crazy Cultural Beliefs Every culture has their own strange superstitions. Even in Germany, a country which likes to present itself as a bastion of levelheaded efficiency and rationality, many old German superstitions are still alive and kicking. Did you know for example, that...

Go cold turkey | LINGUA FRANCA Blog

I used to smoke 30 ci******es a day. But when I got sick last winter I decided enough was enough. I stopped smoking overnight and haven’t had a cigarette since. It doesn’t work for everyone, but going cold turkey was the best way for me to quit.

Find a translation of this idiom and more at:
http://www.lingua-franca.de/blog/idiom-114-go-cold-turkey/

Go cold turkey | LINGUA FRANCA Blog Idiom 114 – Go cold turkey

How Spelling Keeps Kids From Learning

You might think that children who grow up with English have a big advantage. But it’s not all so easy. The irregular spelling system of the English language causes considerable problems for young minds, requiring abilities that most children don’t develop until they are pre-teens. In fact, English-speaking children typically need about three years to learn the basics of reading and writing, while children in most European countries needed a year or less.

How Spelling Keeps Kids From Learning Mastering English requires abilities that most children don’t develop until they reach their pre-teens.

Rugby for beginners (English)

This weekend will see the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Like the FIFA World Cup, it is held every 4 year, with this year’s event hosted by England. With the pool stage finished, 8 teams have made it to the quarter finals – South Africa, Wales, France, New Zealand, Ireland, Argentina, Australia and Scotland.
If you want to take this opportunity to watch some top-level international rugby, Eurosport is the only free-to-air channel showing some of the matches on German TV. If you can find a way to watch British ITV, they are showing all the games live. And most Irish / British pubs will be showing the games, just phone one and ask. To help you enjoy this very complex sport, have a look at the video below, it will explain some of the basics.

Rugby for beginners (English) RUGBY for BEGINNERS The wonderful game of rugby has many complex laws. If you want to watch a game and don't want to feel like a jerk when you cheer at the w...