One sure way to learn and remember the word Einbahnstrasse (one-way street) is to read this little joke. I got it out of the German language book PingPong 3.

Aus einer Zeitungsmeldung:

Tourist suchte sein Auto in der Einbahnstrasse

Köln – Ein japanischer Tourist suchte im Kölner Stadtzentrum verzweifelt nach seinem Auto, das er in der Einbahnstrasse geparkt hatte. Der Mann hatte am vergangenen Wochenende zuerst selbst nach seinem Wagen gesucht. Nach erfolgloser Suche ging er schließlich  zur Polizei. Erwartungsvoll zeigte er den Zettel, auf dem er den Namen der Straße notiert hatte: “Einbahnstraße” stand darauf.

Nachdem der Beamte den Mann über seinen Irrtum aufgeklärt hatte, suchten sie gemeinsam nach dem Wagen und entdeckten ihn schließlich in der Kasionsstraße.

- Ende der Meldung -

Yesterday evening, we passed this store sign in a small village. Had me chuckle a bit, since the shop owner’s name seems to be in close relationship to her business.

As an instructor of German, I’d like to share these two words with you.

The family name Pickel means pimple in English and she runs a Kosmetik Institut (beauty parlor).

Miss Pimple, I’d like a facial, please.

A couple of days ago, I observed some increased traffic in our cul-de-sac and then saw these German men at work.

Men at work in Germany

While water came squirting out of the ground, both uniformed men just watched it. To be fair, this still life must have been part of their job or they took it Immer mit der Ruhe, so a German saying goes.

One man in squatting position and holding a hammer and the other one standing there with hands in his pockets.

Good things come to those who wait.

Talking to some expats, we came across the all-time favorite recycling program in Germany. Among cars and many other things, we also recycle our medication. Since this was taken in surprise, it might be worth sharing.

Old and expired medication is called Sondermüll (toxic waste) and needs to be handled accordingly.

Keeping the environment and future generations in mind, it is important to keep old and expired medication out of the regular trash. Please remove the package and papers to be disposed in the Altpapier (recycled paper pin), but drop off your unwanted medication at your local pharmacy.

From there, expired medication will be picked up or delivered to the toxic waste department. Not-yet expired medication will get recycled and donated to charities.

Injection needles can also be dropped off at the pharmacy.

What is so toxic about this kind of waste? This waste requires special attention – if not handled properly, it can cause damage to the environment and our health. In most households, the amount of medication ending up in the regular trash is benign, but collectively, the damage is big.

These toxic elements can enter the food chain, whereby harming our vegetation and animal life. So please separate and deposit waste in its proper place.

Some packets carry symbols, such as the one with a dead tree or a dead fish (unfortunately, most of us have lost awareness of these signs)

Whenever you see a black symbol on an orange background, be alerted to its toxic content.

Most other medical products come with der grüne Punkt symbol, another reminder to recycle.

So, just in time for spring cleaning – clear out your medical cabinet and drop off your recyclable items at your local pharmacy. Your German phrase for the drop-off: Ich möchte das zurückgeben.

The following book offers some hard facts about Germany. Well, published in 2010, there is no need to fear for it to be outdated as Germans are slow to change.

On the other hand, you can also read Margit’s post about 10 Things I like about Germany, which are based on her experience and observations.

I know, I should write my own list of things I like about Germany, which do not differ much from Margit’s post. But for a living, I have to explain the Germans’ quirks and other traits. My job, next to teaching, is also problem-solving. Some expats have a lot of questions when dealing with German neighbors and life in Germany, in general.

Once my head is free of all these interesting challenges, I shall write my own list.