Hints to Overcome Officialdom in Germany
- Details
- Parent Category: Practicalities
- Created on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 12:49
- Last Updated on Thursday, 07 February 2013 15:36
"Kölsche Grundgesetz"
— Taking it easy à la Cologne
(Constitution of Cologne)
This constitution reflects everlasting wisdom and Cologne's way of life. When you want to successfully integrate in the Rhineland area, you need to cope width Jekken / Narren - fools. Take it easy and you have almost won. When you are a "real" member of a carnivals' club, then you won't have to worry about integration anymore. However, it will not be too easy to join.
[PPD_PAYTOREADMORE]
Below you will find in the right column a quadruple translation of the Cologne dialect: 
1st) interpretation in standard German,
2nd) a more literal translation in high-German,
3rd) an English interpretation,
4th) a more literal translation into English.
Article 1
| Et es wie et es. | Sieh den Tatsachen ins Auge. |
|
Es ist wie es ist. |
|
| Face up to the facts. | |
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It is like it is. |
Article 2
| Et kütt wie et kütt. | Habe keine Angst vor der Zukunft. |
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Es kommt wie es kommt. |
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| Don't be afraid for the future. | |
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Whatever will be, will be. |
Article 3
| Et hätt noch immer jot jejange. | Lerne aus der Vergangenheit. |
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Es ist schon immer gut gegangen. |
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| Learn from the past. | |
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It has always worked out. |
Article 4
| Wat fott es, es fott. | Jammere den Dingen nicht nach. |
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Was weg ist, ist weg. |
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| Don't cry over spilt milk. | |
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Whatever is gone, is gone. |
Article 5
| Nix bliev wie et wor. | Sei offen für Neuerungen. |
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Nichts bleibt wie es war. |
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| Be open to improvements. | |
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Nothing remains as it was. |
Article 6
| Kenne mer nit, bruche mer nit, fott domet. |
Seid kritisch, wenn Neuerungen überhand nehmen. |
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Kennen wir nicht, brauchen wir nicht, |
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| Be critical when improvements get the overhand. | |
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What we don't know, we don't need, |
Article 7
| Wat wellste maache? | Füge dich in dein Schicksal. |
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Was willst Du machen? |
|
| Yield to your fate. | |
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Whaddaya gonna do `gainst it? |
Article 8
| Mach et jot ävver nit ze off. | Achte auf deine Gesundheit. |
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Mach es gut, aber nicht zu oft. |
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| Take care of your health. | |
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Fare well but not too often. |
Article 9
| Wat soll dä Quatsch? | Stelle immer erst die Universalfrage. |
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Was soll der Quatsch? |
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| Always, first ask the meaning of life. | |
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What the heck is that? |
Article 10
| Drinkste ene met? | Komme dem Gebot der Gastfreundschaft nach. |
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Trinkst Du eine mit? |
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| Follow the commandment of hospitality. | |
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Join in! Let's have a drink! |
Article 11
| Do laachste dech kapott. | Bewahre dir eine gesunde Einstellung zum Humor. |
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Da lachst Du Dich kaputt. |
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| Keep a healthy attitude to humor. | |
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You'll split your sides laughing. |
