American in Germany

Episode Summary: I talk with an American about life in Germany.

English Level: C1 🇺🇸🇨🇦

Show Notes:

1. Nicole Introduction (0:20)
2. What do you like about Germany? (3:47)
3. What are the biggest differences between Americans and Germans? (16:32)
4. What do you think Germans misunderstand about Americans? (21:13)
5. Final Words (27:04)

Vocabulary Words:

1. Awesome (adj.): extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe.
2. intent (adj.): determined to do (something).
3. Stunning (adj.): extremely impressive or attractive.
4. Sufficient (adj.): enough; adequate.
5. Norm (noun): something that is usual, typical, or standard.
6. to cringe (verb): experience an inward shiver of embarrassment or disgust.
7. Clash (noun): an incompatibility leading to disagreement.
8. Exhausting (adj.): making one feel very tired; very tiring.
9. Feisty (adj.): (of a person, typically one who is relatively small) lively, determined, and courageous.
10. To tease (verb): make fun of or attempt to provoke (a person or animal) in a playful way.
11. To rant (verb): speak or shout at length in an angry, impassioned way.
12. Ridiculous (adj.): deserving or inviting derision or mockery; absurd.
13. caricature (noun): a picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.

Phrases to Remember:

1. stand out like a sore thumb: to be very noticeable in usually a bad way.
2. to be on the same page: agree about something.
3. to throw one off: to interrupt and confuse someone.
4. to let loose/loosen up: become more relaxed.
5. to get it: to understand something.
6. to be laid back: relaxed and easy-going.
7. to be harsh: cruel or severe.
8. to look out for one another: to take care of someone and make sure that they are treated well.
9. to be self-involved: absorbed in your own interests or thoughts etc. synonyms: self-absorbed egocentric, egoistic, egoistical, self-centered, self-centred. Limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs.
10. the floor is yours: You have the right to speak now. Say what you want.

Mistake to Avoid:

(incorrect preposition) to stare at someone NOT stare on someone

Comprehension Questions:

1. Where is Nicole from (city)?
2. How long has Nicole lived in Germany for?
3. What does Nicole NOT want in her drinks?
4. What does Nicole like and dislike about Germans?
5. What is Nicole’s purpose in Germany?
6. (True or False) If you want something done right, ask an American. If you want something done fast, ask a German.
7. (True or False) Germans have a deep understanding of American politics and gun culture.
8. How many vacation days to Canadians get?

Answers

Question to consider:

What are some stereotypes that you have about Americans?

Links:

• The Expat Cast
• Find Nicole on Instagram
• 50 Most Common Mistakes Germans Make in English

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