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Those aren't the awful parts though, really. I would do away with the 'formal' form of addressing people (Germans have two ways of saying 'you') which serves n
by louisswiss 8y ago
Those aren't the awful parts though, really.
I would do away with the 'formal' form of addressing people (Germans have two ways of saying 'you') which serves no real purpose.
I'd also get rid of gendered articles and finally simplify word endings (adjective endings can go for a start)!
- kaybe 8y agoMany people feel that having a formal way to address people is useful. It allows you to express very quickly how close you want to have them to you. A stranger you don't like? Formal. A stranger who seems to be your own age and from similar circumstances? Try using non-formal and see how they react. The most beautiful form of this is 'Sie Arschloch', I think. At the same time kind of polite and a rude insult.
- wolfgke 8y ago> Many people feel that the having a formal way to address people is useful. It allows you to express very quickly how close you want to have them to you. A stranger you don't like? Formal. A stranger who seems to be your own age and from similar circumstances? Try using non-formal and see how they react. Or when a couple came apart (in conflict). He started to formulate the letters/emails in a overly formal addressing - she was really furious about that, because this sent a clear message to her.
- balfirevic 8y agoMy native language has that distinction and I have never found it useful - it's nuisance at best. I'm thankful it's something I don't have to think about when speaking in English.
- et2o 8y agoAnd two more for plural "you" since (ihr and overloaded Sie). I like having a second person plural. I sometimes say "you guys" (although this is becoming less acceptable) or "you all" since we don't have one.