Watch Aldi’s Christmas advert entitled “The Christmas Carrot“.
It’s the story of miserly Ebanana Scrooge—and how he is reminded of the joys of the festive season by Kevin the Carrot.
(It’s amazing how you can improve your vocabulary by just reading the subtitles. This is not business English, but it’s the English you might need in a general conversation!)
I wonder if you know these Christmas words? Would you like to test yourself?
Lichterketten
Weihnachtskugeln
Weihnachtslied
Eierlikör
Lebkuchen
Ilex, Efeu und Mistel
ein Krippenspiel
Heiligabend
1. Weihnachtstag
2. Weihnachtstag
Lichterketten – fairy lights
Weihnachtskugeln – baubles
Weihnachtslied – Christmas carol
Eierlikör – eggnogg
Lebkuchen – gingerbread
Ilex, Efeu und Mistel – holly, ivy and mistletoe
ein Krippenspiel – a nativity play
Heiligabend – Christmas Eve
1. Weihnachtstag – Christmas Day
2. Weihnachtstag – Boxing Day
So how did it go? Was it easy for you?
I often hear people here in Germany talk about the first day of Christmas and the second day. We don’t say that. We only have the one day, Christmas Day. The day afterwards is called Boxing Day. It’s strange, but people seem to forget it!
You’d like to explain to someone in simple terms what coaching actually is?
This one minute video clip by MTD Training can help you.
And if you’re a coach, you might like to ask yourself whether you’re facilitating or telling.
Just something to think about!
When listening to your conversation partner, you don’t need to say anything beyond “mhmm”, “tell me more” and “interesting”.
However, you might like to use the “smile-nod”. It’s that nice non-verbal facial expression we do when we want to acknowledge someone. Adding that little extra nod takes up little energy, but it means a whole lot more to the person you’re giving it to.
As author Deborah Tannen says, “To say that a person feels listened to means a lot more than just their ideas get heard. It’s a sign of respect. It makes people feel valued”.
“We give service when we don’t criticize, when we refuse to gossip, when we don’t judge, when we smile, when we say thank you, and when we are patient and kind.”
Cheryl Esplin
I know this is difficult. But a good way to start would be to work our way backwards.
First we can practise to be patient and kind. And then to say ‘thank you’ more. To smile … and so on.
To stop judging, gossiping and criticising will be more challenging!
Let’s wish ourselves good luck! 
Imagine you’re talking to an English-speaking colleague about some of the food you like. Would you know how to translate the words?
Here’s a list to test you. You’ll find the answers below.
Jägerschnitzel
Folienkartoffeln
Blattgemüse
Bratensoße
Dinkelbrot
Eisbein
Frikadellen
Brathähnchen
Kartoffelbrei
Apfeltasche
Knödel
Kotelett
Pfannengemüse
Rosenkohl
Was this easy or diffcult? How many words did you know?
The translations
Jägerschnitzel – escalope with mushrooms and peppers
Folienkartoffeln – potatoes in their jackets
Blattgemüse – leafy vegetables | greens
Bratensoße – gravy
Dinkelbrot – spelt bread
Eisbein – pig’s trotter | knuckle of pork
Frikadellen – meat balls
Brathähnchen – grilled chicken
Kartoffelbrei – mashed potatoes
Apfeltasche – apple turnover
Knödel – dumplings
Kotelett – chop
Pfannengemüse – stir-fry vegetables
Rosenkohl – Brussel sprouts
I hope you’re not too hungry now! 😉
