When “Winken” Meets “Wink” 😄

A German friend once told me they’d arranged to meet a British business partner for the first time.
The partner was picking them up from the airport.

In the email, my friend wrote:

“When you see me, please wink so I know it’s you.”

What they meant: raise your hand and wave. 👋
What the partner read: close one eye slowly, like a secret signal. 😉

Just imagine that.
One person waving enthusiastically.
The other… blinking at them in the arrivals hall.

It’s funny.
It’s harmless.
And it’s a reminder: language isn’t just about knowing the words — it’s about knowing how they’re used.

These little mix-ups happen to all of us.
They make great stories — and even better teachers.

💬 What’s your favourite (or funniest) language misunderstanding?