My Daily Dose of Deutsch

People often think that I’m weird

Because I love to read

German grammar and usage texts.

Okay, I concede:

 

It’s not normal to read through

Such books from cover to cover;

But it’s not so strange when you are considered

A German language lover.

 

It also makes much sense when one’s

A German language learner

To read a book most people consider

NOT a real page turner.

 

But German--Ach!--I love the language;

I love to speak it and hear it.

The way it bounces off the tongue!

Though some refuse to go near it.

 

The language really tickles my ears;

To me it doesn’t sound snooty.

Because of its crispness and clarity, I

Appreciate its beauty.

 

Unlike the Italians, the Germans don’t

Tend to talk with their hands.

They're also not like drill sergeants

Shouting out commands.

 

And Germans, unlike speakers of English,

Don’t confuse “her” with “she”;

They also don’t have a problem knowing

When to use “I” or “me.”

 

The German language sounds fresh and vivid,

Vivacious, spirited, and zestful.

It’s not a language that lulls you to sleep

In a manner quiet and restful.

 

Ach, to listen to great German poems

That go back many years

By Eichendorff, Goethe, and Heine--

Music to my ears!

 

Don’t forget that English is

A Germanic language. It’s true!

But many words now come from Latin

And other languages, too.

 

When I’m feeling down in the dumps,

Sad or a little morose,

I look to German to pick me up--

A nice, plentiful dose.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the viewer--

That idea holds sway--

And in the ear of the listener.

What more can I say?

(9-2-14)

Reviews

[Istalri]

Very interesting poem and as a German I have to say it's nice to read that someone out there enjoys my mother tongue. For me it's fun to read creative poems like yours because I can learn what English speakers think rhyme so I can get better at pronouncing. Today I learnt that learner and turner is supposed to rhyme.

Grüße aus Niedersachsen o/

[Bob B]

Thanks for reading it. German is an awesome language, and as you can tell, I love reading and hearing it. Germany is also like a second home to me. Whenever I am there I love it. After seeing your comment, I did revise my poem a bit. It seemed a bit clunky to me when I reread it after all these years.

Alles Gute...

[Jym S.]

I'm a German lover as well, but I'm not as proficient at the language as you are. I am, however, working on it daily. Nice poem.