German community / German members or alliances

[Chazzy999]

how can you pronounce it in the "English" way?

I pronounce it "rond-ay-voo"

 

[Dafsade]

My favourite french word in English is "rendezvous".

It is so obviously not a true English word because ... how can you pronounce it in the "English" way?
When you learn the correct pronunciation of the word, you realize it is originally a french word.

Ah ah !
I already have eared English pronouncing rendez-vous, and it is cute !

But it is rather an expression than oher thing, because the first use was "rendez-vous à cet endroit" = "go there" ! And we deleted "à cet endroit" because it is too long ! So, now we understand it whereas it doesn't mean anything !! Really strange expression !!

 

[Dafsade]

I pronounce it "rond-ay-voo"

As I said, it is cute !

 

[luxurycat]

We also use Rendezvous in german - spelling like in french. But there are many other expressions derived from french, since french was common 200 - 300 years ago as the main language in the aristocracy.

 

[Dafsade]

We also use Rendezvous in german - spelling like in french. But there are many other expressions derived from french, since french was common 200 - 300 years ago as the main language in the aristocracy.

really ? I have a German friend, she has never told me ! !

do you mean in German aristocracy ? ?

 

[luxurycat]

really ? I have a German friend, she has never told me ! !

do you mean in German aristocracy ? ?

Yes, e.g. Frederick the Great from Prussia, who was even a friend of Voltaire.

 

[Dafsade]

Yes, e.g. Frederick the Great from Prussia, who was even a friend of Voltaire.

ah ok ! I didn't know at all ! I learn every day with this forum (and forum members) !

The only thing I know is when I read Crime and Punishment (by Dostoevsky) and in each page, there is at least one French word ! I was so surprised !

 

[luxurycat]

They even named their summer palace in Potsdam "Sanssouci". This palace was inspired by the palace of Versailles.

 

[Chazzy999]

@luxurycat you are a wealth of information!

 

[luxurycat]

Oh, thanks, but I am interested in history since I was small.

 

[Dafsade]

They even named their summer palace in Potsdam "Sanssouci". This palace was inspired by the palace of Versailles.

ahhh ! "sanssouci" means "without issue" but, maybe it is related to anything else !

Versailles is too much large ! When I was there, I need more than 30 minutes (by foot) to go to the car (I forgot my ID card in the car...) and return to the entrance of the caslte ! Too much tiring ! !

@luxurycat you are a wealth of information!

totally agree ! thanks @luxurycat !

 

[luxurycat]

ahhh ! "sanssouci" means "without issue" but, maybe it is related to anything else !

The german translation is meant to be "Ohne Sorgen", which is in english best "careless". It should gave the impression, this is a place to relax and forget the day-to-day problems (whatever they have been in comparison to the "normal" population!).

 

[Dafsade]

@luxurycat
ah ok ! I understand the link with "Sanssouci" ! thank you !