Understanding German – Rathaus

8-17-15-Bearman-Cartoon-German-Language-Rathaus

 

We continue our “Understanding German Cartoon Series” with the German word “Rathaus”  (see Ausfahrt in case you missed that one).   In every small town this word is prevalent on signs and a central building.  It simply means “Town Hall” or “City Hall”.  But for those of us in the States who deal with a bunch of political rats in power, it can take on a whole new meaning.

Stay tuned…more to come later this week.

Comments

16 responses to “Understanding German – Rathaus”

  1. Bill Murphy Avatar
  2. lisleman Avatar

    I’ve seen a few rathaus (I forgot how to make it plural) that had elaborate cuckoo-clocks on building. I think they knew the politicians needed entertainment.

    1. Bearman Cartoons Avatar

      Or it was a warning that those inside were cuckoo

  3. Binky Avatar

    Rathaus would be a more accurate term.

  4. duncanr Avatar

    I think this is one german word we need to adopt into english to describe our seats of government !

    1. Bearman Cartoons Avatar

      I second that motion

  5. Dave Avatar

    I told my wife about your series and she said that I should tell you about German word X. I thought I’d wait in case you come up with those X words. 🙂

    1. Bearman Cartoons Avatar

      I have 2-3 more to go so I will let you know.

  6. Jason Avatar

    I smell a rat.

    1. Bearman Cartoons Avatar

      Just don’t feed them.

  7. Tony McGurk Avatar

    Ha!!! Ironic that the Rats live in the Rathaus.When I was a kid my grandfather would say that if I didn’t behave he’d send me to the Rat House. I never figured out where that was.

    1. Tony McGurk Avatar

      But it worked though as I was terrified of this Rat infested place wherever it was

      1. Bearman Cartoons Avatar

        I wonder if the jail where you lived was housed in city hall