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”
It’s a Trap!
Rattrap!
yes yes
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.
Or it was a warning that those inside were cuckoo
Rathaus would be a more accurate term.
indeed
I think this is one german word we need to adopt into english to describe our seats of government !
I second that motion
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. 🙂
I have 2-3 more to go so I will let you know.
I smell a rat.
Just don’t feed them.
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.
But it worked though as I was terrified of this Rat infested place wherever it was
I wonder if the jail where you lived was housed in city hall