GERMAN WORDS

I actually know very little about the German language.  Of course, I know enough common words to cuss you out or make fun of you.   I know the words left over from World War II.  

The German words that intrigue me are the combination words.  The Germans will take two words and slam them together to get a complete meaning.  It's great!  

I ran into one yesterday.  It is 'schadenfreude'.  It is a combination of schaden and freude.  Schaden means damage or disaster - something bad or malicious.  Freude indicates joy or happiness.  The word schadenfreude means to take joy from someone's misfortune.  

Schadenfreude is something we definitely must avoid.  No matter whether friend or enemy.  No matter if you had warned the other person or not.  No matter how much it might benefit you, you must not fall into the trap of schadenfreude.  

The value of this word is that it could easily become a reminder to you.  Its easy to remember.  If you find your self smiling when someone else fails, think of schadenfreude and revert to sympathy or empathy.  These are much more Christian - much more the epitome of human love.  

Now, don't be a dummkopf.    (Kopf means 'head'.  Dumm means just as it sounds, 'stupid'.)  Or, like my dad used to call me, "blockhead."

😆