When we first arrived, our new Swiss German world was quite intimidating. New language, new rules, and even new signs. The signage used around Switzerland cracks me up. There was a lot of time and energy put into each of these signs. Making sure each picture perfectly illustrates its meaning. However, I don't think they were expecting my "fresh off the boat" American interpretations.
This one is my favorite:
Rule 1: Do not generate a smoky cloud over the person in front of you.
Rule 2: Always have money. Nothing here is cheap.
Rule 3: Do not start a band on the tram.
Rule 4: Avoid sawing off the seat next to you.
Rule 5: Do not use razor-bottomed shoes to saw the seat in front of you, either.
Caution: Children fleeing.
People and bikes may cross the bridge. No horses!
Beware: Hidden booby-trap ahead.
Dogs may not poop near Adliswil.
When all you have are pictures to go off of until you learn the language, my advice is to just be yourself. I think the Swiss expect us to make mistakes and look like silly Americans. It is just our nature. I wouldn't want to disappoint.
For more by Deb, visit Peterthals in Zurich.
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14 comments:
LOL! great post! The "Do not saw off the seat next to you" is my favorite. Although "Children fleeing" offers a lot of drama.
I'm so happy Deb wrote about these signs because it's always something I thought about writing about too but never did. The signs on the trams have haunted me for three years now and it's about time we all had a good laugh over them!
I love it! I have to admit that those would be my interpretations too! :)
This is hilarious. Speaking German, I take for granted these signs. They are much funnier when you don't know what they are saying in the text.
Loved this post! ;)
Haha, I love the tram sign too! Josh calls Rule 1 "Don't sit behind cloud people", I crack up every time I see it!
I wish they would put the "cloud person" sign in the main level of Zurich HB. Every time I get off a train there I somehow get behind a cloud person and it's not pleasant.
Oh my gawd - I love the dog one! LOL
Glad everyone is enjoying the post. Crazy that others have gotten the same feelings. I think there might be a Part-2 coming soon.
You should definitely do a Part 2. There's too many good signs in this crazy country not to talk about them!
oh that is hilarious!
This is HYSTERICAL! :D I followed your link from the BlogHer ad rotation. There is a relatively new photo meme that I've just taken management of, which is all about signs and the road. It's called This Way Thurs-Way. I'd be honored if you'd enter your link there for this post, because it's really very entertaining! Oh, and I like the sign with the guitar dude - perhaps what they are trying to say is, "No Guitar Hero allowed" LOL!
Tink *~*~*
Glad you like the post. I'll leave that up to Deb since she crafted it! Glad to see BlogHer is helping promote this blog.
Hey Tink, It looks like "This Way Thurs-Way" is invite-only. I would be happy to post a link for this blog if you can give me access. Let me know the next step. Glad you enjoyed reading it.
Hilarious!
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