What is this German phrase?

You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

What is this German phrase?

Belinda, Organic Intelligence With Human Experience

Social worker, educator, sociocultural project facilitator

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What is this German phrase? My grandma used to say it, and it sounded like "ach hed-a-yay". We think it meant “oh for goodness sake” or “oh I can't believe it”. Are there any ideas what it might be in German?

Sounds as if she was saying Ach herrje!

[1]

or maybe Ach herrjemine!

[Ach herrje! Listen to me blathering on, meanwhile I’ve got kids in the oven! - Source: Ralph Ruthe]

Ach

[2]

is a multi-purpose exclamation (a bit like English oh or Yiddish oy) that can express just about everything from surprise to approval to disapproval to awe to sorrow to longing.

Herrje is a shortened way to get away with saying Herr Jesu (Lord Jesus) - much like oh for goodness’ sake! is a way to get away with saying oh for God’s sake!

Best wishes

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