I've been studying German for about a year now, and like to try to read things in German to help saturate or immerse myself. But occasionally I come across phrases that resist translation without having the history behind them.
What's the background for "Setzen. Sechs."? From context, I can see it means you get a bad grade. But it would be interesting to know where this actually comes from. Anyone know?
Thanks!
idiomatic phrases
richr
February 5, 2007
(deleted)
February 6, 2007
Hi there,
when learning a new language one of the challenges is to be able to understand idiomatic phrases. The more you are exposed to the language the easier it will get. Now, "setzen-sechs" means "sit down- six". In former times pupils had to stand up when their teacher asked them a question. If the answer was wrong they would get a 6. (1 is the best grade you can get- 6 is the worst) Times have changed and pupils don't have to stand up anymore. The phrase is now often used in political speeches.