Awkward Situations: Rudolph's, ehem, 'red light'

When I first moved back to Germany in 2007, it was right after I had received my Master's in German literature. Now, as far as academic German went, I was good to go. However, only having spent one year in Berlin 4 years earlier, it was safe to say that my everyday, colloquial German, was not up to par. It never bothered me until the reality of  the importance of knowing everyday language became abundantly clear.

It was around the holidays and I had decided it would be a great idea to teach Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We had been talking about marketing and advertising and Rudolph was first seen in a booklet created for Montgomery Ward because they had wanted to create a coloring book to give away during Christmas in 1939. So, there was a little tie-in to the topic, plus my students loved singing. Keep in mind this was a class of 20-somethings.

On the board I wrote the opening lines and read them: "You know, Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen." As soon as I said 'vixen' there was some loud snickering in class. The actual teacher of the class, who was monitoring me, was sitting in the back and goes, "Kathleen, perhaps you should start again", so I did.

"You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen..." Again, loud snickering when I said 'vixen.' I was confused. The actual teacher said, "Kathleen, perhaps explain to the class what a 'vixen' is." I said, well usually we think of a vixen as a sexy woman." Out loud laughter at this point.

I just shrugged. The actual teacher came forward and said, "Kathleen, perhaps you should know that in German wichsen (sounds like: vixen) means 'to masturbate."

Oh. Yes, you know Masturbate. The unknown reindeer.