When push come to shove, you can learn the meaning and use of a new word. In this case, I was intrigued by the headlines in two respectable German language newspapers describing the referendum in Iceland where the population decided by a clear majority that the country at large, i.e. the population, would not cover the default of Iceland's largest banks. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands had covered the losses that their citizens suffered by investing in Iceland's banks. The expectation from Europe had been that the Icelanders would and should cover these costs.
The vote went against that expectation and the common phrase is the Icelanders do not want to "stand up for" these debts. "Face the music" is the usual translation, but
geradestehen" really means something like stand at attention while the "music" plays, i.e. you receive your punishment. Does standing straight for your punishment mean take a beating or does it simply mean "stand at attention" while you listen to a criticizing lecture.
geradestehen" really means something like stand at attention while the "music" plays, i.e. you receive your punishment. Does standing straight for your punishment mean take a beating or does it simply mean "stand at attention" while you listen to a criticizing lecture.
So do you think Iceland will be allowed to join the European Union anytime soon?
Isländer wollen nicht für Bankenpleite geradestehen
Isländer wollen nicht für Bankschulden geradestehen
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