Maybe you’ve already seen her on this website. From now on, at Home of Polyglots, you’ll have a little, charming learning companion by your side: Poly! Find out more about here and the meaning of the German Eselsbrücke.
Who is Poly?
Poly is curious, loves words, and gets excited about languages, expressions, and idioms. As our new mascot, Poly will accompany you on your learning journey – with little comments, funny language facts, and practical learning tips.
Whether it’s about understanding a complicated German idiom or remembering a tricky grammar rule – Poly surely has a trick up her sleeve. And sometimes, it’s even a handy Eselsbrücke (mnemonic)!
German Idiom of the Month: The meaning of Eselsbrücke
Poly loves “Eselsbrücken” – little memory aids that make learning easier. The expression “Eselsbrücke” (literally meaning “donkey bridge”) originates in the Middle Ages. Donkeys (German: “der Esel”) were important means of transport for people, but donkeys are reluctant to walk through water. So, people built bridges for them over streams and rivers to make transportation easier. Today, a mnemonic helps us “cross” learning obstacles – in other words, to carry something into our memory.
An example?
To remember the four cardinal directions, the German phrase helps:
“Nie ohne Seife waschen.”
(Norden – Osten – Süden – Westen)
Or how can you remember that in German you always use the dative case for positions?
Inside the word Dativ is “da” – and “da” (meaning “there“) indicates a position!
Swiss Culture in May
In May, the weather keeps getting warmer. And just like the wildlife awakens, so does life in Switzerland.
Der Maibär in Bad Ragaz (04. Mai 2025)
On May 4th, the charming town of Bad Ragaz bursts into life! Locals and visitors gather to celebrate an old tradition: the dancing May Bear – a whimsical figure made of willow branches. The colorful parade winds through the streets and ends at the Tamina Bridge, where the May Bear is ceremoniously handed over to the rushing waters of the Tamina mountain stream.
Die Glarner Landesgemeinde (04. Mai 2025)
Experience direct democracy at its purest! Along with Appenzell Innerrhoden, Glarus is one of the last places where the historic Landsgemeinde still takes place. Witness this special moment as citizens gather at the Zaunplatz to cast their votes in the open air.
If you’re visiting Glarus for this one-of-a-kind celebration of democracy, why not make a full weekend getaway of it? There’s plenty more to discover in the region – check out more information and ideas here!
