My wife is a Gymnasium teacher, which, in American terms, means she works with students from 5th grade all the way up through high school. She’s basically a really high-end prep school teacher, and her students are some of the best and brightest Germany has to offer. Additionally, these students want to be in school; acceptance into a Gymnasium is based upon academic merit, and students must graduate from a Gymnasium before they are allowed to attend a university. Combined, these factors contribute to a focused educational environment without much need for corporal punishment.
My wife, however, spent the last year in the United States as an assistant teacher at a primary school, where she worked with children from kindergarten through 5th grade. You can imagine the stark contrast in maturity she experienced working with a bunch of snot-nosed ankle biters in America. Although she is not a fan of physical punishment, my wife voiced her frustration with one of the more unruly children thusly:
THE WIFE: “I am not saying to spank the child, but sometimes diamonds are made under pressure.”
Click here to learn more about the term “Denglish.”
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Oh God, My Wife Is German. 
I think you’ve got a new child-rearing philosophy here: Don’t spank, squeeze!
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Squeeze ’em real good! :)
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My mother is German, and she would not suffer the unruly; her way or the pain highway. Also, my son is dating a German girl who is about to enter university; she speaks better English than I do (foul wench). It’s refreshing to hear proper English the way it was once spoken!
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Haw haw haw haw! You called your son’s girlfriend a “foul wench.” I love it!
And I totally hear you — I think a lot of Germans learn old school British English. Damn them.
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yeah you’re supposed to teach british english in school, that’s why :)
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I feel sorry for your wife. That is really a different work environment. I used to hand out green, yellow and red cards. It worked absolutely well :)
~Anja~
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Totally! I think she’s a big fan of using stickers and stars and such. She told me kids go apeshit for stickers. :)
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Hi, there! I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award: http://thebumblefiles.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/im-a-lovely-blogger/ Best wishes!!
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Thank you for the nomination! We appreciate it!
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You’re welcome!
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As a former principal at an elementary school don’t just like this post. I love it! Man, there were days…
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Nice! We’re so glad you can dig it!
You’re so young for a principal. What made you leave it?
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My wife is a kindergarten teacher. Believe me, there are times when she would dearly love to “make diamonds.”
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Haw haw! That’s awesome.
Teachers seem to find that post particularly relatable. :)
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