An Erasmus party is taking place one evening in Berlin. Friedrich is talking to Joanna, a Polish student. Captivated by his charm, she is about to leave with him and asks where he’s parked his car. In der Kurve he answers, (on the corner). Outraged, Joanna slaps him – Kurve sounds very much like the Polish word kurwa, meaning a girl who is easy. Confused, the young German decides to stay at the party and starts chatting to Cécile, a French girl. With Christmas just around the corner Friedrich asks her outright Isst du Pute? (do you like Turkey?). A slap round the face swiftly follows – in French pute means prostitute. Finally, Friedrich decides to have a cigarette together with Maria, who is Spanish. When he casually offers her a Feuer (a light) the same thing happens again. Third slap! The German word Feuer sounds very similar to the Spanish word follar meaning shag.

Perhaps sticking to just one language is the key to a good night out.