German: What is a polite way to say 'WTF'?

Language Corner
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Can you native speakers help with the appropriate nuance? I need a polite to say ‘WFT’ to a tradesperson, without causing offense or damaging a relationship.

Where we live there is a shortage of tradespeople so one has to tread on eggshells.

I have three projects in the works, one with a signed contract acknowledged by the company, one where I have signed the contract but not received an acknowledgement, and one where I am waiting for a clarification of the offer. In each case weeks or months will go by before the company gets around to the next step. Or even to responding with “Sorry, busy, will get back to you later.”

I need to get the work done, but can’t afford to piss off the providers as there are no alternatives in the area.

So what is a polite way to say 'Hey, where the F are you people and why are you not responding to my mail? Do you stll want the job?"

Many thanks.

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My OH is excruciatingly polite, and this is his take: It essentially says that you have been waiting in a nice way.
Hallo, Ich habe leider länger nichts von Ihnen gehört. Können Sie mir bitte sagen, bis wann Ich mit einer Reaktion rechnen kann. Besten Dank im voraus, und ein schönes Wochenende.
Hope this helps.

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Oral you just say “Arschloch” with a smile. The bigger the smile the less heavy the asshole is. It is not that hard here as it is in English speaking countries.

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When people write to me in German they use “Rückmeldung”. I have the impression that’s it’s more polite.

Caveat: A2 German :rofl:

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Thanks Bossybaby and Axa!

My Germans is just good enough to get me in trouble, so a ‘nuance check’ is much appreciated.

OH - now retired so taking an active role in ‘stuff’ around the house - would favor a similar approach.

But I’m trying to temper the message so that I stay in the tradespeople’s good graces and hopefully avoid going through the winter without windows…

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Rückmeldung ist eine formelle oder informelle Reaktion auf eine Leistung oder Handlung.
Reaktion (ohne Umlaut) ist ein allgemeiner Begriff, der jede Form der Antwort oder Rückmeldung beschreibt.
This from Bau.com. I think neither is more polite than the other. And after all, Meloncollie is dealing with workers. :wink: Anyway, best to be formal and polite, because, as she said, in CH any misstep is likely to result in no windows.

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*Oaschloch

But yes, at least a grin is highly recommended.

@meloncollie Ich freue mich auf Ihre Rückmeldung eintreffend spätestens am 35.Februar.

@bossybaby Reaktion is any and every kind of (re)action, even clapping your hand to your forehead in exaspiration.

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“Arschloch” is an insult and can get you into deep doodoo with the law, or a “what…did…you…just…call…me?” So get ready to fight.

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Always am, but it is not like the English version in Switzerland. Whenever someone says something that is obviously true I smile and say “Arschloch”, just a way to tell him you are right and I have no more arguments. Ready to duck for the fist anyhow… :slight_smile:

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Our kids always tell me that I am so rude when I speak German. Might have something to do with my frequent refferal to anal canals.

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