Hi
My mum was born in Germany but, after the death of her father (fighting for the Germans), her mother married an English soldier and moved to the UK after the war. To my shame I don't speak German (none of my family do) but a few years ago I managed to get back into contact with my two of my mother's cousins who still live in Berlin. We only send Christmas cards every year, except when I asked (in bad German from Google) about the family history and they sent me a copy of the German side of my tree.
Now, this is brilliant and has told me far more than I ever knew before. But, I still have so many questions. Not really in a "were our family Nazi's" type questions (actually far from it!) but more about locations of properties and things they may remember. My cousin and I have talked for years about going to Berlin, taking my mum and aunt, and talking to them directly but 1) neither of us speak German and they don't speak English! and 2) we all live in different countries and it's been too hard to organise. I can see that this will never happen.
I wondered about writing a letter and getting it properly translated. But then I worry that it might be taken badly by them. There are some stories from the war that I would like an answer to, if they know it. So, I thought I would garner opinion in case there are any Germans out there or anybody else has any views. They seem very friendly towards us and were genuinely glad I got back in touch. I just wish I'd learnt German!
All views gratefully received. And if anyone has any idea where I can get such a letter translated I'd be very grateful too ;D
My mum was born in Germany but, after the death of her father (fighting for the Germans), her mother married an English soldier and moved to the UK after the war. To my shame I don't speak German (none of my family do) but a few years ago I managed to get back into contact with my two of my mother's cousins who still live in Berlin. We only send Christmas cards every year, except when I asked (in bad German from Google) about the family history and they sent me a copy of the German side of my tree.
Now, this is brilliant and has told me far more than I ever knew before. But, I still have so many questions. Not really in a "were our family Nazi's" type questions (actually far from it!) but more about locations of properties and things they may remember. My cousin and I have talked for years about going to Berlin, taking my mum and aunt, and talking to them directly but 1) neither of us speak German and they don't speak English! and 2) we all live in different countries and it's been too hard to organise. I can see that this will never happen.
I wondered about writing a letter and getting it properly translated. But then I worry that it might be taken badly by them. There are some stories from the war that I would like an answer to, if they know it. So, I thought I would garner opinion in case there are any Germans out there or anybody else has any views. They seem very friendly towards us and were genuinely glad I got back in touch. I just wish I'd learnt German!
All views gratefully received. And if anyone has any idea where I can get such a letter translated I'd be very grateful too ;D
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