Der Stinkefinger:
The February issue of TopGear magazine just hit the shelves here in Romania, while those fortunate buggers in the UK already have their mits on the April issue. No matter, I always look forward to a good car book such as this.
Inside, there’s a table listing gestures and phrases which, if directed at motorists or police in Germany, could end up costing you a pretty penny.
- [sticking your tongue out] - €150
- “stupid cow” - €600
- “asshole” - €750
- [waving your hand in front of your face] - up to €1,000
- “gnome” - €1,000
- “idiot in a uniform” - €1,500
- “son of a bitch” - €2,500
- “nasty piece of shit” - €2,500
- Der Stinkefinger [raised middle finger] - up to €4,000
That system would earn the government a fortune here in Romania, virtually every driver would get ticketed for each of those fines, all together, five times over, on every occasion (latin tempers). If you’re travelling to Germany anytime soon, watch yourself.
