German Journeyman

[tnel1]

If you'd like a little culture to supplement your language learning today you might find this interesting:

http://understanding_germany.quora.com/Forced-to-Travel-for-3-Years

I saw folks dressed like this walking through the forest and wasn't really sure what was up til my German friends explained it.

[sakasiru]

I mostly see them on roofs, since the tradition is mostly held high by carpenters. ;) I think it's a cool thing, especially for young men who have "Hummeln im Hintern" (~ "bumblebees in the bum", meaning they are too active to sit still). Not everyone is made for a classroom.

[tnel1]

Oh how cool! I love that expression! I never heard that! :) Vielen dank!

[mommarigo]

"ant in your pants"? I think I like bumblebees better.

[AureliaUK]

European journeymen occasionally turn up in the UK as well:

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2006/jul/15/careers.work5

[tnel1]

Oh, so interesting! Thanks for the link!

[Jillianimal]

That's so cool! I wonder if you have to be German citizen or something to to do that. I need to look into this more, see if I could possibly take this on one day (I really hope so)..

[sakasiru]

You at least need to have completed an apprenticeship in one of these trades, probably in a country where these journeymen are usual, to get the necessary papers. It's not just about donning the right clothes; the mayor of your hometown gives you papers that say that you are a honorable person, you get some secret password for the mayors and/or masters in the other cities so they know you have learned the trade, you get a rule book about what you are allowed to do and what is forbidden and so on.

[Jillianimal]

Thanks! That's all good to know.

[tnel1]

Oh wow! You have a trade? It does look like a cool tradition. :)

[AureliaUK]

I would imagine that at the very least you would have to have the right to work in the EU.