Wedding speech writing assistance - German/English

British friend of mine (aged 57) needs to make a speech over here for his daughter's wedding to a German guy. Ideally he would like to start with a few sentences in German and then will probably look to switch to English with son-in-law translating etc.

He does not currently of course speak any German but is willing to make an effort to at least learn enough for the speech.

Anyone help? A few choice opening sentences etc?

He might be better finishing in German, with something like "Willkommen in der Familie!" I'm sure someone will correct my article as necessary.

"in die Familie" innit

No, it's dative, so 'in der' is correct

yeah, you're right... I was thinking of motion towards, but thinking about it, I was talking rubbish

No, he wants to make more effort than that - he is smart enough to learn quite a bit I think especially as he will have notes.

So any appropriate witty jokes etc in German would be gratefully accepted etc.

I think there is mileage in the German words Abendteuer (adventure) , and teuer Abend (expensive evening).
My German isn't good enough, but something along the line of "We are all here as Herman and Hername embark on what we hope will be an Abendteuer, and not just a teuer Abend!"

The Germans also have this wonderful understanding of the Scots being "careful with money" so there may be some mileage in your friend pointing out that he is English and so he will not be passing the hat round.

Alternatively, if he is Scots, then he can make light of the fact that the Munchers are are considered by other Germans to be tight.

you mean tightwads, like scottish. or up-tight? or virginal?

As in stingy.

I love translating, so when your man has written a short speech in English, I can help! He should write it himself, making the sort of jokes that suit him, I think. Just PM me, give me e-mail details. I won't charge you anything!

Since when have Müncheners been considered tight-fisted, maybe you mean peolpe from Schwaben, not Schwabing my dear. And the other point, I find it insulting at best and downright rascist to imply that Scottish people are "tight-wads" The first I heard of this shit was when I came here.I have never been nor will I be a "tight -wad", if I am in the area I would be more than happy to buy you ( or anybody) a few beers. Anytime you want. (Friday not good, must work early Sat.)

research has shown that scots give more to charities etc than any other corner of the UK, fact. not bad considering the average scottish wage is less than england's.

ive no idea anything witty that would translate well into german, but go on, make a war joke!!! i dare ya!

in my experience of being best man it doesnt matter what you say as long as youve had a LARGE whisky before hand...

I am not implying that the Celtic race are "Careful", just that the Scots have that reputation.

A few years ago the Bliar family spent a week or two for free in an Italian castle that would have cost €5,000 per week to rent. As a jesture (sic) the great Tony donated €2,000 to a local orphanage. The Italian press referred to this generosity as a "Scottish Tip."

It may not be just, it may not be nice, but the Scots have that reputation. If you really dislike it then embrace it and use it yourself, you may just find it takes the sting (iness - sorry, couldn't resist) away!

Any offers to make a decent one liner out of the teuer Abent / Abendteuer idea?

"Familienbande" is always a nice word to work with. It means family ties but can also translate as gang.

I find it insulting at best and downright racist to imply that Swabian people are tightwads.

What's good for the goose ...