So Much for the Higher Purpose
I've come to Germany and, although my German is still terrible, I seem to be functioning here. Today I put it to good use. I had a sales call from my cell phone provider today and understood the long-winded additional service description and charges to say, "Thanks, my German is not so good but I understand your meaning. I don't need the extra service." and blah.
That last bit reminds me of a charming drunk man Bill and I met at dinner on the cruise. He apparently thought it witty to start say "blah, blah, blah, blah" in a long and disinterested manner when he didn't understand what was being said. I made sure to keep him a good two inches beyond arm's length.