Freundschaftsdienst

We all do things for our friends we wouldn't do for just anyone: watering plants or taking care of pets while our friend is on vacation, or showing up first to a friend's party even though you might be incredibly busy yourself.

If your friend has just been dumped and really needs a night on the town, you'll go out with him or her, even if you have an important meeting the next day - because that's just what friends do. And if your friend drank too much, you'll hold back their hair while they are purging the alcohol from their stomach. You might almost say, you're doing your duty.

In German, there is - of course - a word for that: Freundschaftsdienst. Comprised of the words "Freundschaft," meaning "friendship" and "Dienst," translating to "service" or "duty," Freundschaftsdienst is more than just a friendly turn or a favor. It's a sometimes inconvenient act we do out of friendship.

So be nice, do your "friendship duty" for your German friends - and learn this week's word.