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Word of the Week

Kate MüserApril 30, 2015

How much can your belly handle?

https://p.dw.com/p/1FHzq
München Oktoberfest
Image: picture-alliance/Bildagentur Huber

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With warmer months quickly approaching in Germany, many children (and adults alike) are looking forward to spending a day at the fair. Besides cotton candy, ice cream and soda, the biggest highlight is always the rides.

In German, a fair ride is called a Fahrgeschäft, from the words fahren (drive or ride) and Geschäft (business). Fahrgeschäfte come in all shapes and sizes - from giant ferris wheels and classic carrousels to upside-down roller coasters and cliff drops.

Most of them have two things in common: They're designed to turn your stomach, so it's better to enjoy that candied apple after the ride, no matter how tough you think your tummy is. And, as the German name implies, they're pretty good money makers. No matter how many times we lose our lunch after a belly bouncing ride, for some reason we always return for more.