Unfiltered Story #210241

I just started work in a woodworking shop. I’m a native German, as is the boss. My direct supervisor, however, is Russian.

Me: “[Supervisor], I’m done with [task]. Do you have anything for me, or should I ask [Boss]?”

Supervisor: “Hmm… How many are ‘a couple’ in German?”

Me: *Confused* “Um, anywhere from two to ten, why?”

Supervisor: “See, in Russian, ‘a couple’ means exactly two. But [Boss] was here earlier and told me they needed a couple of [item]. I, of course, asked how many exactly.” *Chuckles* “They need fifteen.”

Me: *Laughs* “Okay, that is a bit more than ‘a couple’!”