I don't really speak German. I have a few words here and there. When I've been in German speaking countries I've successfully employed pleasantries and asked the odd question (although I've not always understood the response). This is beyond the point, however. I...I've forgotten where I was going with this blog post.
*UPDATE 14/08/09*
As yes, I remember now! It was going to be something to do with how phrase books are pretty useless because obviously when you ask a question in the native tongue, the response is generally in the same. And you haven't the foggiest what is being said! Phrase books try to counteract this by providing a list of 'possible replies' but that's really useless, particularly if your asking something specific like a train time, platform number or something like that. The best thing to do is learn how do say "Do you speak English?" in their language or get them to write something specific down. Pointing helps too. To this effect, I find this book particularly helpful: http://www.amazon.com/Point-Travellers-Language-Dieter-Graf/dp/3980313026
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