After many years living in Germany, yesterday I was able to donate blood for the first time! I was trying to find a place in Berlin where I could donate having basic German.
I heard from one place I called, with the humor of German bureaucrats, "Sie müssen sehr gut deutsch sprechen!!!" Obviously, I gave up on this place.
So, spontaneously, I decided to go to Alexa Shopping and test my German. I was able to answer basic questions at reception, such as when I ate, how much I drank that day and so on. The receptionist said my German was good enough and gave me some forms to fill in. There were several medical terms I didn't know, so I used Google Translate, which worked well.
I could speak in English with the doctor, although I also tried a bit of German. With the nurse, I could only speak in German, but that was fine too.
I just can't understand why such an essential service can't have forms in English. The costs would be very low and many more people would be able to donate. And I've just received a leaflet explaining the importance of blood donation and the low level of some blood types in blood banks. My type, O+, for instance, is low at the moment and can be used by people of four different blood types.
Come on, Germany, you're better than that.
#Germany #blood #berlin #donations #redcross
Great initiative, [@LDH_Fr](
) ! Kudos!
#LeaveX #X #France #Musk
