In German class we learned that German is an easy language for pronunciation, which English often isn’t. Once you know how a combination of letters in German is pronounced, you have no problem, since that particular combination is always pronounced the same way. So you might think that you could also spell correctly by applying the rule inversely: Write what you hear and it will be correct.

That is usually true, except when it comes to "Umlaute" like ä, ö and ü. The vowel sounds from these vowels are duplicated by the combinations ae, oe and ue, which are used on keyboards lacking Umlaute. Some people write their names using oe or ue instead of ö or ü, although the combinations sound the same. Then add an "h" to either combination and you have another different spelling, but still the same pronunciation.

Which leads me to my story. My friend Hermann Göhring (in the picture with his wife Herta) lives in southern Germany not far from Stuttgart. He spells his name differently from the former German air force chief of WW2 days who had a penchant for showy uniforms, but his name is pronounced just the same. Hermann was born during WW2, so his name has brought a smile to more than one face in past years. Like the story he told me about a visit to the market with his mom shortly after WW2. Market day in a small – or even big – town in Germany is still an interesting excursion for a child, when vendors set up their stalls and there are fast food booths, too. Well, Hermann got separated from his mom at the market and could not find her. So he went to the policeman on duty at the market and asked if the policeman would help him find his mom. "Sure, son, what is your name?" "Hermann Göhring," was Hermann’s truthful reply. After a good laugh the policeman announced to shoppers that Hermann Göhring was looking for his mom, and mother and son were reunited. Hermann has no problems with his name. Neither does his wife Herta. Before they got married I asked her what she thought about being married to a "Hermann Göhring" – she laughed.

The real Hermann Göhring is my friend from southern Germany, a father, grandfather and man of faith and character.