This distinction has traditionally never been very important in Germany, so people didn't habitually make the distinction.
That's exactly the point: you have no idea about usage and connotations in German, but still consider yourself an expert who should have the power to prescribe a foreign language.
As an aside: we're also lumping together (dancing) balls and (foot)balls. And lots of other things.
This distinction has traditionally never been very important in Germany, so people didn't habitually make the distinction.
That's exactly the point: you have no idea about usage and connotations in German, but still consider yourself an expert who should have the power to prescribe a foreign language.
As an aside: we're also lumping together (dancing) balls and (foot)balls. And lots of other things.
And how do we survive that? Context.