For all the richness of the English language there are some nuances that other languages capture much better. Whether it's a phrase that beautifully articulates a feeling, a wonderfully understated insult that just hits the spot, or a curious idiom...

• Ever waited fifteen minutes for a car-parking space only for someone to nick in front of you, smirking as they park up and stroll past? That idiot has a Backpfeifengesicht – a face badly in need of a slap.
• It's notable that for many in Britain temperature seems to be inversely proportional to clothing coverage, leading to widespread donaldkaczazas in the summer months, ie 'being like Donald Duck' and wearing a t-shirt and nothing else!

From the melancholic to the funny to the downright peculiar the author takes us on a fascinating journey around Europe in 12 languages celebrating our cultural similarities and differences along the way.