Advertisement

Robber fails because he can't speak German

The Local Germany
The Local Germany - [email protected]
Robber fails because he can't speak German
Communication is key for cops and robbers alike: Photo: DPA

An armed robber fled a Berlin supermarket empty-handed in frustration over his lack of German language skills.

Advertisement

The unidentified man entered the store in the city's Mitte district, placed a rucksack on the counter, produced a knife and started gesticulating wildly at the two female staff members, police said.

He then vaulted over the counter and continued a series of hand gestures that only further confused the women, aged 28 and 29.

"The offender said something unintelligible but the threatened shopkeeper did not respond," police said in a statement. 

One ran into the street calling for help, prompting the man to flee after abandoning both knife and backpack, which the staff later realized he had wanted them to fill with cash from the register.

Police were searching for the would-be robber after Tuesday's incident which happened at 7pm.

SEE ALSO: Manhunt on for police officer's killer

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also