"No problem" would be the accurate translation of the Romanian phrase "nici o problemă." But with its literal rendering into German, it fades, losing its philosophical immensity, its meditative power, its almost Buddhist serenity. Cheap promises like "everything's fine, it'll be taken care of" are known worldwide, especially from tradespeople. But only in Romania are they delivered with such profound nonchalance, with such infectious fatalism, that one surrenders and says: yes, exactly. It'll all work out. Who are we in the here and now, not to mention the future and the hereafter? After all, there are bigger things on the Creator's plan than delivering spare parts. The lunch break, for example.

There's a lot to do in Romania, let's leave it for now. Let's take a good look at it first. Let's discuss it from many different perspectives. How important is it really? In the face of eternity, considering the salvation of the soul? The well-being of the family, the health of digestion? Is it lunchtime already?

In this country, people certainly roll up their sleeves and get to work. This is especially true at Gypsy horse markets, where the saliva on a man's palm confirms a deal, with a black horse changing hands for a considerable sum. Then, nimble fingers strike decisively. Otherwise, however, there's no know-it-all finger-wagging, no frantic rushing about, no inappropriate fussing, no barking of orders. Everything follows its precisely calibrated internal order, which isn't immediately apparent to an outsider. A prime example of this are the street sweepers, known in German-Romanian vernacular as "semicircle engineers," who deliberately circle their twig brooms first to one side, then to the other, around their own body axis.

One sweeps, three stand by him offering moral support, smoking and wishing the worker good luck, fericire, without being pushy or encouraging him. And good luck is important. It's the most desired blessing from heaven, besides sanatate, health, of course. And a well-stocked address book with many tradesmen's names in it.

Which brings us to Kleingroßdorf and to the actual topic.

The woman from Saxony describes on the phone what new catastrophe needs to be averted in the Transylvanian Gesamtkunstwerk, the summer house. And the expert, reassuring answer is: "Nici o problemă," we'll take care of it.

When? Well, someone will call. When? Well, when it's convenient, right, "no problem." Aha. Aha, aha, soso.

"When is the tiler, the chimney sweep, the gardener, the electrician coming?" the stiff-necked Prussian might ask. "He'll call," the woman from Saxony, enjoying the summer weather, relays the only meager information she has.

Waiting is a great art. It forces you to reflect, giving you time to contemplate. Ask yourself: What was it really like back when German trains still ran on time? Did it truly make you happier, more mindful, more at peace with yourself? Why do you expect self-determined people, perhaps with sizable families – where so much responsibility and time are involved – to conform to your petty, obsessively clockwork life plan, just because you pay them to?

Pause. Shed ballast. Be fully in the here and now, optionally without electricity, water or roof repairs: That is contemplation, immersion in the truly important things in life – which you only imagined might consist of electricity, water or a sound roof over your head.

No! Far from it! You can only find your inner peace by accepting what is happening around you. You might be freezing and sitting in the dark, perhaps even without internet (okay, that's extreme): "Nici o problemă," friend! Reflect! Stay completely with yourself!

And then, gratefully welcome the messiah—the chimney sweep, tiler, roofer, plumber, or any other savior—in your humble abode with waving palm branches; scatter rose petals on his path to the cesspool, sewage treatment plant, the main power connection in front of the house, or whatever else has just given up the ghost. And pull out your wallet, hold it before you like a monstrance, and await his expert verdict: "Nici o problemă."

Hosanna! Everything will be alright. The Master makes the blind lamps shine again, the lame water pumps work; he brings your whole Lazarus house to life, as only he can – the Master! Praise and glory be to him, and also a little lei – it is a reward from God that you are only too happy to give.

Then the anointed one directs his steps to other houses awaiting his blessing. And two days later you're sitting in the dark again, perhaps it's even raining through, you still can't flush the toilet, but at least now it makes different noises; the door to the terrace wouldn't open before, and now it won't close.

Then the woman from Saxony calls again. And lo and behold: someone actually answers. And – who would have ever hoped for such a thing! – she immediately hears: “Nici o problemă.” They will take care of it. Somehow. Sometime.

Time, you doubter, you must learn that the older you get, it's a gift. Accept this gift, don't complain! All time is good, even waiting. Of course, the best thing is a meal. Fry yourself an egg. Start some beans. A good goulash needs three hours – minimum!

The three words "nici o problemă" only reveal their true magical meaning when something actually happens, but unfortunately, it's the wrong thing. Then the expert, summoned with their usual reliability, gazes thoughtfully at their recently created masterpiece, which is either leaking, smoldering, or wobbly, scratches their head, looks sly, lights a cigarette, inhales deeply, and says: "Nici problemă." What else?

You won't get anywhere without it. Not even with this Nici saying, but it just feels good to say it yourself or hear it: "Nici o problemă." How that sounds (it's like Nitscho problema)! Everything else will work out. Maybe not. But that's no problem. And you'll have a nicely braised goulash. If your stove works, that is.

PS: We recently received a refund from a tradesman who felt he'd been overpaid. I dare say many of his German colleagues wouldn't have to deal with such a "problem." No offense intended, Central Association of German Crafts!