Chapter 1: Guten Tag! 1.1 Saying hello Vocabulary 1: Saying Hello Formally
"Guten Morgen!" ("Good Morning!") "Guten Tag!" ("Hello!" (literally "Good day!")) "Guten Abend!" ("Good evening!") 1. German speakers say "Hello!" in a number of ways. This partly depends on the time of day: • • •
"Guten Morgen!" is said until about 10 a.m. "Guten Tag!" is said from about 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (There is no equivalent phrase for "Good afternoon!" in German.) "Guten Abend!" is said after 5 p.m.
All of these greetings are used in formal situations when we might say "How do you do" in English, or when meeting people we don't know particularly well. When you expect or are hoping for service, it could be interpreted as impolite not to say "Guten Tag!" as an opener. 2. In informal situations however - amongst family, friends or young people -, the above greetings are often shortened or other greetings are used: Vocabulary 2: Saying Hello Informally
"Hallo!" ("Hello!")
"Hallihallo!" ("Hello!")
"Hi!" ("Hi!")
"Morgen!" ("Morning!")
"Tag!" ("Hello!")
" 'n Abend!" ("Evening!")
3. Your greeting will also depend on your geographical location. In South Germany and Austria, you'll often hear "Grüß Gott!" or "Servus!" in daylight hours, whilst in Switzerland you'll hear "Grüezi": Vocabulary 3: Saying Hello Regionally
"Grüß Gott!" ("Hello!" ("May God greet you!")) "Grüß dich!" ("Hello!" (informal: "I greet you!"))
"Servus!" ("Hello!") "Grüezi!" ("Greetings!")
Remember to shake hands! When Germans meet, their greetings can appear quite formal. Even if they see each other every day at work they will usually shake hands. If you enter a room full of people, a general greeting to all of them is usually sufficient, although you will probably shake hands with some of them at least. Strictly speaking, the older person should hold out their hand first. Close acquaintances and friends however frequently greet each other in Southern European style not with a handshake but with a kiss on the left cheek and a kiss on the right.
1.2 Saying goodbye Vocabulary 4: Saying Goodbye Formally
"Auf Wiedersehen!" ("Goodbye!") "Auf Wiederschauen!" (= South Germany and Austria) "Auf Wiederhören!" ("Goodbye!" (telephone)) "Gute Nacht!" ("Good night!") 1. When saying goodbye, it is also necessary to distinguish between formal and informal registers: • • •
The standard form for saying goodbye in German is "auf Wiedersehen!". It means "Until we see each other again", as does the South German and Austrian variant "auf Wiederschauen". As you obviously can't "see" people on telephones however, you use the phrase "auf Wiederhören" - "until we hear from each other again" - when you put down the receiver. When you are saying goodbye at night, you would say "gute Nacht!". Vocabulary 5: Saying Goodbye Informally
"Tschüs!" ("Bye!")
"Bis später!" ("See you later!")
"Ciao!" ("Ciao!")
"Servus!" (S. Germany & Austria)
2. When you are saying farewell to friends and young people the above expressions can also be used. Be aware that: •
• • •
The word "tschüs" (sometimes spelled "tschüss") is the most common farewell phrase amongst friends, having the sense of "See you!" or "Bye!". It originally comes, like the Spanish "adiós" and the French "adieu", from the Latin "ad deum", and means literally "God be with you". You might occasionally find "ciao" Germanized as "tschau". One should really only use "bis später" to meaning "See you later the same day". The word "servus" can either mean "hello" or "goodbye" according to context. You will hear it primarily in Southern Germany and Austria.
German nouns As you will have noticed, all German nouns - such as "Morgen", "Tag", "Abend" and "Nacht" - are always written with a capital letter. This has the advantage for the learner of making them much easier to spot! On the other hand, adjectives - such as "guten" in "guten Abend" - are not capitalized unless they occur at the beginning of a sentence.
1.3 "Sie" or "du?" 1. The German language has different ways of translating the English pronoun "you": Grammar 1: "du" and "Sie"
du The familiar or informal form "du" is used when talking to relatives, close friends and children. It does not start with a capital letter. The plural of "du" is "ihr". Sie The formal form "Sie" is used when you need to be more polite. It is the usual form of address when talking to an adult whom you don't know well or at all. A child would always say "Sie" to an adult outside his or her own family. "Sie" always starts with a capital letter. The plural form of "Sie" is also "Sie". 2. Whether to use "Sie" or "du" can be a terrible dilemma for native and non-native speakers alike. It is quite possible for two neighbours to live next door to each other for decades and still call each other "Herr X" or "Frau Y" and refer to each other using "Sie"!
It is equally possible for two colleagues to work in the same office all their life and still call each other "Sie" and not be on first name terms. As the "Sie" form carries with it great respect, it thus remains the norm amongst employees, although there is a growing trend towards work colleagues being on first name terms with each other and as a consequence using the "du" form. When meeting someone in a work environment, you should always use "Sie". The inappropriate use of "du" to someone in a position of authority in a German-speaking country can appear disrespectful and cause a great deal of offence. When getting to know new friends and colleagues, it is advisable to wait for the German speaker to ask you to address them with "du", which should then be interpreted as an offer of friendship. 3. In other areas of social interaction however, you will be expected to use "du", and may be seen as being cold and aloof if you do not. University students invariably call each other "du" even when they're meeting for the first time, as do members of certain other groups which place a high value on solidarity (e.g. blue-collar workers, soldiers, sportsmen). How are you? The choice between "du" and "Sie" is not just one of social niceties. It also affects the grammar of a sentence - and verb endings in particular. Even an apparently simple construction like "How are you" needs to be remembered in three ways: Grammar 2: Wie geht es...?
Pronoun
How are you?
Sie (formal)
"Wie geht es Ihnen?"
du (informal)
"Wie geht es dir?"
ihr (informal plural)
"Wie geht es euch?"
1. You will discover in subsequent chapters that "Ihnen", "dir" and "euch" are the dative forms of "Sie", "du" and "ihr". "Wie geht es Ihnen / dir?" literally means: "How goes it for you?" 2. In all three of the above contexts, you might also use "Wie geht's?" ("How are things?"). This phrase neatly sidesteps the issue of whether you should refer to the person to whom you are talking as "du" or "Sie", although it is a quite informal greeting.
1.4 Conversations: Greetings! In the office Here are two conversations which practise the difference between formal and informal greetings. Pay particular attention to the different greetings which are used
in the different contexts. In our first conversation, Frau Müller meets her boss Doctor Schmidt as he comes in for work in the morning. Even though they have worked together for some time, they still use the formal "Sie" to address each other. Conversation 1: Im Büro
Herr Dr. Schmidt
Guten Morgen, Frau Müller.
Frau Müller
Guten Morgen, Herr Doktor Schmidt. Wie geht es Ihnen?
Herr Dr. Schmidt
Sehr gut, danke. Und Ihnen?
Frau Müller
Leider nicht sehr gut.
Herr Dr. Schmidt
Oh, das tut mir Leid.
Frau Müller
Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Doktor Schmidt.
Herr Dr. Schmidt
Auf Wiedersehen.
Glossary das Büro
The office
im Büro
In the office
Herr
Mister
Frau
"Frau" is the title used for both maried and single women and approximates to the English Ms., Mrs. or Miss.
Wie geht es "How are you?" As this is an office environment, Ihnen? the formal version is used. Sehr gut, danke.
"Very well, thank you". This is short for "Mir geht es sehr gut, danke" ("I'm very well, thank you"), which you could also say at this point.
Und Ihnen? "And you?" This is short for: "Und wie geht es Ihnen?", which you could also say in full if you wished. Leider nicht "Not so good." The word "leider" on its own means sehr gut. "unfortunately". Oh, das tut "Oh, I'm sorry." As in English, this can mean that mir Leid. you are sorry to hear something or sorry because of something that you have done.
1. In German, people greet each other by name more often than we do in Englishspeaking countries. If someone is a doctor of any kind, this title immediately follows "Herr" or "Frau" - e.g. "Herr Doktor Schmidt", or "Frau Professor Meyer". As a general rule, you should avoid using first names in formal circumstances, unless you
are speaking to a child. 2. The formal use of Fräulein to translate "Miss" is outdated and should be avoided, not least because the literal translation of Fräulein is "little woman"! You should instead use Frau. 3. Asking how someone is is normally a mere conversational formality, and the correct response is some form of "Fine thanks!" (see above). Compared to AngloSaxon countries however, asking about somebody's health is a comparatively private question in Germany, and on a bad day the person asked may give you a detailed run-down on his or her precise state of health! At the station In our second conversation, schoolfriends Michael and Franz bump into each at the station and briefly exchange greetings. They naturally use the informal "du" to address each other. Conversation 2: Am Bahnhof
Michael
Tag, Franz.
Franz
Hallo, Michael. Wie geht es dir?
Michael
Gut, danke. Und dir?
Franz
Prima, danke.
Michael
Tschüs.
Franz
Tschüs. Bis später. Glossary
der Bahnhof
The station
am Bahnhof
At the station
Wie geht es dir?
"How are you?" As these are two young friends who are meeting, they use the informal "du" form.
Gut, danke Well, thank you Prima, danke
"Great, thank you". The word "prima" should really only be used in informal contexts. Again, you could also say "Mir geht es prima, danke" at this point.
1.5 Introducing yourself and others 1. When you are introducing yourself to other people, you would use your first name in informal circumstances i.e. when you would use "du". Otherwise, you should refer to yourself as "Herr X" or "Frau Y": Vocabulary 6: Introducing yourself
I am...
"Ich bin..."
I am Mister Schmidt
"Ich bin Herr Schmidt"
I am Ms. Braun
"Ich bin Frau Braun"
I am Thomas
"Ich bin Thomas"
I am Ute
"Ich bin Ute"
2. When you are introducing other people, you can indicate your relationship to them either before their name or after it. In both cases you would start with the words "Und das ist...": Vocabulary 7: Introducing other people
And this is...
"Und das ist..."
...my husband Johann
"...Johann, mein Mann"
...my wife Sandra
"...meine Frau Sandra"
...my son, Markus
"...mein Sohn Markus"
...my daughter Britta "...Britta, meine Tochter" You will notice that the German possessive "my" is spelled "mein" when it refers to a male person, but "meine" when it refers to a female. This will be explained in subsequent chapters. What's your name? There are two main ways of asking someone their name and telling them your own. Each of these constructions has two different forms, depending on whether you are in a formal or informal context: Vocabulary 8: What's your name?
What's your name?
My name is...
Wie heißen Sie? Wie heißt du?
ich heiße...
(Literally: "How are you called?") Wie ist Ihr Name? Wie ist dein Name?
mein Name ist...
(Literally: "How is your name?") There are thus two versions of the German possessive adjective "your", just as there are two words for the pronoun "you": • •
"Sie" has the pronoun "Ihr". Note the capital letters! "du" has the pronoun "dein".
As the word for name (der Name) is masculine, the possessive "dein" has the same ending as "mein" when it referred to a male person earlier in this section. We will discuss pronouns and possessive adjectives in more detail in the next section.
1.6 Pronouns, possessive adjectives and verbs 1. We have already met some of the German pronouns and possessive adjectives in this chapter. The table below lists them in full: Grammar 3: Singular pronouns and possessives
Pronoun
Possessive
1st Person
ich
"I"
mein
"my"
2nd Person
du Sie
"you"
dein Ihr
"your"
3rd Person
er sie es
"he" "she" "it"
sein ihr sein
"his" "her" "its"
Grammar 4: Plural pronouns and possessives
Pronoun
Possessive
1st Person
wir
"we"
unser
"our"
2nd Person
ihr Sie
"you"
euer Ihr
"your"
3rd Person
sie
"they"
ihr
"their"
The following points should be noted: • • • •
The German pronoun "ich" does not start with a capital letter, unlike its English equivalent "I". Note that the pronoun "sie" can either mean "she" or "they" depending on context. And when it begins with a capital letter "Sie" is the formal form of "you"! Be very careful how you use this pronoun. The word "ihr" can also pose difficulties. When used as a pronoun, it is the informal plural pronoun of "you". When used as a possessive adjective, it either means "her" or "their". And when it begins with a capital letter "Ihr" is the formal form of "your"! The third person pronouns "er", "sie" and "es" can refer to persons. However they also substitute for all masculine, feminine and neuter nouns respectively, regardless of whether they are persons or things. The gender of German nouns will be explained fully in the next chapter.
Present tense of German verbs The present tense of the vast majority of German verbs is formed from the infinitive of the verb - the part of speech which equates to the English "to do", "to speak" etc. In German, the infinitive almost always ends in "-en". To construct the individual forms, remove the "-en" from the infinitive and add personal endings to the remaining stem as follows:
Grammar 5: The verb "heißen" (= to be called)
Singular ich heiße
I am called
du heißt Sie heißen
You are called (informal/formal)
er/sie/es heißt
He/she/it is called
Plural wir heißen
We are called
ihr heißt Sie heißen
You are called (informal/formal)
sie heißen
They are called
The verb "heißen" is an example of a "weak" or "regular" verb in that it takes the regular personal endings for a verb in the present tense. The only distinction is that the verb endings for the "du" person is usually "-st" and not "-t" as here. The reason why it is "du heißt" and not "du heißst" is a logical one if that were the case, you would have three "s"'s in a row! The verb "sein" (= to be) Unfortunately, by no means all verbs are regular. The other verb which we have encountered so far - and also the most commonly used German verb! - is irregular: Grammar 6: The verb "sein" (= to be)
Singular ich bin
I am
du bist Sie sind
You are (informal/formal)
er/sie/es ist
He/she/it is
Plural wir sind
We are
ihr seid Sie sind
You are (informal/formal)
sie sind
They are
1.7 Conversations: Introductions (1) Anna Müller, whom we saw earlier in the office, meets her new neighbour Margarete Schäfer for the first time. Listen out for the different ways in which Anna talks first to Frau Schäfer and then to her two children. Conversation 3: Frau Schäfer
Anna Müller
Guten Tag. Ich heiße Frau Müller. Und wie heißen Sie?
Margarete Schäfer
Guten Tag, Frau Müller. Freut mich. Mein Name ist Frau Schäfer und das ist Natascha, meine Tochter.
Anna Müller
Hallo Natascha!
Natascha Schäfer
Hallo!
Anna Müller
(looking at Frau Schäfer's pram) Und wie heißt du?
Margarete Schäfer
Das ist mein Sohn Winfried. Darf ich mich verabschieden, Frau Müller? Auf Wiedersehen! Schönen Tag noch.
Anna Müller
Danke. Ihnen auch. Tschüs, Natascha!
Natascha Schäfer
Tschüs!
Glossary Freut mich
Pleased to meet you!
Darf ich mich verabschieden?
"May I say goodbye?" Used in formal contexts only.
Schönen Tag noch
Have a nice day!
Ihnen auch
"The same to you!" This is of course the formal version of the pronoun
The student Sophie Gerland introduces herself to Professor Robert Jaspert on her first day at the Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin). Conversation 4: An der Universität
Sophie Gerland
Guten Tag, Professor Jaspert. Darf ich mich vorstellen? Mein Name ist Gerland. (Gibt ihm die Hand.)
Professor Jaspert
Guten Tag, Frau Gerland. Bitte nehmen Sie Platz. Glossary
die Universität
The university
an der Universität
At the university
Darf ich mich vorstellen?
"May I introduce myself?" Used as a polite phrase in a formal conversation.
(Gibt ihm die
"She shakes hands with him." Literally: "She
Hand)
gives him the hand". Not shaking hands in this highly formal context would appear rude.
Bitte nehmen Sie Platz
"Please sit down." Note that Professor Jaspert uses the polite "Sie" form when speaking to Sophie, even though she is only 18 years old. He also calls her "Frau Gerland", and not "Fräulein" or "Sophie".
1.8 Conversations: Introductions (2) Now Sophie Gerland introduces her boyfriend Marko Tredup to her friend Barbara Zacharias. All three are 18-year-old students. Conversation 5: Marko und Barbara
Sophie Gerland
Hallo Barbara! Darf ich vorstellen? Das ist mein Freund Marko.
Barbara Zacharias
(Gibt ihm die Hand.) Hallo Marko!
Marko Tredup
Hallo Barbara!
Barbara Zacharias
Nett, dich kennen zu lernen.
Marko Tredup
Danke, gleichfalls. Glossary "May I introduce?" When introducing someone else, you omit the pronoun "mich" which you use when introducing yourself.
Darf ich vorstellen? (Gibt ihm die Hand)
Although the fellow students naturally use "du" to each other, they still shake hands on being introduced to each other.
mein Freund
Here: "my boyfriend". It is also the word which is used for a "any male friend".
Nett, dich kennen zu lernen.
"Nice to meet you". An informal response to being introduced. Note that "dich" is the accusative form of the pronoun "du".
Danke, gleichfalls
"Thank you, likewise". Or: "The same to you".
Marko Tredup introduces Sophie Gerland to his mother. Conversation 6: Angenehm, Frau Tredup
Marko
Mutter, darf ich dir meine Freundin Sophie vorstellen?
Frau Tredup
Freut mich, Sie kennen zu lernen, Sophie.
Sophie
Angenehm, Frau Tredup. (Sie geben sich die Hand.) Glossary
die Mutter
Mother
Darf ich dir ... vorstellen?
"May I introduce ... to you?" Marko uses "dir" (the dative form of "du") because he is talking to his mother. Were he to be speaking in more formal circumstances he would say "Darf ich Ihnen ... vorstellen?"
meine Freundin
Here: "my girlfriend". It is also the word which is used for a "any female friend".
Freut mich, Sie "Pleased to meet you." This is a more formal kennen zu version of "Freut mich" which we met in the lernen. first conversation. Note that Frau Tredup calls Sophie "Sie", even though the latter is the same age as her son Marko. Angenehm
"Pleased to meet you". It literally just means "pleasant". It is interchangable with "Freut mich" as a polite response when being introduced to someone.
(Sie geben sich They shake hands. Once more, shaking hands die Hand) is an essential part of social etiquette in this context.
1.9 German first names We have met a number of German first names in this chapter. But which are the ones that we are most likely to meet in everyday life? In 1997, sixteen researchers at the "Kulturbox" in Berlin collated the frequency of first names in the Berlin telephone directory. Click here to see the full list. The top twenty male and female names from their survey are listed below: Most common names in the 1997 Berlin phone book Male
Female
Male
Female
1.
Hans
Ursula
11.
Gerhard
Gerda
2.
Peter
Hildegard
12.
Joachim
Sabine
3.
Wolfgang
Gertrud
13.
Werner
Ingrid
4.
Heinz
Helga
14.
Manfred
Erika
5.
Klaus
Renata
15.
Andreas
Karin
6.
Horst
Margarete
16.
Thomas
Ingeborg
7.
Jürgen
Monika
17.
Bernd
Petra
8.
Dieter
Brigitte
18.
Karl
Gabriele
9.
Günter
Charlotte
19.
Frank
Erna
10.
Michael
Gisela
20.
Kurt
Elisabeth
These are probably names which the outsider would recognise as "typically German". Yet recent years have seen parents choosing quite different names for their children. According to the German Language Society (GfdS), the ten names most commonly given to babies in 2002 and 2003 were as follows: The most popular names given to German babies 2003
Boys
Girls
2002
Boys
Girls
1.
Maximilian
Marie
1.
Alexander
Marie
2.
Alexander
Sophie
2.
Maximilian
Sophie
3.
Leon
Maria
3.
Paul
Maria
4.
Paul
Anna/e
4.
Leon
Anna/e
5.
Lukas
Lea(h)
5.
Lukas
Laura
6.
Felix
Laura
6.
Jonas
Lea
7.
Luca
Lena
7.
Tim
Katharina
8.
David
Leonie
8.
David
Sarah
9.
Tim
Julia
9.
Niklas
Julia
10.
Jonas
Sara(h)
10.
Luca
Lena
Trends It is true to say that fewer traditional or religious names are chosen now than at the start of the century. In an ongoing survey carried out by the German magazine Familie Online for example, 42% of parents stated that they chose the name of the offspring "because they liked it", and 21% "because it was an unusual name". Names are indeed becoming more individual. The nineties witnessed the birth of children named Fritzi-Bo, Sammy-Joy, and Dana-Fee. Whilst only 9% of parents surveyed chose the name of their baby because of biblical connotations, it is clear from the above list that biblical names are by no means dying out - in the mid-1990's they even experienced a renaissance, as evidenced by Boris Becker calling his son Noah. German parents are also increasingly drawing on a broader range of cultures and backgrounds when naming their children. Italian names are becoming ever more popular, especially girls' names such as Chiara and Gina. Regional variations within Germany In South Germany it is more common to find children with two or three first names (such as Franz Josef). In the former East Germany (GDR), parents still tend to give their sons shorter names such as Tim or Tom than those in the West. For girls, the name Michelle is much more common in the East than in the West. Here is the list of the most popular names given to children born in 1996 in Eastern and Western Germany: (Source: Gesellschaft für deutsche Sprache e.V. (GfdS))
1996: Names given to babies in West and East Germany West
Boys
Girls
East
Boys
Girls
1.
Alexander
Maria
1.
Maximilian
Maria
2.
Lukas
Julia
2.
Lukas
Lisa
3.
Maximilian
Katharina
3.
Philipp
Laura
4.
Daniel
Anna/e
4.
Florian
Anna/e
5.
Michael
Laura
5.
Kevin
Sophia
6.
Christian
Marie
6.
Max
Julia
7.
Philipp
Sophie
7.
Felix
Sara(h)
8.
Marcel
Lisa
8.
Paul
Michelle
9.
Jan
Sara(h)
9.
Tom
Vanessa
10.
Tobias
Lena
10.
Erik
Jessica
Austria and Switzerland In Austria and particularly in Switzerland - where German is but one of four languages spoken -, the variations in name are even more pronounced. The top 10 names given to babies in the year 2000 are listed below for both countries. Note that the Swiss statistics refer to German-speaking Switzerland only! (Sources: Landesverwaltung Steiermark (Austria), Bundesamt für Statistik (Switzerland)):
2000: Names given to babies in Austria and Switzerland Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
1.
Lukas
Julia
1.
Luca
Laura
2.
Florian
Anna
2.
Jan
Michelle
3.
Michael
Sarah
3.
Simon
Sarah
4.
Daniel
Lisa
4.
Joel
Lea
5.
Alexander
Katharina
5.
Lukas
Julia
6.
Philipp
Laura
6.
David
Jasmin
7.
Fabian
Vanessa
7.
Fabian
Vanessa
8.
Dominik
Viktoria
8.
Marco
Celine
9.
Stefan
Lena
9.
Noah
Nina
10.
Matthias
Michelle
10.
Jonas
Sara
In Switzerland, the difference between the various language groupings is quite pronounced. In German-speaking Switzerland (die Deutschschweiz), Laura has been the most popular name given to female babies since 1995, whereas Luca has been the most popular boys' name since 1997.
In French-speaking areas however, Léa took over from Laura as top girls' name in 1998, whereas David has been the most important boys' name since 1994. In the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Sara and Luca became the most popular names given to babies in the year 2000, whereas Laura and Fabio lead the way in the Rumantsch-speaking regions.
1.10 Spelling your name The letters of the alphabet German uses the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet. The name of almost every letter in German contains the sound ordinarily represented by that letter.
ah
beh
tseh
deh
eh
eff
geh
hah
eeh
yot
kah
ell
emm
enn
oh
peh
kuh
err
ess
teh
uh
fau
weh
iks
üppsilon
tsett
ess-tsett
Anna Müller is uncertain how Natascha Schäfer spells her Christian name, and decides to ask her. Conversation 7: N-a-t-a-s-c-h-a
Anna Müller
Wie heißt du?
Natascha Schäfer
Natascha.
Anna Müller
Wie schreibt man das?
Natascha Schäfer
Großes n, a, t, a, s, c, h, a. Glossary
Wie schreibt man das?
How do you write that?
Großes s
"Capital s." Or literally "big s". If you wanted to say "small s", you would say "kleines s".
Maria Strauß goes to the bank to withdraw some money. She gives her details to Herr Klein behind the counter. Conversation 8: Die Bank
Maria Strauß
Guten Morgen. Mein Name ist Maria Strauß.
Herr Klein
Wie buchstabiert man das?
Maria Strauß
Das buchstabiert man: großes s, t, r, a, u, scharfes s.
Herr Klein
Bitte wiederholen Sie das, langsam.
Maria Strauß
Großes s, t, r, a, u, scharfes s.
Glossary die Bank
the bank
Wie buchstabiert man das?
How do you spell that?
Das buchstabiert man...
It's spelt...
scharfes s
"scharfes s" (literally "sharp s") is the name for the "ß" symbol. It sounds exactly like the "ss" sound.
Bitte wiederholen Sie das, langsam
Could you repeat that, slowly?
The pronoun "man" equates to "on" in French, in that it is used when talking about what people in general do - i.e. "one", "you", "they" etc. It takes the third person singular ("er/sie/es") verb endings. I didn't quite catch that! There are a number of other useful phrases which you can use if you haven't quite understood and would like somebody to repeat something: Could you repeat that?
Wie bitte? ("What did you say?") Noch mal langsam bitte! ("Say that again please, slowly.")
Bitte wiederholen Sie das, langsam. ("Could you repeat that slowly?")
Chapter 2: Talking about yourself 2.1 Where are you from? Having asked how somebody is and what their name is, you will then want to find out where they come from. There are two main phrases that you can employ for this. Vocabulary 1: Woher..?
Where are you from?
I'm from...
Woher kommen Sie? Woher kommst du?
ich komme aus...
(Literally: "Where do you come from?") Woher sind Sie? Woher bist du?
ich bin aus...
(Literally: "Where are you from?")
You might wish to ask somebody where they live. There is one main phrase for this, but remember to distinguish between the "Sie" and "du" forms depending on the person to whom you are talking! Vocabulary 2: Where do you live?
Where do you live?
I live in...
Wo wohnen Sie? Wo wohnst du?
ich wohne in...
(Literally: "Where do you live?")
Questions 1. You may have noticed that there are different words for "where" in German. "Woher" means "from where", whereas "wo" is the word which is used when no movement is involved. In subsequent chapters we shall also encounter "wohin" which means "to where": 2. Note the word order in German when a question is being asked. The question word comes first, followed by the verb and then the subject of the sentence. We have now met several examples of this: • •
"Wie geht es Ihnen?" (= "How are you?") "Wie heißt du?" (= "What is your name?")
• • • • •
"Wie ist Ihr Name?" ("What is your name?") "Woher kommst du?" ("Where do you come from?") "Wo wohnen Sie?" ("Where do you live?") "Wie schreibt man das?" (= "How do you write that?") "Wie buchstabiert man das?" (= "How do you spell that?")
Present tense of German verbs (2) You will have noted that the verbs "wohnen" (= "to live") and "kommen" (= "to come") used above have the same endings as "heißen" in the previous chapter. Grammar 1: The verb "wohnen" (= to live)
Singular ich wohne
I live
du wohnst Sie wohnen
You live (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wohnt
He/she/it lives
Plural wir wohnen
We live
ihr wohnt Sie wohnen
You live (informal/formal)
sie wohnen
They live
1. Note that the present tense of a German verb has two possible English translations, e.g. "er wohnt" could either mean "he lives"or "he is living" depending on context. Unlike English, German has no separate form to indicate continuing action. 2. You may also have noted that the endings for the "wir", "sie" (plural) and "Sie" forms are the same for all verbs. Helpfully, in regular verbs their verb form will be exactly the same as the infinitive. Grammar 2: The verb "kommen" (= to come)
Singular ich komme
I come
du kommst Sie kommen
You come (informal/formal)
er/sie/es kommt
He/she/it comes
Plural wir kommen
We come
ihr kommt Sie kommen
You come (informal/formal)
sie kommen
They come
Note however that the verb "kommen" is only a regular verb in the present tense. In the vast majority of other German tenses it is irregular and its various forms need to be learned off by heart!
2.2 Cities and countries Cities Most German, Austrian and Swiss cities are written as in English. The major exceptions are listed below, along with some other European cities where the German spelling is quite different. "Berlin" is spelled the same way as in English but is pronounced quite differently. Vocabulary 3: Die Stadt - The City
Die Stadt
City
Die Stadt
City
Basel
Basle
Luzern
Lucerne
Bern
Berne
Moskau
Moscow
Braunschweig
Brunswick
München
Munich
Brüssel
Brussels
Prag
Prague
Genf
Geneva
Rom
Rome
Hannover
Hanover
Warschau Warsaw
Köln
Cologne
Wien
Vienna
Lissabon
Lisbon
Zürich
Zurich
Countries The vast majority of countries have their names written differently in German from how we would spell them in English. Here is a selection of the most important ones: Vocabulary 4: Das Land - The Country
Das Land
Country
Andorra
Andorra
Australien
Australia
Belgien
Belgium
Brasilien
Brazil
Bulgarien
Bulgarien
China
China
Dänemark
Denmark
Deutschland
Germany
England
England
Estland
Estonia
Finnland
Finland
Frankreich
France
Griechenland
Greece
Großbritannien
Great Britain
Indien
India
Irland
Ireland
Island
Iceland
Israel
Israel
Italien
Italy
Japan
Japan
Kanada
Canada
Kolumbien
Colombia
Kroatien
Croatian
Lettland
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
Litauen
Lithuania
Luxemburg
Luxembourg
Mazedonien
Macedonia
Mexiko
Mexico
Moldawien
Moldova
Monaco
Monaco
Neuseeland
New Zealand
Norwegen
Norway
Österreich
Austria
Polen
Poland
Portugal
Portugal
Rumänien
Romania
Russland
Russia
Schottland
Scotland
Schweden
Sweden
Slowenien
Slovenian
Spanien
Spain
Südafrika
South Africa
Südkorea
South Korea
Tunesien
Tunisia
Ungarn
Hungary
Wales
Wales
Zypern
Cyprus
Putting everything together To say which city and country you come from or live in, you use the appropriate preposition. Prepositions - words like "in", "on" and "over" - stand in front of a noun or pronoun and relate it to the rest of the sentence. The two prepositions which we need for this section are "in" (= in) and "aus" (= from, out of): Grammar 3: Prepositions
Where are you from?
I'm from...
Woher kommen Sie?
ich komme aus - England - Exeter
(Literally: "I come from England/Exeter") Woher ist Lukas?
er ist aus - Hamburg - Deutschland
(Literally: "He is from Hamburg/Germany") Where do you live?
I live in...
Wo wohnst du?
ich wohne in - Wien - Österreich
(Literally: "I live in Vienna/Austria") Wo wohnt Maria?
sie wohnt in - Polen - Warschau
(Literally: "She lives in Poland/Warsaw") Simple enough? Unfortunately not. For all German nouns have a gender and so far we have merely established the rules for neuter nouns...
2.3 The gender of German nouns Masculine, feminine and neuter We can put it off no longer. One of the major difficulties experienced by English speakers when learning German is that all German nouns, whether they represent persons, things or ideas have a grammatical gender. Whereas in English gender virtually always corresponds logically to the sex of the noun, this is not the case in German. Most nouns denoting male persons and animals are in fact masculine, and most of those denoting females are feminine (examples of natural gender); but names of inanimate objects can be masculine, feminine or neuter.
Considering the nouns with which we have come into contact so far for example, a name is masculine in German (der Name), a city is feminine (die Stadt), whereas the word for a country is neuter (das Land). Overall, about 45% of German nouns are masculine, 35% are feminine and 20% are neuter. Although there is no apparent rationale for this classification, guidelines for predicting genders do exist. Yet these rules are far from watertight - indeed there are exceptions to most of them. Against all natural logic, the word for a girl is neuter in German (das Mädchen)! The author Mark Twain famously complained about German nouns: "In German, a young lady has no sex, while a turnip has. Think what overwrought reverence that shows for the turnip, and what callous disrespect for the girl." The unpalatable truth is that whenever you learn a German noun, you have to learn its gender, just as Germans do. The definite article The best way to remember German genders is to learn each noun not as a single, isolated word, but together with the word for "the" that goes with it. We call "the" and its German equivalents the definite article, and unlike English nouns, the definite article in German is used to make the gender of German nouns obvious. Here are the genders of some of the nouns that we have met so far together with the appropriate form of the definite article: Grammar 4: Gender and the definite article
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
der Mann (= the man)
die Frau (= the woman)
das Kind (= the child)
der Sohn (= the son)
die Tochter (= the daughter)
das Mädchen (= the girl)
der Freund (= the male friend)
die Freundin (= the female friend)
das Büro (= the office)
der Tag (= the day)
die Nacht (= the night)
das Land (= the country)
Compound nouns Many German nouns are a combination of two or more shorter words - we call them compound nouns. The gender is always that of the last element in the compound noun: Grammar 5: Compound nouns
Noun
Compound noun
der Name (= the name)
der Vorname (= the Christian name)
die Frau (= the woman)
die Hausfrau (= the housewife)
das Land (= the country)
das Ausland (= abroad)
2.4 Countries (2) Feminine countries So far all the countries which we have encountered have been neuter, and are never used with the definite article. A small number of names for countries however are feminine and are always preceded by the definite article "die". Vocabulary 5: Feminine Countries
Das Land
Country
Das Land
Country
die Schweiz
Switzerland
die Slowakei
Slovakia
die Türkei
Turkey
die Ukraine
Ukraine
die Tschechische Republik
Czech Republic
When you explain that you come from any of these countries, you also have to include the definite article with the preposition - but this article changes from "die" to "der". We shall see in a subsequent section that this is because it is now in the dative case. Grammar 6: Prepositions and feminine countries
Where are you from? Woher kommen Sie? ich komme aus der Schweiz (Trans.: "I come from Switzerland")
Woher ist Andrea? sie ist aus der Ukraine (Trans.: "She is from the Ukraine") Where do you live? Wo wohnt Mehmet? er wohnt in der Türkei (Trans.: "He lives in Turkey") Plural Countries A small number of countries are written in the plural in German. In this case the definite article changes from "die" to "den":
Vocabulary 6: Plural Countries
Das Land
Country
die USA die Vereinigten Staaten
USA United States
die Niederlande
Netherlands
Phrases ich komme aus den USA (Trans.: "I come from the USA")
sie ist aus den Vereinigten Staaten (Trans.: "She is from the United States")
er wohnt in den Niederlanden (Trans.: "He lives in the Netherlands")
Notes 1. Note that "die Niederlande" adds an "-n" when we write "in den Niederlanden" or "aus den Niederlanden". This again is a result of the noun now being in the dative case. 2. "Amerika" is often used to translate "the United States", particularly in conversation. It should really only be used to translate the continent of America however. It is a neuter noun and is thus used without a definite article. 3. A few countries are masculine in German, particularly in the Middle East - "der Libanon" (= Lebanon), "der Irak" (= Iraq) "der Iran" (= Iran), "der Jemen" (= Yemen). They too are almost always used with the definite article, which changes from "der" to "dem" when you are describing where you are from.
2.5 Nationalities Nouns of nationality The German construction for saying which nationality you are is different from in English. Whereas English uses an adjective - i.e. "I am English" -, German uses a noun without a different article - "Ich bin Engländer" (literally: "I am Englishman"). And just as there are different words for "friend" depending on the gender of the person concerned, you would need to employ the feminine version of the noun if the
person being described is a woman - "Ich bin Engländerin" (literally: "I am Englishwoman"):
Grammar 7: Describing your nationality
Where are you from?
I'm from...
Woher kommen Sie?
ich bin Brite ("I'm British (male)")
Woher ist Anne?
sie ist Britin ("She is British")
Woher kommt Urs?
er ist Schweizer ("He is Swiss")
Woher bist du?
ich bin Schweizerin ("I am Swiss (female)
Nationality table Listed below are the nouns of nationality for the countries which we have encountered so far. Note that: • •
•
The vast majority of feminine nouns end in "-in". The major exception is an important one however - "die Deutsche" ("the German woman"). With a few exceptions (der Ungar, der Israeli, der Zypriot), the names of male inhabitants listed below either end in "-e" or "-er". This is a little misleading however. For as we shall see in Chapter 11, the masculine nouns that end in "-e" can in fact take a number of endings depending on the case that they are in and whether they are preceded by an article. For the moment we have given you the endings that you will need to translate "He is a ..." The word for a German man - "der Deutsche" - is an adjectival noun. This type of noun will also be discussed in Chapter 11. Vocabulary 7: Ich bin Engländer(in)
Country
Male Inhabitant
Female Inhabitant
Andorra
Andorraner
Andorranerin
Australien
Australier
Australierin
Belgien
Belgier
Belgierin
Brasilien
Brasilianer
Brasilianerin
Bulgarien
Bulgare
Bulgarin
China
Chinese
Chinesin
Dänemark
Däne
Dänin
Deutschland
Deutscher
Deutsche
England
Engländer
Engländerin
Estland
Este
Estin
Finnland
Finne
Finnin
Frankreich
Franzose
Französin
Griechenland
Grieche
Griechin
Großbritannien
Brite
Britin
Indien
Inder
Inderin
Irland
Ire
Irin
Island
Isländer
Isländerin
Israel
Israeli
Israeli
Italien
Italiener
Italienerin
Japan
Japaner
Japanerin
Kanada
Kanadier
Kanadierin
Kolumbien
Kolumbianer
Kolumbianerin
Kroatien
Kroate
Kroatin
Lettland
Lette
Lettin
Liechtenstein
Liechtensteiner Liechtensteinerin
Litauen
Litauer
Litauerin
Luxemburg
Luxemburger
Luxemburgerin
Mazedonien
Mazedonier
Mazedonierin
Mexiko
Mexikaner
Mexikanerin
Moldawien
Moldawier
Moldawierin
Monaco
Monegasse
Monegassin
Neuseeland
Neuseeländer
Neuseeländerin
die Niederlande
Holländer
Holländerin
Norwegen
Norweger
Norwegerin
Österreich
Österreicher
Österreicherin
Polen
Pole
Polin
Portugal
Portugiese
Portugiesin
Rumänien
Rumäne
Rumänin
Russland
Russe
Russin
Schottland
Schotte
Schottin
Schweden
Schwede
Schwedin
die Schweiz
Schweizer
Schweizerin
die Slowakei
Slowake
Slowakin
Slowenien
Slowene
Slowenin
Spanien
Spanier
Spanierin
Südafrika
Südafrikaner
Südafrikanerin
Südkorea
Südkoreaner
Südkoreanerin
die Tschechische Republik
der Tscheche
die Tschechin
Tunesien
Tunesier
Tunesierin
die Türkei
der Türke
die Türkin
die Ukraine
der Ukrainer
die Ukrainerin
Ungarn
Ungar
Ungarin
die USA
(US)Amerikaner
(US)Amerikanerin
Wales
Waliser
Waliserin
Zypern
Zypriot
Zypriotin
2.6 Conversation: Im Café Das Café An English tourist Peter Withe strikes up a conversation with a German local Klaus Wagner whilst sitting outside a café in Bavaria in summer. Conversation 1: Im Café
Peter Withe
Guten Tag.
Klaus Wagner
Guten Tag. Sind Sie vielleicht Ausländer?
Peter Withe
Ja, ich bin Engländer.
Klaus Wagner
Woher kommen Sie?
Peter Withe
Ich komme aus Birmingham.
Klaus Wagner
Sie sind also kein Amerikaner?
Peter Withe
Nein, ich komme nicht aus den USA. Und Sie?
Klaus Wagner
Ich bin Deutscher. Ich komme aus Norddeutschland. Aber ich wohne hier in Bayern. Mein Name ist Wagner, Klaus Wagner. Und wie heißen Sie?
Peter Withe
Ich heiße Withe, Peter Withe.
Glossary das Café
The café
im Café
In the café
der Ausländer
A male "foreigner". A female foreigner would be "die Ausländerin".
Sind Sie vielleicht Ausländer?
"Are you a foreigner by any chance?" Peter's German accent is not as authentic as he thinks! Note that "Ausländer" is used in exactly the same way as all other nationalities - without a definite article. The literal translation is "Are you perhaps foreigner?"
vielleicht
In almost all other contexts, "vielleicht" would be translated as "perhaps".
also
Be very careful of this word in German! It doesn't mean English "also" but "therefore" or "so".
Sie sind also kein Amerikaner?
"So you're not American?" The word "kein" literally means "not an".
Norddeutschland
"North Germany". This is one word only in German - a compound noun.
Bayern
This means "Bavaria". Many German regions with which we are familiar turn out to have very different names in German.
2.7 Conversation: Im Sitzungssaal Im Sitzungsaal In a conference room (der Sitzungssaal) at a trade fair in Hanover, Herr Loss introduces Ken McNaught, who has just arrived from Glasgow, to Frau Melzig and Herr Slomka. Conversation 2: Im Sitzungssaal
Herr Loss
Darf ich vorstellen, Herr McNaught aus Glasgow. Frau Melzig aus Hannover.
Frau Melzig
Guten Tag, Herr McNaught. Willkommen in Hannover. Sind Sie Schotte?
Herr Loss
Ja, er ist Schotte. Er ist in der Nähe von Glasgow geboren.
Herr McNaught
Sind Sie Deutsche?
Frau Melzig
Nein. Mein Mann ist Deutscher, aber ich komme aus der Schweiz.
Herr McNaught
Und wie ist Ihr Name, bitte?
Herr Loss
Das ist Herr Slomka.
Herr McNaught
Woher sind Sie, Herr Slomka?
Herr Slomka
Ich bin aus Moskau.
Herr McNaught
Aha! Sie sind Russe! Sind Sie hier auf Geschäftsreise?
Herr Loss
Nein. Er wohnt hier. Glossary
der Sitzungssaal
The conference room
im Sitzungssaal
In the conference room
Willkommen in Hannover
"Welcome to Hanover". Note that German uses a different preposition to English in this context.
Sind Sie Schotte?
Are you Scottish?
ja / nein
"yes / no". But you knew that already, didn't you?
in der Nähe von Glasgow
This somewhat lengthy construction simply means "near Glasgow".
Er ist ... geboren
"He was born..." Note that the word "geboren" is always placed right at the end of the clause, after the place in which the person was born.
aber
but
hier
here
Sind Sie hier auf Geschäftsreise?
Are you here on business?
2.8 Professions Der Beruf The German construction for explaining what your job is involves the German word for profession - "der Beruf". You have a choice of word order with this construction, and can also choose whether to say "ich bin Manager von Beruf" or simply "ich bin Manager".
Grammar 8: What do you do for a living?
What's your job?
I'm a... (male)
Was sind Sie von Beruf? von Beruf bin ich Arzt Was bist du von Beruf? ich bin Arzt (von Beruf) What's her job?
She's a...
Was ist sie von Beruf?
von Beruf ist sie Ärztin sie ist Ärztin (von Beruf)
You will have noticed that we use exactly the same construction for professions as we do for nationalities. Whereas in English we would say "I'm a doctor", in German you would say "Ich bin Arzt" (literally - "I am doctor"). Once more, the verb which you will need throughout is the irregular verb "sein". And just as there are two words for "a friend" or "a German" depending on the gender of the speaker, there are also two forms of each profession which need to be learned to employ the feminine version of the noun if the person being described is a woman - "Ich bin Ärztin". Table of professions Listed below are the names of the most commonly used German professions with their male and female variants. Vocabulary 8: Professions
Profession
Male Variant
Female Variant
Actor
Schauspieler
Schauspielerin
Artist
Künstler
Künstlerin
Author
Schriftsteller
Schriftstellerin
Bank clerk
Bankangestellter
Bankangestellte
Business(wo)man
Geschäftsmann
Geschäftsfrau
Car mechanic
Automechaniker
Automechanikerin
Chemist
Chemiker
Chemikerin
Civil servant
Beamter
Beamtin
Doctor
Arzt
Ärztin
Engineer
Ingenieur
Ingenieurin
Farmer
Landwirt
Landwirtin
Hairdresser
Friseur
Friseuse
Journalist
Journalist
Journalistin
Lawyer
Rechtsanwalt
Rechtsanwältin
Lecturer
Dozent
Dozentin
Nurse
Krankenpfleger
Krankenschwester
Pensioner
Rentner
Rentnerin
Photographer
Fotograf
Fotografin
Politician
Politiker
Politikerin
Postman
Briefträger
Briefträgerin
Professor
Professor
Professorin
Salesperson
Verkäufer
Verkäuferin
Secretary
Sekretär
Sekretärin
Student
Student
Studentin
Taxi driver
Taxifahrer
Taxifahrerin
Teacher
Lehrer
Lehrerin
Waiter
Kellner
Kellnerin
Grammar 1) As you will have noted from the above list, the suffix "-in" is often added in the feminine form - i.e. Kellner + "-in" = Kellnerin. 2) Sometimes the female equivalent modifies slightly with the addition of an "Umlaut" - i.e. Arzt + "-in" = Ärztin. 3) Occasionally the male form ends in "-in", and the female equivalent in "-e" - i.e. Bankangestellter - "-r" = Bankangestellte. 4) There are sometimes different words altogether for male and female jobs - i.e. Krankenpfleger (male) and Krankenschwester.
2.9 Conversation: Der Beruf The teacher and the greengrocer Whilst waiting at the bus-stop, Müslüm Can and Mareike Herda discuss the jobs to which they are travelling. Conversation 1: Die Lehrerin und der Gemüsehändler
Müslüm Can
Was sind Sie eigentlich von Beruf, Frau Herda?
Mareike Herda
Von Beruf bin ich Lehrerin.
Müslüm Can
Ach nein! Mein Bruder ist auch Lehrer.
Mareike Herda
Das gibt's doch gar nicht! Wo arbeitet er? Hier in Berlin?
Müslüm Can
Nein, nein. Er ist Deutschlehrer in der Türkei. Wir sind beide in der Türkei geboren.
Mareike Herda
Und was sind Sie von Beruf?
Müslüm Can
Ich bin Gemüsehändler.
Mareike Herda
Arbeiten Sie hier in der Stadt?
Müslüm Can
Ja. Ich arbeite in einem kleinen Gemüseladen in der Nähe von hier. Glossary
eigentlich
actually; in fact
von Beruf bin ich...
Switching the word order around such that "von Beruf" comes first places slightly more emphasis on the profession.
Ach nein!
Literally "Oh no!", but the sense is one of surprise: "Really?!"
mein Bruder
my brother
auch
"too; also". Not to be confused with the German word "also" meaning "therefore" (see below).
also
Be very careful of this word in German! It doesn't mean English "also" but "therefore" or "so".
Das gibt's doch gar nicht!
"Well I never! You don't say!". A polite expression of great surprise.
Wo arbeitet er?
"Where does he work?". There is no German equivalent of the English word "does". "Er arbeitet" is the sole German translation for "he works", "he is working" and "he does work".
Deutschlehrer
"German teacher". Note that this is written as one word in German.
Wir sind ... geboren
We were born ....
wir beide
both of us
der Gemüsehändler
greengrocer
in der Stadt
in the city
in einem kleinen Gemüseladen
in a little greengrocer's shop
in der Nähe von hier
near here
Present tense of the verb "arbeiten" We have met a new verb in this section - "arbeiten" (= "to work"). Although it is a regular verb, some of the endings are slightly different as the stem of the verb ends in "t". To prevent a build-up of unpronouncable and teeth-damaging consonants, an extra "-e" is added before the "du", "er/sie" and "ihr" endings.
Grammar 1: The verb "arbeiten"
Singular ich arbeite
I work
du arbeitest Sie arbeiten
You work (informal/formal)
er/sie/es arbeitet
He/she/it works
Plural wir arbeiten
We work
ihr arbeitet Sie arbeiten
You work (informal/formal)
sie arbeiten
They work
2.10 About Germany
Location The Federal Republic of Germany is the largest of the German-speaking countries. It is located in Central Europe, and has nine neighbours - Denmark to the North, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and France to the West, Switzerland and Austria to the South, and the Czech Republic and Poland to the East. This central location has been more pronounced since 3rd October 1990, when Germany was reunited. Due to its central position Germany functions within the EU and NATO as a bridge to the Central and Eastern European states and is an important location for European and global relations. Reunified Germany now is now the sixth largest country in Europe with an area of 137,826 square miles (356,970 sq. km.). Western Germany comprises just over twothirds of this - 96,095 square miles compared with 41,731 square miles in the former Eastern Germany. Germany extends 876 kilometres from its northern border with Denmark to the Alps in the south, and (at its widest) 650 kilometres from the Belgian border in the west to the Polish frontier in the east. The total length of the country's borders is 3,758 kilometres. Population Germany has a population of approximately 82.163 million, the largest in Europe after the Russian Federation, followed by the United Kingdom (58.9 million), France (58.5 million) and Italy (57.5 million). About one fifth of this population live in the former GDR. The Federal Republic of Germany is a densely populated country, with a population density of 230 persons per square kilometre. More than half the German people live
in towns with a population of between 2,000 and 100,000. There are 86 larger towns and cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants spread throughout the country. The five largest cities are Berlin, the official capital with a population of 3,458,800, Hamburg (1,708,500), Munich (1,232,800), Cologne (964,400), and Frankfurt (646,400). There are 7,363,600 foreigners currently living in Germany, which is equal to 8.9% of the population. Just over two million of these come from Turkey, with other sizable immigrant communities coming from the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Greece, Africa and Eastern Europe. Climate The Federal Republic's climate is determined by its location in a zone of temperate climatic conditions with frequent weather changes. There is precipitation all the year round. In the winter the average temperature is between 1.5°C in the lowland areas and -6°C in the mountains. In the warmest month of the year, July, temperatures are between 18°C in low-lying regions and 20°C in the sheltered valleys of the south. Progressing from the northwest to the east and southeast, the maritime climate gradually changes into a more continental climate. Geography The whole of northern Germany, through which run the Weser, the Elbe, and smaller rivers, is set in the North European Plain. The Rhine Basin encompasses some of the most beautiful landscape and best wine-growing regions in Europe. Towards the east, this consists of morainic hills containing fertile loess soil. More than a quarter of the whole of Germany is covered with forest. Among the major ranges of the midGerman highlands are the Teutoburger Wald, the Harz Mountains, the Sauerland, Westerwald, and Taunusgebirge. In the west are the Ruhr coalfields, while in the east there are large lignite deposits. Southward the ground gradually rises to the Black Forest (der Schwarzwald), and the Swabian Jura, with dense pine forests and moorland, and potash, salt, and other minerals. In Bavaria, further south, the land becomes rugged. Here are patches of mountain pasture and lakes; to the east is the deep Danube valley. Economy Germany is one of the most highly-industrialised and economically powerful countries in the world. The economic system is classed as a social market economy within which competition has become very pronounced. Unemployment is a problem, not only in the new Federal States. The major sectors of the economy are manufacturing industry, service industries and trade, and transport. Great political importance is attached to environmental protection which is a major concern of the people.
2.11 German History History until 1945
Germany was originally occupied by Teutonic tribes who were driven back across the Rhine by Julius Caesar in 58 BC. When the Roman empire collapsed eight Germanic kingdoms were created, but in the 8th century Charlemagne consolidated these kingdoms under the Franks. The region became part of the Holy Roman Empire in 962, and almost 200 years later was invaded by the Mongols. A period of unrest followed until 1438 when the long rule of the Habsburgs began. The kingdom, now made up of hundreds of states, was torn apart during the Thirty Years War; when this ended with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, the Elector of Brandenburg-Prussia emerged as a force ready to challenge Austrian supremacy. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the alliance of 400 separate German states that had existed within the Holy Roman Empire (962-1806) had been reduced to thirty-eight. At the Congress of Vienna these were formed into a loose grouping, the German Confederation, under Austrian leadership. The Confederation was dissolved as a result of the Austro-Prussian War (1866), and in 1867 all northern Germany formed a new North German Confederation under Prussian leadership. This was in turn dissolved in 1871, and the new German Second empire proclaimed. After Germany's defeat in World War I, the Weimar Republic was instituted, to be replaced in 1933 by the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler. History: 1945 to 1990 In 1945 the victorious Allies divided defeated Germany into four zones of occupation: American, British, French and Soviet. The original intention was to denazify and unite Germany. But with the advent of the Cold War, ideological differences between the Allied powers became apparent, and two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. In 1953 East German workers revolted against the communist government, demanding higher salaries, more work and democratic elections. Faced by a steady flow of workers moving from East to West, the GDR government constructed the "antifascist protective wall" which divided Berlin into two. This Wall was 165 kilometres in length and between three and four metres in height. In the West, Konrad Adenauer, as Chancellor (1949-63), was determined to see eventual reunification of Germany and refused to recognize the legal existence of the German Democratic Republic. A crisis developed over Berlin in 1958, when the Soviet Union demanded the withdrawal of Western troops and, in 1961, when it authorized the erection of the Berlin Wall. The Berlin situation began to ease in 1971, during the chancellorship of the social democrat Willy Brandt (1969-74) with his policy of Ostpolitik. This resulted in treaties with the Soviet Union (1970), Poland (1970), Czechoslovakia (1973), and one of mutual recognition and co-operation with the German Democratic Republic (1972), with membership of the UN following in 1973. Economic recovery was assisted after the war by the Marshall Plan. The challenge of rebuilding shattered cities and of absorbing many millions of refugees from eastern
Europe was successfully met, as was that of re-creating systems of social welfare and health provision. The Federal Republic joined NATO in 1955, when both army and airforce were reconstituted; large numbers of US and British troops remained stationed there. In 1957 it signed the Treaty of Rome, becoming a founder-member of the European Economic Community in 1958. Although the pace of economic growth slackened, the economy remained one of the strongest in the world, under a stable democratic regime. History: The present day The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German reunification. Establishing the terms of political union proceeded quickly in the months following the collapse of the GDR's communist order in late 1989, with reunification itself following on October 3, 1990. This brought together one of the most affluent capitalist countries with one of the most prosperous socialist countries from the Eastern bloc. Yet despite this background, economic and social reunification remains a work in progress. During the forty years they existed side by side, the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic developed very different political, economic and social institutions. Forty years of state ownership and a command economy have left eastern Germany's industry obsolete and unable to compete in the German marketplace. Modernization of the infrastructure of the former GDR and the privatization of its industries has placed a burden on taxpayers in East and West. Economic disparities between east and west still remain. Eastern Germany is home to roughly a fifth of the country's residents, for example, but accounts for only about a tenth of its GDP. The unemployment rate in the east - 17 percent at the beginning of September 2000 - is more than double the rate in the west. In short, the euphoria sparked by the opening of the Berlin Wall has gradually given way to a more sober realization of the full magnitude of the task of rebuilding the east from the ground up. Relocating the seat of German government eastwards from Bonn to new official capital Berlin in 1999 is a symbol however that closing social gaps between east and west must remain the German government's highest priority.
2.12 The German Länder The Federal Republic of Germany is called "Federal" because it consists of a federation of sixteen Länder or states. There are ten Länder in the territory of the former West Germany, whilst the former GDR has been divided into five federal states. The sixteenth state is Berlin comprising what used to be West and East Berlin.
Facts and figures As you can see from the table below, Bayern (Bavaria) is the largest Land in terms of area, whilst Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia) has the largest population. If you click on the names of each federal state, you will be taken to the homepage of the Land. Many of these homepages also have English versions. The Sixteen German Länder Land
Capital
Population (millions)
Area (km²)
Baden-Württemberg
Stuttgart
10.37
35,751
Bayern
Munich
12.04
70,554
Berlin
---------
3.45
889
Brandenburg
Potsdam
2.55
29,476
Bremen
---------
0.68
404
Hamburg
---------
1.71
755
Hessen
Wiesbaden
6.03
21,114
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Schwerin
1.82
23,421
Niedersachsen
Hanover
7.82
47,348
Nordrhein-Westfalen
Düsseldorf
17.95
34,072
Rheinland-Pfalz
Mainz
3.88
19,846
Saarland
Saarbrücken
1.08
2,570
Sachsen
Dresden
4.55
18,408
Sachsen-Anhalt
Magdeburg
2.72
20,443
Schleswig-Holstein
Kiel
2.74
15,732
Thüringen
Erfurt
2.49
16,176
The English translation of the German Länder names Many of these German Länder have English equivalents - although the English version of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is no less of a mouthful! Note in particular the very different German name for what we call Bavaria. English translations of German Länder
German
English
Bayern
Bavaria
Hessen
Hesse
MecklenburgVorpommern
Mecklenburg WestVorpomerania
Niedersachsen
Lower Saxony
Nordrhein-Westfalen
North Rhine-Westphalia
Rheinland-Pfalz
Rhineland-Palatinate
Sachsen
Saxony
Sachsen-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt
Thüringen
Thuringia
In the next chapter, we will visit the only German Land which is made up of territory from both East and West Germany - the new capital Berlin.
Chapter 3: The Family 3.1 Im Studio (1) Anna Müller and Müslüm Can have both been invited to the studios of Radio Eins in Berlin to discuss their lives in Germany. There they are interviewed by the DJ Claudia Stenzel. You will be familiar with some of the questions, but what new information is Anna being asked to give here? Conversation 1: Interview mit Anna Müller
Claudia Stenzel
Willkommen im Studio! Wie ist Ihr Name, bitte?
Anna Müller
Ich heiße Anna Müller.
Claudia Stenzel
Wie alt sind Sie, Frau Müller?
Anna Müller
Ich bin fünfzig Jahre alt.
Claudia Stenzel
Woher kommen Sie? Sind Sie aus Berlin?
Anna Müller
Ich wohne jetzt in Berlin, ich komme aber aus Linz.
Claudia Stenzel
Wo ist Linz?
Anna Müller
Linz liegt in Österreich.
Claudia Stenzel
Was sind Sie von Beruf?
Anna Müller
Von Beruf bin ich Sekretärin.
Claudia Stenzel
Sind sie verheiratet?
Anna Müller
Ja, ich bin verheiratet, Frau Stenzel.
Claudia Stenzel
Haben Sie auch Kinder?
Anna Müller
Ja, wir haben zwei Kinder. Wir haben einen Sohn und auch eine Tochter.
Claudia Stenzel
Wie heißt Ihr Sohn, und wie alt ist er?
Anna Müller
Unser Sohn heißt Lukas. Er ist zwanzig Jahre alt.
Claudia Stenzel
Und Ihre Tochter?
Anna Müller
Unsere Tochter heißt Julia. Sie ist siebzehn Jahre alt. Glossary
das Interview
interview
mit
with
willkommen!
welcome!
das Studio
studio
willkommen im Studio!
welcome to the studio!
bitte
please
Wie alt sind Sie?
"How old are you?" This construction will be explained in detail in the next section. Note that Claudia is using the polite "Sie" form when addressing Frau Müller.
ich bin fünfzig Jahre alt
"I am 50 years old." See next section for explanation.
Sind Sie aus Berlin?
"Are you from Berlin?" In many questions, the verb is the first element followed by the subject of the sentence.
Wo ist Linz?
"Where is Linz?" For questions which ask "Who?", "Where?" or "Why?" for example, the question word comes first, followed by the verb and then the subject of the sentence.
Linz liegt in Österreich
"Linz is in Austria." Literally: "Linz lies in Austria." You could also say: "Linz ist in Österreich."
die Sekretärin
This means "secretary". Note the feminine "in" suffix to describe Anna Müller.
sind Sie verheiratet?
"Are you married?" Again note the word order for questions without a question word.
ja, ich bin verheiratet
Yes, I am married.
Kinder
This is the word for "children". Whereas English nouns (except for "children"!) tend to end in "-s" in the plural, German has a whole range of plurals which need to be learned along with the gender.
haben Sie auch Do you also have children? Kinder? Ja, wir haben zwei Kinder
"Yes, we have two children." Although the verb "haben" ("to have") might look regular, it is in fact irregular (see next section).
Wir haben einen Sohn...
we have a son...
... und eine Tochter
... and a daughter
Ihr Sohn
your son
unser Sohn
Our son
Wie alt ist er?
How old is he?
er ist zwanzig Jahre alt
he is twenty years old
Ihre Tochter
your daughter
unsere Tochter
our daughter
sie ist siebzehn she is seventeen years old Jahre alt
3.2 How old are you? Asking how old someone is in German required exactly the same construction as in English. It is however reliant on the student knowing the different forms of the irregular verb "sein" (= "to be") which you should have learned by now!
Vocabulary 1: How old are you?
Singular wie alt bin ich?
(How old am I?)
wie alt bist du? wie alt sind Sie?
(How old are you?)
wie alt ist er/sie?
(How old is he/she?)
Plural wie alt sind wir?
(How old are we?)
wie alt seid ihr? wie alt sind Sie?
(How old are you?)
wie alt sind sie?
(How old are they?)
And you respond to this question by using the following constructions: Vocabulary 2: I am 20 years old
Singular ich bin 20 Jahre alt
(I am 20 years old)
du bist 20 Jahre alt Sie sind 20 Jahre alt
(You are 20 years old)
er ist 20 Jahre alt sie ist 20 Jahre alt
(He is 20 years old) (She is 20 years old)
Plural wir sind 20 Jahre alt
(We are 20 years old)
ihr seid 20 Jahre alt (You are 20 years old) Sie sind 20 Jahre alt sie sind 20 Jahre alt (They are 20 years old)
Different types of questions In the previous chapter we looked at word order in questions where there are specific question words. If you remember, the question word comes first, followed by the verb and then the subject of the sentence: • • •
"Wie geht es Ihnen?" ("How are you?") "Woher kommst du?" ("Where do you come from?") "Wo wohnen Sie?" ("Where do you live?")
We have seen from the previous conversation however that if there is no specific question word in the clause, you should put the verb first, followed by the subject of the sentence: • • •
"Sind Sie verheiratet?" ("Are you married?") "Haben Sie Kinder?" ("Do you have children?") "Darf ich mich verabschieden?" ("May I say goodbye?")
Present tense of the verb "haben" The German verb "haben" (= "to have") is another common German verb which is irregular. The "-b-" of the stem disappears in both the "du" and the "er/sie" forms of the present tense: Grammar 1: The verb "haben" (= to have)
Singular ich habe
I have
du hast Sie haben
You have (informal/formal)
er/sie/es hat
He/she/it has
Plural wir haben
We have
ihr habt Sie wohnen
You have (informal/formal)
sie haben
They have
3.3 Im Studio (2) Now it is Müslüm Can's turn to be interviewed by Claudia Stenzel at Radio Eins in Berlin. How does his situation and family life differ from that of Anna Müller? Conversation 2: Interview mit Müslüm Can
Claudia Stenzel
Willkommen im Studio! Wer sind Sie?
Müslüm Can
Mein Name ist Müslüm Can.
Claudia Stenzel
Was sind Sie von Beruf?
Müslüm Can
Ich bin Gemüsehändler hier in
Kreuzberg. Claudia Stenzel
Sind sie verheiratet?
Müslüm Can
Nein, ich bin nicht verheiratet. Ich habe auch keine Kinder.
Claudia Stenzel
Haben Sie Geschwister?
Müslüm Can
Ja, ich habe einen Bruder und zwei Schwestern. Sie wohnen alle in der Türkei.
Claudia Stenzel
Haben Sie Haustiere?
Müslüm Can
Ja, meine Eltern haben einen Hund. Und mein Großvater hat eine Katze.
Claudia Stenzel
Und wie heißen sie?
Müslüm Can
Der Hund heißt Rex und die Katze heißt Mieze. Die Katze mag den Hund nicht. Und er mag sie auch nicht! Glossary
Wer sind Sie?
"Who are you?" In this context this seems to be quite an abrupt way of asking somebody's name!
der Gemüsehändler
Müslüm is a greengrocer. Don't you remember?
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is a region of Berlin inhabited by people of many nationalities. Click here to visit the official homepage of Kreuzberg.
ich bin nicht verheiratet
"I am not married." Just as in English, the German word for not - "nicht" - precedes an adjective.
ich habe keine Kinder
"I don't have any children." Literally: "I have no children". The German word "kein(e)" means "not any" or "no(ne)".
Haben Sie Geschwister?
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" The useful word "Geschwister" means "brothers and sisters".
ich habe einen Bruder
"I have a brother". The next section will explain the endings on the indefinite article "einen".
zwei Schwestern
"I am 50 years old." See next section for explanation.
alle
This means "everyone; all of them". The full sentence would thus be translated as "They all live in Turkey".
Haustiere
"Pets". One pet would be "ein Haustier".
meine Eltern
"My parents". The word "Eltern" is only used in the plural.
der Hund
This is the word for a "dog". The next
section will explain the endings on the indefinite article "einen". mein Großvater
my grandfather
eine Katze
Müslüm's grandfather has "a cat".
Mieze
"Mieze" approximates to the English "puss" or "pussy".
Die Katze mag den Hund nicht
"The cat doesn't like the dog". Literally: "The cat likes the dog not." Although the German word for "not" - "nicht" - precedes an adjective (see above), it follows the object of a sentence.
er...sie
"Er" (= "he") refers back to the masculine noun "der Hund", while "sie" (= "she") refers back to the feminine noun "die Katze".
3.4 Plurals of German nouns With the exception of nouns such as "children" and "sheep", English plurals are invariably formed by adding "-s" to the singular form. Forming the plural is by no means as simple as this in German, where there are a number of possible plural endings. It will thus be necessary for the student to learn the plural of each noun as well as its gender - and from now on we will list each noun which we encounter with its plural form and the correct form of the definite article. In the table below are the plurals of some of the nouns that we have encountered so far: Grammar 2: Plurals of German nouns
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Männer
Frauen
Kinder
("men")
("women")
("children")
Freunde
Freundinnen
Büros
("friends")
("friends")
("offices")
Söhne
Töchter
Mädchen
("sons")
("daughters")
("girls")
Tage
Nächte
Länder
("days")
("nights")
("countries")
Guidelines for forming the plural It will later be possible to determine a number of rules as to which noun takes which plural ending. For the moment, we will restrict ourselves to pointing out a few general guidelines - but (as ever!) there are a large number of exceptions to these rules!
1. Feminine nouns • •
•
Feminine nouns are the most predictable in their plural form. The majority of them add "-en": i.e. Frau + "-en" = Frauen. Feminine nouns which end in "-in" (such as those describing professions and nationalities) add "-nen" in the plural: i.e. Freundin + "-nen" = Freundinnen. Or: Engländerin + "-nen" = Engländerinnen. Yet take care: some feminine nouns also forms their plurals in other ways, such as Nächte and Töchter!
2. Masculine and neuter nouns • • • • • •
Masculine and neuter nouns form their plural in a number of ways. Some of them add an "-e": i.e. Tag + "-e" = Tage. Others add an "-e" and also add an "umlaut" to the vowel: i.e. Sohn + "umlaut" + "-e" = Söhne. Other (mainly) masculine and neuter nouns add "-er" in the plural: i.e. Kind + "-er" = Kinder. Others add "-er" and also add an "umlaut" to the vowel: i.e. Mann + "umlaut" + "-er" = Männer. Some nouns add "-s" in the plural, although there are not as many of them as there are in English, and they tend to be words imported from other languages: i.e. Büro + "-s" = Büros. To make matters more complicated, some nouns remain the same in the plural: i.e. Mädchen (singular and plural).
3.5 Indefinite articles and "kein" Indefinite articles In the last chapter we discovered that German nouns have genders, and that the gender of a noun affects the form of the definite article. This is also true of the German equivalents of "a" and "an" as in "a man" and "an occupation". The grammatical term for this is the indefinite article. The different forms of the German indefinite article are listed below for each gender. Note that both the masculine and neuter forms are identical when the noun is the subject of the sentence. Grammar 3: The indefinite article
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
ein Mann
eine Frau
ein Kind
("a man")
("a woman")
("a child")
ein Freund
eine Freundin
ein Büro
("a friend")
("a friend")
("an office")
ein Sohn
eine Tochter
ein Mädchen
("a son")
("a daughter")
("a girl")
ein Tag
eine Nacht
ein Land
("a day")
("a night")
("a country")
The plural of definite and indefinite articles The definite article of a plural noun is always "die", regardless of gender, as the table below displays: Grammar 4: Plural of the definite article
Singular der Mann
die Frau
das Kind
("the man")
("the woman")
("the child")
die Männer
die Frauen
die Kinder
("the men")
("the women")
("the children")
Plural
Just as in English, the indefinite article disappears in the plural in German. So just as the plural of "a son" in English is "sons", the plural of "ein Sohn" is "Söhne". The word "kein" The simple translation of the German word "kein" is "no" as in Müslüm Can's statement: "Ich habe keine Kinder" (= I have no children). However "kein" is also used to translate "not a". The literal translation "nicht ein" should be avoided. Thus you could either translate "Ich habe keine Kinder" as "I don't have any children" or "I haven't got any children". As far as endings are concerned, "kein" behaves just like the indefinite article "ein": Grammar 5: The word "kein"
Masculine
Feminine
kein Mann keine Frau
Neuter
Plural
kein Kind
keine Eltern
("no man")
("no woman") ("no child")
("no parents")
kein Tag
keine Nacht
kein Land
keine Länder
("no day")
("no night")
("no country") ("no countries")
But these are only the endings for "kein" when it is the subject of a sentence i.e. in a sentence such as "No child was unhappy". But "kein" is used most often to describe the objects of sentences and takes quite different endings. We will discover what these are in the next section.
3.6 The accusative case Subject and object Compare the two following English sentences: 1) The dog likes the cat. 2) The cat likes the dog. The dog is playing a different role in each of the two sentences. In the first sentence, it is carrying out the action of the verb - liking the cat. In this instance, we speak of the dog being the subject of the sentence. We also say that it is in the nominative case. In the second sentence, the dog is on the receiving end of the action - being liked by the cat. In this instance, we speak of the dog being the object of the sentence. We also say that it is in the accusative case. Subject and object in German The majority of sentences which we have examined so far involve nouns in the nominative case, carrying out the action of the verb - e.g. "ich heiße Michael", "Wie alt bist du?". But with the arrival of verbs such as "haben" (= "to have") which take a direct object, we need to acquaint ourselves with the accusative case. In the English sentences which we have considered above, the nouns "the dog" and "the cat" are written the same regardless of whether the noun is the subject or the object of the sentence. This is not the case in German. The definite article can be written differently depending on whether the noun to which it refers is in the nominative or the accusative case. Look closely at the definite articles in the German equivalents of the two sentences concerning the dog and the cat: 1) Der Hund mag die Katze. ("The dog likes the cat.") 2) Die Katze mag den Hund. ("The cat likes the dog.") As the table below indicates however, the definite article only has a different form in the accusative case in this specific instance - namely when we are referring to a singular masculine noun: Grammar 6: The definite article
Nominative
Accusative
Masculine
der Mann
den Mann
Feminine
die Frau
die Frau
Neuter
das Kind
das Kind
Plural
die Eltern
die Eltern
The accusative of the indefinite article The same phenomenon came be observed when the indefinite article is used: 1) Ein Hund mag eine Katze. ("A dog likes a cat.") 2) Eine Katze mag einen Hund. ("A cat likes a dog.") Grammar 7: The indefinite article
Nominative
Accusative
Masculine
ein Mann
einen Mann
Feminine
eine Frau
eine Frau
Neuter
ein Kind
ein Kind
The accusative of "kein" Logically enough, the negative "kein" declines in exactly the same way as "ein" in the accusative: 1) Ein Hund mag keine Katze. ("A dog doesn't like a cat.") 2) Eine Katze mag keinen Hund. ("A cat doesn't like a dog.")
Grammar 8: Declension of "kein"
Nominative
Accusative
Masculine kein Mann
keinen Mann
Feminine
keine Frau
keine Frau
Neuter
kein Kind
kein Kind
Plural
keine Eltern
keine Eltern
Remember in particular that while "nicht" negates a verb (or an adjective or adverb), "kein" negates a noun. So the opposite of "Ich habe ein Kind" is not "Ich habe nicht ein Kind" but "Ich habe kein Kind".
3.7 Possessive adjectives Possessive adjectives are those adjectives which refer to ownership, such as "your" and "his" in "What is your name?" or "What is his name?". We have already met some of them in the German equivalent of these questions "Wie ist Ihr Name?" or "Wie ist sein Name?". The full list of possessive adjectives is as follows:
Grammar 9: Nominative of possessive adjectives
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter Plural
My
mein
meine
mein
meine
Your (sing.)
dein Ihr
deine Ihre
dein Ihr
deine Ihre
His
sein
seine
sein
seine
Her
ihr
ihre
ihr
ihre
Its
sein
seine
sein
seine
Our
unser
unsere
unser
unsere
Your (plural)
euer Ihr
eure Ihre
euer Ihr
eure Ihre
Their
ihr
ihre
ihr
ihre
Her
ihr
ihre
ihr
ihre
Its
sein
seine
sein
seine
Once again, we find that the endings on all possessive adjectives change when they are in the accusative. We require a second table to explain these fully: Grammar 10: Accusative of possessive adjectives
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter Plural
My
meinen
meine
mein
meine
Your (sing.)
deinen Ihren
deine Ihre
dein Ihr
deine Ihre
His
seinen
seine
sein
seine
Her
ihren
ihre
ihr
ihre
Its
seinen
seine
sein
seine
Our
unseren
unsere
unser
unsere
Your (plural)
euren Ihren
eure Ihre
euer Ihr
eure Ihre
Their
ihren
ihre
ihr
ihre
Her
ihren
ihre
ihr
ihre
Its
seinen
seine
sein
seine
Grammatical points 1) Be very careful to distinguish between Ihr (= "your" (polite)) and ihr (= "their; her"). The capital letter is crucial here! 2) The spelling of the various forms of euer, which means "your" when you are addressing more than one person informally, can prove difficult. When an ending is
added to "euer", the second "-e-" of the stem disappears. So whilst "your child" is "euer Kind", "your children" translates as "eure Kinder", and "your cat" is "eure Katze".
3.8 Numbers: 1-20 A firm grasp of numbers in German is essential when you visit a German-speaking country. It's helpful to be able to say numbers, but particularly to understand them when spoken quickly in shops and restaurants, railway stations and airports etc. Here are the German numbers from one to twenty. Vocabulary 3: German numbers 1-20
eins
elf
zwei
zwölf
drei
dreizehn
vier
vierzehn
fünf
fünfzehn
sechs
sechzehn
sieben
siebzehn
acht
achtzehn
neun
neunzehn
zehn
zwanzig
Notes 1) "Eins" is used for counting and when you are reading out telephone numbers or a list of lottery numbers. When it precedes a noun - e.g. "one house", then you should use "ein(e)" as discussed in the previous sections on the indefinite article. 2) All numbers other than "eins" do not add endings - i.e. "vier Jahre", "acht Männer". 3) Sometimes "zwo" is used instead of "zwei" in spoken German to make sure that the similar-sounding "zwei" and "drei" are not confused, especially over the phone.
4) Numbers "thirteen" to "nineteen" are formed by adding the suffix "-zehn" to the appropriate number. Note however that "sechs" loses its final "-s" in "sechzehn", and that "sieben" likewise loses its "-en" in "siebzehn". 5) The German word for "zero" is "null". How the numbers are written Although Germany uses the same numbers as English, they are written in a slightly different way:
The German number one consists not only of a straight vertical line, but also a second line slanting down diagonally to the left. The German number seven is always crossed with a horizontal bar. This is what distinguishes it from the number one.
3.9 German Families The wedding (die Hochzeit) A German wedding (die Hochzeit) is as lavish an occasion as it is in Britain, and one that incorporates a large number of traditions. Some of them will be familiar to us for example the stag night (der Junggesellenabschied) during which the groom celebrates his last few hours of freedom by drinking himself into an alcoholic stupor with his friends. Less familiar however is der Polterabend, a party held at the bride's house on the eve of the wedding that literally translates as "an evening of making noise". And this is precisely what happens - wedding guests and other friends bring ceramic dishes (but no glass, as this brings bad luck!) and smash them on the ground to ward off evil spirits. The bride (die Braut) and groom (der Bräutigam) then clear up the pieces with a broom, preferably together as this shows that they are willing to work as a team in bad times as well as good. Other differences to note are that German married couples wear their wedding ring (der Ehering) on their right hand. Both the bride and the groom wear simple gold bands that are very different to the diamond-encrusted wedding rings that are often found in Britain. The bride often carries salt and bread as an omen for good harvest, whereas the groom carries grain for good luck and wealth. Rice is thrown in the air as the happy couple leave the church and instead of the bride's bouquet, it is her veil that is passed on to the female guest who is next in line for marriage. German wedding celebrations (die Hochzeitsfeier) vary from region to region and from town to region. In some rural areas, the bride is "kidnapped" before the marriage by friends and family and the groom has to search strategic locations to find her. As these locations invariably include local hostelries, the groom will buy drinks for any acquaintances that he might meet on his journey. In parts of North Germany the newlyweds return to their house to find that the doors have been
barricaded shut and that all the furniture has been placed on the roof! Their first task as a a married couple is thus to rescue their furniture and get into their house without any outside help. In other rural areas, the first task of the bride and groom on leaving the church is to saw through a log using a 2-man log saw. Not very practical if you're wearing a wedding dress or a tuxedo... Given the strenuous and expensive nature of a traditional wedding, it seems hardly surprising that an increasing number of Germans forsake the additional chuch ceremony (die kirchliche Trauung) and make do with a simple civil ceremony (die zivile Trauung) at a registry office (das Standesamt). This civil ceremony is required by law. The money thus saved can then be spent on on the honeymoon (die Flitterwochen). To marry or not to marry? As in other European countries, marriage (die Ehe) no longer holds such a central place in German society as it used to. Firstly, more marriages now end in divorce (die Ehescheidung) than ever before. In 1960, only 0.9 out of 1000 Germans had been part of a marriage that ended in divorce. By 1990 this figure had more than doubled to 1.9 per thousand inhabitants. One in three marriages now ends in divorce, with a record 194,408 divorces being registered in the year 2000. Secondly, fewer Germans choose to get married in the first place. There were only 442,000 marriages in Germany in 1993 compared to 690,000 marriages in 1960. The decline in the number of marriages is particularly pronounced in the former GDR, where the number of marriages dropped by over 50 per cent between 1990 and 1993. This can be explained partially by the dramatic social changes in the former East Germany brought about by reunification and partially by the fact that under socialism many couples had chosen to marry primarily in order to secure better accommodation and child-care benefits. More and more couples are choosing instead to live as non-married partners (der Partner; die Partnerin) in a so-called Lebenspartnerschaft (partnership for life), a relationship that is now recognised and protected by civil law. Between 1972 and 1990, the number of such households increased sevenfold, to 963,000, or 2.7 percent of all households. And by 1999 there were 2.1 million unmarried (unverheiratet) German couples living together which meant that one couple in ten did not have a marriage certificate. In the new German states and in the eastern part of Berlin, living together outside of marriage is very common: one couple in eight have no marriage certificate. Many of these are young couples who are choosing to live together before getting married. In 1992 the average age at first marriage had risen to 29.0 for men and 26.5 for women in the old Länder, compared with 27.1 for men and 25.1 for women in the new Länder. To have children or not to have children? Equally noticeable is the falling birth rate in Germany with more and more couples choosing not to have children. For about 25 years the birth rate has been one third below the level necessary to replenish the population. In 1950 the average number of persons in German households was 3.0. By 1990 this figure had declined to 2.3. In the early 1990s, only foreign families were regularly having two or more children, with the Turkish subgroup being the largest in terms of family size. The slump in the birth-rate has been particularly pronounced after reunification in the east of Germany where a combination of high female unemployment and the dismantling of the GDR's child-care system has dissuaded women from starting a family.
The Federal Government has become increasingly aware of the need to promote family life and as of 1 January 2001 new legislation governing child-raising benefit came into force, entitling both parents to apply for child-raising leave simultaneously and spend up to 30 hours a week in part-time work. The aim was to redress the traditional role division between the sexes whereby mothers typically stayed at home to look after their children, which had an adverse effect on their professional lives. The one area in which marriage is on the increase is in the gay and lesbian communities. From August 2001 onwards, same-sex couples can marry in registry offices and enjoy all the rights that heterosexual spouses have in areas such as inheritance and health insurance. Foreign partners of German gays and lesbians are also now allowed to join them in Germany.
3.10 Vocabulary: The Family From now on, vocabulary sections will appear at the end of each chapter to tie in with the topics which have been discussed. For each noun, both gender and plural will be given, as well as any peculiarities which the noun possesses. As the definite article of all plurals is "die", this will not be given with the plural of nouns. Unless otherwise indicated, you should assume that verbs are regular - i.e. have the normal endings which we have already seen. We will start off with the family, followed by pets on the next page, such that you can describe your own family and pets to your friends: Vocabulary 4: Male family members Singular
Plural
husband
der Mann
Männer
partner
der Partner der Lebenspartner
Partner Lebenspartner
father
der Vater
Väter
stepfather
der Stiefvater
Stiefväter
father-in-law
der Schwiegervater
Schwiegerväter
grandfather
der Großvater der Opa
Großväter Opas
brother
der Bruder
Brüder
stepbrother
der Stiefbruder
Stiefbrüder
twin brother
der Zwillingsbruder
Zwillingsbrüder
brother-in-law
der Schwager
Schwäger
son
der Sohn
Söhne
grandson
der Enkel der Enkelsohn
Enkel Enkelsöhne
stepson
der Stiefsohn
Stiefsöhne
son-in-law
der Schwiegersohn
Schwiegersöhne
uncle
der Onkel
Onkel
nephew
der Neffe
Neffen
cousin (male)
der Cousin
Cousins
Vocabulary 5: Female family members Singular
Plural
wife
die Frau
Frauen
partner
die Partnerin die Lebenspartnerin
Partnerinnen Lebenspartnerinnen
mother
die Mutter
Mütter
stepmother
die Stiefmutter
Stiefmütter
mother-in-law
die Schwiegermutter
Schwiegermütter
grandmother
die Großmutter die Oma
Großmütter Omas
sister
die Schwester
Schwestern
stepsister
die Stiefschwester
Stiefschwestern
twin sister
die Zwillingsschwester
Zwillingsschwestern
sister-in-law
die Schwägerin
Schwägerinnen
daughter
die Tochter
Töchter
granddaughter
die Enkelin
Enkelinnen
stepdaughter
die Stieftochter
Stieftöchter
daughter-in-law
die Schwiegertochter
Schwiegertöchter
aunt
die Tante
Tanten
niece
die Nichte
Nichten
cousin (female)
die Cousine
Cousinen
Vocabulary 6: Neuter family members Singular
Plural
girl
das Mädchen
Mädchen
child
das Kind
Kinder
grandchild
das Enkelkind
Enkelkinder
stepchild
das Stiefkind
Stiefkinder
only child
das Einzelkind
Einzelkinder
Vocabulary 7: Plural family members English
German
brothers and sisters
Geschwister
parents
Eltern
grandparents
Großeltern
step-parents
Stiefeltern
parents-in-law
Schwiegereltern
twins
Zwillinge Vocabulary 8: Family phrases
Haben Sie Familie? Do you have any family? Haben Sie Kinder? Do you have any children? ich habe einen Sohn I have a son ich habe keine Kinder I have no children Hast du Geschwister? Do you have any brothers or sisters? ich habe eine Stiefschwester I have a step-sister ich habe keine Geschwister I have no brothers or sisters ich bin Einzelkind I am an only child ich bin verheiratet I am married ich wohne mit einem Partner zusammen ich wohne mit einer Partnerin zusammen I live with my partner ich bin geschieden I am divorced ich bin ledig I'm not married ich bin verwitwet I am widowed
- family tree (der Stammbaum)
3.11 Vocabulary: Pets Here is a list of pets found in Britain and Germany along with some birds and farm animals. Practise saying which pets you have, whether you like them, and whether they like each other! Vocabulary 9: Pets (masculine) Singular
Plural
bird
der Vogel
Vögel
budgerigar
der Wellensittich
Wellensittiche
canary
der Kanarienvogel
Kanarienvögel
cockerel
der Hahn
Hähne
cuckoo
der Kuckuck
Kuckucke
dog
der Hund
Hunde
donkey
der Esel
Esel
fish
der Fisch
Fische
frog
der Frosch
Frösche
goldfish
der Goldfisch
Goldfische
hamster
der Hamster
Hamster
parrot
der Papagei
Papageien
wolf
der Wolf
Wölfe
Vocabulary 10: Pets (feminine) Singular
Plural
bee
die Biene
Bienen
cat
die Katze
Katzen
cow
die Kuh
Kühe
crow
die Krähe
Krähen
goat
die Ziege
Ziegen
goose
die Gans
Gänse
hen
die Henne
Hennen
lizard
die Eidechse
Eidechsen
mouse
die Maus
Mäuse
owl
die Eule
Eulen
pigeon
die Taube
Tauben
rat
die Ratte
Ratten
snake
die Schlange
Schlangen
tortoise
die Schildkröte
Schildkröten
Vocabulary 11: Pets (neuter) Singular
Plural
animal
das Tier
Tiere
chick
das Küken
Küken
guinea-pig
das Meerschweinchen
Meerschweinchen
horse
das Pferd
Pferde
insect
das Insekt
Insekten
pet
das Haustier
Haustiere
rabbit
das Kaninchen
Kaninchen
sheep
das Schaf
Schafe
Did you know: • • •
that "das Haustier" (= "pet") literally means "house animal"? that "das Meerschweinchen" (= "guinea-pig") literally means "little sea pig"? that "das Nilpferd" (= "hippopotamus") literally means "Nile horse"? Vocabulary 12: Pet phrases Haben Sie ein Haustier? Do you have a pet? Haben Sie Haustiere? Do you have any pets? ich habe keine Haustiere I have no pets ich habe einen Hund I have a dog ich habe keinen Hund I don't have a dog wir haben drei Katzen we have three cats
3.12 Germans and their dogs
Man(n)'s best friend? The poster states proudly: "Wir gehören zusammen!" - "We belong together". And it is immediately apparent to the outsider that Germans adore their dogs. Cats are much less visible in German cities - there is a law which says they have to be kept in, and this is respected in Germany. Dogs, on the other hand, are taken everywhere. It's not unusual to see them in restaurants with their own water bowls supplied by the proprietor. This is in part because German dogs have traditionally been well-behaved - they all have to be registered and vaccinated against rabies (die Tollwut), as this is prevalent in many areas among wildlife. You will also see signs in every park pointing out the strict "pooper-scooper" laws and designating special areas for dogs to swim in so that the rest is more pleasant for human bathers. There are however several initiatives to help owners. Some parks or streets have a special area designated as a "Hundeklo" (= "doggy loo"). In popular dog-walking areas you will see vending machines (der Automat) for bags and scoops to get rid of mess, and bins are also provided. In Vienna, for example, certain areas are clearly designated as either "dog-free" (das Hundeverbot), "dog zones" (die Hundezone) or "a suitable place to walk your dogs" (der Hundeauslaufplatz).
Dog ownership however is one area in which the Germans are inclined to turn a blind eye to the regulations. John Hooper, Berlin correspondent for The Guardian recently wrote: "There are more dogs in Berlin than in most of Germany's other big cities put together. And an astonishing number can be found off their leads, not just rambling in the parks, but ambling along pavements, lounging in cafes and bars, and even in restaurants and clubs. Even members of the most popular breed, the pit bull terrier, roam about unhindered, along with rottweilers, dobermans and other dogs that look as if they eat a poodle or two for breakfast." Until recently that is. The tragic death of a six-year-old Turkish boy in Hamburg at the hands of a pit-bull terrier and a Staffordshire terrier in July 2000 finally provoked the authorities into action after a growing number of children had been attacked by fighting dogs (der Kampfhund) ("fighting dogs"). Since then a number of measures have been introduced on a regional level to control how dangerous dogs are kept. These include stricter implementation of "der Leinenzwang", the requirement that certain dogs are kept on a leash in public, and the "der Maulkorbzwang", the requirement that certain dogs are muzzled. Some commentators have gone as far as to suggest that all dogs, regardless of breed, should be kept on a leash when out in public. And in Berlin, anyone owning pitbulls, American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers or Tosa Inu must have them sterilised. These measure have proved unpopular with dog owners, and they are digging their heels in for a long battle with the authorities. Pet Sounds The noises made by animals are written in different ways in different languages.
While English dogs go "woof, woof", French dogs go "ouah, ouah", Albanian dogs go "ham, ham", Greek dogs go "gav, gav", Korean dogs go "mung, mung", Italian dogs go "bau, bau" - and German dogs go "wau, wau"!
Chapter 4: In the restaurant 4.1 Café Einstein The Scotsman Ken McNaught, whom we first met in Chapter 2, arrives in Berlin for the first time by train. Getting off at Zoo Station, he walks for a while along the famous Kurfürstendamm street in the city centre before stopping off at the Café Einstein near the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (= Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church) for something to eat and drink. Conversation 1: Im Café Einstein
Kellnerin
Guten Morgen!
Ken McNaught
Guten Morgen!
Kellnerin
Bitte schön? Was bekommen Sie?
Ken McNaught
Kaffee, bitte.
Kellnerin
Eine Tasse oder ein Kännchen?
Ken McNaught
Eine Tasse.
Kellnerin
Mit Milch und Zucker?
Ken McNaught
Mit Milch aber ohne Zucker.
Kellnerin
Möchten Sie sonst noch etwas?
Ken McNaught
Und ein Stück Sachertorte.
Kellnerin
(Sie kommt zurück.) Bitte sehr. Ein Stück Sachertorte, eine Tasse Kaffee.
Ken McNaught
Vielen Dank. Ich möchte gleich zahlen.
Kellnerin
Das macht neun Euro fünfzig, bitte.
Ken McNaught
Zehn Euro. Bitte schön. Stimmt so.
Kellnerin
Ich danke Ihnen.
Ken McNaught
Auf Wiedersehen!
Kellnerin
Auf Wiedersehen!
Glossary das Café
The café
im Café
in the café
die Kellnerin
waitress
bitte schön
This is essentially an invitation to speak. We might translate it by "What can I get you?" "Bitte" normally means "please".
Was bekommen "What can I get you?" This is one of many Sie? ways of asking in German what a customer wants. der Kaffee
coffee
die Tasse
cup
das Kännchen
This is the word for a "pot" of coffee. In some cafés you might be required to order a pot of coffee rather than a cup.
die Milch
milk
der Zucker
sugar
ohne
without
mit Milch aber ohne Zucker
"With milk but without sugar." As in English, the definite article is omitted in this context.
Möchten Sie sonst noch etwas?
"Would you like anything else?" The waitress naturally uses the polite form "Sie" to address her customers.
das Stück
a piece
die Sachertorte
This is a variety of chocolate gateau, invented in 1832 by Metternich's Viennese cook, Franz Sacher. See the picture at the top of the page or click here for a recipe.
bitte sehr
This is a what the waitress says when she puts your food in front of you. We might possibly translate it by "There you go".
(Sie kommt zurück)
(She comes back)
vielen Dank
This means "Many thanks". It expresses more gratefulness than the word "danke".
gleich
immediately
ich möchte gleich zahlen
I would like to pay immediately
das macht...
"It comes to...". Literally: "This makes..."
neun Euro fünfzig
nine euros fifty (cents)
bitte schön
Ken gives the waitress the money and thus uses the same phrase as she had done when she brought him the food.
stimmt so
Literally: "(That's) correct like that". We would translate it by saying "Keep the change!"
ich danke Ihnen
Literally: "I thank you." It is simply another variant of "Thanks!".
4.2 At the snack bar At the same time as Ken McNaught is drinking coffee at the restaurant, elsewhere in Berlin the two friends Sonja Malchow and Verena Offenberg are ordering something to eat at a typical Berlin Imbiss - an open stall or kiosk which you will see on street corners in German-speaking countries - outside the underground station (der U-Bahnhof) in Pankow. Conversation 2: Der Imbiss
Herr Aksoy
Guten Morgen!
Sonja Malchow
Guten Morgen!
Herr Aksoy
Bitte schön? Was wünschen Sie?
Sonja Malchow
Ich möchte gerne eine Bratwurst, bitte.
Herr Aksoy
Eine große oder eine kleine?
Sonja Malchow
Eine kleine, bitte.
Herr Aksoy
Mit Ketschup und Pommes?
Sonja Malchow
Mit Ketschup aber ohne Pommes.
Herr Aksoy
Möchten Sie auch ein Brötchen?
Sonja Malchow
Ja, bitte. Gerne.
Herr Aksoy
Ein Euro achtzig, bitte.
Verena Offenberg
Und ich nehme eine Currywurst.
Herr Aksoy
Ein Euro siebzig, bitte.
Verena Offenberg
Zehn Euro. (She hands over a ten euro note.)
Herr Aksoy
Danke sehr! Und sechs Euro und fünfzig zurück. Guten Appetit!
Verena Offenberg
Danke schön!
Glossary der Imbiss
This is one of several words for a "snack bar". You might also see the words "der Schnellimbiss", "die Imbissbude" or "die Würstchenbude" ("sausage stand").
was wünschen Sie?
"What would you like?" Having started with "Bitte schön", the conventional request for information, Herr Aksoy chooses to ask more specifically.
ich möchte gerne...
"I would like...". "Ich möchte..." on its own could be also be used here without "gerne". Note that anything that you ask for will be in the accusative case!
eine Bratwurst
"A (fried) sausage". Usually served with a roll. The German reputation for eating sausages is certainly borne out by the choice offered at their snack bars!
eine große...
a big (sausage)...
...oder eine kleine?
"...or a small (sausage)?" If the noun has already been mentioned immediately beforehand, it does not need to be repeated when you are describing it by means of an adjective.
bitte
please
der Ketschup
Unsurprisingly, this means "ketchup". Until the recent German spelling reform, it was spelled the same way as the English word.
Pommes
"Chips". From the French "Pommes frites". While "Pommes frites" is the version listed in German dictionaries, you are just as likely to hear "Pommes".
möchten Sie auch...?
"Would you like...?" See the conversation in the first section.
das Brötchen "A bread roll". All nouns ending in "-chen" are neuter - including "das Mädchen". The suffix "chen" means "little" or "small". gerne
Another word that is difficult to translate. "Gerne" on its own means "happily" or "willingly". The combination "Ja, gerne" translates as a more enthusiastic version of "Yes please!"
ein Euro achtzig
"One euro eighty (cents)".
eine
"A curried sausage". Very few German words
Currywurst
begin with "c", and many of those that do are as here - imported from other languages.
ein Euro siebzig
"One euro seventy (cents)".
danke sehr
"many thanks" (literally: "thanks very")
zurück
Literally "back", but here we would translate it as "in return".
Guten Appetit!
"Enjoy your food!" or "bon appetit".
4.3 Please and thank you The use of "bitte" As the dialogues in this section have shown, the German word bitte and its variants bitte schön and bitte sehr can have a variety of meanings. • • •
When you are asking somebody for something, you would use "bitte" to translate "please" - i.e. "eine Currywurst, bitte" (= "a curried sausage please"). "Bitte" is used by a waiter or someone offering a service to attract the customer's attention. We might translate it by "Can I help you?". You would also say "bitte" when handing things over to somebody. In this context it would mean "Here you are". You would expect the person to whom you were handing over the object to respond by saying "danke".
Bitte" is also used as a response to "danke", which is the German equivalent of "thanks" or "thank you". "Bitte" then means "You're welcome!" or "Don't mention it!". This acknowledgement of thanks is not simply a matter of politeness - it can be impolite not to follow a "danke" with a "bitte", since to a German speaker you may appear to be refusing their thanks. "Danke" is often followed by either "schön" or "sehr". If so, then the "bitte" response will be similarly modified. The following table listens the pattern of responses: Vocabulary 1: "Danke" and "bitte"
Thanks!
You're welcome!
danke
bitte
danke schön
bitte schön
danke sehr
bitte sehr
vielen Dank
any of the above
ich danke Ihnen/dir
any of the above
The other forms of saying thanks - "vielen Dank" (= many thanks) and "ich danke Ihnen/dir" (= I thank you) have no specific predetermined answer, but do require some form of "bitte (schön/sehr)".
4.4 German currency: The Euro The changeover from the Deutsche Mark At the stroke of midnight on 1 January 2002, amidst firework displays across the European mainland, euro notes and coins were introduced into Germany, Austria and 10 other member states of the European Union. The old German currency, die Deutsche Mark (DM) or die D-Mark (but NOT "Deutschmark"!) was still legal tender until 28 February 2002, after which point der Euro (€ or EUR) became the only acceptable currency in Germany. Should you still have any German marks or pfennigs (the smaller denomination of the old currency), it is still possible to exchange them at German banks. Postage stamps issued in D-Marks ceased to be legally valid in June 2002. As you can imagine, changing the currency proved to be a huge logistical undertaking which in itself is estimated to have cost 2.4 billion Marks. 28.5 billion coins and 2.6 billion notes from the D-Mark era needed to be taken out of circulation, whilst at the same time 15.5 billion coins and 2.5 billion euro banknotes needed to be introduced to shops, banks and cashpoints. Yet the changeover has passed smoothly, not least because Germans had been well prepared for it by a Government information campaign. Furthermore, although the euro notes and coins were only introduced into circulation at the start of 2002, the new currency could be used from 1 January 1999 onwards in the form of "written money" that is, by means of cheques, travellers' cheques, bank transfers and credit cards. Thus many German employees could choose whether they wished to be paid in euros or marks. And shops and supermarkets started to list prices in both marks and euros from 1999 onwards. But although the advantages of a single European currency have been widely accepted, many Germans nevertheless bade farewell to the mark with great reluctance. The mark had been a symbol of fifty years of German post-War reliability and economic revival, banishing the traumatic memories of hyper-inflation in the 1920's, when the currency was worth that little that people needed to transport it in wheelbarrows if they needed to buy something substantial. Since the mark became fully convertible in 1958, no other major currency, including the Japanese yen or the Swiss franc, had been stronger. It had become the second-largest currency component of global monetary reserves, second only to the United States dollar - which itself lost about two-thirds of its value against the Deutsche Mark since 1958. German suspicions about the euro have been increased by popular fears that manufacturers and shopkeepers took advantage of the introduction of the new currency to
raise prices on the sly. The price of everyday times staples such as bread and restaurant meals have been particularly affected, with price rises of 100% being registered on some consumer staples. Consumer groups and tabloid newspapers have rechristened the new currency "der Teuro", which is a play on the German word for expensive "teuer". As the alleged price increases were not reflected in the rate of inflation, the German government was initially slow to react to popular discontent. Having been overcharged for a sandwich in May 2002 however, Finance Minister Hans Eichel called for a consumer boycott of businesses which had tried to cash in on the currency changeover. Consumer affairs minister Renate Künast has also convened a meeting with retail and trade groups to push for "a return to fair prices." But the overall impression remains that the changeover to the new currency has been much more successful than Euro-sceptics had predicted. Although an opinion poll conducted in February 2002 showed that 48% of Germans regret the loss of the mark, a roughly equal number said that they were satisfied with the new euro currency.
What's a euro worth? Since January 1 1999, the euro has had an irrevocably fixed conversion rate against the national currencies participating in the Eurozone. From that date onwards, the value of one euro has been fixed at 1.95583 German marks. This has proved useful in helping German citizens to come to terms with the new currency, as one euro is thus roughly equal to two German marks. One euro is also worth: • • • • • • • • • • •
13.7903 Austrian schillings (ATS) 40.3399 Belgian francs (BEF) 5.94573 Finnish markka (FIM) 6.55957 French francs (FRF) 340.750 Greek drachma (GRD) 0.787564 Irish pounds (IEP) 1936.27 Italian lira (ITL) 40.3399 Luxembourg francs (LUF) 2.20371 Dutch guilders (NLG) 200.482 Portuguese escudos (PTE) 166.386 Spanish pesetas (ESP)
There are of course no fixed exchange rates for currencies of countries which are not in the Eurozone. In June 2002, one euro was worth 0.643 British pounds (and one British pound was thus worth 1.555 euros). One euro was also worth 0.945 United States dollars.
4.5 Euro notes and coins Euro banknotes The seven Euro banknotes depict the theme "Ages and styles of Europe". Each of the notes has gateways and windows on its front and bridges on the back designed in a
specific architectural style. Gateways and windows are intended to symbolise the European spirit of openness and co-operation, whereas bridges symbolise the close co-operation and communication between Europe and the rest of the world. The 5 euro note represents the classical architectural style, the 10 euro note has a romanesque design, the 20 euro note has a gothic motif, the 50 euro note represents the renaissance period, the 100 euro note depicts the baroque and rococo periods, the 200 euro note displays iron and glass architecture and the 500 euro note depicts modern 20th Century architecture. Euro banknotes
5 Euro (€5) 10 Euro (€10) 20 Euro (€20) 50 Euro (€50) 100 Euro (€100) 200 Euro (€200) 500 Euro (€500)
German euro coins The eight denominations of coins vary in size, colour and thickness according to their values. Alongside the one and two euro coins, there are six coins of the smaller denomination the cent (der Cent). One hundred cents are equal to one euro. The front of each coin features one of three designs common to all twelve euro area countries showing different maps of Europe surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union. The reverse side of each coin shows individual designs relating to the respective member state. (Euro coins can of course be used anywhere in the euro area, regardless of their national sides.) The one and two euro coins have the eagle, the traditional symbol of German sovereignty on the back. The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins have the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins have an oak twig on the reverse - a symbol of continuity, as this motif was also to be found on the German pfennig coins which have just been phased out. German euro coins
1 Cent
2 Cent
5 Cent
10 Cent
20 Cent
50 Cent
1 Euro (€1)
2 Euro (€2)
How to express the euro notes and coins in German Compound nouns are used in German to translate items such as a "five euro note" or a "two cent piece". Such nouns begin with a capital letter and their gender is determined by the final element of the compound noun. The German word for a banknote is der Schein (-e) and the word for a coin is die Münze (-n). When describing specific denominations of coin however, das Stück (-e) is used in German compound nouns instead of "die Münze". It literally means "piece" in the same way as the English "twenty pence piece".
Vocabulary 2: Scheine und Münzen
der Schein (-e) (note)
die Münze (-n) (coin)
das Eurostück (-e) (one euro coin)
das Centstück (-e) (one cent coin)
das Zweieurostück (-e) (two euro coin)
das Zweicentstück (-e) (two cent coin)
der Fünfeuroschein (-e) (five euro note)
das Fünfcentstück (-e) (five cent coin)
der Zehneuroschein (-e) (ten euro note)
das Zehncentstück (-e) (ten cent coin)
der Zwanzigeuroschein (-e) (twenty euro note)
das Zwanzigcentstück (-e) (twenty cent coin)
der Fünfzigeuroschein (-e) (fifty euro note)
das Fünfzigcentstück (-e) (fifty cent coin)
der Hunderteuroschein (-e) (hundred euro note) der Zweihunderteuroschein (-e) (two hundred euro note)
Remember to use a comma and not a full stop to separate euros and cents!
Words and phrases: "Los geht's! (= "Let's go!") "Weiter spielen! (= "Carry on!") "Spiel starten" (= "Start the game") "Neues Spiel" (= "New Game") "Ihr Ergebnis ist zu niedrig" (= Your amount is too low) "Ihr Ergebnis ist zu hoch" (= Your amount is too high) "Leider has du falsch gezählt. Das richtige Ergebnis war..." (= Unfortunately you have counted incorrectly. The correct amount was...)
4.6 Expressing prices and currencies Currencies As currencies are proper nouns in German, they start with a capital letter. Many international currencies - such as der Euro and der Cent are masculine, but others are not.
Vocabulary 3: Die Währung (currency)
der Euro (euro)
der Cent (cent)
das Pfund (pound)
der Dollar (dollar)
der Franken (Swiss franc)
der Rappen (Swiss centime)
der Yen (Japanese yen)
der Rubel (Russian rouble)
die Mark die D-Mark die deutsche Mark (German mark)
Note therefore that while there are three different ways of expressing the former German currency, none of them were the word "Deutschmark" - which only existed in English! How to express prices When we express prices in English, the currency itself will be in the plural if the number is greater than one e.g. "three euros and eighty cents", "two pounds fifty" etc. In German prices however, the currency is always in the singular in prices regardless of the amount - drei Euro achtzig, zwei Pfund fünfzig. Similarly, although one euro consists of a hundred cents, the word "Cent" is only written in the singular in German prices - i.e. zwölf Euro (und) zehn Cent (= twelve euros and ten cents). Note that in written German, a comma is invariably used in prices where we would put a decimal point in English. Thus € 3,99 (or 3,99 €) means "three euros and ninety-nine cents". In shops and supermarkets however, price tickets can either display a comma or a decimal point, as the price tags below display. When a price ends in a round number of euros, as in the list of drinks prices on the board in the picture below, it is most commonly written as € 5,- etc. The reverse is also true. Whereas English uses a comma to split up large numbers, German uses a decimal point. So "€ 2.635" means "two thousand six hundred and thirty-five euros" - not "two point six three five euros"!
4.7 Numbers: 21-99 In Chapter 3 we learned how to count from one to twenty in German. In the dialogues in this section we have discovered that larger numbers are required when buying things in Germany. A list of German numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine is given below.
Vocabulary 4: Numbers 21-99
21
einundzwanzig
31
einunddreißig
22
zweiundzwanzig
32
zweiunddreißig
23
dreiundzwanzig
40
vierzig
24
vierundzwanzig
45
fünfundvierzig
25
fünfundzwanzig
50
fünfzig
26
sechsundzwanzig
54
vierundfünfzig
27
siebenundzwanzig
60
sechzig
28
achtundzwanzig
70
siebzig
29
neunundzwanzig
80
achtzig
30
dreißig
90
neunzig
Explanation 1. The biggest difficulty which English-speakers experience with German numbers is that cardinal numbers above twenty appear to be formed "backwards". Whereas we say "twenty-four", German says "vierundzwanzig" (= four and twenty) like the "fourand-twenty blackbirds" in the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence". This takes a lot of getting used to! Note in particular the difference between 45 and 54 in the list above. English-speakers often get such similar pairs of numbers the wrong way round. 2. Note too that German numbers greater than twelve are seldom written as words, except on cheques. When they are written out, each number is one continuous word - i.e. "achtundsiebzig" whereas we would write "seventy-eight". 3. The German equivalent of the suffix "-ty" (as in "forty", "fifty" etc.) is "-zig". There is one exception to this however: the German for "thirty" is "dreißig". 4. Be very careful of endings when using numbers containing "ein(e)". For example: - € 1,20 is written as ein Euro zwanzig as "der Euro" is a masculine noun. - DM 1,20 however is written as eine Mark zwanzig as "die Mark" is a feminine noun. - € 21,00 is written as einundzwanzig Euro. There are no endings on "ein" here as it appears in the middle of another number. - € 21,21 is likewise written as einundzwanzig Euro einundzwanzig.
4.8 Im Restaurant (1) Anna Müller and Margarete Schäfer, the two Berlin neighbours whom we saw meeting for the first time in an earlier section, have met up at the "Café Lit" restaurant for a meal. But first they need to find a seat!
Conversation 3: Im Restaurant (1)
Anna Müller
Guten Tag. Ist hier noch frei?
Mann
Nein, hier ist leider besetzt.
Anna Müller
Entschuldigen Sie bitte. Ist hier noch frei?
Frau
Ja, natürlich. Nehmen Sie Platz!
Anna Müller
Vielen Dank.
Kellner
Guten Tag. Sie wünschen bitte? Tee, Kaffee, Kakao, Cola, Limonade, Wein?
Anna Müller
Ich möchte gerne ein Kännchen Tee, bitte.
Kellner
Mit Milch oder mit Zitrone?
Anna Müller
Mit Zitrone, bitte.
Margarete Schäfer
Und ich nehme ein Glas Wein. Nein, ein Bier!
Kellner
Ein großes oder ein kleines?
Margarete Schäfer
Ein kleines.
Kellner
Ja. Möchten Sie auch die Speisekarte?
Anna Müller
Ja, bitte. Gerne.
Glossary das Restaurant
This is written as in English but it is pronounced quite differently.
im Restaurant
in the restaurant
Ist hier noch frei?
"Is this seat taken?" Literally: "Is here still free?"
entschuldigen Sie bitte
"Excuse me please". This is the most polite way of gaining somebody's attention.
leider
unfortunately
hier ist leider besetzt
"Unfortunately, this seat is taken". The word "besetzt" is also used to translate "engaged" both for a phone-line and a toilet cubicle.
natürlich
of course; naturally
nehmen Sie Platz
"Take a seat". This is a word-for-word translation of the English, with the indefinite article being omitted. Both this phrase and "Entschuldigen Sie, bitte" are requests / instructions. In the "Sie" form, this means that the subject and the verb are reversed such that the verb is the first element in the sentence.
der Kellner
waiter
der Tee
tea
der Kakao
cocoa
die (Coca)Cola
No need to translate this one, but note that this is feminine in German. It is "das Coke" however!
die Limonade
lemonade
der Wein
"wine". Most alcoholic drinks turn out to be masculine.
ein Kännchen Tee
"A pot of tea". As with the glass of wine, the word for "of" is omitted in German after a noun of quantity.
die Milch
milk
die Zitrone
This means "lemon". Tea is usually drunk in German-speaking countries with lemon - and from a glass. If you want milk rather than lemon you will need to ask for "Tee mit Milch".
gleich
immediately
und ich nehme....
and I'll have...
das Glas
glass
ein Glas Wein
This means "a glass of wine". Here too there is no word for "of" in German after the noun of quantity.
das Bier
The German for "beer" is one of the few words for alcoholic beverages which is neuter, not masculine.
ein großes oder ein kleines?
"a large (beer) or a small (beer)". As in the earlier section, the noun does not need to be repeated. We will discuss adjective endings in a later section.
Möchten Sie auch...?
Would you also like...?
die Speisekarte
"The menu". Literally: "The food card". You might also hear it reduced to "die Karte".
4.9 Im Restaurant (2) Having now found somewhere to sit and ordered a drink, Anna Müller and Margarete Schäfer are now ready to order their meal. Read their conversation to the waiter (der Kellner). Conversation 4: Im Restaurant (2)
Kellner
Haben Sie schon gewählt?
Margarete Schäfer
Ja, wir möchten bestellen.
Kellner
Was hätten Sie gern?
Margarete Schäfer
Ich hätte gern Hähnchen mit Kartoffeln und Salat, bitte.
Kellner
Gerne. Und für Sie?
Anna Müller
Ich möchte Schweineschnitzel mit Pommes frites.
Kellner
Ja... Und zu trinken?
Anna Müller
Ein Glas Weißwein, bitte.
Margarete Schäfer
Und noch ein Bier!
Kellner
Bitte sehr.
Anna Müller
Danke.
Glossary schon
already
Haben Sie schon gewählt?
Have you already chosen?
Wir möchten bestellen
"We would like to order." Note that - as in English - the infinitive of the verb "bestellen" comes at the end of the clause.
das Hähnchen
"Chicken". As this noun is another one which ends in "-chen", we know that it must be neuter.
die Kartoffel
potato
der Salat
salad; lettuce
gerne
So far we have seen this word when a customer is saying what he or she would like. When spoken by a waiter, as here, it means "Of course!" or "You're welcome!"
Und für Sie?
And for you?
das Schwein
pig; pork
das Schnitzel
cutlet, chop
das Schweineschnitzel
"Pork cutlet, escalope of pork". This is another example of those compound nouns which are so common in German. Remember that the gender of the compound noun will always be determined by the last element - here "das Schnitzel".
Und zu trinken?
And to drink?
ein Glas Weißwein
"A glass of white wine". "Weißwein" is another compound noun, coming from "weiß", the adjective for "white" and "der Wein" (= wine).
noch
still; yet
noch ein Bier
"Another beer". You would say "eine" for a feminine noun. So "another cup of tea" would be "Noch eine Tasse Tee".
bitte sehr
Yet another nuance of "bitte"! Although the waiter isn't actually bringing them anything, he still says "bitte sehr" to confirm the transaction.
4.10 Settling the bill Having had their main course, the waiter comes round to see if everything is in order. Anna decides that they don't want a dessert, but would like the bill instead. Conversation 5: Settling the bill
Kellner
So, hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?
Margarete Schäfer
Ausgezeichnet!
Anna Müller Sehr gut! Kellner
Möchten Sie noch etwas bestellen? Darf ich Ihnen einen Nachtisch bringen? Wir haben heute Erdbeeren mit Vanilleeis und Sahne.
Anna Müller Für mich nicht. Margarete Schäfer
Nein, danke, die Rechnung, bitte.
Kellner
Ja, zusammen oder getrennt?
Anna Müller Zusammen, bitte. Kellner
Ja, kleinen Moment bitte. Das macht siebenundzwanzig Euro sechzig, bitte.
Anna Müller Dreißig. Stimmt so? Kellner
Ja, danke schön.
Glossary so
This approximates to "well then". It never means the English "so" as in "a logical conclusion".
Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?
"Did you enjoy your meal?". The literal meaning is: "Did it taste to you?"
ausgezeichnet
"Excellent!" But then Margarete has had two beers by now...
sehr gut
very good
noch etwas
"Something else". This always has the sense of an additional something rather than "something different".
der Nachtisch
"dessert". It literally means "after-table".
darf ich...?
"may I...?" Just like "Ich möchte...", it is always followed by the infinitive of the verb which it governs.
darf ich Ihnen einen Nachtisch bringen?
"May I bring you a dessert?". And it is "einen Nachtisch", because the masculine noun "der Nachtisch" is the object of the sentence.
heute
today
die Erdbeere
"strawberry". As we have seen, many feminine nouns end in "-e", and form a plural in "-en".
das Vanilleeis
"vanilla ice-cream". This is another German compound noun, coming from "die Vanille" (= "vanilla") and "das Eis" (= "ice cream"). As "das Eis" is the final element of the compound noun, it determines the gender.
die Sahne
cream
für mich nicht
"Not for me". Note that the German word for "not" - "nicht" - follows the noun to which it refers.
die Rechnung, bitte
(Could we have) the bill, please?
zusammen...
together...
...oder getrennt?
"...or separately?" The waiter is thus asking them whether they wish to pay together or separately.
kleinen Moment, bitte
"One moment, please". Literally: "A little moment please".
das macht...
"It comes to....". Literally: "This makes...".
siebenundzwanzig Euro sechzig
Twenty-seven euros sixty
dreißig
Thirty
stimmt so?
Is that right?
4.11 Vocabulary - Food and drink
Here is a summary of the vocabulary covered in this section, together with some other words for food and drink which you may find useful. Many of these nouns are not used in the plural - in most cases as in English - and so only the singular form will be given. Unless otherwise indicated, you should assume that any verbs given are regular (in the present tense at least). Vocabulary 5: Food and drink (masc.) English
German
cake
der Kuchen (plural - Kuchen)
cocoa
der Kakao
coffee
der Kaffee
dessert
der Nachtisch
juice
der Saft
- apple juice
- der Apfelsaft
- orange juice
- der Orangensaft
ketchup
der Ketschup
salad
der Salat
sugar
der Zucker
tea
der Tee
wine
der Wein
- red wine
- der Rotwein
- white wine
- der Weißwein
Vocabulary 6: Food and drink (fem.) Singular
Plural
bill
die Rechnung
Rechnungen
coca-cola
die (Coca-)Cola
cream
die Sahne
cup
die Tasse
Tassen
gâteau
die Torte
Torten
lemon
die Zitrone
Zitronen
lemonade
die Limonade
menu
die Speisekarte
milk
die Milch
potato
die Kartoffel
Kartoffeln
sachertorte
die Sachertorte
Sachertorten
sausage
die Wurst
Würste
Speisekarten
- curried sausage
- die Currywurst
- Currywürste
- fried sausage
- die Bratwurst
- Bratwürste
strawberry
die Erdbeere
Erdbeeren
Vocabulary 7: Food and drink (neuter) Singular
Plural
beer
das Bier
bread roll
das Brötchen
Brötchen
café
das Café
Cafés
chicken
das Hähnchen
Hähnchen
glass
das Glas
Gläser
ice cream
das Eis
- vanilla ice cream
- das Vanilleeis
piece
das Stück
Stücke
pig; pork
das Schwein
Schweine
- pork cutlet
- das Schweineschnitzel
- Schweineschnitzel
pot
das Kännchen
Kännchen
restaurant
das Restaurant
Restaurants
Vocabulary 8: Food and drink (verbs) English
German
to bringen
bringen
to choose
wählen
to get; receive
bekommen
to order
bestellen
Vocabulary 9: Food and drink (phrases) ist hier noch frei? Is this seat taken? hier ist besetzt this seat is taken nehmen Sie Platz! Take a seat!
haben Sie schon gewählt? Have you already chosen? was bekommen Sie? What would you like? was möchten Sie? What would you like? möchten Sie sonst noch etwas? Would you like anything else? möchten Sie noch etwas bestellen? Would you like anything else? und zu trinken? And to drink? ich möchte... I would like... ich hätte gerne... I would like... guten Appetit! Bon appetit! hat es Ihnen geschmeckt? Did you enjoy your meal? ich möchte gleich zahlen I would like to pay now die Rechnung, bitte The bill, please kleinen Moment, bitte! Just one moment please! zusammen oder getrennt? are you paying together or separately? das macht 20 Euro It comes to 20 euros
4.12 Eating out in Germany Town and country The choice of restaurants in Germany is broad and varied. This is particularly the case in large cities where you can find the cuisine of most countries of the world represented. Even smaller towns however will have their fair share of Italian, Greek,
Turkish and Chinese restaurants - although Indian cuisine has yet to catch on to the extent that it has in Great Britain. What have become popular and very common are take-aways on the American pattern, delivering pizzas, Chinese and Mexican food to your home. In the country you are more likely to come across "eine Gaststätte", "ein Gasthaus" or "eine Gaststube", a combination of pub, restaurant and café which invariably offers local delicacies. Take a look at the menu boards which are hung outside all German restaurants to see what they are offering! What you will not find in either town or country is an equivalent for the British "caff" or "greasy spoon". Cafés in German-speaking countries are in general more upmarket, with tablecloths, carpets and upholstered chairs. Restaurant etiquette When entering a restaurant in a German-speaking country, it is customary for the diner to find their own seat rather than waiting to be designated one. You should also not be surprised if another party asks if they may sit at your table. This is common practice on the European mainland. And do not be offended if the people in that party do not engage in conversation with you. They are rarely interested in making friends, just looking for a seat in a crowded restaurant. It used to be the case that you would address the waiter as Herr Ober and waitresses as Fräulein. These forms of address are out of date nowadays however and should be avoided. If you want to order or pay you should make a sign with your hand (but do not click your fingers!) and say something along the lines of Kann ich bestellen, bitte? (= "May I order, please"?). Paying and tipping Credit cards are nearly always accepted in large restaurants nowadays but in more humble establishments hard cash is still the usual means of payment. If you want to pay by credit card, it is always advisable to ask before you order. Paying for the meal is almost always done at your table with the waitress or waiter who served you. It is not necessary to tip 15%, because a 15% gratuity is included in the prices as a service fee (in addition to a 15% value added tax). It is nevertheless usual to leave a tip in restaurants, cafés and other places where your bill is brought to your table. This is done by rounding the bill up. If a bill is under 10 euros you round the sum up to the next full mark or next but one - i.e. € 11,50 would be rounded up to € 12. If the bill comes to more than 10 euros you should allow 5% for a tip, rising to 10% in a more upmarket establishment. Leaving the tip on the table after you have paid is unknown in Germany. Waiters and waitresses are accustomed to receiving their tip as part of the bill, not by looking for the tip on the table after you have left. If you let them give you your full change (and then leave a tip on the table) they will think that you are unhappy with their service. Only if you are really dissatisfied with the quality of service that you have received should you not leave any tip at all - a token tip of a few cents will have the same effect. Snacks
One of the most striking aspects about a German city is the number of kiosks (der Kiosk), sausage stalls (die Würstchenbude) or snack bars (der Imbiss, der Schnellimbiss) on each street corner. They are most well-known for offering Bratwurst - a fried or grilled sausage - or curried sausage (Currywurst). In Austria, you may come across "Steckerlfisch" - grilled fish on a stick. You can also get chips there (Pommes, Pommes frites), but don't be alarmed if you are offered mayonnaise along with tomato sauce to put on them! Such kiosks and snack bars serve beer as well as soft drinks, and many will offer a very good ground coffee. The preference for coffee over tea in mainland Europe continues unabated. You may be offered tea in a café or restaurant, but most Germans drink it with lemon or just black. Iced tea is becoming increasingly popular as a summertime beverage. The traditional German kiosk and snack bar is however under attack from a variety of overseas food outlets, American fast food (hamburgers, pancakes et al.) being the most visible competitor. But you will also find Turkish kebabs, Italian pizzas and French crêpes doing a roaring trade on street corners.
Chapter 5: Asking for directions 5.1 Where is the Hotel Ravenna (1) Having arrived in Berlin for his conference, Ken McNaught now needs to find his way around in the big city. He knows that his hotel - the "Hotel Ravenna" (marked by an "X" in our diagram) - is in the road called Harbigstrasse which in the Charlottenburg region of Berlin, but he is having trouble finding it. Whilst in Position 1 on our diagram, standing on the corner of two roads called Waldschulallee and Messedamm, he meets a passer-by (ein Passant) and asks for directions.
Conversation 1: Wo ist das Hotel Ravenna?
Ken McNaught
Entschuldigen Sie bitte.
Passant
Ja bitte?
Ken McNaught
Wo finde ich das Hotel Ravenna?
Passant
Ach ja, ich weiß... Da gehen Sie bitte fünfhundert Meter geradeaus, und die nächste Straße rechts, und dann finden Sie das Hotel Ravenna auf der rechten Seite.
Ken McNaught
Wie bitte?
Passant
Immer geradeaus, dann die nächste rechts die Harbigstraße.
Ken McNaught
Danke schön!
Passant
Bitte schön. Viel Spaß in Berlin!
Glossary der Passant
the passer-by
wo ist...?
where is...?
das Hotel
the hotel
entschuldigen Sie bitte
Excuse me please?
Ja, bitte
Another nuance of "bitte"! This time it approximates to "Yes, how may I help?"
wo finde ich...?
"Where can I find...?" The word for "can" is omitted in the German construction.
das Hotel Ravenna
The names of most German hotels follow the word for "hotel".
ach ja, ich weiß
oh yes, I know
da gehen Sie bitte...
"You go...". Our old friend "bitte" is added for an extra touch of politeness.
fünfhundert Meter
five hundred metres
geradeaus
"Straight on." Later in the conversation the passer-by will say "immer geradeaus", which equates to "keep straight on" - (literally "always straight on").
die Straße
street; road
rechts
on the right
die nächste Straße rechts
the next road on the right
dann finden Sie...
"Then you will find..." There is no word here for "will" - the present tense can be used in German to translate the immediate future.
auf der rechten Seite
"on the right-hand side". In practice this is interchangeable with "rechts".
Wie bitte?
This means "Pardon me?". Never be embarrassed about asking somebody to repeat directions, particularly when you are new to a language!
die nächste rechts
The passer-by does not repeat "Straße" here. As we saw in the previous section, it is clear that the adjective refers back to the feminine noun "street".
viel Spaß
"Enjoy yourself!". The literal meaning is "Much fun!"
5.2 Where is the Hotel Ravenna (2) Our passer-by is beginning to curse his luck! No sooner has he given instructions to Ken McNaught and moved along the Messedamm to Position 2 on our diagram than he bumps into Herr Loss, who is also looking for the Hotel Ravenna (which is again marked by an "X" in our diagram).
Conversation 2: Wo ist das Hotel Ravenna?
Herr Loss
Entschuldigen Sie bitte.
Passant
Ja?
Herr Loss
Wie komme ich zum Hotel Ravenna?
Passant
Gehen Sie hier geradeaus.
Herr Loss
Hier geradeaus?
Passant
Richtig. Nehmen Sie dann die erste Straße rechts. Das ist die Jaffeestraße.
Herr Loss
Die zweite Straße rechts?
Passant
Nein, nicht die zweite sondern die erste Straße rechts!
Herr Loss
Die erste Straße rechts?
Passant
Ja, ganz richtig. Dann nehmen Sie bitte die erste Straße links. Das ist die Harbigstraße.
Herr Loss
Die Harbigstraße?
Passant
Ja, genau. Und das Hotel Ravenna ist auf der linken Seite.
Herr Loss
Vielen Dank. Auf Wiedersehen!
Passant
Auf Wiedersehen!
Glossary Wie komme ich...?
"How do I get to...?" Literally: "How do I come to...?" As there is only one present tense in German, the word for "do" is omitted in the German construction.
... zum Hotel Ravenna
"...to the Hotel Ravenna". The word "zum" is short for "zu dem". It is only used for masculine and neuter nouns - for feminine nouns you would say "zur".
hier geradeaus
straight on here
richtig
right; correct
Nehmen Sie...
"Take...". Note again the inverted word order of the polite request.
die erste Straße rechts
the first road on the right
die zweite the second road on the right Straße rechts nicht... sondern...
"Not ... but..." In this case, "nicht" precedes the noun to which it refers.
ganz richtig
"Quite right". The word "ganz" is quite tricky in that it can mean "quite" or very according to context.
die erste Straße links...
the first road on the left...
auf der linken "On the left-hand side". In practice this is Seite interchangeable with "links".
5.3 Where is the nearest...? On the previous two pages, we have practised how to get directions to specific places. The vocabulary and skills are slightly different when we have to find the nearest shop, station etc. In this conversation we find Herr McNaught asking a female passer-by (eine Passantin) where the nearest telephone box and the nearest chemist's are. Conversation 3: Telefonzelle und Apotheke
Ken McNaught
Entschuldigen Sie bitte.
Passantin
Ja?
Ken McNaught
Wo ist denn hier die nächste Telefonzelle?
Passantin
Die nächste Telefonzelle ist gleich hier um die Ecke. In der Nähe vom Brandenburger Tor.
Ken McNaught
Und wo gibt es hier eine Apotheke?
Passantin
Eine Apotheke oder eine Drogerie?
Ken McNaught
Eine Apotheke.
Passantin
Sie gehen geradeaus und dann die vierte Straße links. An der Ampel rechts und dann stehen Sie direkt vor der Apotheke.
Ken McNaught
Ist das weit?
Passantin
Nein, nur fünf Minuten zu Fuß.
Glossary die Passantin
passer-by (female)
Wo ist denn hier...?
"Wo ist...?" is the basic phrase used to translate "Where is...?". The additional words "denn hier" merely add a sense of conversational emphasis, and can be omitted.
die Telefonzelle
telephone box
die nächste Telefonzelle
"The nearest telephone box." The endings of the adjective "nächst-" depend on the gender of the noun, and the case - i.e. whether it is in the nominative or the accusative case.
gleich hier
just here; right here
um die Ecke
around the corner
in der Nähe von "Near...". When the preposition "von" is followed by the definite article, this becomes "vom" for a masculine or neuter noun, and "von der" for a feminine noun. das Brandenburger Tor
"The Brandenburg Gate" is probably Berlin's most famous landmark. We have included a picture of it in the top left-hand corner of each page in this chapter.
Wo gibt es hier...?
Another variant of "Where is...?" Note that in this construction, the thing which you are looking for is in the accusative case, whereas it is in the nominative case for the "Wo ist..." construction. This of course affects the endings on each noun.
die Apotheke
This is a "chemist's shop" which is staffed by qualified pharmacists who can prescribe medication for straightforward ailments without a doctor's prescription.
die Drogerie
We would also translate this as a "chemist's shop", but it is one that merely sells toothpaste, toilet articles and cough sweets.
die Ampel
"Traffic lights". This is a singular noun in German.
an der Ampel rechts
"Right at the traffic lights". The definite article "die" becomes "der" after the preposition "an" which takes the dative case.
dann stehen Sie...
"Then you stand...". The verb "stehen" is regular in the present tense.
direkt
directly
vor der Apotheke
"In front of the chemists shop". This is another preposition which takes the dative case.
Ist das weit?
Is it far?
nur
only
fünf Minuten zu five minutes by foot Fuß
5.4 Studying the map Ken McNaught is now positioned "Ecke Singerstraße Neue Blumenstraße", that is on the corner of Singerstraße and Neue Blumenstraße in what used to be East Berlin. He asks a passer-by where he can find the post-office and the underground station. Both of these are shown on the map below - the post-office has the yellow logo of the German post office Deutsche Post with its trademark horn, and the "U-Bahnhof" (= "underground station") is indicated by the blue letter "U".
Conversation 4: Das Postamt und der U-Bahnhof
Ken Entschuldigen Sie bitte. McNaught
Passant
Ja bitte?
Ken Gibt es hier in der Nähe ein Postamt? McNaught Passant
Ja, hier ganz in der Nähe. In der Schillingstraße etwa zwei Minuten von hier.
Ken Und wo ist die Schillingstraße? McNaught Passant
Sie gehen geradeaus und dann links. Nehmen Sie die erste Straße rechts und dann finden Sie das Postamt auf der linken Seite.
Ken Und wo gibt es hier einen U-Bahnhof? McNaught Passant
Da gehen Sie bitte circa sechshundert Meter geradeaus, die nächste rechts und dann gehen Sie ganz einfach die Schillingstraße entlang, an der Polizeiwache vorbei, und dann stehen Sie direkt davor.
Ken Welcher U-Bahnhof ist das? McNaught Passant
U-Bahnhof Schillingstraße.
Glossary hier in der Nähe
near here
hier ganz in der Nähe
very near here
das Postamt
"Post office". You will often hear the word "die Post" used for this, which also means the post office as an institution.
etwa
approximately
zwei Minuten von hier
two minutes from here
Wo gibt es hier einen UBahnhof?
"Where is an underground station round here?" As "es gibt" takes the accusative case, the masculine noun "ein U-Bahnhof" becomes "einen U-Bahnhof".
circa
approximately; about
sechshundert Meter
six hundred metres
ganz einfach
quite simply
die Schillingstraße "Along the Schillingstraße". The preposition entlang "entlang" follows the noun to which it refers. die Polizeiwache
"Police station". It is indicated on German
maps by a green star on a white circular background. an der Polizeiwache vorbei
past the police station
direkt davor
directly in front of it
Welcher UBahnhof ist das?
"Which underground station is that?" If the noun following "which" was a feminine noun, it would be "welche" and if it was a neuter noun, it would be "welches".
5.5 Prepositions Prepositions which take the accusative case Prepositions are words such as "in", "on" and "over" which stand in front of a noun or pronoun to relate it to the rest of the sentence. In German, when these prepositions are used, the words for "the" (der/die/das) and "a" (ein) alter their endings depending on the case in which they are used. We are already familiar with the accusative case, and have explained how "der" changes into "den" in the accusative case, and "ein" changes into "einen". This same change from "der" to "den" also happens after certain prepositions - we say that these prepositions "take" the accusative case. Some of the more commonly used German prepositions are listed below: Grammar 1: Accusative prepositions
Preposition
Example
durch
durch das Hotel through the hotel
entlang
die Straße entlang along the street
für
für den Mann for the man
um
um die Ecke round the corner
The dative case Many prepositions however take a case which is new to us - the dative case. For the definite article, the dative case means that both the masculine "der" and the neuter "das" change into "dem", and the feminine "die" changes into "der". As regards to the indefinite article, the dative case means that both the masculine and the neuter "ein" change into "einem", whereas the feminine "eine" changes into "einer". Some of the most commonly used German prepositions that take the dative case are:
Grammar 2: Dative prepositions
Prep.
Example
an
an der Ampel (at the traffic lights)
in
in einem Restaurant (in a restaurant)
von
5 Minuten von der Apotheke (five minutes from the chemist's)
vor
vor dem Hotel (in front of the hotel)
zu
Wie komme ich zum Hotel? (How do I get to the hotel?)
There is an additional difficulty however, in that some prepositions can either take the accusative or the dative case, depending on context. The prepositions "an", "in" and "vor" take the dative case when they are describing a fixed position, but the accusative case when they are describing movement - "Er geht in das Hotel". We will look at this in more detail in a subsequent chapter. The prepositions "von" and "zu" on the other hand, always take the dative case.
5.6 The dative case and the articles Definite article The endings for the definite article "der" in the dative case are as follows - singular endings only. Grammar 3: Definite article in the dative case
Masculine Feminine Neuter Nominative
der Mann
die Frau
das Kind
Accusative
den Mann
die Frau
das Kind
Dative
dem Mann
der Frau
dem Kind
Merging of prepositions with the definite article You will already have noted that certain prepositions tend to merge with the definite article - but never with the indefinite article. The following contracted forms are almost always preferred to the non-contracted forms: Grammar 4: Dative prepositions
Prep.
Example
an + dem = am
Ich bin am U-Bahnhof (I am at the underground station)
in + dem = im
Wir sind im Café (We are in the café)
von + dem = vom
Zehn Minuten vom Bahnhof (Ten minutes from the station)
zu + dem = zum
Wie komme ich zum Hotel? (How do I get to the hotel?)
zu + der = zur
Sie geht zur Bank (She goes to the bank)
The indefinite article The endings for the indefinite article "ein" in the three cases which we have met so far are printed below. Note that "kein" also declines in the same way. Grammar 5: Indefinite article in the dative case
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom. ein Mann
eine Frau
ein Kind
Acc.
einen Mann
eine Frau
ein Kind
Dat.
einem Mann
einer Frau
einem Kind
Possessive adjectives The endings for the possessive adjectives are as follows. We have given "mein" as an example, but the others decline in the same way. Grammar 6: Possessive adjectives in the dative case
Masc. Nom. mein Mann
Fem.
Neut.
meine Frau mein Kind
Acc.
meinen Mann meine Frau mein Kind
Dat.
meinem Mann
meiner Frau
meinem Kind
The only exception to this rule is the possessive adjective "euer" (= your). This possessive loses the "-e-" of its stem when it adds endings. Grammar 7: The possessive "euer" in the dative case
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Nom. euer Mann
eure Frau
euer Kind
Acc.
euren Mann
eure Frau
eurer Kind
Dat.
eurem Mann
eurer Frau
eurem Kind
5.7 Adjectives
When adjectives follow a noun When an adjective - or "describing word" - follows the verb "to be" as in the phrase "Ist es weit?" (= Is it far?) in one of the conversations in this chapter, or in the question "Wie alt bist du?, adjectives in this position do not have endings in German. When an adjective is given as a one word response to a question, there are also no endings. For example, when the waiter asks the diners in Chapter 4 whether they had enjoyed their meal - "Hat es Ihnen geschmeckt?" (= Did you enjoy your meal?), Anna and Margarete reply with adjectives without endings - "Ausgezeichnet!" (= Excellent!) and "Sehr gut!" (= Very good!). Adjectives before a noun Adjectives standing in front of a noun add endings to show whether that noun is singular or plural, what its gender is, and what case it stands in. The endings the adjective adds depend on what sort of article is standing before it. The endings for an adjective which follows the definite article "der" are as follows: Grammar 8: Adjective endings after the definite article
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom.
der gute Mann
die gute Frau
das gute Kind
Acc.
den guten Mann
die gute Frau
das gute Kind
Dat.
dem guten Mann
der guten Frau
dem guten Kind
The indefinite article "ein" - along with "kein" - has the following endings, depending on the gender of the noun which follows it and the case that this noun is in. Grammar 9: Adjective endings after the indefinite article
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom. ein guter Mann
eine gute Frau
ein gutes Kind
Acc.
einen guten Mann
eine gute Frau
ein gutes Kind
Dat.
einem guten Mann einer guten Frau einem guten Kind
Adjectives after possessive adjectives take exactly the same endings as those which follow the indefinite article: Grammar 10: Adjectives after possessive adjectives
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom. ihr guter Mann
ihre gute Frau
ihr gutes Kind
Acc.
ihren guten Mann
ihre gute Frau
ihr gutes Kind
Dat.
ihrem guten Mann
ihrer guten Frau
ihrem guten Kind
Examples To work out the endings on an adjective you need to know three things: • • •
What is the gender of the noun - masculine, feminine or accusative? What case is the noun in in this sentence - nominative, accusative or dative? What type of article precedes the adjective - definite "ein" or indefinite "ein"? Or is it preceded by a possessive adjective "mein etc."?
Thus for the sentence "Wo ist die nächste Apotheke?", we know that the ending on the adjective is "-e" because: • • •
"die Apotheke" is a feminine noun It is in the nominative case in the above sentence - i.e. it is the subject of the clause It is preceded by the definite article "die"
And in the sentence "Wo gibt es hier den nächsten U-Bahnhof?", we know that the adjective ending is "-en" because: • • •
"der U-Bahnhof" is a masculine noun It is in the accusative case in the sentence - i.e. it is the object of the clause It is preceded by the definite article "den"
5.8 Ordinal numbers Ordinal numbers from one to nineteen We refer to the English words "first", "second", "third" etc as ordinal numbers. These are formed in German for the numbers one to nineteen by taking the number itself and adding "-t-" to the end. Four ordinals are irregular: "erst-" (= "first"), "dritt-" (= "third"), "siebt-" (= "seventh") and "acht-" (= "eighth"). The important thing to remember is that such numbers are adjectives, and must therefore take adjective endings when they precede a noun. They do so according to the rules which we established in the previous section. Here are the ordinal numbers from one to nineteen, with the adjective endings for a masculine noun after a definite article. Ordinal numbers 1-19 (def. article)
der erste
der elfte
der zweite
der zwölfte
der dritte
der dreizehnte
der vierte
der vierzehnte
der fünfte
der fünfzehnte
der sechste
der sechzehnte
der siebte
der siebzehnte
der achte
der achtzehnte
der neunte
der neunzehnte
der zehnte When the ordinal number follows an indefinite article, the adjective endings must therefore change. For the purposes of the table below, imagine again that we are dealing with a masculine noun:
Ordinal numbers 1-19 (indef. article)
ein erster
ein elfter
ein zweiter
ein zwölfter
ein dritter
ein dreizehnter
ein vierter
ein vierzehnter
ein fünfter
ein fünfzehnter
ein sechster
ein sechzehnter
ein siebter
ein siebzehnter
ein achter
ein achtzehnter
ein neunter
ein neunzehnter
ein zehnter Ordinal numbers from twenty upwards Ordinal numbers from twenty upwards are formed by adding "-st-" to the number itself. Adjective endings are then added in the usual way: Grammar 13: Ordinal numbers greater than 19 (def. article)
20
der zwanzigste
31 der einunddreißigste
22
der zweiundzwanzigste
32 der zweiunddreißigste
23
der dreiundzwanzigste
40 der vierzigste
24
der vierundzwanzigste
45 der fünfundvierzigste
25
der fünfundzwanzigste
50 der fünfzigste
26
der sechsundzwanzigste
54 der vierundfünfzigste
27
der siebenundzwanzigste
60 der sechzigste
28
der achtundzwanzigste
70 der siebzigste
29
der neunundzwanzigste
80 der achtzigste
30
der dreißigste
90 der neunzigste
5.9 Berlin: Facts and figures A brief history Berlin was founded in the 13th Century and was originally a seat of the Hohenzollerns royal family. It was initially the capital of Brandenburg and then became capital of Prussia, which it remained until 1945. Berlin was also the capital of Germany between 1871 and 1945. From the end of World War II until the reunification of Germany in 1990 the city was divided into two parts: West Berlin (a state of the Federal Republic of Germany, forming an enclave within the German Democratic Republic) and East Berlin (the zone of the city that was Soviet-occupied at the end of the war, and later became capital of the German Democratic Republic). Despite being blockaded by the Communists, West Berlin was successfully supplied by a large-scale Allied 'airlift' in 1949. A fortified wall separating the two sectors was erected in 1961 by the Communist authorities to curb the flow of refugees to the West, and many people were killed or wounded while attempting to cross. The Berlin wall was opened in November 1989 after the collapse of the Communist regime in East Germany, and subsequently dismantled. It once more became the capital of Germany after the reunification of October 3, 1990 and the second half of the 1990's witnessed key government bodies relocating from Bonn to Berlin. The new Berlin The new Berlin is defining itself as a bridge between East and West. Berlin is situated on the east-west axis from Paris to Warsaw/Moscow and on the north-south line from Stockholm to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. It has been transformed from the symbol of European division to the place where East and West Europe meet. The growing economy in Central and Eastern Europe finds a bridge to the western economy in Berlin. Companies with world-wide operations make use of the many institutions located in Berlin and the expertise that is concentrated here. Berlin’s scientific, research and cultural institutions represent one of the invaluable strengths of the city.
Size and population Berlin currently has a population of 3.45 million inhabitants. It is a multicultural city, with more than 430,000 people from 184 different nations living there. Lower rents for residential accommodation in the eastern boroughs and the greater supply of jobs in the western boroughs led to a new mixture of the population soon after unification. It is both a city and a federal state, fulfils both federal state functions and municipal functions. Berlin has an area of around 891 square kilometres - as large as Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt am Main put together – and unites a large number of urban districts, centres and boroughs which are completely different in character. In the inner part of the city, the buildings of the Kulturforum on the southern edge of the Tiergarten and the modern office and shopping complex on Potsdamer Platz link the western city around the Kurfürstendamm with the eastern city in the historical centre of Berlin between the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. To the north of the Tiergarten, the government and parliament buildings are being built in the meander of the River Spree. Architecture In addition to the architecture of the 19th and 20th century, the new cityscape is dominated by buildings designed by top international architects. The outstanding example is the Reichstag, which has been redesigned by Norman Foster and now has a glass dome which is open to visitors. Architects such as Helmut Jahn, Renzo Piano, Hans Kollhoff and Richard Rogers have designed offices, shops and apartments in the restored Potsdamer Platz. Frank O’Gehry has designed a new building on Pariser Platz for the DG Bank and Aldo Rossi's residential complex in the Schützenstraße has also attracted positive comment.
5.10 John F. Kennedy in Berlin Ich bin ein Berliner Between 1945-1989, Germany as a whole, and Berlin as a city, was divided by the Cold War (der Kalte Krieg), a state of open confrontation between the Communist bloc and the NATO alliance. The West had been already been forced to come to Berlin's aid once before in 1948, carrying out an eleven-month airlift of food and industrial supplies to the Western sectors after the Soviets had started a temporary blockade of West Berlin's railroads, highways and waterways In August 1961 the Soviets erected the Berlin Wall to stop the mass exodus of people fleeing Soviet East Berlin for West Berlin and the non-Communist world, thus sealing West Berlin behind a twelve foot wall for some twenty-eight years. Only two years after this, on June 26th 1963, American President John F. Kennedy came to West Berlin as part of a European goodwill tour and addressed the city's populace. The last part of his speech has gone down in history as a ringing endorsement of freedom. You can read a transcript of this below. Click here or on the sound icon at the start of this paragraph to listen to a recording of Kennedy's speech. President Kennedy's speech in Berlin
Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades. All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner." Did Kennedy really call himself a doughnut? Stirring stuff, no doubt, but Kennedy's actual German has been a source of controversy ever since 1961. For as we have learned, to say that you come from a certain place necessitates the construction: "Ich bin Engländer", "Ich bin Österreicherin" etc. - i.e. a construction without the definite article. So by saying "Ich bin ein Berliner" instead of "Ich bin Berliner", some people have concluded that Kennedy had made an embarrassing mistake. For the word, "der Berliner" has two meanings, not only "a citizen of Berlin" but also "a jelly doughnut", and by using the definite article in his speech Kennedy has been interpreted as outing himself as a tasty culinary delicacy! Similarly, if you said "Ich bin ein Hamburger" instead of "Ich bin Hamburger", you might be seen to be implying not that you came from Hamburg but that you are a quarterpounder with cheese...! In fact, Kennedy inadvertently outing himself a jelly donut is an urban myth. For one thing, he was told to say this sentence by his translator - who was a German. For another, the crowd patently understood what Kennedy was saying, and cheered him instead of laughing. Whilst not worrying too much about the distinction for the time being, there are many regions of Germany where the definite article can be used to describe your profession and where you live. This is particularly the case in Bavaria and in the north-east of Germany where Berlin is located. Furthermore, if you claim that a "Berliner" can be a type of character as well as a place of birth, then the grammatical rule as to whether you use the definite article or not in this context becomes very blurred. So what lessons should we learn as students of German? We would still recommend omitting the definite article when describing your profession and where you live. You should nevertheless be aware that native Germans who include the article are not trying to indicate that they are nutty as a fruitcake. Or a jelly donut. Or a hamburger for that matter.
Chapter 6: Getting around town 6.1 Der Zeitungskiosk
Having attended his conference, Herr McNaught now needs to get back to Zoo Station in Berlin - or to give it its proper name "Berlin Zoologischer Garten" - in order to catch his train home. We find him in the Wöhlertstraße in the North-East of the city asking for help at "ein Zeitungskiosk" - one of the many kiosks selling newspapers and cigarettes which you will see in any major German city. Conversation 1: Der Zeitungskiosk
Ken McNaught
Ich hätte gerne eine Berliner Zeitung und einen Stadtplan, bitte.
Kioskbetreiber Einen großen oder einen kleinen Stadtplan? Ken McNaught
Was kostet der große?
Kioskbetreiber Fünf Euro. Ken McNaught
Ja, den nehme ich. Und wie komme ich am besten zum Bahnhof Zoo? Ich wollte eigentlich mit der Straßenbahn fahren. An der Haltestelle steht aber niemand.
Kioskbetreiber Nehmen Sie ein Taxi! Oder fahren Sie mit der U-Bahn. Es gibt einen U-Bahnhof gleich um die Ecke. Nehmen Sie die erste Straße links, das ist die Chausseestraße. Ken McNaught
Danke sehr!
Kioskbetreiber Bitte sehr.
Wöhlertstraße
Glossary der Zeitungskiosk
"The newspaper kiosk." This is a compound noun formed from "die Zeitung" (= newspaper) and "der Kiosk" (= kiosk). As with all compound nouns, it takes the gender of the final element in the compound noun.
der Kioskbetreiber
kiosk owner
Tabakwaren
tobacco goods
Berliner Zeitung
"Die Zeitung" is the word for "a newspaper". "Berliner" is both the adjective formed from Berlin and the name of an inhabitant of Berlin. Click here to visit the homepage of this newspaper.
der Stadtplan
A "map of the city". This is another compound noun coming from "die Stadt" (= the city) and "der Plan" (= map; plan).
groß ... klein
"Big ... small". It is "einen" and not "ein" because both words are implicitly still in the accusative case.
Was kostet der große...?
"What does the big one cost?". Note the word order - the question word comes first, followed by the verb and then the subject of the sentence.
den nehme ich
"I'll take that one." Unlike in English, it is quite possible for the object of the clause to be the first word in a German clause. This is because the endings of German pronouns clearly tell us which is nominative and which is accusative.
Wie komme ich am besten...?
This is an alternative to "Wie komme ich..." in the previous section. A rough translation would be: "What is the best way to get to...?"
der Bahnhof
station
der Zoo
A "zoo", fairly obviously, but note that the full form of this noun - "der zoologische Garten" is also used in German.
eigentlich
in fact
ich wollte...
"I wanted to..." This is always followed by the infinitive of the verb. It is an irregular verb (see verb tables).
die Straßenbahn A "tram" - or quite literally "street-car". These are almost exclusively to be found in East Berlin, and are marked by red squares and numbers on our map. mit (+ Dative)
This preposition means "with" and always takes the dative case. It never has contracted forms with the definite article.
mit der
This means "to travel by tram" or literally "to
Straßenbahn fahren
travel with the tram". Note that the definite article is used in the German construction while we do not use it in the English construction. The verb "fahren" is also irregular - see following sections.
die Haltestelle
This means "a stop (bus, tram etc.)".
an der Haltestelle
"At the bus-stop". As with "die Ampel" (traffic-lights), the word for a "stop" takes the preposition "an (+ Dative)" to translate "at".
niemand
This means "nobody". The full meaning of the sentence is "But there is nobody standing at the bus-stop".
das Taxi
This means "taxi". The plural varies according to where you are in the country. In most parts of the country you will see "Taxis", but in Berlin and the north of Germany the plural is "Taxen".
die U-Bahn
This means "the Underground". "Mit der UBahn fahren" means "to travel by underground".
6.2 Der U-Bahnhof Ken McNaught decides to follow the kiosk attendant's advice and go to to U-Bahnhof Schwartzkopffstraße. But he still needs to buy a ticket - and work out his route to Zoo Station on the underground. He first asks a commuter ("der Pendler") where he can buy a ticket, but as he doesn't have the necessary change for one of the ticket machines he has to go to the ticket counter.
Conversation 2: Der U-Bahnhof
Ken McNaught
Entschuldigen Sie, wo bekomme ich einen Fahrschein?
Pendlerin
Da steht ein Fahrkartenautomat. Dort hinten.
Ken McNaught
Ach so. Aber ich habe kein Kleingeld.
Pendlerin
Dann müssen Sie am Schalter fragen.
Ken McNaught
(He goes to the ticket office.) Guten Tag. Ich möchte zum U-Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten fahren. Welche Linie geht dahin, bitte?
Beamtin
Am besten nehmen Sie die Linie U6 Richtung Alt-Mariendorf. Steigen Sie am U-Bahnhof Friedrichstraße um.
Ken
Wie bitte?
McNaught Beamtin
Ja, Sie müssen leider umsteigen. Sie steigen drei Stationen weiter am U-Bahnhof Friedrichstraße um und fahren dann mit der S3 Richtung Charlottenburg.
Ken McNaught
Mit der S3?
Beamtin
Ja, das ist die S-Bahn.
Ken McNaught
Richtung Charlottenburg?
Beamtin
Ja, da ist Endstation.
Ken McNaught
Und was kostet ein Fahrschein bei Ihnen?
Beamtin
Haben sie keine Jahreskarte?
Ken McNaught
Nein, ich bin hier auf Geschäftsreise.
Beamtin
Das macht zwei Euro zehn.
Ken McNaught
So.... und wann fährt der nächste Zug?
Beamtin
In fünf Minuten, um Viertel nach elf. Glossary
wo bekomme ich...?
"Where can I get...?" Note that there is no word for "can" in the German version.
der Fahrschein
This means "the ticket". You might also see two alternative words for "ticket" "die Fahrkarte" or "der Fahrausweis".
der Pendler
This is a male "commuter". A female commuter is "die Pendlerin".
der Fahrkartenautomat
"Ticket machine". See the picture below. All underground stations in Berlin have automatic ticket machines. You simply choose the type of ticket you require and insert your money. Click here to see a screenshot of the instructions on the front of a German ticket machine.
dort hinten
"Over there at the back". "Hinten" means "at the back", whilst "vorne" means "at the front".
ach so
Oh, I see
das Kleingeld
This means "change" - literally "little money". Ken McNaught has no change for the ticket machine, so has to ask at the counter.
dann müssen Sie...
"Then you'll have to...." The verb
"müssen" is an irregular verb (see subsequent sections). am Schalter
This means "at the counter". "Der Schalter" is a masculine noun.
zum...fahren
He wants to travel to Zoo Station. The verb "fahren" is used when you use a means of transport; "gehen" is used for going somewhere on foot.
die Linie
the (train, bus) line
welche Linie geht dahin?
"Which line goes there?". The "-e" ending on "welche" is added because "die Linie" is a feminine noun.
die Beamtin
"The ticket clerk (female)". This word is also used to translate a "civil servant".
am besten nehmen Sie...
your best bet would be to take...
Richtung AltMariendorf
This means "in the direction of AltMariendorf". "Die Richtung" is the German word for "direction".
am U-Bahnhof
"At the underground station". Note that "an" is the preposition used here and that "an + dem" are contracted to form the single word "am".
steigen Sie ... um
This means "to change (bus, train, tram)". Here it is two words with the separable prefix going to the end of the clause, whereas the infinitive "umsteigen" is written as only one word. An explanation of German separable verbs is given on Page 6 of this chapter.
drei Stationen weiter
"Three stations onwards". Both "der Bahnhof" and "die Station" can be used to translate "underground station".
U6 S3
is the conventional abbreviation for "der Untergrund" (= the Underground). is the normal abbreviation for "die SBahn (Schnellbahn)", which might best be translated as "suburban railway" (see the picture of two old-fashioned S-Bahn trains at the bottom of this page).
da ist Endstation
that's the last stop
die Jahreskarte
"A yearly (travel) pass". This is the cheapest way to travel round Berlin and most major German cities.
ich bin hier auf Geschäftsreise
We've had this before. It means "I'm here on business". Remember?
Wann fährt der nächste Zug?
"When does the next train depart?" "Wann?" is the question word used when
you want to ask the precise physical time of something. um Viertel nach elf
at a quarter past eleven
6.3 An der Bushaltestelle Meanwhile, at a bus stop (die Bushaltestelle) near the Görlitzer Bahnhof in Kreuzberg, Frau Wendt is talking to the driver of a number 129 bus. She wants to go the airport but his bus doesn't go there directly and he suggests an alternative route. Strange but true: Berlin's main airport, Tegel, is only accessible by bus! Conversation 3: An der Bushaltestelle
Frau Wendt
Ich möchte zum Flughafen Tegel.
Busfahrer Ich fahre nicht direkt zum Flughafen. Sie müssen zwei Stationen vor der Endstation aussteigen und dann in die Linie U1 umsteigen. Frau Wendt
Ach nein!
Busfahrer Am besten nehmen Sie die Linie U1 bis Möckernbrücke und dann die U7 bis JakobKaiser-Platz (Richtung Rathaus Spandau). Und am Jakob-Kaiser-Platz nehmen Sie den Airport Express X9 zum Flughafen Tegel. Frau Wendt
Und wann fährt der nächste Airport Express?
Busfahrer Um halb eins. Glossary die Bushaltestelle
The bus-stop
an der Bushaltestelle
At the bus-stop
der Bus
The bus
der Busfahrer
The bus driver
der Flughafen
"The airport". "At the airport" would be "am Flughafen".
ich fahre nicht direkt zum Flughafen
I don't go directly to the airport
die Endstation
terminus
vor der Endstation "Before the terminus". Thus "vor" can either mean "in front of" when you are referring to a place or "before" when you are referring to time or place. aussteigen
This means "to get off" a train or a bus or "to get out" of a car. It is also a separable verb like "umsteigen"
bis Möckernbrücke
This means "until Möckernbrücke". The preposition "bis" takes the accusative case.
Rathaus Spandau
"Spandau Town Hall". This is one "Endstation" of the U7 underground line. Click here to find Rathaus Spandau on a map of the Berlin transport system.(Hint: Spandau is in the West of the city!)
der Platz
The square
am Jakob-KaiserPlatz
"In Jakob-Kaiser Square". Note that German uses the preposition "an" whereas we would say "in the square" in English.
der Airport Express
The name of the bus which connects Tegel Airport to Berlin city centre. Many products and public services in German-speaking countries are given English names in order to sound cool.
Um halb eins
"At half-past twelve". When telling the time, German prefers to think of it being "half to the hour" rather than "half past" as in English. How to tell the time in German will be explained fully in Chapter 8.
6.4 Der Hauptbahnhof Ken McNaught has successfully managed to get to the "Berlin Zoologischer Garten" station. To see what the station looks like at any time of the day or night, click here for a live webcam of the station. Ken now needs go to the travel centre (das Reisezentrum) to book a ticket to Kassel, a town in the middle of Germany.
Conversation 4: Der Hauptbahnhof
Beamtin
Guten Morgen.
Ken McNaught
Morgen. Einmal nach Kassel, bitte.
Beamtin
Einfach oder hin und zurück?
Ken McNaught
Einfach.
Beamtin
Und ist das erster oder zweiter Klasse?
Ken McNaught
Zweiter Klasse.
Beamtin
Haben Sie eine BahnCard?
Ken McNaught
Nein. Ich habe keine BahnCard.
Beamtin
Die Fahrkarte ohne BahnCard kostet dreißig Euro und vierzig Cent.
Ken McNaught
So...und der nächste Zug nach Kassel fährt um halb zehn?
Beamtin
Ja, in ungefähr zehn Minuten, um 09.28.
Ken McNaught
Fährt der Zug pünktlich?
Beamtin
Selbstverständlich!
Ken McNaught
Von welchem Gleis?
Beamtin
Von Gleis 9.
Ken McNaught
Und ist das ein ICE-Zug?
Beamtin
Nein, das ist ein Regional Express. Es gibt keinen InterCity-Zuschlag.
Ken McNaught
Muss ich in Weimar umsteigen?
Beamtin
Nein, der Zug fährt direkt.
Ken McNaught
Wann kommt der Zug in Kassel an?
Beamtin
Um elf Uhr dreizehn.
Ken McNaught
Danke sehr. Auf Wiedersehen.
Beamtin
Bitte sehr. Auf Wiedersehen. Glossary
der Bahnhof
The station
der Hauptbahnhof
The central station
das Reisezentrum
The travel centre
die Abfahrtstafel
The departure board
einmal
"One ticket". It literally means "once".
nach Kassel
The preposition "nach" always takes the
dative case. You should use it when you are travelling to a town or country provided that the country is neuter. einfach...
This means "single" as in a "single ticket". As we have seen earlier, the literal meaning of the word is "simple".
...oder hin und zurück?
"...or return?" Literally: "there and back".
die Klasse
class
erster oder zweiter Klasse
This means "first or second class". Note the endings on the ordinal numbers.
die BahnCard
A BahnCard from the German railway company Deutsche Bahn entitles you to substantial reductions on the entire German rail network and on most regional buses for the duration of one year.
die Fahrkarte
The ticket
ohne
This preposition meaning "without" always takes the accusative case.
halb zehn
This means "half-past nine" and not "half-past ten". See Chapter 8.
ungefähr
approximately
fahren
This means "to go", when you are not travelling by foot. It is an irregular verb.
der Zug
train
pünktlich
punctually
Fährt der Zug pünktlich?
Is the train on time?
selbstverständlich
of course
das Gleis
This means "platform" when you are asking from which platform a train departs. In fact, "das Gleis" literally means the railway track itself.
von welchem Gleis?
from which platform?
der ICE-Zug
An "ICE train". "ICE" stands for InterCity Express.
der RegionalExpress
A "regional express train". This is a stopping train, but it is faster than you might assume.
der Zuschlag
A "supplement". You have to pay a supplementary charge to travel on an ICE train. But as Ken's train is not an ICE, the official informs him that there is no supplement to pay.
direkt
direct; directly
der Zug fährt direkt
"This is a direct train". Literally: "This
train travels directly". ankommen
This means "to arrive". The verb "ankommen" is a separable verb, a type of verb which will be discussed in detail on Page 6 of this chapter.
Wann kommt der Zug in Kassel an?
When does the train arrive in Kassel?
um elf Uhr dreizehn
at 11:13
6.5 More irregular verbs In this section we have encountered four more verbs which are irregular in their present tenses. Their full present tense is given below. Grammar 1: The verb "fahren" (= to travel)
Singular ich fahre
I travel
du fährst Sie fahren
You travel (informal/formal)
er/sie/es fährt
He/she/it travels
Plural wir fahren
We travel
ihr fahrt Sie fahren
You travel (informal/formal)
sie fahren
They travel
Grammar 2: The verb "müssen" (= to have to)
Singular ich muss
I have to
du musst Sie müssen
You have to (informal/formal)
er/sie/es muss
He/she/it has to
Plural wir müssen
We have to
ihr müsst Sie müssen
You have to (informal/formal)
sie müssen
They have to
Grammar 3: The verb "nehmen" (= to take)
Singular ich nehme
I take
du nimmst Sie nehmen
You take (informal/formal)
er/sie/es nimmt
He/she/it takes
Plural wir nehmen
We take
ihr nehmt Sie nehmen
You take (informal/formal)
sie nehmen
They take
Grammar 4: The verb "wollen" (= to want)
Singular ich will
I want
du willst Sie wollen
You want (informal/formal)
er/sie/es will
He/she/it wants
Plural wir wollen
We want
ihr wollt Sie wollen
You want (informal/formal)
sie wollen
They want
6.6 Separable verbs In this chapter we have encountered verbs such as "umsteigen" ("to change (trains etc.)"), "aussteigen" ("to get out (of a train etc.)"), "einsteigen" ("to get on (trains etc.)") and "ankommen" ("to arrive") which are known as separable verbs. This is because they can be separated into two parts - a prefix and a main verb. Most prefixes are prepositions (as in all the cases listed above), but they are occasionally adverbs, nouns, or adjectives. Grammar 5: Components of a separable verb
Prefix
+
Verb
=
Sep. Verb
ab (from)
+
fahren (to travel)
=
abfahren (to depart)
an (at)
+
kommen (to come)
=
ankommen (to arrive)
aus
+
steigen
=
aussteigen
(out of)
(to climb)
(to get out)
ein (in)
+
steigen (to climb)
=
einsteigen (to get in)
um
+
steigen (to climb)
=
umsteigen (to change)
Word order in separable verbs If the separable verb is the first (and often only) verb in a sentence or clause, these two elements separate. The main verb - also called the stem - assumes its normal position in the sentence, but the prefix is placed right at the end. Look at the following examples: Grammar 6: Separable verbs in a normal clause
Verb
Clause
abfahren
Wann fährst du ab? ("When do you depart?")
ankommen
Wann kommt der Zug an? ("When does the train arrive?")
aussteigen
Er steigt in München aus. ("He gets out in Munich.")
einsteigen
Bitte steigen Sie ein! ("Please get in!")
umsteigen
Sie steigen hier um. ("You change here.")
But if the separable verb is the second verb in a sentence, it does not split up and behaves just like any other verb. Note too that when a separable verb is the second verb in the sentence, it will always remain in the infinitive form. The separable verb will be the second verb in a sentence when it follows what is known as a modal verb. These verbs will be explained in detail in Chapter 8, but for now you should note that we have already met three of them: "müssen" ("to have to"), "wollen" ("to want") and "mögen" ("to like") - although we have only encountered the latter in the form "ich möchte" ("I would like"). Grammar 7: Separable verbs after a modal verb
Modal verb
Clause
müssen
Wann müssen Sie abfahren? ("When do you have to depart?")
wollen
Wo wollen Sie umsteigen? ("Where do you want to change?")
mögen
Ich möchte jetzt aussteigen. ("I want to get out now.")
Which prefixes are separable? The following common prefixes are always separable when attached to a main verb: Grammar 8: Separable prefixes
ab("away")
an("starting")
auf("up")
aus("out")
bei("joining")
da(r)-
ein("in")
entgegen("towards")
hin("away")
her("towards")
los("starting")
mit("with")
nach("after")
nieder("down")
vor("ahead")
vorbei("past")
weg("away")
zu("on")
zurück("back")
zusammen("together")
The following prefixes are separable when they precede certain verbs and inseparable when they precede others: Grammar 9: Occasionally separable prefixes
durch("through")
hinter("behind")
über("over")
um("change")
unter("under")
wieder("again")
Don't worry if you can't remember all of these - this will take some time. For the moment you should try to remember which verbs that we encounter during this course are separable and how they should be used. We will always indicate which verbs are separable in our vocabulary lists.
6.7 Places and prepositions Places which take "an" You will already have noted that when you say that you are "at" several types of location in German, you use the preposition "an" - i.e. "am Bahnhof", "an der Ampel"
etc. If a German location uses "an" to translate "at", then you should use "zu" to describe movement towards such a place, and "von" to describe movement away from it. Thus when describing a bus stop you would say: • • • •
die Bushaltestelle = the bus-stop an der Bushaltestelle = at the bus-stop zur Bushaltestelle = to the bus-stop von der Bushaltestelle = from the bus-stop
The following table explains this pattern for some more of the nouns which we have met so far. Grammar 10: Movement to and from places taking "an"
Place
At the...
To the...
From...
der Flughafen
am Flughafen
zum Flughafen
vom Flughafen
platform der Gleis
am Gleis
zum Gleis
vom Gleis
square
der Platz
am Platz
zum Platz
vom Platz
station
der Bahnhof
am Bahnhof
zum Bahnhof
vom Bahnhof
traffic lights
die Ampel
an der Ampel
zur Ampel
von der Ampel
airport
Neuter countries We can construct a similar pattern for countries, but only those which are neuter. Here of course different prepositions are used and no definite articles. Note that all three prepositions "in", "nach" and "aus" take the dative case: • • • •
Deutschland = Germany in Deutschland = in Germany nach Deutschland = to Germany aus Deutschland = from Germany Grammar 11: Movement to and from countries
Country
In...
To...
From...
England
in England
nach England
aus England
Irland
in Irland
nach Irland
aus Irland
Polen
in Polen
nach Polen
aus Polen
6.8 Transport and prepositions Going somewhere by means of transport Whilst English talks of travelling "by" a means of transport (with no definite article), German uses the preposition "mit" with the appropriate form of the definite article in the dative case - e.g. "Ich fahre mit dem Rad", "er fährt mit dem Flugzeug". The preposition "mit" always takes the dative case. Here is how you would describe travelling by the most common means of transport in German:
Grammar 12: Travelling by modes of transport
Transport
I travel by...
aeroplane
das Flugzeug
ich fahre mit dem Flugzeug
bicycle
das Rad
du fährst mit dem Rad
bus
der Bus
er fährt mit dem Bus
car
das Auto
sie fährt mit dem Auto
ferry
die Fähre
wir fahren mit der Fähre
lorry
der Lastwagen
ihr fahrt mit dem Lastwagen
moped
das Mofa
sie fahren mit dem Mofa
motor-bike
das Motorrad
ich fahre mit dem Motorrad
S-Bahn
die S-Bahn
Sie fahren mit der S-Bahn
ship
das Schiff
wir fahren mit dem Schiff
taxi
das Taxi
du fährst mit dem Taxi
train
der Zug
sie fährt mit dem Zug
tram
die Straßenbahn
ihr fahrt mit der Straßenbahn
underground die U-Bahn
sie fahren mit der U-Bahn
Going somewhere by foot As all of these actions involve motorised transport - or in the case of the bicycle, transport on wheels, you use the verb "fahren" (= to go; travel) to translate them. When you are going somewhere by foot however, you use the verb "gehen" (= to go; travel) e.g. "Ich gehe zum Bahnhof" or "Wir gehen zur Bushaltestelle". If you wish to emphasise that you are walking as opposed to taking some means of transport, you could also say "Ich gehe zu Fuß" - "I'm going by foot".
6.9 The interrogative adjective "welcher...?" The German word for the interrogative adjective "which?" is "welcher?". It declines in exactly the same way as the definite article "der". The declination of the interrogative adjective for the cases which we have met so far are as follows: Grammar 13: The endings for "welcher?" (which?)
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nominative welcher Mann?
welche Frau?
welches Kind?
Accusative welchen Mann?
welche Frau?
welches Kind?
Dative
welcher Frau?
welchem Kind?
welchem Mann?
Here are a few sample sentences showing the use of the interrogative adjective. • • • • •
Welcher U-Bahnhof ist das? ("Which underground station is that?") Welche Linie geht dahin? ("Which line goes there?") Welchen Zug nehmen Sie? ("Which train are you taking?") Von welchem Gleis? ("From which platform?") Mit welchem Bus fährst du? ("With which bus are you travelling?")
6.10 Getting around town Germany has a very comprehensive system of public transport, the reliability and cleanliness of which often put the British system in the shade. The best thing to do on arriving in a town or city is to get hold of a town plan (der Stadtplan). This will include a map showing the rail, tram, bus and underground connections. An overview of bus routes and a bus and rail time-table can be obtained from the ticket kiosks located at major stops in the town centres. For the fullest picture, you should head for the local tourist office, which is either called das Verkehrsbüro or das Fremdenverkehrsamt. This will offer general information about cultural events as well as transport information. Look out for the information symbol shown at the top of this paragraph.
Bicycle (das Fahrrad; das Rad) When you visit Germany you will probably be surprised by the number of bicycles. Students in particular are very fond of using bicycles as a means of transport. In smaller towns it can be worthwhile to get hold of a second-hand bicycle. You can always sell it again when you leave. There are second-hand bicycle shops in many towns or you can look at advertisements in the newspaper. Car (das Auto) A particularly useful aspect of German student life is the concept of car-sharing. At some colleges and universities you will find a car-sharing notice-board (das Mitfahrerbrett) where you can look and see whether someone is travelling to the destination which you require. In larger towns and cities there are also car-sharing centres (die Mitfahrzentrale) offering a wide range of car-sharing arrangements. The combined cost of the journey and the centre's service fee is usually well below what you would have to pay on public transport. And likewise of course, if you yourself are intending to drive somewhere you can reduce your expenses by taking one or more people with you. The telephone number of the car-sharing centres can be found in town magazines or the Yellow Pages under "car-sharing arrangements" (die Mitfahrvermittlung). Just ring and ask whether there is a car-sharing arrangement to the place you want to go on the day you want to travel or offer to take people with you in your car if you are driving yourself. The centre will write down the amount to be paid or received. As a passenger you are not required to contribute to any other costs. Underground trains (die U-Bahn) and suburban trains (die S-Bahn) As a general rule, underground trains travel shorter distances within the city centre, whereas suburban trains unite the city with surrounding regions and commuter belts. Their routes often intertwine however, and it is by no means uncommon for an "UBahn" to travel above ground, whilst the "S-Bahn" is travelling below ground!. Bus (der Bus) and tram (die Straßenbahn) In most German towns and citites, the main terminal or bus station (der Busbahnhof) will be near the main railway station, and information centres there will provide you with timetables and the latest information. A bus-stop is called die Bushaltestelle or just die Haltestelle. Most larger towns and cities also have a tram network (die Straßenbahn). The word for a "tram-stop" is the rather cumbersome compound noun die Straßenbahnhaltestelle. There are no conductors on the vast majority of German buses and trams. You buy a ticket from the driver himself or from a ticket machine (der Fahrkartenautomat) which will probably be cheaper as you then get the chance of getting some of the reductions "die Ermäßigung" which are on offer. You can recognise a bus-stop or a tram-stop by a green letter "H" on the sign. Tickets There are at least three commonly used German words for a ticket - der Fahrschein, die Fahrkarte and der Fahrausweis. You can either buy a single ticket (der Einzelfahrschein) and (die Einzelfahrkarte) or a ticket which is valid for several trips (die Sammelkarte) or (die Mehrfahrkarte). These are always better value for money than a single ticket, and become more of a bargain the more journeys that you need to make.
Many cities offer tourists tickets which are valid for a whole day (die Tageskarte) or an entire weekend (die Wochenendkarte). These are more often than not valid for every means of public transport. Commuters can buy a yearly ticket (die Jahreskarte) which offer even greater savings. One of the most confusing factors about German tickets for overseas tourists is that the price of a ticket is often determined by which zone of the city (die Tarifzone) you are in. You will need to study a map of the local transport network to sort this out. Another practice which leads to confusion is the necessity for each passenger (der Fahrgast) to have their ticket "cancelled" (i.e. stamped) by a special machine called der Entwerter (ticket validator; ticket canceller). Only then is your ticket valid, as most machines print a date and time on your ticket. This cancelling machine will either be on the train platform, at the bus-stop, or on the bus or tram itself. Whilst there are not inspectors on every bus, tram or U-Bahn, you can expect to pay a heavy fine if you are caught without a valid ticket - or without one which has been cancelled!
6.11 Rail travel in Germany Since German reunification in 1990, much effort has been put into improving the transport links within Germany, especially between the former East German states and the West. This was not easy: Until that time, German trains had been run by two separate state-owned, deficit-ridden operations. The Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) or German Federal Railway was the old West German railway that had been running things there since Germany's division in 1949. The Deutsche Reichsbahn (DR) or German Imperial Railway in former East Germany kept the pre-war name of the railroad that Hitler and those before him had known. In 1994, the two German state railroads that had tried to act as one since reunification were merged into the Deutsche Bahn AG - and privatised. This was in part an effort to get the government out from under billions of marks of mounting debt. The flagship of the new enterprise is the InterCity Express (ICE), which has been operating on several high-speed lines between major German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. Click here for a glossy map of the German ICE network. The sleek, white ICE trains travel at 250-280 kilometres per hour, whisking passengers along in quiet, comfortable carriages equipped with video screens (in first class), stereo headsets, fax machines, and telephones. The InterCity Night trains are modern hotels on wheels which operate daily on the routes Munich-Berlin, Frankfurt-Bonn-Berlin and Hamburg-Munich. You can choose between three categories: Comfort Schlafwagen (= a sleeper compartment with private facilities), Comfort (= couchettes) and Comfort Sitzwagen (= with reclining seats and a footrest). Trains similar to the ICEs, with the same internationally stipulated quality standards, connect Germany with the major cities of neighbouring countries. They are called EuroCity (EC) trains. Given the fact that flying between Germany cities is expensive and often subject to delays, you are much better off travelling by rail. The ICE gets from Munich to
Frankfurt, for example, in just over three and one-half hours, and once a new high speed track is completed the trip from Frankfurt to Cologne will be less than an hour. The ICE trains are supplemented by InterCity (IC) and InterRegio (IR) express trains. The latter usually run every two hours, have a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour, and link major cities to the medium-sized ones and to holiday destinations in Germany and neighbouring countries. They often use double-decker trains nowadays and are timetabled to connect with the railway's long-distance network. Despite their names, der Schnellzug (D) (literally: "the fast train") and der Eilzug (E) (= a fast stopping train) are much slower than the ICE trains, whereas der Nahverkehrszug (= literally: "local transport train") will stop at all the local stations before reaching its final destination. Buying a ticket When booking a train ticket in Germany, it certainly pays to ask if there are any special reductions (Ermäßigungen). There are also of course reduced fares and special deals for senior citizens (Senioren) and children and teenagers (Junioren), as well as special holiday tickets (das Ferienticket) (see left). Travellers might also consider the Schönes Wochenende Ticket (= literally: "Nice Weekend Ticket"). This provides weekend travel on local trains only for up to five persons travelling together. But the perhaps the biggest price-slasher for the regular visitor is die BahnCard, a railpass valid for a whole year, giving you a 25% reduction on all fares. It costs 50 euros for second class travel and 100 euros for first class travel. Other versions of the BahnCard give you 50% and 100% reduction on train travel, but you need to pay more for them.
Chapter 7: Going Shopping 7.1 The shopping list Anna Müller works out a shopping list for her son Lukas, advising him how much he needs to buy and where he should go to find the products. He quite clearly doesn't want to go shopping however, and keeps trying to find excuses to go at a later date. Conversation 1: Die Einkaufsliste
Anna Müller
Gehst du bitte jetzt einkaufen?
Lukas Müller
Jawohl! Hast du eine Einkaufsliste für mich?
Anna Müller
Nein, ich sage dir alles. Erst hol bitte vom Bäcker ein kleines Weißbrot und zehn frische Brötchen.
Lukas Müller
Sie sind billiger im Supermarkt, und wir fahren heute Nachmittag dorthin.
Anna Müller
Na gut! Dann kauf beim Metzger ein halbes Pfund Hackfleisch und 250 Gramm gekochten Schinken.
Lukas Müller
Ich kaufe Fleisch lieber in der Altstadt, und heute Nachmittag fahren wir auch dorthin.
Anna Müller
Na gut! Vom Gemüsegeschäft brauche ich dann einen Kopfsalat, anderthalb Pfund kleine feste Tomaten, eine schöne Gurke, zehn Pfund Kartoffeln und ein Pfund grüne Bohnen.
Lukas Müller
Die Sachen für den Salat und das andere Gemüse eilen nicht, und morgen ist doch Markt.
Anna Müller
Na gut, aber ich brauche unbedingt Eier von Lidl.
Lukas Müller
Nein, brauchst du nicht. Wir haben doch viele. Eier kriegen wir dann auch noch vom Markt.
Anna Müller
Na gut, dann brauchst du nicht einkaufen gehen.
Glossary die Einkaufsliste (n)
shopping list
einkaufen
to do the shopping
einkaufen gehen
"To go shopping". In this construction, both "einkaufen" and "gehen" are infinitives. Only the second verb "gehen" declines (i.e. changes its endings), whereas "einkaufen" remains the same.
jetzt
now
Gehst du bitte jetzt Will you please go and do the shopping einkaufen? now? jawohl!
"Yes, of course". This is often used ironically in response to somebody who is trying to boss you around!
sagen
In this context it means "to tell", but it can also mean "to say".
ich sage dir alles
"I'll tell you everything". Note that the person to whom you are speaking ("dir") is in the dative case, whereas what you tell them ("alles") is in the accusative case.
erst
This means "first", as in the first thing in a list of things which need to be done.
holen
This means "to fetch". The word "hol" is the imperative form i.e. the form used to give commands. We have here the informal form used when talking to
someone whom you would call "du". The polite form is "holen Sie". der Bäcker (-)
The baker
das Weißbrot
"A loaf of white bread". In another context this could also mean "white bread" in general. Likewise "das Brot" could either mean "a loaf of bread" or just "bread".
frisch
"fresh". The endings on adjectives following numbers will be explained later in this chapter.
das Brötchen
"A bread roll". All German nouns which end in "-chen" are neuter. The suffix "chen" means "little" or "small".
billiger
"cheaper". The adjective "billig" means "cheap", adding "-er" is how you form the comparative.
der Supermarkt
The supermarket
der Nachmittag (e)
afternoon
heute Nachmittag
"This afternoon" - literally "today afternoon".
dorthin
"to there". This is used when movement is implied.
na gut!
All right then!
kaufen
This means "to buy". The form "kauf" is the informal "du" form of the imperative which we saw earlier with "hol".
der Metzger (-)
The butcher
bei (+ Dative)
at
beim Metzger
"At the butcher's". "Bei dem" is shortened to "beim" in the same way as the definite article is reduced with many other prepositions.
das Pfund (-e)
pound
ein halbes Pfund
half a pound
das Hackfleisch
mincemeat
gekocht
This means "boiled". The reason for the adjective endings will be explained in this chapter.
der Schinken
"ham". The form "kauf" is the imperative form which we saw earlier on in this section with "hol".
das Fleisch
meat
lieber
"preferably". It is often used with a verb to translate "prefer to". Thus "Ich kaufe lieber" means "I prefer to..."
die Altstadt
old (part of) town
das Geschäft (-e)
This means "shop, store". It is also the general term for "business".
das Gemüsegeschäft
This is another word for a "greengrocer's shop".
brauchen
to need
der Kopfsalat (-e)
"lettuce". Literally: "head salad" (!)
anderthalb
"one and a half". You will also see the word "eineinhalb" used to translate this.
fest
firm
schön
"nice". It can also mean "beautiful" in other contexts.
die Gurke (-n)
cucumber
die Bohne (-n)
bean
grüne Bohnen
green/French beans
die Sache (-n)
thing, item
der Salat (-e)
salad
ander...
"other". It is never used in the root form "ander", but only in its declined form in front of a noun.
das Gemüse
"vegetables". Note that this is a singular noun in German.
(sie) eilen nicht
(they) are not urgent
morgen
"tomorrow". Be careful not to write this with a capital letter, for then it would mean "morning"!
doch
after all
der Markt
market
morgen ist doch Markt
tomorrow is market-day after all
unbedingt
definitely; absolutely
das Ei (-er)
egg
Lidl
The name of a German supermarket chain. You can visit their homepage by clicking here.
brauchst du nicht
This means "you don't need them". The pronoun "them" is omitted is this clause.
viele
many, a lot
kriegen
"to get". This is quite a conversational word which should not be used in formal German.
du brauchst nicht einkaufen gehen
"You don't need to go shopping". In other words, "brauchen" can either be used with a direct object or another infinitive, here
"einkaufen gehen".
7.2 At the greengrocer's Having despaired of getting her son to go shopping for her, Anna Müller decides that she will go herself. She stops first at Müslüm Can's greengrocer's in Kreuzberg. Conversation 2: Im Gemüsegeschäft
Anna Müller
Ein Kilo Äpfel, bitte!
Müslüm Can
Wir haben da verschiedene Äpfel, englische, französische, spanische...
Anna Müller
Englische.
Müslüm Can
Englische... so, ein Pfund Äpfel.
Anna Müller
Dann noch ein Kilo Birnen, bitte!
Müslüm Can
Möchten Sie eine süße Birne oder eine saure?
Anna Müller
Ah, ich nehme eine süße, bitte. Saure Birnen schmecken mir nicht!
Müslüm Can
So, bitte. Möchten Sie sonst noch etwas?
Anna Müller
Ich hätte gern zwei Pfund Karotten.
Müslüm Can
Da, zwei Pfund polnische Karotten.
Anna Müller
Dann noch eineinhalb Pfund Zwiebeln.
Müslüm Can
Da hätten wir rote, weiße und normale Zwiebeln.
Anna Müller
Weiße bitte. Und ich hätte gerne zwei Pfund Trauben.
Müslüm Can
Ja, ich habe verschiedene Sorten. Welche möchten Sie denn, grüne oder schwarze?
Anna Müller
Ich hätte gerne die grünen.
Müslüm Can
Ja, sie schmecken lecker! So, bitte schön.
Anna Müller
Was kosten die Bananen?
Müslüm Can
Ein Euro vierzig das Pfund.
Anna Müller
Und die Apfelsinen?
Müslüm Can
Sie kosten neunzig Cent das Stück.
Anna Müller
Oh, sie sind leider viel zu teuer. Ich gehe lieber auf den Markt.
Müslüm Can
Sonst noch etwas?
Anna Müller
Das wär's. Was macht das zusammen?
Müslüm Can
Das macht sechsundzwanzig Euro und siebzig.
Anna Müller
Da sind dreißig Euro.
Müslüm Can
Danke schön. Und drei Euro und dreißig Cent bekommen Sie zurück. Vielen Dank. Glossary
das Gemüsegeschäft (-e)
The greengrocer's
im Gemüsegeschäft
in the greengrocer's
der Apfel (pl. - Äpfel)
apple
das Kilo
"A kilogram(me)". The shortened form is more common when a product (such as apples) is specified afterwards.
da
here, there
verschiedene
"various". We might translate this sentence by saying "We have many different types of apple".
englisch
"English". Note that adjectives of nationality are written with small letters in German.
französisch
French
spanisch
Spanish
dann noch...
Then I'd like...
die Birne (-n)
This is the word for a "pear". Because of the shape, this is also the word for a light-bulb.
süß
sweet
sauer
This means "sour". Note in particular that
when adjectives which end in "-er" take adjective endings, the "-e" disappears. Thus it is here "saure Äpfel". ...schmecken mir nicht
This means "I don't like sour pears". The verb "schmecken" means "to taste", so this literally means "They don't taste (very good) to me". The thing that you do or do not like the taste of is always the subject of the sentence, whilst the person who doesn't like the taste is always in the dative case.
Möchten Sie sonst "Would you like anything else?". We have noch etwas? already met "sonst noch etwas" on its own. ich hätte gern
"I would like". We have already met "Ich möchte gern", which is another variant of this expression.
die Karotte (-n)
This means "carrot". You might also see "carrot" translated by "die Möhre (-n)".
polnisch
Polish
eineinhalb
"One and a half". We have already met "anderthalb", which means the same thing.
die Zwiebel (-n)
onion
da hätten wir...
"We have...". A politer way of saying "da haben wir".
rot
red
weiß
white
normal
This means "normal", surprisingly enough, but is pronounced slightly differently.
die Traube (-n)
This means "grape". You might also see "die Weintraube (-n)".
die Sorte (-n)
sort, type
schwarz
black
die grünen
"the green (ones)". There is no need in German to repeat a noun or a pronoun.
lecker
tasty, delicious
sie schmecken lecker
they taste delicious
die Banane (-n)
banana
Ein Euro vierzig das Pfund
"One euro forty per pound". The definite article is used in German where we would use the preposition "per".
die Apfelsine (-n)
No, not a variety of apple, but an "orange". You might also translate this by "die Orange (-n)".
neunzig Cent das Stück
Ninety cents "each". We have already seen that "das Stück" usually means "a piece".
viel zu teuer
far too expensive
ich gehe lieber...
I prefer to go...
auf den Markt
This means "to the markt". You would translate "at the market" by "auf dem Markt".
das wär's
that's all
was macht...?
what does that come to?
7.3 At the supermarket Next, Anna Müller goes to her local Lidl supermarket. Unfortunately, they have just had a refurbishment and moved everything around, such that she has to ask an assistant (die Verkäuferin) where things are. Conversation 3: Im Supermarkt
Anna Müller
Entschuldigen Sie bitte.
Die Verkäuferin
Ja, bitte.
Anna Müller
Können Sie mir helfen?
Die Verkäuferin
Was suchen Sie denn?
Anna Müller
Wo gibt's hier denn Milch?
Die Verkäuferin
Milch? Gleich hier vorne links. Bei den Milchprodukten.
Anna Müller
Und wo finde ich Marmelade?
Die Verkäuferin
Ganz hinten im letzten Gang. Im dritten Regal.
Anna Müller
Ich brauche auch noch Kekse.
Die Verkäuferin
Ich glaube, da hinten rechts.
Anna Müller
Und wo ist der Joghurt?
Die Verkäuferin
Im nächsten Gang links.
Anna Müller
Oben oder unten?
Die Verkäuferin
In der Mitte.
Anna Müller
Wo findet man Waschmittel?
Die Verkäuferin
Hier unten, bei den Haushaltswaren.
Anna Müller
Ich suche auch Fisch.
Die
Im vorletzten Gang, bei der Tiefkühlkost.
Verkäuferin Anna Müller
Und Pralinen?
Die Verkäuferin
Tut mir Leid, das weiß ich auch nicht. Fragen Sie doch mal an der Kasse.
Anna Müller
Ich danke Ihnen.
Die Verkäuferin
Nichts zu danken.
Glossary der Supermarkt
The supermarket
im Supermarkt
in the supermarket
die Verkäuferin (-innen)
sales assistant (female)
ja, bitte
"Yes" (implying willingness to help)
helfen (+ Dative)
This means "to help". The person whom you are helping is in the dative case in German.
können Sie mir helfen?
can you help me?
suchen
to look for
wo gibt es hier...?
"Where is..?" This is one of many constructions for this phrase which you will find in this section. The object which you are looking for is always in the accusative case in this construction.
die Milch
milk
die Milchprodukte
dairy produce
bei den Milchprodukten
Although "bei" maintains its general meaning of "at" here, we would probably translate this as "amongst the dairy produce" or "in the dairy produce section". Note too that the plural "Milchprodukte" adds an "-n" when in the dative case. The reason for this will be explained later.
vorne
at the front
vorne links
at the front on the left
die Marmelade
No, not marmalade but "jam". The nearest equivalent to British marmalade is "die Orangenmarmelade". Note the slightly different spelling in German too!
hinten
at the back
ganz hinten
right at the back
der/die letzte...
the last...
der Gang
In a supermarkt, we would translate this by
(pl. - Gänge)
"aisle". It is the general word for a passage, hallway or corridor in a building.
das Regal (-e)
"shelf". Note that while we say "on the third shelf", German uses the equivalent of "in the third shelf".
der Keks (-e)
This means "biscuit, cookie"
glauben
to believe, think
der Saft
(fruit) juice
der Apfelsaft
apple juice
das Getränk (e)
drink
oben
at the top
unten
at the bottom
die Mitte
middle; centre
in der Mitte
in the middle
wo findet man...?
Note that Anna uses the impersonal "man" form here - it isn't solely used by men! Often, as here, it has the sense of the passive i.e. "Where can this be found?"
das Waschmittel
washing powder
hier unten
down here
die Haushaltswaren
household goods
der Fisch (-e)
fish
der/die vorletzte...
the last but one...
die Tiefkühlkost
frozen food
die Pralinen
chocolates
tut mir Leid
This is short for "das/es tut mir Leid", which we met in Chapter 1 and means "I'm sorry".
das weiß ich auch nicht
I don't know that either
fragen
to ask
die Kasse (-n)
"The checkout". In other contexts you might wish to translate this word by "counter" or "desk".
an der Kasse
at the checkout
nichts zu danken
"don't mention it, you're welcome". Literally: "Nothing to thank for".
7.4 At the checkout
When Anna Müller gets to the checkout with her goods, the salesperson ("der Verkäufer") reads out what she has bought as he runs it over the scanner. He's funny that way. Conversation 4: An der Kasse
Der Verkäufer: Zwei Dosen Tomaten, eine Tiefkühl-Pizza, vier Packungen Nudeln, eine Schachtel Pralinen, ein halbes Pfund Butter, ein 3-Kilo-Paket Waschmittel, fünf 1-Liter-Flaschen Orangensaft, eine Tafel Schokolade, ein Glas Erdbeermarmelade, drei Liter Milch, eine Packung Taschentücher, zwei Tuben Zahnpasta, ein Becher Margarine, 500 Gramm Emmentaler Käse, eine Tüte Bonbons, sechs Flaschen Mineralwasser, acht Becher Himbeerjoghurt. Macht zusammen zweiundsiebzig Euro fünfundachtzig. Vielen Dank und auf Wiedersehen! Glossary die Dose (-n)
"tin" or "can"
die Tomate (-n)
tomato
die Pizza (-s)
pizza
die Tiefkühl-Pizza (s)
frozen pizza
die Packung (-en)
packet, pack
die Nudeln (pl.)
pasta; noodles
die Schachtel (-n)
Here a "box" of chocolates. It can also be used to translate a "pack" of cigarettes.
die Butter
butter
das Paket (-e)
A "packet". Note the hyphens in 3-KiloPaket.
die Flasche (-n)
bottle
der Orangensaft
orange juice
die Tafel (-n)
"bar" of chocolate
die Schokolade
"chocolate". The general term for "chocolate", whereas Pralinen is what you would find in a box of chocolates.
das Glas (pl. - Gläser)
Here it means a "jar" of jam, whereas in other contexts it simply means "glass".
die Erdbeere (-n)
strawberry
die strawberry jam Erdbeermarmelade (n) das Taschentuch
hanky; handkerchief
die Tube (-n)
"tube". Note the different pronunciation
in German! die Zahnpasta
toothpaste
der Becher (-)
tub
die Margarine
margarine
der Käse
"cheese". Although this ends in an "-e", this noun is masculine.
Emmentaler Käse
Emmentaler cheese
die Tüte (-n)
bag
das Bonbon (-s)
A "sweet". You might also see "der Bonbon" used for this.
unten
at the bottom
das Waschmittel
washing powder
das Wasser
water
das Mineralwasser
mineral water
die Himbeere (-n)
raspberry
der Joghurt
"Yoghurt". You might occasionally see it written as "das Joghurt" or "der/das Jogurt".
der Himbeerjoghurt (-s)
raspberry yoghurt
macht zusammen...
(This) comes to...
7.5 In the delicatessen Finally, Anna Müller goes the delicatessen to buy some meat, bread and tea. Conversation 5: In der Feinkosthandlung
Der Verkäufer
Guten Tag. Sie wünschen?
Anna Müller
Guten Tag! Ich hätte ganz gerne 200 Gramm von dieser Pfeffersalami bitte.
Der Verkäufer
Ja, gerne. Darf's ein bisschen mehr sein? 220 Gramm?
Anna Müller
Nein, das ist ein bisschen viel.
Der Verkäufer
Haben Sie noch einen Wunsch?
Anna Müller
Ja, geben Sie mir bitte ein Stück Gouda Käse. 500 Gramm.
Der Verkäufer
So.... Ich habe 480 Gramm, ist das recht?
Anna Müller
Ist gut, ja, das reicht. Das ist in Ordnung.
Der Verkäufer
Außerdem noch einen Wunsch?
Anna Müller
Dann nehme ich 5 Frankfurter Würstchen. Wie teuer sind sie? Hier steht kein Preis darauf.
Der Verkäufer
5 Frankfurter Würstchen, acht Euro neunundneunzig.
Anna Müller
Ja, das ist in Ordnung.
Der Verkäufer
Kommt noch etwas dazu?
Anna Müller
Ich hätte gerne noch sechs Scheiben von dem Schwarzwälder Schinken.
Der Verkäufer
Alles klar. Wäre das alles?
Anna Müller
Ja, das wäre alles. Nein, Moment mal. Ich möchte ein Vollkornbrot und zehn frische Brötchen bitte. Was kosten die Brötchen?
Der Verkäufer
Brötchen kosten zwanzig Cent das Stück. Haben Sie sonst noch einen Wunsch?
Anna Müller
Ich hätte gerne ein Stück Kuchen...nur weiß ich noch nicht von welchem! Was können Sie mir empfehlen?
Der Verkäufer
Die Zitronentorte ist sehr gut... oder dieser Apfelstrudel ist eine unserer Spezialitäten.
Anna Müller
So eine große Auswahl! Ich nehme ein Stück Marmorkuchen, bitte.
Der Verkäufer
Bitte schön... macht achtundzwanzig Euro vierundfünfzig insgesamt.
Anna Müller
Hier, bitte. Kleiner habe ich leider nicht.
Der Verkäufer
Das macht nichts. So, und hier ist Ihr Kleingeld. Vielen Dank.
Anna Müller
Ich danke auch. Auf Wiedersehen
Glossary die Feinkosthandlung
"delicatessen". You might also see "der Feinkostladen" used to translate this.
Sie wünschen?
"What would you like?". It is just another way of saying "Was wünschen Sie?"
die Salami
salami
der Pfeffer
pepper
die Pfeffersalami
"pepper salami". As we have seen earlier, the gender of a German compound noun is determined by its second element (= die Salami).
dieser
this
200 Gramm von dieser...
"200 grammes of this...". "Von" can either mean "from" or "of" depending on context. You need to use it here as Anna is specifying which salami she wants.
ein bisschen
a little
mehr
more
darf's ein bisschen mehr sein?
Do you mind it being a little over?
ein bisschen viel
a little too much
der Wunsch (pl. Wünsche)
wish
haben Sie noch einen Wunsch?
Do you want anything else?
geben Sie mir bitte...
"please give me...". Note that "geben" is another verb which takes the dative case.
ist das recht?
"Is that OK?". Just like its English equivalent "right", the word "recht" can have a number of meanings.
das reicht
that's enough
(das ist) in Ordnung
(that's) OK, all right!
außerdem
"besides; in addition". The phrase as a whole is another variant on "Sonst noch einen Wunsch?" Note that "einen Wunsch" is in the accusative case.
Frankfurter
An adjective meaning "from Frankfurt". Just like "Emmentaler" earlier on in this chapter, the word "Frankfurter" does not add adjective endings because the adjective is formed from the name of a place.
das Würstchen (-)
"small sausage". The combination "Frankfurter Würstchen" would be translated as a "frankfurter".
wie teuer sind sie?
"How expensive are they?" This is simply another variant for asking how much something costs.
der Preis (-e)
"price". Also the word for a "prize".
darauf
on it
hier steht kein Preis there is no price on it darauf kommt noch etwas dazu?
Yet another way of asking the customer if she wants anything else!
die Scheibe (-n)
slice
der Schwarzwald
"Black Forest". The adjective "Schwarzwälder" means "from the Black Forest".
alles klar
"all right, OK". The word "klar" literally means "clear".
wäre das alles?
Would that be all?
das wäre alles
that will be all
Moment mal
just a moment
das Vollkornbrot
a loaf of coarse wholemeal bread
noch nicht
"not yet". Thus the whole clause would be translated as "I don't know yet".
welcher
which
... von welchem
I don't know which cake I want a piece of...
empfehlen
"to recommend". This verb is irregular in the present tense.
was können Sie mir "What can you recommend (to me)?". The empfehlen? verb "empfehlen" is another one whereby the person being recommended something is in the dative case. die Zitrone (-n)
lemon
die Torte (-n)
flan; cake
die Zitronentorte (- lemon flan n) der Apfelstrudel
apple strudel
die Spezialität (en)
"speciality". The apfelstrudel is "one of our specialities".
die Auswahl
selection
so eine große Auswahl!
What a large selection!
der Marmorkuchen (-)
"marble cake". "Der Marmor" is the word for "marble".
insgesamt
"in total". It all comes to ("macht") € 28,54 in total.
kleiner
smaller
kleiner habe ich leider nicht
"I'm sorry I don't have anything smaller". We assume that she has offered him a fifty euro note or even a higher denomination. German shop-keepers can be quite reluctant to give change for
banknotes of high denomination. (das) macht nichts
it doesn't matter
ich danke auch
This is a practical response if a shopkeeper uses a "danke" construction at the end of a conversation instead of "bitte".
7.6 Quantities Some grammatical points When asking for a quantity "of" something in German, the word for "of" is omitted. Grammar 1: Nouns of quantity
English
German
a piece of cake
ein Stück Kuchen
a glass of beer
ein Glas Bier
a portion of chips
eine Portion Pommes
a bottle of wine
eine Flasche Wein
Note too that even following numerals greater than one, masculine and neuter nouns of weight, measurement or value must remain in the singular: Grammar 2: Plurals of nouns of quantity
English
German
three pieces of cake
drei Stück Kuchen
two glasses of beer
zwei Glas Bier
five sacks of potatoes fünf Sack Kartoffeln six pairs of shoes
sechs Paar Schuhe
ten English pounds
zehn englische Pfund
for a few dollars more
um ein paar Dollar mehr
Feminine nouns of quantity do take the plural form however: Grammar 3: Plurals of fem. nouns of quantity
English
German
seven portions of chips
sieben Portionen Pommes
eleven bottles of wine
elf Flaschen Wein
sixteen cups of tea
sechzehn Tassen Tee
Feminine nouns for currencies remain singular however. Thus the former German currency "die Mark" never took a plural ending - i.e. "zwanzig Mark", "drei Mark 50". German weights and measures German uses the metric system and the basic unit of weight is the gram - das Gramm - which equates to 0.0353 ounces. One ounce equals 28 Gramm. Note again here that the quantity is singular in German whereas we would say 28 grams in English. The pound - das Pfund - is also used in German-speaking countries, but note that a German pound is slightly heavier than an English pound. One Pfund is equal to 500 Gramm, whereas one English pound equates to 454 grams. Grammar 4: Weights and measures
Weight
Gramm
Ounces
100g
100 Gramm
3.5 oz
ein Viertelpfund
125 Gramm
4.375 oz
ein halbes Pfund
250 Gramm
8.75 oz
ein Pfund
500 Gramm
1lb 1oz
das Kilo(gramm)
1000 Gramm
2lb 2oz
German-speaking countries use the litre - das Liter - to measure liquids. One litre is equivalent to 1.7 pints. One Liter is made up of 1000 Milliliter.
7.7 Numbers greater than 100 Here are the basic constructions for German numbers which have more than two digits. Vocabulary 1: Numbers from 100 upwards
100
hundert
101
hundert(und)eins
102
hundertzwei
103
hundertdrei
110
hundertzehn
150
hundertfünfzig
151
hunderteinundfünfzig
200
zweihundert
300
dreihundert
346
dreihundertsechsundvierzig
400
vierhundert
500
fünfhundert
600
sechshundert
700
siebenhundert
800
achthundert
900
neunhundert
999
neunhundertneunundneunzig
Explanation 1. German numbers above 100 are combined in the same way as numbers above 20. All you do is add the word for 100, 200 etc in front of the two-figure number which we learned to construct in Chapter 4: 7 + 60 = siebenundsechzig; 400 + 7 + 60 = vierhundertsiebenundsechzig. 2. Note that Germans normally say hundertzwei where we would say "one hundred and two", and tausend where we would say "one thousand". "Ein" is however normally inserted in complex numbers such as tausendeinhundert (=1100). 3. It is possible (but wholly optional), to insert "und" between "hundert" and "eins" in the German for 101, and also between "tausend" and tens or units, e.g. tausend(und)eins, siebentausend(und)elf. 4. Years are usually stated in hundreds: - 1998 is written: neunzehnhundertachtundneunzig. - The year 2000 is however written as das Jahr zweitausend and 2001 is written as zweitausendeins.
Vocabulary 2: Numbers from 1000 upwards
1000
tausend
1001
tausend(und)eins
1009
tausend(und)neun
1010
tausendzehn
1052
tausendzweiundfünfzig
1100
tausendeinhundert
2000
zweitausend
2003
zweitausenddrei
2010
zweitausendzehn
5000
fünftausend
10000
zehntausend
10001
zehntausendeins
50000
fünfzigtausend
100000
hunderttausend
500000
fünfhunderttausend
Larger numbers Long numbers (i.e. those with more than one element) are rarely written out in full. In practice, complex numbers are rarely written fully except on cheques, and figures are used in written German more often than is usual in English. Numbers higher than a thousand are written with spaces every three digits - not with commas as in English, i.e. Germans would write 123 678 and not 123,678 as in English. Vocabulary 3: Larger numbers
123 678
hundertdreiundzwanzigtausendsechshundertachtundsiebzig
1 000 000
eine Million
2 000 000
zwei Millionen
10 000 000
zehn Millionen
5 276 497
fünf Millionen zweihundertsechsundsiebzigtausendzweihundertsiebenundneunzig
1 000 000 000
eine Milliarde
2 000 000 000
zwei Milliarden
10 000 000
zehn Milliarden
Explanation 1) The numbers eine Million and eine Milliarde are treated as separate nouns. They thus have a plural ending where necessary - i.e. drei Millionen fünfhunderttausend.
2) The plural form is also used when one million is followed by a decimal: 1,4 Millionen Euro. This is spoken as einskommavier Millionen Euro.
7.8 Adjectives of nationality and colour In Chapter 2 we learned how to express your nationality, and discovered that whereas English uses an adjective - i.e. "I am English" -, German uses a noun without a different article - "Ich bin Engländer" (literally: "I am Englishman"). When you wish to express "German beer" or "English food", as we have started to do in this chapter, you need the appropriate adjective to express your nationality. These are listed in the table below:
Vocabulary 4: Adjectives of nationality
Country
Adjective
Translation
Andorra
andorranisch
Andorran
Australien
australisch
Australian
Belgien
belgisch
Belgian
Brasilien
brasilianisch
Brazilian
Bulgarien
bulgarisch
Bulgarian
China
chinesisch
Chinese
Dänemark
dänisch
Danish
Deutschland
deutsch
German
England
englisch
English
Estland
estländisch estnisch
Estonian
Finnland
finnisch
Finnish
Frankreich
französisch
French
Griechenland
griechisch
Greek
Großbritannien britisch
British
Indien
indisch
Indian
Irland
irisch
Irish
Island
isländisch
Icelandic
Israel
israelisch
Israeli
Italien
italienisch
Italian
Japan
japanisch
Japanese
Kanada
kanadisch
Canadian
Kolumbien
kolumbianisch
Columbian
Kroatien
kroatisch
Croatian
Lettland
lettisch
Latvian
Liechtenstein
liechtensteinisch Liechtensteinian
Litauen
litauisch
Lithuanian
Luxemburg
luxemburgisch
Luxembourgish
Mazedonien
mazedonisch
Macedonian
Mexiko
mexikanisch
Mexican
Moldawien
moldawisch
Moldovan
Monaco
monegassisch
Monegasque
Neuseeland
neuseeländisch
New Zealand
die Niederlande
niederländisch
Dutch
Norwegen
norwegisch
Norwegian
Österreich
österreichisch
Austrian
Polen
polnisch
Polish
Portugal
portugiesisch
Portuguese
Rumänien
rumänisch
Romanian
Russland
russisch
Russian
Schottland
schottisch
Scottish
Schweden
schwedisch
Swedish
die Schweiz
schweizerisch Schweizer
Swiss
die Slowakei
slowakisch
Slovakian
Slowenien
slowenisch
Slovenian
Spanien
spanisch
Spanish
Südafrika
südafrikanisch
South African
Südkorea
südkoreanisch
South Korean
die Tschechische Republik
tschechisch
Czech
Tunesien
tunesisch
Tunisian
die Türkei
türkisch
Turkish
die Ukraine
ukrainisch
Ukranian
Ungarn
ungarisch
Hungarian
die USA
(US)amerikanisch
American
Wales
walisisch
Welsh
Zypern
zypriotisch
Cypriot
Grammatical Points 1. Unlike English, adjectives referring to countries take a small letter in German. Thus "my German uncle" would be translated as "mein deutscher Onkel". 2. Adjectives of nationality take adjective endings in exactly the same way as other adjectives. 3. There are two different adjectives to translate "Swiss". The first of these "schweizerisch" behaves like any other adjective of nationality. The second however "Schweizer" always starts with a capital letter and never takes adjective endings. Thus "Swiss eggs" could either be translated as "schweizerische Eier" (= with endings) or "Schweizer Eier" (= without endings). Colours In the course of the conversations in the first few sections of this chapter, we have encountered some more German adjectives for colours to add to the ones which have already featured in earlier chapters. Here is a list of the most important ones:
Vocabulary 5: Colours
black
schwarz
grey
grau
blue
blau
red
rot
brown
braun
white
weiß
green
grün
yellow
gelb
All of these adjectives take the normal adjectival endings - i.e. "rote Äpfel", "grüne Trauben". There are however four common colours which do not take adjectival endings and thus behave like Schweizer above. These colours are: Vocabulary 6: Colours that do not decline
beige
beige
orange
orange
pink
rosa
purple
lila
Such adjectives do however often take on suffixes such as "-farben" and "-farbig", both meaning "-coloured". When they do so normal adjectival endings are added i.e. "ein lila Kleid" or "ein lilafarbenes Kleid" (a purple dress).
7.9 Adjectives following numbers In Chapter 5 we looked at adjective endings after definite and indefinite articles. In this section we have met the third type of adjective endings. These are used in the following circumstances: • • •
when an adjective follows a number greater than one: - i.e. "zehn frische Brötchen" when the adjective is preceded by a quantity: - i.e. "ein Pfund grüne Bohnen" when the adjective is not preceded by any type of article - i.e. "Welche möchten Sie denn, grüne oder schwarze?"
The endings for an adjective which follows such endings, which we call the strong declension, are given below. First the singular endings: Grammar 5: Singular endings in the strong declension
Singular
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
deutsche Wurst
deutsches Bier
Accusative deutschen Käse deutsche Wurst
deutsches Bier
Dative
deutschem Bier
Nominative deutscher Käse deutschem Käse
deutscher Wurst
Plural Nominative zwei grüne Bohnen Accusative zwei grüne Bohnen Dative
zwei grünen Bohnen
Weak declension We can now complete the endings tables for the other declensions by adding their plural forms. Firstly for adjectives following the definite article - also known as the weak declension. Note too the way that the definite articles decline in the plural: Grammar 6: Singular endings in the weak declension
Sing.
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom. der deutsche Käse die deutsche Wurst
das deutsche Bier
Acc.
den deutschen Käse
die deutsche Wurst
das deutsche Bier
Dat.
dem deutschen Käse
der deutschen Wurst
dem deutschen Bier
Plural
Nom. die grünen Bohnen Acc.
die grünen Bohnen
Dat.
den grünes Bohnen
Mixed declension Finally, here is the "mixed" declension - namely the form of the adjective when it follows the indefinite article or a personal possessive. Note again the plural adjective endings, and the way in which "mein" ("dein", "sein" etc.) declines in the plural: Grammar 7: Singular endings in the weak declension
Sing.
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nom. ein deutscher Käse
eine deutsche Wurst
ein deutsches Bier
Acc.
einen deutschen Käse
eine deutsche Wurst
ein deutsches Bier
Dat.
einem deutschen Käse
einer deutschen Wurst
einem deutschen Bier
Plural Nom. meine grünen Bohnen Acc.
meine grünen Bohnen
Dat.
meinen grünen Bohnen
7.10 Personal pronouns Introduction Pronouns are a set of short words which stand for or replace nouns or noun phrases. In particular they stand for nouns which have already been mentioned or which are so well to the speaker and the listener that they do not need to be repeated in full. The so-called "personal" pronouns are used to refer to the speaker ("I", also called the first person), the person addressed ("you", also called the second person), and other persons or things which just happen to be mentioned ("he", "she", "it", also called the "third person"). These personal pronouns have distinct forms to indicate number, case and in the third person, gender. We have already met the nominative form of these personal pronouns in our verb tables; we can now add the accusative and the dative forms: Grammar 8: Nominative of the personal pronoun
Singular
Plural
ich
wir
I
we
du
you (informal)
ihr
you (informal)
Sie
you (formal)
Sie
you (formal)
er
he
sie
they
sie
she
es
it
Comments English speakers need to take particular care when translating the English pronoun it. As all German nouns have one of three genders, so too do pronouns - a masculine noun must therefore have a masculine pronoun regardless of whether it is a living thing or an inanimate object. For example: • • • •
Der Hund mag die Katze. Er mag die Katze. (The dog likes the cat. It likes the cat.) Die Katze mag den Hund. Sie mag den Hund. (The cat likes the dog. It likes the dog.) Hier ist das Pferd. Es heißt Shergar. (Here is the horse. It is called Shergar.) Hier ist der Kaffee. Er schmeckt gut. (Here is the coffee. It tastes good.)
Accusative of the personal pronoun Grammar 9: Accusative of the personal pronoun
Singular
Plural
mich me
uns
dich
you (informal)
euch you (informal)
Sie
you (formal)
Sie
you (formal)
ihn
him
sie
they
sie
her
es
it
us
Examples We have already met several examples of the accusative of the personal pronoun in set phrases in earlier chapters: • • •
Das freut mich. (That pleases me.) Es freut mich, Sie kennen zu lernen, Herr Deisler. (I'm pleased to meet you, Mister Deisler.) Grüß dich! (Literally: I greet you.)
•
Die Frau mag uns, Sebastian. (The woman likes us, Sebastian.)
Once again you should to be careful of German genders when you translate the English pronoun "it": • • • •
Der Hund mag die Katze. Der Hund mag sie. (The dog likes the cat. The dog likes it.) Die Katze mag den Hund. Die Katze mag ihn. (The cat likes the dog. The cat likes it.) Ich mag das Pferd. Ich mag es. (I like the horse. I like it.) Hier ist der Kaffee. Ich kaufe ihn. (Here is the coffee. I'll buy it.)
Dative of the personal pronoun Grammar 10: Dative of the personal pronoun
Singular
Plural
mir
to me
uns
to us
dir
to you (informal)
euch
to you (informal)
Ihnen to you (formal)
Ihnen to you (formal)
ihm
to him
ihnen
ihr
to her
ihm
to it
to them
Examples Examples of how to use the dative of the personal pronoun will be given in the next section, when we look at verbs which take the dative case. Once again however, the problem of translating English "it" in the dative should be noted: • • •
Der Hund spielt mit der Katze. Der Hund spielt mit ihr. (The dog plays with the cat. The dog plays with it.) Die Katze spielt mit dem Hund. Die Katze spielt mit ihm. (The cat plays with the dog. The cat plays with it.) Ich spiele mit dem Pferd. Ich spiele mit ihm. (I am playing with the horse. I'm playing with it.)
7.11 Verbs taking the dative case We have already looked at which verbs which take the accusative case in Chapter 3. Some German verbs however take the dative case. They often equate to the English "to (you etc.)" or "from (you etc.)", but this is not always the case. Some verbs which take an indirect object in German - such as "danken" ("to thank") and "helfen" ("to help") are ones which take a direct object in English.
(N.B. A noun or pronoun in the accusative case is called a direct object. A verb which takes a direct object is called a transitive verb. A noun or pronoun in the dative case is called an indirect object.) We have met several examples of verbs taking the dative case in this chapter, and they can be split into four types. Firstly verbs which simply take a dative object: • •
Können Sie mir helfen? ("Can you help me?") Ich danke Ihnen. ("(I) thank you.")
Verbs that take both the dative and the accusative case Secondly, a number of verbs take both a direct and an indirect object. As a general rule, the person to whom to you are giving something (or from whom you are taking something) will be in the dative case, whereas the thing that you are giving to them (or taking from them) will be in the accusative case: • • •
Ich sage dir alles... ("I'll tell you everything...") Geben Sie mir bitte ein Stück Gouda Käse. ("Please give me a piece of Gouda cheese.") Was können Sie mir empfehlen? ("What can you recommend to me?")
Thus in the above examples the personal pronouns "dir" and "mir" are in the dative case. What is being told / given / recommended to them is in the accusative case. In the first two examples this would be "alles" and "ein Stück Gouda Käse". In the third example it would be the interrogative pronoun "was". Verbs where the dative object equates to the English subject The final groups of verbs are ones which can take a lot of getting used to for an English speaker, as the indirect object of the German construction corresponds to the subject of the English equivalent. The most common examples of such verbs are those which express the English "to like": "gefallen" (= the general verb for liking something) and "schmecken" (= to like food): • •
Saure Birnen schmecken mir nicht. ("I don't like sour pears.") Das Kleid gefällt ihr nicht. ("She doesn't like the dress.")
In both of these cases the noun or pronoun which is in the dative case in the German sentence - "mir" and "ihr" would be the subject in the English construction. Likewise, the subject of the German verb (i.e. the noun that is in the nominative case) would either be the object of the English verb - "saure Birnen" or "das Kleid". It logically follows that the subject of the German sentence will determine the endings on the verb. If (as here) this is an inanimate object, the verb will be in the third person. The verb will have singular endings if the subject is singular ("das Kleid"), plural endings if the subject is a plural one ("saure Birnen").
Impersonal verbs Another type of construction in which what would be the subject of an English sentence is in the dative case in a German sentence are the so-called impersonal verbs. These are verbs in which the grammatical subject of the sentence is "es", a non-specific "it". We have met two of the most common impersonal verbs already: • • •
Es tut mir Leid. ("I'm sorry.") Wie geht es Ihnen? ("How are you?") Mir geht es gut. ("I'm very well.")
7.12 Irregular verbs taking the dative case Four of the verbs governing the dative case which we met in the previous section are irregular. Their declension is given below. Grammar 11: The verb "empfehlen" (= to recommend)
Singular ich empfehle
I recommend
du empfiehlst Sie empfehlen
You recommend (informal/formal)
er/sie/es empfiehlt He/she/it recommends Plural wir empfehlen
We recommend
ihr empfehlt Sie empfehlen
You recommend (informal/formal)
sie empfehlen
They recommend
Grammar 12: The verb "geben" (= to give)
Singular ich gebe
I give
du gibst Sie geben
You give (informal/formal)
er/sie/es gibt
He/she/it gives
Plural wir geben
We give
ihr gebt Sie geben
You give (informal/formal)
sie geben
They give
Grammar 13: The verb "gefallen" (= to please)
Singular ich gefalle
I please
du gefällst Sie gefallen
You please (informal/formal)
er/sie/es gefällt
He/she/it pleases
Plural wir gefallen
We please
ihr gefallt Sie gefallen
You please (informal/formal)
sie gefallen
They please
Grammar 14: The verb "helfen" (= to help)
Singular ich helfe
I help
du hilfst Sie helfen
You help (informal/formal)
er/sie/es hilft
He/she/it finds
Plural wir helfen
We help
ihr helft Sie helfen
You help (informal/formal)
sie helfen
They help
7.13 The Imperative The imperative is used to give orders or instructions or to express requests. We have met it twice in the first conversation in this chapter: • •
Erst hol bitte vom Bäcker ein kleines Weißbrot ("First fetch a small loaf of white bread from the baker") Dann kauf beim Metzger ein halbes Pfund Hackfleisch ("Then buy half a pound of mincemeat from the butcher")
The verb endings for the imperative depend on the person to whom you are talking. In both of the above cases the "du" form is used, as Anna Müller is talking to a member of her own family. The other pronouns for "you" in German have their own form of the imperative:
Grammar 15: Forms of the imperative
holen
kaufen
du
hol(e)!
kauf(e)!
ihr
holt!
kauft!
Sie
holen Sie!
kaufen Sie!
Formation 1. The "du" form of the imperative is formed by dropping the final "-en" of the infinitive and adding "-e" to the end of the word. This "-e" ending is usually dropped in spoken German and quite often in written German as well. The "-e" is always kept however with verbs whose stem end in "-d", "-t", "-ig" and "-m" or "-n" after another consonant. 2. The "ihr" form of the imperative is exactly the same as the "ihr" form of the regular present tense. 3. The "Sie" form of the imperative is exactly the same as the "Sie" form of the regular present tense BUT the word order is reversed - the verb always precedes the pronoun. 4. Note in particular that the "Sie" form of the imperative is the only one in which the pronoun is used in the command; you must omit the pronoun in the "du" and "ihr" forms. Irregular verbs Most irregular verbs with "-e-" in the stem change this to "-i-" or "-ie-" in the "du" form, just as they do in the regular present tense. Such verbs never add the ending "-e" in the "du" form. The "ihr" and "Sie" forms remain unaffected. This works out as follows for the three irregular verbs of this kind that we have already encountered: Grammar 16: Irregular imperatives
geben
nehmen
du
gib!
nimm!
ihr
gebt!
nehmt!
Sie geben Sie!
nehmen Sie!
empfehlen
sein
du
empfiehl!
sei!
ihr
empfehlt!
seid!
Sie empfehlen Sie!
seien Sie!
Note from the above table that the verb "sein" is also irregular in the imperative. It too never adds the final "-e" in the "du" form of the imperative.
The verbs "können" and "wollen" do not have an imperative. The "wir" form There is also a "wir" form of the imperative which equates to "Let's do something" rather than being an order. Just like the "Sie" form of the imperative, you merely take the normal "wir" form of the present tense verb and follow it with the adverb: - i.e. "Gehen wir!" (= "Let's go!"); "Machen wir!" (= "Let's do!")
7.14 Vocabulary - Shops and product containers Containers Here is a summary of the vocabulary covered in this section. The first table will list the different types of container in which products come, and the second table will list the names of products itself. From now on, we shall indicate the plurals of each of these nouns by the use of brackets. The plural of (for instance) die Tüte is die Tüten. We would show this plural formation by writing die Tüte (-n). Similarly, the plural of der Becher is die Becher. To show that this noun does not change in the plural - although the article always does! - we would write der Becher (-). When the stem of a noun changes, and not just the ending, we will aim to write the new plural out in full. Vocabulary 7: Containers
Shops
bag
die Tüte (-n)
bar
die Tafel (-n)
bottle
die Flasche (-n)
box
die Schachtel (-n)
can
die Dose (-n)
jar; glass
das Glas (pl. - Gläser)
pack; packet
die Packung (-en)
packet
das Paket (-e)
sack
der Sack (pl. - Säcke)
slice
die Scheibe (-n)
tub
der Becher (-)
tube
die Tube (-n)
Vocabulary 8: Types of shop baker
die Bäckerei (-en)
butcher's
die Metzgerei (-en)
chemist's
die Apotheke (-n)
corner store
der Tante-Emma-Laden (pl. - Tante-Emma-Läden)
department store
das Kaufhaus (pl. - Kaufhäuser)
drugstore
die Drogerie (-n)
food store
das Lebensmittelgeschäft (e)
health food shop
der Bioladen (pl. - Bioläden) das Reformhaus (pl. - Reformhäuser)
market
der Markt (pl. - Märkte)
- Christmas market
- der Weihnachtsmarkt (pl. - Weihnachtsmärkte)
shop
das Geschäft (-e) der Laden (pl. - Läden)
supermarket
der Supermarkt (pl. - Supermärkte)
7.15 Vocabulary - Types of food Here is a vocabulary list of different types of food which you might encounter in German-speaking countries. Once again, the plurals of each noun are indicated by the use of brackets. Vocabulary 9: Food apple
der Apfel (pl. - Äpfel)
- apple juice
- der Apfelsaft
- apple strudel
- der Apfelstrudel
banana
die Banane (-n)
bean
die Bohne (-n)
- green bean
- die grüne Bohne
biscuit
der Keks (-e)
bread
das Brot
- coarse wholemeal bread
- das Vollkornbrot
- white bread
- das Weißbrot
bread roll
das Brötchen (-)
butter
die Butter
carrot
die Karotte (-n) die Möhre (-n)
cheese
der Käse
chocolate
die Schokolade
chocolates
die Pralinen (pl.)
cornflakes
die Cornflakes (pl.)
cucumber
die Gurke (-n)
dairy produce
die Milchprodukte (pl.)
drink
das Getränk (-e)
egg
das Ei (-er)
fish
der Fisch (-e)
flan; cake
die Torte (-n)
frozen food
die Tiefkühlkost
fruit juice
der Saft
grape
die Traube (-n)
ham
der Schinken
honey
der Honig
jam
die Marmelade
lemon
die Zitrone (-n)
- lemon flan
- die Zitronentorte (-n)
lettuce
der Kopfsalat
marble cake
der Marmorkuchen
margarine
die Margarine
meat
das Fleisch
milk
die Milch
mincemeat
das Hackfleisch
mineral water
das Mineralwasser
onion
die Zwiebel (-n)
orange
die Orange (-n) die Apfelsine (-n)
- orange juice
- der Orangensaft
pasta
die Nudeln (pl.)
pear
die Birne (-n)
pepper
der Pfeffer
- pepper salami
- die Pfeffersalami
pizza
die Pizza (-s)
raspberry
die Himbeere (-n)
salad
der Salat
salami
die Salami
sausage
die Wurst (pl. Würste)
- small sausage
- das Würstchen (-)
strawberry
die Erdbeere (-n)
- strawberry jam
- die Erdbeermarmelade
sweet
das Bonbon (-s)
tomato
die Tomate (-n)
vegetables
das Gemüse
water
das Wasser
yoghurt
der Joghurt (-s)
7.16 Shopping in Germany Supermarkets Germany is one of the countries with the highest cost of living. On top of this, some towns are more expensive than others. Living in Munich is significantly more costly than living in Rostock or the Ruhr area. Even within the same town it is possible to buy the same product for different prices. It is always worth comparing prices carefully. When being food, note that delicatessens are the most expensive, while specialist shops such as the baker's (die Bäckerei) or the butcher's (die Metzgerei) are not necessarily more expensive than supermarkets. Even amongst supermarkets prices vary considerably. In some supermarkets, the selection of cheeses, sausage, bread, wines and spirits (Weine und Spirituosen) can be quite staggering - but then so are their prices! As a general principle, the more self-service there is a supermarket, the less you have to pay. In some supermarkets you will see nothing but rows of products stacked in boxes on top of one another! By contrast with many other countries it is usual to weigh your fruit and vegetables yourself in German supermarkets. You simply put them on the scales, press the button with a picture of the product and stick the price tag on the plastic bag. Germans are very ecologically-minded and hence many shops charge 10-15 cents for a plastic carrier bag when you get to the checkout desk. Furthermore, the use of reusable glass or plastic bottles (Mehrwegflaschen) is encouraged and you have to pay a deposit (der Pfand) on most bottles which will be refunded to you when you return the bottles. Other types of shops A general food store is called "das Lebensmittelgeschäft". If a general store is small and rather old-fashioned, it is affectionately called "der Tante-Emma-Laden". Should you wish to buy organic foods and vegetables, you should look for signs saying "Bioladen" (= health food shop) or the more traditional "das Reformhaus".
Note also the difference between a German chemist's and a drugstore. The chemist's (die Apotheke) dispense drugs and medicines. Some drugs don't require a prescription, whereas others do. Drugs are generally cheaper on prescription, but you obviously have to see a doctor. It is also possible to buy cosmetics and some health foods in an Apotheke. A drugstore (die Drogerie) on the other hand sells mainly toiletries, cosmetics and films etc, although it will sell some medicines if they are not on prescription. More upmarket and thus more expensive than a Drogerie is "die Parfümerie", where you can get mainly perfumes and cosmetics. Markets Almost all towns, big or small, have one or two markets days a week, often on Wednesday or Saturday mornings. This can vary however - some towns have a permanent market open throughout the week. Quite a few of the stalls are run by local vegetable growers, and are of very high standard. Particularly attractive for visitors are the Christmas markets ("Weihnachtsmärkte"), at which you can buy sweets, pastries and hand-carved Christmas decorations. Re-cycling To a much greater extent than in other countries Germany practises the re-cycling of waste products. A "throw-away mentality" (die Wegwerfmentalität) is frowned upon and people are encouraged to purchase environmentally friendly products (umweltfreundliche Produkte) which are recognisable by the symbol of the "blue angel" (der blaue Engel) - see below - and which can be recycled at places indicated by the green dot symbol (der grüne Punkt). Citizens are also informed by brochures produced by the municiple authorities how to sort their rubbish (die Mülltrennung), i.e. put different kinds of material into different dustbins. Consequently there are dustbins and containers for used paper, glass (which is sorted according to colour), packaging material, organic waste, and residual waste. Yellow sacks are used for recyclable material, green for biodegradable material and black for the rest. The yellow and green bags are taken away free of charge, but you have to pay to have the rest collected. In the street, rubbish is put into the appropriate bin for recycling. Glass bottles should not be thrown into containers on Sundays or at night because of the noise. Mail order Home shopping has affected German buying habits severely - according to the German Mail Order Association, Germany ranks second in the world among homeshopping giants behind the USA. The Association reported that in 1996, 49% of Europe's mail-order trade came from German citizens. They also reported that there are at least 20 main mail order companies, 12 of which are based in Germany and of these twelve, two are the largest houses in the world. This means that around 350 million catalogues are printed each year, which works out to be about four catalogues per person or at least 10 catalogues per household in Germany. Catalogue houses advertise heavily and you are almost guaranteed to receive something unsolicited from them in the mail. Sometimes it's the catalogue itself or a postcard inviting you to order the catalogue. Larger houses, such as Otto, Heine or Quelle send regular post card invitations asking 'occupants' to fill-in the card and return it to receive a free gift.
Chapter 8: Telephone Calls 8.1 Calling the doctor (1) In the following conversation, Anna Müller tries to make an appointment with the doctor by phone. Pay particular attention to how they express the words for times. Conversation 1: Ein Termin bei der Ärztin
Anna Müller
Guten Morgen, Frau Müller am Apparat. Hat die Frau Doktor Weber einen Termin frei?
Frau Krug
Ja, natürlich, Frau Müller. Um 10.20 Uhr haben wir einen Termin frei, oder zehn Minuten später um halb elf. Ist das in Ordnung?
Anna Müller
Wie spät ist es jetzt?
Frau Krug
Es ist zehn Uhr fünf.
Anna Müller
Nein, das schaffe ich nicht. Haben sie einen späteren Termin frei?
Frau Krug
Der nächste ist um 11.00 Uhr. Ist Ihnen das Recht?
Anna Müller
Um 11:00 Uhr? Ja, da kann ich. Vielen Dank, auf Wiederhören.
Frau Krug
Auf Wiederhören.
Conversation 1: A doctor's appointment
Anna Müller
Good morning, Frau Müller speaking. Does Doctor Weber have a vacant appointment?
Frau Krug
Yes, of course, Ms. Müller. We have an appointment at 10:20 or ten minutes later at half-past ten. Is that OK?
Anna Müller
What time is it now?
Frau Krug
It is 10:05.
Anna Müller
No, I can't manage that. Do you have a later appointment that's not taken?
Frau Krug
The next one is at eleven o'clock. Is that OK by you?
Anna Müller
At eleven o'clock? Yes, I can manage that. Thank you very much, goodbye.
Frau Krug
Goodbye.
Glossary der Termin (e)
appointment
die Ärztin (innen)
This is the word to describe the profession of "doctor". The masculine is "der Arzt" (pl. Ärzte). When you are using "doctor" in connection with a name, you would use the word "der Doktor" regardless of gender - i.e. Frau Doktor Weber.
Hat (sie) einen "Does she have a vacant appointment?". The Termin frei? word "frei" literally means "free". natürlich
of course
um 10.20 Uhr
"At 10.20". Note that this is said "um zehn Uhr zwanzig", although "Uhr" actually follows "zwanzig" when it is written.
später
later
um halb elf
"At half-past ten". Literally: "half (to) eleven".
ist das in Ordnung?
Is that OK?
schaffen
to do; manage
das schaffe ich nicht
I can't make that
ein späterer Termin
"A later appointment". The comparative of the adjective also takes adjective endings. This will be discussed in more detail later.
der nächste
"The next one", as in the next appointment. As "der Termin" is a masculine noun, the gender of the definite pronoun will also be masculine.
um 11.00 Uhr
Spoken = "um elf Uhr" - "at 11 o'clock".
ist Ihnen das Recht?
Is that all right for you?
da kann ich
"I can manage that". The verb for "manage" can be omitted after the modal verb "können"
auf Wiederhören
goodbye (on phone)
8.2 Calling the doctor (2)
In the following conversation, Marko Tredup also attempts to make an appointment with his doctor. Once again, things don't go to plan and times need to be altered. Conversation 2: Ein Termin mit dem Arzt
Marko Tredup
Guten Tag. Mein Name ist Tredup. Wann hat Herr Doktor Becker Sprechstunde?
Herr Friedrich
Dienstags bis donnerstags von 12 Uhr bis 14 Uhr.
Marko Tredup
Kann ich bitte heute in die Sprechstunde kommen?
Herr Friedrich
Moment mal, Herr Tredup... Können Sie um 12.40 Uhr kommen?
Marko Tredup
Leider nicht.
Herr Friedrich
Ich kann Ihnen einen Termin um 13.10 Uhr geben. Wenn das Ihnen nicht passt, müssen Sie leider bis morgen warten.
Marko Tredup
Äh ... muss ich mal nachschauen. Ja, 13.10 Uhr ist mir Recht. Vielen Dank, auf Wiederhören.
Herr Friedrich
Auf Wiederhören.
Conversation 2: A doctor's appointment
Marko Tredup
Good afternoon. My name is Tredup. When does Doctor Becker have his surgery?
Herr Friedrich
Between Tuesday and Thursday, from 12 o'clock until 2 o'clock.
Marko Tredup
Could I come to the doctor's surgery today?
Herr Friedrich
One moment, Herr Tredup... Could you come at 12:40?
Marko Tredup
Unfortunately not.
Herr Friedrich
I can give you an appointment at 13:10. If that isn't suitable, I'm afraid that you will have to wait until tomorrow.
Marko Tredup
Erm ... I'll have to have a look. Yes, 13:10 is fine by me. Many thanks, goodbye.
Herr Friedrich
Goodbye.
Glossary
heute
today
die Sprechstunde surgery; consultation hour (-n) dienstags
Tuesdays
bis
until; (here) to
donnerstags
Thursdays
Moment mal
one moment!
leider nicht
unfortunately not
passen (+ Dative)
This means "to suit". It is another verb that takes a dative object.
wenn das Ihnen nicht passt
if that doesn't suit you; if that isn't suitable
bis morgen
until tomorrow
warten
to wait
äh...
erm...
nachschauen
This is a separable verb meaning "to have a look". We assume that Marko Tredup is consulting his diary or appointments book.
12.40 Uhr ist mir "12.40 is fine by me". This is the answer to Recht the phrase: "Ist das Ihnen Recht?"
8.3 Herr Walle We move to an office environment for the next three conversations in which a caller attempts to speak to a business partner, only to be unable to do so. Pay close attention to how the callers say that they will ring back, or ask to leave a message. Conversation 3: Herr Walle
Anna Müller
Schmidt & Co., guten Tag.
Herr Walle
Walle, von der Firma Kindt AG, kann ich bitte Herrn Doktor Schmidt sprechen?
Anna Müller
Das tut mir Leid. Er ist noch in einer Besprechung. Kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Herr Walle
Vielen Dank. Ich rufe später noch mal an. Auf Wiederhören.
Anna Müller
Bitte schön. Wiederhören.
Conversation 3: Herr Walle
Anna Müller
Schmidt & Co., good afternoon
Herr Walle
Walle, from the Kindt AG company, can I speak to Doctor Schmidt please?
Anna Müller
I'm sorry, he's still in a meeting. May I help you?
Herr Walle
Many thanks. I'll call back later. Goodbye.
Anna Müller
Don't mention it. Goodbye.
Glossary Co.
This is the abbreviation for the German word for "company".
die Firma (pl. Firmen)
company
AG
An abbreviation for "Aktiengesellschaft". This means a "(public) limited company".
Herrn Doktor Schmidt
When the word for Mr. - "der Herr" - is in the accusative and dative case, it adds an extra "n", becoming "den Herrn".
sprechen
This means "to speak to". It is an irregular verb.
die Besprechung
meeting
anrufen
This means "to ring up". It is a separable verb.
später
later
noch mal
again
Wiederhören
Short for "Auf Wiederhören", which means "Goodbye" on the telephone.
8.4 Herr Döblin In this telephone conversation, Herr Döblin wishes to speak to Frau Hartmann but is unable to do so. How does Barbara Zacharias ask him whether he would like to call back later? What other option does she give him? Conversation 4: Herr Döblin ruft an
Barbara Zacharias
Firma Aksoy, Zacharias am Apparat, guten Morgen.
Herr Döblin
Mein Name ist Döblin, könnten Sie mich bitte mit Frau Hartmann verbinden?
Barbara Zacharias
Moment bitte, ich verbinde. Da meldet sich niemand. Frau Hartmann ist im Moment
nicht an ihrem Arbeitsplatz. Herr Döblin
Könnte ich vielleicht Herrn Schneider sprechen?
Barbara Zacharias
Er spricht gerade auf einer anderen Leitung. Möchten Sie später noch mal anrufen oder soll er Sie zurückrufen?
Herr Döblin
Vielen Dank. Ich rufe zurück. Auf Wiederhören.
Barbara Zacharias
Wiederhören.
Conversation 4: Herr Döblin rings up
Barbara Zacharias
The Aksoy company, Zacharias speaking, good morning.
Herr Döblin
My name is Döblin, could you please connect me with Ms. Hartmann?
Barbara Zacharias
One moment please, I'm connecting you now. There's no response. Ms. Hartmann is not at her desk at the moment.
Herr Döblin
Could I speak to Mr. Schneider perhaps?
Barbara Zacharias
He's talking on another line at the moment. Would you like to call back later or would you like him to ring you back?
Herr Döblin
Thanks very much. I'll call back. Goodbye.
Barbara Zacharias
Goodbye.
Glossary Zacharias am Apparat
"Zacharias speaking". As "der Apparat" means (in some contexts) "the telephone", this literally means "on the phone".
verbinden
to connect
sich melden
to answer (telephone)
da meldet sich niemand
"Nobody is answering". We could also say: "There's no response".
im Moment
at the moment
der Arbeitsplatz
Here: "work station; place of work". It's also the word for a "job".
am Arbeitsplatz
at her(/his etc.) work station
gerade
at the moment; just
die Leitung (-en)
(telephone) line
auf einer
on another line
anderen Leitung zurückrufen
This means "to ring back". It is a separable verb.
soll er Sie zurückrufen?
"Would you like him to ring you back?" Note the usage of the modal verb "sollen".
ich rufe zurück
I'll call back
8.5 Frau Wolf In this telephone conversation, Frau Wolf wishes to speak to Professor Roth but she is not in. How does Marko Tredup ask her whether she would like to leave a message? What other information does he ask her for? Conversation 5: Frau Wolf
Marko Tredup
Büro Roth, Tredup am Apparat.
Frau Wolf
Könnte ich bitte mit Frau Professor Roth sprechen?
Marko Tredup
Frau Professor Roth ist zur Zeit nicht im Hause. Wer ist am Apparat?
Frau Wolf
Wolf, von der Firma Grünschnabel in Leipzig.
Marko Tredup
Möchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen?
Frau Wolf
Ja, gern. Es geht um einen Termin für nächste Woche. Könnte sie mich sobald wie möglich zurückrufen?
Marko Tredup
Das geht in Ordnung, Frau Wolf. Wie ist Ihre Telefonnummer?
Frau Wolf
Wir haben jetzt eine neue Nummer, die lautet 25 13 07.
Marko Tredup
25 13 07 - und welche Vorwahl hat Leipzig?
Frau Wolf
Leipzig hat die 0341.
Marko Tredup
Die 0341. Und haben Sie eine Faxnummer?
Frau Wolf
Die Faxnummer lautet 25 13 21.
Conversation 5: Frau Wolf
Marko Tredup
Professor Roth's office, Tredup speaking.
Frau Wolf Could I speak to Professor Roth please? Marko Tredup
Professor Roth is not in the building at the moment. Who's speaking?
Frau Wolf Ms. Wolf, from the Grünschnabel company in Leipzig. Marko Tredup
Would you like to leave a message?
Frau Wolf Yes please. It's about an appointment for next week. Could she ring me back as soon as possible? Marko Tredup
That's fine, Ms. Wolf. What's your telephone number?
Frau Wolf We've got a new number now, it's 251307. Marko Tredup
251307 - and what is the dialling code for Leipzig?
Frau Wolf Leipzig's dialling code is 0341. Marko Tredup
0341. And do you have a fax number?
Frau Wolf The fax number is 251321. Glossary Büro Roth
We would translate this as "Professor Roth's office" - the word "Professor" (and likewise "Ms.", "Mr." etc.) are not given in the German construction.
die Zeit
time
zur Zeit
at the moment
das Haus (pl. Häuser)
house
nicht im Hause
not in the building; not on the premises
wer ist am Apparat?
"Who's speaking"? You could also say: "Wer spricht?"
die Nachricht (en)
This means "a message". It is also the word for "a piece of news".
hinterlassen
to leave (behind). This is an irregular verb. It is also inseparable.
es geht um...
"It's about..." The noun following "um" must be in the accusative case.
der Termin (-e)
appointment
die Woche (-n)
week
nächste Woche
next week
sobald wie
as soon as
möglich
possible
das geht in Ordnung
that's OK; that's fine
die Telefonnummer (-n)
telephone number
neu
new
die Nummer (-n) number lauten
This means "to be" when you are giving information such as a number.
die Vorwahl
dialling code
die Faxnummer (-n)
fax number
die Nummer (-n) number
8.6 The Answerphone Someone is trying to contact the tourist information office in Velten (which is just north of Berlin). But as they have rung outside opening hours, the caller only gets a recorded answerphone message. According to the answerphone, what are the opening hours of the office? And what should a caller do to leave a message?
Conversation 6: Der Anrufbeantworter
Guten Tag, hier ist der automatische Anrufbeantworter des Fremdenverkehrsbüros Velten, Telefon- und Faxnummer 03304 17 46 89. Im Moment ist unser Büro geschlossen. Unsere Öffnungszeiten sind: montags bis freitags von 9 Uhr bis 13 Uhr und von 15 bis 17 Uhr 30. Am Samstag ist das Fremdenverkehrsbüro Velten von 9 Uhr bis 13 Uhr geöffnet. Am Sonntag ist es geschlossen. Falls Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen möchten, sprechen Sie bitte nach dem Signalton. Vielen Dank für Ihren Anruf. Conversation 6: The answerphone
Hello, this is the answerphone of the tourist information office in Velten. Our telephone and fax number is 03304 17 46 89. Our office is closed at the moment. Our opening hours are from nine o'clock to one o'clock and from three to five thirty Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays the tourist information office in Velten is open from 9 until 1. It is closed on Sundays. If you wish to leave a message, please speak after
the tone. Many thanks for your call. Glossary automatisch
automatic
der Anrufbeantworter
answering machine
das Fremdenverkehrsbüro
The "tourist information office". The words "des Fremdenverkehrsbüros" is the genitive of this noun i.e. it translates as "of the tourist information office".
Telefon- und Faxnummer
"Telephone number and fax number". If the second element of two compound nouns joined by "and" is the same, you replace this element in the first of the two nouns by a hyphen.
im Moment
at the moment
geschlossen
closed
die Öffnungszeiten (pl.)
opening hours
montags
on Mondays
freitags
"On Fridays". The same construction for the other days of the week would be dienstags, mittwochs, donnerstags, samstags and sonntags.
am Samstag
"On Saturday". This can either mean "on one particular Saturday" or (as here) "on Saturdays" - i.e. "samstags".
geöffnet
open
der Signalton
tone; pip (of answerphone)
der Anruf (-e)
call
8.7 Telling the time (1) Grammar 1: What time is it?
Wie spät ist es? (Literally: "How late is it?") Wie viel Uhr ist es? (Literally: "How much of the clock is it?")
Both of the above phrases equate to the English "What time is it?" or "What's the time?". You can add the word for "please" if you wish to be more polite - "Wie spät ist es bitte?". The answer to the question will be: "Es ist ... Uhr" (= It is ... o'clock). Although "die Uhr" is a feminine noun, you would translate "It is one o'clock" as "Es ist ein Uhr". If you said "Es ist eine Uhr", this would mean "This is a clock/watch"!
Grammar 2: It is ... o'clock
Es ist ein Uhr Es ist eins
Es ist zwei Uhr
Es ist drei Uhr
Es ist vier Uhr
Es ist fünf Uhr
Es ist sechs Uhr
Es ist sieben Uhr
Es ist acht Uhr
Es ist neun Uhr
Es ist zehn Uhr
Es ist elf Uhr
Es ist zwölf Uhr Es ist Mittag Es ist Mitternacht
As you will have probably guessed: "Es ist Mittag" means "It is midday" "Es ist Mitternacht" means "It is midnight". In the morning, afternoon, evening Although A.M. and P.M. are not used in German-speaking countries, you can make times formed using the 12-hour clock more clear by adding the adverbs for "in the morning", "in the afternoon" etc.: Grammar 3: morgens, abends usw.
Es ist neun Uhr morgens/vormittags (It's nine o'clock in the morning) Es ist drei Uhr nachmittags (It's three o'clock in the afternoon) Es ist sieben Uhr abends (It's seven o'clock in the evening)
Es ist zwei Uhr nachts (It's two o'clock at night)
8.8 Telling the time (2) Wie spät ist es jetzt in Exeter? Es ist sechs. Quarter past/to and half past The constructions required to express minutes "past" and "to" the hour in German are very similar to the English. The equivalent of "past" is "nach" (= after) and "to" is translated by "vor" (= before). The German word for a "quarter" is "das Viertel". Grammar 4: Quarter past/to and half-past
Es ist Viertel nach zehn (It is a quarter past ten) Es ist halb elf (It is half past ten) Es ist Viertel vor elf (It is a quarter to eleven) Expressing "half past" is thus much more tricky. The half hour is counted in German in relation to the following full hour, not the preceding hour as in English. Thus "halb elf" is half past ten and not - as you might expect from the English - half past eleven. Just think of it as being "half to eleven".
Minutes past the hour Grammar 5: Minutes past the hour
Es ist fünf nach zwölf
Es ist zehn nach zwölf
Es ist Viertel nach zwölf
Es ist zwanzig
Es ist
Es ist halb
nach zwölf
fünfundzwanzig nach zwölf (Es ist fünf vor halb eins)
eins
Es ist fünfundzwanzig vor eins (Es ist fünf nach halb eins)
Es ist zwanzig vor eins
Es ist Viertel vor eins
Es ist zehn vor eins
Es ist fünf vor eins
Es ist ein Uhr Es ist eins
As in English, you will also hear a fuller version using "die Minute (-n)", the German word for a minute. It is more common to use it when you are giving a number of minutes which is not a multiple of five: Es ist vierundzwanzig Minuten vor neun (It is twenty-four minutes to nine) Es ist siebzehn Minuten nach fünf (It is seventeen minutes past five) Using prepositions Make a note of the prepositions used in the following key German time phrases: Grammar 6: Prepositions in time phrases
um halb acht (at half past seven) gegen halb acht (at about half past seven) von zehn (Uhr) bis zwölf (Uhr) (from ten (o'clock) to twelve (o'clock)) zwischen drei (Uhr) und fünf (Uhr) (between three (o'clock) and five (o'clock))
8.9 The 24-hour clock The 24-hour clock is used much more commonly in German-speaking countries than it is in Britain - not least because abbreviations such as A.M. and P.M. are not commonly used. But the 24-hour system is also standard practice for all official timetelling including in the media, on train timetables and announcements of events etc. Subtract twelve to get the P.M. time expressed in English. Grammar 7: The 24-hour clock
Written
Spoken
English
13.00 Uhr
dreizehn Uhr
1:00 P.M.
18.00 Uhr
achtzehn Uhr
6:00 P.M.
21.00 Uhr
einundzwanzig Uhr
9:00 P.M.
0.00 Uhr 24.00 Uhr
null Uhr vierundzwanzig Uhr
midnight
Minutes after the hour When expressing the number of minutes after an hour in the German 24-hour system, you add the number of minutes after the word "Uhr" in spoken German. In written German however, the word "Uhr" comes after the minutes. Although midnight can be expressed in the German 24-hour clock either as null Uhr or vierundzwanzig Uhr, you can only use null Uhr when you need to express that it is a number of minutes past midnight. You cannot however say "halb null", just as you cannot say "halb dreizehn", "Viertel nach/vor dreizehn" etc. Thus the times shown on the previous page would be expressed as follows using the 24-hour system:
Grammar 8: Minutes past the hour
Es ist null Uhr Es ist 0 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünf Es ist 00.05 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr zehn Es ist 00.10 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfzehn Es ist 00.15 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr zwanzig Es ist 00.20 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfundzwanzig Es ist 00.25 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr dreißig Es ist00.30 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfunddreißig Es ist 00.35 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr vierzig Es ist 00.40 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfundvierzig Es ist 00.45 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfzig Es ist 00.50 Uhr
Es ist null Uhr fünfundfünfzig Es ist 00.55 Uhr
Odd numbers of minutes The twenty-four clock can of course also be used to express times where the minutes are not divisible by five: Es ist sechzehn Uhr neunundzwanzig / 16.29 Uhr Es ist zwanzig Uhr zweiundzwanzig / 20.22 Uhr Es ist dreiundzwanzig Uhr sechsundfünfzig / 23.56 Uhr And a German speaking clock always uses the twenty-four system, giving the number of seconds (= die Sekunde (-n)) along with the time in hours and minutes: Es ist zehn Uhr dreiundvierzig Minuten dreißig Sekunden (It is ten thirty-four and thirty seconds) Be punctual! Punctuality (die Pünktlichkeit) is taken very seriously in Germany. It goes without saying that strict punctuality is expected for business appointments. Note however that if somebody invites you for dinner at 7 o'clock, then that is the time that you are expected to turn up. Arriving "fashionably late" by ten or fifteen minutes - as is common in Britain - is viewed as a social faux pas. So if you find yourself running late, make sure to ring up in advance and inform your hosts! There is slightly more leeway given in academic circles. When university students have an appointment with their tutors or professors, they should of course be
punctual (pünktlich). Yet German universities have a tradition of beginning their classes fifteen minutes after the hour. This quarter-hour is known as the akademisches Viertel. Classes which begin fifteen minutes after the hour are designated "c.t." (= cum tempore) and would be listed as beginning at 9.00 c.t., 10.00 c.t., etc. Courses which begin precisely on the hour are designated "s.t." (= sine tempore) and would be listed as beginning at 9.00 s.t., 10.00 s.t., etc.
8.10 Days of the week Grammar 8: Die Wochentage
Sonntag (Sunday)
Donnerstag (Thursday)
Montag (Monday)
Freitag (Friday)
Dienstag (Tuesday)
Samstag / Sonnabend
Mittwoch (Wednesday)
(Saturday)
N.B. Samstag is the word used to translate "Saturday" in southern Germany, whereas Sonnabend is used in certain parts of northern Germany (including Berlin). On Monday(s) To translate "on Monday" etc., you should precede the day of the week by "am" - i.e. am Montag, am Dienstag, am Mittwoch etc. This is because all days of the week are masculine. Most of them are compound nouns whose final element is der Tag, the German word for "day", but the other two - Mittwoch and Sonnabend - are also masculine. There are specific adverbs to translate "on Mondays" etc., when this implies "every Monday". Note that the fact that these words do not start with a capital letter: Grammar 9: On Mondays etc.
sonntags (on Sundays)
donnerstags (on Thursdays)
montags (on Mondays)
freitags (on Fridays)
dienstags (on Tuesdays)
samstags / sonnabends
mittwochs (on Wednesdays)
(on Saturdays)
Notable days in the calendar A number of notable days in the calendar are compounds of the names of German
days of the week.They are therefore used the same way grammatically - "am Karfreitag" means "on Good Friday": Grammar 9: Notable days of the week
Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday)
Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday)
Pfingstmontag (Whit Monday)
Gründonnerstag (Maundy Thursday)
Rosenmontag (Monday before Ash Wednesday)
Karfreitag (Good Friday)
Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday)
8.11 Modal verbs Grammar 9: German modal verbs
dürfen (may) (= permission)
müssen (must)
können (can)
sollen (is to)
mögen (may) (= possibility)
wollen (want)
The German modal verbs are a group of six verbs which affect the mood of a sentence, approximating to words like "can", "must" and "will" in English. Great care needs to be taken with their usage as each verb has a number of different meanings in different uses of their various tenses. Word order All of these modal verbs need to be used with a second verb in the infinitive form. This second verb is always placed at the end of the sentence. Here are some examples which we have already met in this course: Grammar 10: Word order with modal verbs
Modal verb
Clause
dürfen
Darf ich Ihnen einen Nachtisch bringen? ("May I bring you a dessert?")
können
Kann ich Ihnen helfen?
("Can I help you?") mögen
Möchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen? ("Would you like to leave a message?")
müssen
Sie müssen leider bis morgen warten. ("You'll have to wait until tomorrow.")
sollen
Soll er Sie zurückrufen? ("Would you like him to ring you back?")
wollen
Ich wollte mit der Straßenbahn fahren. ("I wanted to travel by tram.")
If the infinitive following a modal verb comes from a separable verb, then it does not split up and behaves like any other verb: Grammar 11: Modal verbs followed by a separable verb
Modal Verb
Clause
können
Ich rufe zurück. BUT: Könnten Sie mich sobald wie möglich zurückrufen? ("Could you ring me back as soon as possible?")
mögen
Du rufst an. BUT: Möchten Sie später noch mal anrufen? ("Would you like to ring back later?")
müssen
Sie fahren ab. BUT: Wann müssen Sie abfahren? ("When do you have to leave?")
The same construction also appears with gehen (= to go) and brauchen (= to need): • •
Ich gehe jetzt einkaufen. (I'm going shopping now.) Du brauchst das nicht tun. (You don't have to do that.)
Modal verbs without the infinitive Unlike in English, German modal verbs can sometimes be used without a following infinitive, provided that the meaning of the omitted infinitive is clear from the context. This occurs most often in conversation, and predominantly with verbs of motion: • •
Ja, da kann ich. (Yes, I can manage that.) Frau Müller will zum Bahnhof (fahren). (Frau Müller wants to go to the station.)
• •
Barbara Zacharias muss ins Büro (gehen). (Barbara Zacharias has to go into the office.) Ich möchte ein Eis (haben). (I would like to have an ice cream.)
8.12 Modal verbs: Können, mögen, wollen "Können Sie" or "könnten Sie"? You can use different forms of the verb "können" to express the difference between the English "I can" and "I could". The present tense of the verb is used to translate the former, the conditional the latter. Grammar 12: The present tense of "können" (= can)
Singular ich kann
I can
du kannst Sie können
You can (informal/formal)
er/sie/es kann
He/she/it can
Plural wir können
We can
ihr könnt Sie können
You can (informal/formal)
sie können
They can
Grammar 13: The conditional of "können" (= could)
Singular ich könnte
I could
du könntest Sie könnten
You could (informal/formal)
er/sie/es könnte
He/she/it could
Plural wir könnten
We could
ihr könntet Sie könnten
You could (informal/formal)
sie könnten
They could
When asking questions, you would use the present tense of "können" if you are merely asking for a simple statement of fact, and the conditional if you are trying to be more polite. •
Kann ich Ihnen helfen? (Can I help you?)
• • • •
Können Sie um 12.40 Uhr kommen? (Can you come at 12:40?) Kann ich bitte Herrn Doktor Schmidt sprechen? (Can I please speak to Doctor Schmidt?) Könnte ich vielleicht Herrn Schneider sprechen? (Could I perhaps speak to Mr. Schneider?) Könnten Sie mich bitte mit Frau Hartmann verbinden? (Could you please connect me with Frau Hartmann?)
As you can tell from the third and fourth example in this list, the distinction between the "moods" implied by the two forms of the verb can often be very small. The person asking for Doctor Schmidt would not be deemed to be impolite for having used the present tense of "können". When you are not asking a question, but merely stating your ability to do something, the conditional of the verb indicates that you would be able to do something depending on circumstances. • • • •
Ich kann Ihnen helfen. (I can help you.) Ich könnte Ihnen helfen. (I could help you.) Wir können heute in die Sprechstunde kommen. (We are able to come to the surgery today.) Wir könnten heute in die Sprechstunde kommen. (We might be able to come to the surgery today.)
Ich möchte... The verb mögen ("to like") is unique amongst modal verbs in that it is the conditional form, and not the present tense, which is used with a following infinitive. We will deal with the present tense of the verb mögen and how it is used in the next chapter. Grammar 14: Conditional of "mögen" (= would like to)
Singular ich möchte
I'd like to
du möchtest Sie möchten
You'd like to (informal/formal)
er/sie/es möchte
He/she/it would like to
Plural wir möchten
We'd like to
ihr möchtet Sie möchten
You'd like to (informal/formal)
möchten
They'd like to
It translates as a more polite (and more restrained) way of saying "I want to" than "ich will". Thus in the final example below, it would appear rude to say: "Wollen Sie später noch mal anrufen?". • • •
Ich will eine Nachricht hinterlassen. (I want to leave a message.) Ich möchte eine Nachricht hinterlassen. (I would like to leave a message.) Möchten Sie später noch mal anrufen? (Would you like to ring back later?)
8.13 Verbs whose stem ends in "-d" or "-t" The present tense of verbs with stems ending in "-d" Verbs whose stem ends in "-d" add an extra "-e-" before the normal verb endings in the "du", "ihr" and "er/sie/es" forms of the present tense. This is true of two verbs which we have met in this section - "verbinden" (= to connect) and "melden" (= to answer). It also affects the present tense of the verb "finden" (= to find) which we have met earlier. Grammar 15: The present tense of "verbinden"
Singular ich verbinde
I connect
du verbindest Sie verbinden
You connect (informal/formal)
er/sie/es verbindet
He/she/it connects
Plural wir verbinden
We connect
ihr verbindet Sie verbinden
You connect (informal/formal)
sie verbinden
They connect
Examples of other verbs with a stem ending in "-d" would be: • •
Niemand meldet sich. (No-one is answering.) Findest du das Hotel? (Will you find the hotel?)
The present tense of verbs with stems ending in "-t" The same principle is true for verbs whose stem ends in "-t", such as "warten" (= to wait), "lauten" (= to be) and "antworten" (= to answer). These verbs also add an extra "-e-" before the normal verb endings in the "du", "ihr" and "er/sie/es" forms of the present tense. Grammar 16: The present tense of "warten"
Singular ich warte
I wait
du wartest Sie warten
You wait (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wartet
He/she/it waits
Plural wir warten
We wait
ihr wartet Sie warten
You wait (informal/formal)
sie warten
They wait
The present tenses of the other aforementioned "-t-" verbs would give us the following examples: • •
Die Nummer lautet: 28 50 67. (The number is 285067.) Ihr antwortet nicht! (You're not answering me!)
The irregular verb "sprechen" We have also come across a further verb which has an irregular present tense. The verb "sprechen" (= to speak) changes the stem vowel from "-e-" to "-i-" in the "du" and "er/sie/es" forms of the present tense. Grammar 17: The present tense of "sprechen"
Singular ich spreche
I speak
du sprichst Sie sprechen
You speak (informal/formal)
er/sie/es spricht
He/she/it speaks
Plural wir sprechen
We speak
ihr sprecht Sie sprechen
You speak (informal/formal)
sie sprechen
They wait
8.14 Telephone vocabulary Here is a summary of the telephone vocabulary covered in this section, together with some other words which you may find useful when making a phone call. As before,
plurals of nouns will be indicated in brackets. Unless otherwise indicated, you should assume that any verbs given are regular (in the present tense at least).
Vocabulary 1: Das Telefon English
German
answerphone
der (automatische) Anrufbeantworter (-)
appointment
der Termin (-e)
beep; tone
der Signalton
call
der Anruf (-e) das Gespräch (-e)
- emergency call
- der Notruf
- local call
- das Ortsgespräch (-e)
- long-distance call
- das Ferngespräch (-e)
- telephone call
- der Telefonanruf (-e)
car-phone
das Autotelefon (-e)
connection
die Verbindung (-en)
dial (of phone)
die Wählscheibe (-n)
dialling code
die Vorwahl
dialling tone
der Wählton
directory enquiries
die Auskunft die Fernsprechauskunft
engaged tone
das Besetztzeichen
extension 2689
Apparat 2689
fax machine
die Faxmaschine (-n)
line
die Leitung (-en)
message
die Nachricht (-en)
mobile phone
das Handy (-s)
number
die Nummer (-n)
- fax number
- die Faxnummer (-n)
- mobile phone number
- die Handynummer (-n)
- telephone number
- die Telefonnummer (-n)
phonecard
die Telefonkarte (-n)
receiver
der Hörer (-)
ringing tone
das Rufzeichen (-)
speaking clock
die Zeitansage
switchboard
die Zentrale (-n)
telephone
das Telefon (-e) der Apparat (-e) der Telefonapparat (-e)
telephone directory
das Telefonbuch (pl. bücher)
Yellow Pages
die gelben Seiten (pl.)
Vocabulary 2: Telephone (phrases) Büro Geyer Mr./Ms. Geyer's office Zacharias am Apparat Zacharias speaking Scharping, von der Firma Easyjet Mr./Ms. Scharping, from the Easyjet company Wer ist am Apparat? Wer spricht? Who's speaking? Kann ich Ihnen helfen? Can I help you? Kann/könnte ich Herrn Doktor Schmidt sprechen? Can/could I speak to Doctor Schmidt? Könnte ich mit Herrn Krauss sprechen? Could I speak with Mr. Krauss? Könnten Sie mich mit Frau Gerstner verbinden? Could you put me through to Frau Gerstner? Er spricht gerade an einer anderen Leitung He's speaking on another line at the moment Sie ist zur Zeit nicht im Hause She's not in the building at the moment im Moment ist/hat unser Büro geschlossen our office is closed at the moment unser Büro ist/hat geöffnet our office is open unsere Öffnungszeiten sind... our opening hours are... Möchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen? (= inseparable verb)
Would you like to leave a message? falls Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen möchten... in case you want to leave a message... sprechen Sie bitte nach dem Signalton please speak after the tone möchten Sie später noch mal rufen? Would you like to ring back later? soll er Sie zurückrufen? Would you like him to ring you back? könnte sie mich sobald wie möglich zurückrufen? Could she ring me back as soon as possible? ich rufe zurück I'll call back wie ist Ihre Telefonnummer? what is your telephone number? meine Telefonnmmer lautet... my telephone number is... welche Vorwahl hat Berlin? what is the dialling code for Berlin? haben Sie eine Faxnummer? do you have a fax number? wann hat Herr Doktor Grün Sprechstunde? When does Doctor Grün have his surgery? Haben Sie einen Termin frei? Do you have a vacant appointment? Er ist noch in einer Besprechung He's still in a meeting Moment mal... One moment... ich muss mal nachschauen I'll have to have a look ist das Ihnen Recht? Is that all right with you? das ist mir Recht that's all right with me ist das in Ordnung? is that OK with you? das ist in Ordnung
that's OK with me wenn das Ihnen nicht passt if that isn't suitable for you Ich rufe später noch mal an I'll ring back later vielen Dank für Ihren Anruf many thanks for your call auf Wiederhören goodbye
8.15 The German telephone system Deregulation The German telephone service always used to be a state monopoly operated by the German postal service (die Bundespost). A few years ago however this monopoly was split up and privatised. Deutsche Post AG now looks after letters and parcels, DeTeMobil became responsible for mobile communications whilst the phone service was separated from the postal service and renamed Deutsche Telekom, a private company in which the German government holds a controlling 72% stake. Deutsche Telekom had a monopoly on the German telephone industry until as late as January 1, 1998, when the telecommunications branch was opened up to competition. To install a phone in your own home, you first need to register with Telekom, who control phone lines into individual houses and flats. This can be done quite conveniently by filling out a form either at the post office or at one of the T-Punkt customer information centres to be found in most German towns and cities. As it costs over a hundred marks to have a phone installed, and you can wait quite some time for this to occur, it is advisable to take over the telephone from the previous tenant when you move in somewhere if possible. Once you have your connection and a telephone, you can then choose your provider. And good luck to you! For although competition amongst providers has lowered the cost of making a phone call considerably since deregulation, trying to differentiate between the features and rate structures offered by companies is as difficult as it is in Great Britain. As a result, web sites such as Billiger Telefonieren (= telephone more cheaply) have sprung up on the internet offering up-to-the-minute information on the cheapest phone rates. Mobile phones
During the year 2000 there was an unprecedented boom in the European mobile communications market, both with respect to absolute growth in the number of users and the associated handset sales, not least in Germany where the number of mobile phones in use more than doubled. By the end of the year 2000, Germany had the greatest number of mobile phone users in any European country, clearly ahead of Italy and the UK. Deutsche Telekom more than doubled its number of mobile phone subscribers from 9 million to 19 million. A mobile phone is known as das Handy in Germany. This is the result of German marketing executives giving the new phone a trendy American sounding name in an attempt to help it sell in the Federal Republic. Despite the fact that no other nation English-speaking or otherwise - refers to a mobile phone in this way, das Handy remains the German word for a mobile phone. The Gesellschaft für Deutsche Sprache (German Language Society) based in Wiesbaden even launched a competition in 1996 to come up with a more "solid" i.e. German-sounding variant. 1195 (!) alternative names were suggested by the German public, including Handgurke, BUMM, Anrufli, Calli, Foni, Mini, Mobi, Nervi, Rufli, Sacki, Schnelli, Speaki, Telli, Tragi, Digifon, Handfon, Kultfon, Lightfon, Minifon, Pocketfon, Praktifon, Schnulofon, Superfon, Funktel, Handtel, Kablotel, Manutel, Portel, Tragetel, Taschtel or Mobitel. But all of these more Germanic-sounding names for a mobile phone failed to grab the public's imagination. The fact that many of the names proposed for this competition - such as der Yuppielutscher (= yuppie lollipop) or das Protzofon (= show-off phone) - were less than complimentary is indicative of the hostility with which the mobile phone has been greeted in some quarters of German society. Already you can see a `no handy' sign modelled on the no-smoking symbol - a drawing of a mobile in a red circle with a diagonal red bar across it - in hotel lobbies and restaurants. In his book "Hand in Handy", a witty analysis of the mobile phone phenomenon, journalist Hellmuth Karasek depicts das Handy as a status symbol for German children as well as an executive toy which itself looks doomed to be replaced by the satellite phone.
8.16 Telephone boxes and telephone numbers Phoneboxes Whereas telephone boxes - die Telefonzelle - used to be yellow in colour (see graphic on the previous page), the new Telekom models have are lavender and grey in colour. And whilst the older models are coin-operated, the vast majority of German telephone boxes now require you to use a telephone card (die Telefonkarte). These can be obtained from post offices, kiosks, telephone stores (der Telefonladen) and some stationery outlets. In most public telephone boxes it is possible to be rung back; there should be a sign with the number. A local call from a public call box during the day costs a set amount, whereas tariffs for calls abroad vary according to distance and time of day. As a general rule it is much cheaper to phone at the weekends and in the evenings. Important German telephone numbers The emergency - Notruf - telephone numbers for Germany are:
- 110 to call the police - 112 for fire and ambulance You can ring directory enquiries on: - 11833 for a domestic number - 11834 for an international enquiry How to give and receive telephone numbers German telephone numbers are usually said in pairs. This is not true however for the dialling code, so (0475) 24 88 79 would be given as null vier sieben fünf vierundzwanzig achtundachtzig neunundsiebzig. If there is an odd number of digits in a German phone number, the first digit is usually isolated and the followed digits are then spoken in pairs, for example 2 34 47 95. When numbers are said over the telephone or as part of a public announcement, you will also often hear "zwo" instead of "zwei". This is to avoid any confusion as "zwei" could be confused with "drei" if the line is bad. This also applies to compound numbers such as 82 which might be said as "zwoundachtzig" over the phone.
Chapter 9: Going Shopping (2) 9.1 Das Konzert Sophie Gerland rings up Barbara Zacharias at work to see if she would like to go out to a concert at Schloss Charlottenburg (Charlottenburg Palace). They then arrange when and where they should meet. How does Barbara ask "Where shall we meet?" What is the other meaning that we have encountered of the word "der Platz"? Conversation 1: Das Konzert
Sekretärin Firma Aksoy, schönen guten Tag. Sophie Gerland
Mein Name ist Gerland, könnte ich Frau Zacharias, Apparat 2467, kurz sprechen?
Sekretärin Augenblick, ich verbinde Sie. Barbara Zacharias
Zacharias.
Sophie Gerland
Hallo, Barbara, hier ist die Sophie.
Barbara Zacharias
Hallo, Sophie. Geht's dir gut?
Sophie Gerland
Ja, es geht so. Du, ich habe folgenden Vorschlag. Am Sonnabend, dem elften Oktober gibt es ein schönes Händelkonzert im Schloss Charlottenburg. Händel höre ich
besonders gern und Schloss Charlottenburg ist bestimmt sehenswert. Ich möchte also gern ins Konzert gehen - aber lieber nicht allein. Möchtest du mitkommen? Barbara Zacharias
Na klar, ich komme gern mit. Das ist eine tolle Idee.
Sophie Gerland
Soll ich dir auch eine Karte besorgen?
Barbara Zacharias
Ja, das ist nett von dir.
Sophie Gerland
Wo liegt das Schloss?
Barbara Zacharias
Am Spandauer Damm. Hinter dem Ägyptischen Museum, glaube ich.
Sophie Gerland
Das Ägyptische Museum liegt gegenüber der Sammlung Berggruen, oder?
Barbara Zacharias
Kann sein. Wo wollen wir uns treffen? Vor dem U-Bahnhof Sophie-Charlotte-Platz? Oder vielleicht am Schlosseingang?
Sophie Gerland
Sagen wir am Schlosseingang um Viertel vor sieben?
Barbara Zacharias
Abgemacht! Wollen wir heute Abend in die Disko gehen?
Sophie Gerland
Ach nein, dazu habe ich keine Lust. Ich möchte heute nicht tanzen gehen.
Conversation 1: The Concert
Secretary
The Aksoy company, a very good day to you.
Sophie Gerland
My name is Gerland, could I please have a quick word with Ms. Zacharias on extension 2467?
Secretary
One moment, I'll put you through.
Barbara Zacharias
Zacharias.
Sophie Gerland
Hello, Barbara, it's Sophie.
Barbara Zacharias
Hello, Sophie. How are things?
Sophie Gerland
Things are OK. Listen, I've got the following suggestion for you. On Saturday the eleventh of October there's a nice concert of Händel's
music at Charlottenburg Palace. I particularly like listening to Händel and Charlottenburg Palace is certainly worth seeing. So I'd like to go to the concert - but I'd prefer not to go on my own. Would you like to come with me? Barbara Zacharias
Of course, I'd love to come! That's a great idea.
Sophie Gerland
Would you like me to get a ticket for you as well?
Barbara Zacharias
Yes, that's nice of you.
Sophie Gerland
Where is the Palace?
Barbara Zacharias
On the Spandauer Damm. Behind the Egyptian Museum, I think.
Sophie Gerland
The Egyptian Museum is opposite the Berggruen collection, isn't it?
Barbara Zacharias
Could be. Where shall we meet? In front of the underground station at Sophie-CharlottePlatz? Or perhaps at the entrance to the Palace?
Sophie Gerland
Shall we say at the entrance to the Palace at a quarter to seven?
Barbara Zacharias
Agreed! Shall we go to the disco tonight?
Sophie Gerland
Oh no, I don't feel like doing that. I don't want to go out dancing today.
Glossary schönen guten Tag
a very good day to you
kurz
briefly
der Augenblick (e)
This is another word for a "moment". We would translate it here as "One moment".
ich verbinde Sie
I'll connect you; I'll put you through
hallo!
The informal greeting is used because the two colleagues are on "du" terms with each other.
die Sophie
Using the definite article is common in colloquial spoken German when asking or giving your name. It simply means "It's Sophie here".
geht's dir gut?
Are you well?; how are things?
es geht so
things are OK
folgende(r)
"the following". Unlike English, the definite article is usually omitted. It takes "strong" adjective endings when not preceded by a definite article.
der Vorschlag (pl. suggestion - Vorschläge) am Sonnabend
As Sophie comes from Berlin, she uses the North German word for Saturday.
Oktober
October
am Sonnabend, dem elften Oktober
"On Saturday, the eleventh of October". The reason why "the eleventh of October" is in the dative case will be explained in the following sections.
das Konzert (-e)
concert
das Händelkonzert (e)
A concert featuring the works of Georg Friedrich Händel. Note the umlaut in his surname - it is invariably omitted in English!
das Schloss
A "castle", "palace" or "stately home". It is also the word for a "lock".
Schloss Charlottenburg
The pleasure mansion or "palace" of Queen Sophie-Charlotte, built in Berlin in 1695. Click here for an introduction to the mansion and its gardens.
hören
to hear, listen to
Händel höre ich gern
"I like listening to Händel". Unlike in English, the object of a German sentence can be placed at the start of a clause or sentence.
bestimmt
certainly; definitely
sehenswert
worth seeing
ins Konzert gehen
to go to the concert
allein
alone; on one's own
mitkommen
This is a separable verb meaning "to come with someone". Unlike in English you do not need to supply a noun or pronoun in German to indicate the person being accompanied. Thus "Ich komme mit" means "I'm coming with you (her/him etc.)".
na klar
"Of course!" You would only use this in conversation amongst friends. A word such as "natürlich" should be used in more formal circumstances.
ich komme gerne mit
I'd be happy to come.
toll
great; excellent
die Idee (-n)
idea
die Karte (-n)
ticket
besorgen
This means "to get". The thing which you are getting (here: "die Karte") is in the accusative case; the person for whom you are getting it (here: "dir") is in the dative case.
liegen
Literally: "to lie". You would use it in this context to say where buildings "are situated".
der Damm (pl. - Dämme)
Normally the word for a "dam" or a "dyke", you will also find it (as here) in names of roads - such as Berlin's most famous street the "Kurfürstendamm". "Spandauer Damm" equates to "Spandau Road". Click here to locate Spandauer Damm on a map of Berlin.
hinter
This is the preposition meaning "behind". It takes the dative case when you are referring to position, and the accusative case when movement in involved.
das Museum (pl. - This means "museum". Note the unusual Museen) plural. ägyptisch
Egyptian
das Ägyptische Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Berlin contains one of the most important collections of Egyptian culture, inlcuding works of art from the time of King Echnaton of Tell el-Amarna. Click here to visit a web-site devoted to the museum. In German only.
gegenüber
This is a preposition meaning "opposite". It always takes the dative case.
die Sammlung (en)
collection
Sammlung Berggruen
The Berggruen Collection is a private art collection in Berlin containing works of art from the classical modernist period. You can see works by Picasso, Braque, Klee, Laurens and Giacometti here. Click here for more information.
oder?
isn't it?; right?
kann sein
"Could be". Note the use of the modal verb.
sich treffen
"to meet". This is a reflexive verb (see Chapter 10).
wo wollen wir uns "Where shall we meet?". This is a set phrase treffen? where the modal verb wollen has the sense of implying a future action. vor
This is the preposition meaning "in front of". It takes the dative case when you are referring to position, and the accusative
case when movement is involved. Sophie-Charlotte- "Sophie-Charlotte Square". Charlottenburg Platz Palace was Queen Sophie-Charlotte's pleasure mansion. Click here to locate the underground station at Sophie-CharlottePlatz on a map of Berlin. der Eingang (pl. - Eingänge)
entrance
am Schlosseingang
This means "at the entrance to the Palace". German makes a single compound noun out of this concept.
sagen wir...
Shall we say...?
abgemacht!
"Agreed!; done!" The verb "abmachen" is a separable verb meaning "to agree".
die Disko (-s)
"disco". You might also see "die Disco" or "die Diskothek".
wollen wir... in die Disko gehen?
Shall we go to the disco?
ach nein
Oh, no!; no, no!
dazu habe ich keine Lust
I don't feel like doing that; I don't want to do that.
tanzen
This means "to dance". "To go dancing" is thus "tanzen gehen".
9.2 Gehen wir ins Kino! In the Schöneberg region of Berlin, Marko Tredup rings up Lukas Müller and asks him if he would like to go and see a film with him. Unfortunately they have trouble agreeing what they would like to see and when they would like to do it. What are their favourite types of film? And why can't Marko Tredup go to the cinema the day after tomorrow? Conversation 2: Gehen wir ins Kino!
Marko Tredup
Hallo, Lukas! Was möchtest du heute Abend machen? Wollen wir vielleicht etwas zusammen unternehmen?
Lukas Müller
Ja, gern! Was schlägst du vor?
Marko Tredup
Ich würde sehr gerne ins Kino gehen. Was für Filme siehst du gerne?
Lukas Müller
Krimis und spannende Abenteuerfilme.
Marko
Ja, so was mag ich auch gerne.
Tredup Lukas Müller
Was läuft heute im Kino?
Marko Tredup
Moment mal, ich schaue mal nach. Der Wievielte ist heute?
Lukas Müller
Heute ist Donnerstag, der vierzehnte März.
Marko Tredup
Im Odeon gibt es "Hennen Rennen". Der Film fängt um 20:15 Uhr an. Wir können auch erst um elf gehen. Da gibt es noch eine Spätvorstellung.
Lukas Müller
Was für ein Film ist das?
Marko Tredup
Das ist ein Zeichentrickfilm.
Lukas Müller
Nein, so was finde ich zu kindisch. Was läuft sonst noch?
Marko Tredup
Morgen ist Freitag, der fünfzehnte März, stimmt's? Im Cosima gibt es morgen "Romeo und Julia" von William Shakespeare. Der Regisseur ist Baz Luhrmann.
Lukas Müller
Das ist eine Liebesgeschichte.
Marko Tredup
Nein, so was finde ich langweilig. Das interessiert mich überhaupt nicht.
Lukas Müller
Wie wär's mit übermorgen?
Marko Tredup
Tut mir Leid, da kann ich nicht. Ich muss am Wochenende zu Hause bleiben und packen. Conversation 2: Let's go to the cinema!
Marko Tredup
Hello, Lukas! What would you like to do this evening? What about doing something together perhaps?
Lukas Müller
Yes, I'd like that! What do you suggest?
Marko Tredup
I'd really like to go to the cinema. What type of films do you like?
Lukas Müller
Thrillers and exciting adventure films.
Marko Tredup
Yes, that's the sort of thing I like too.
Lukas Müller
What's on at the cinema today?
Marko Tredup
One moment, I'll have a look. What's the date today?
Lukas Müller
Today is Thursday, the fourteenth of March.
Marko Tredup
There's "Chicken Run" at the Odeon. The film starts at 8.15. We could also wait until eleven o'clock to go. There's a late showing on then.
Lukas Müller
What sort of film is it?
Marko Tredup
It's a cartoon film.
Lukas Müller
No, things like that are too childish for me. What else is on?
Marko Tredup
Tomorrow is Friday, the fifteenth of March, right? There's William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" at the Cosima. The director is Baz Luhrmann.
Lukas Müller
That's a love story.
Marko Tredup
Oh no, I find things like that boring. That's doesn't interest me at all.
Lukas Müller
How about the day after tomorrow?
Marko Tredup
Sorry, I can't manage it. I've got to stay at home at the weekend and pack.
Glossary machen
This very common verb can either mean "to make" or (as here) "to do".
unternehmen
Literally: "to undertake", this inseparable verb can also be translated as "to do".
vorschlagen (sep.)
A separable verb meaning "to suggest"
das Kino (-s)
cinema
ich würde sehr gerne ins Kino gehen
I would really like to go to the cinema
was für...?
"What sort of...". The noun which follows it will be in the accusative case.
der Film (-e)
film
sehen
This irregular verb means "to see" or occasionally "to watch".
der Krimi (-s)
This is a "crime film" or "thriller". You tend to hear it more often than the longer version "der Kriminalfilm".
spannend
exciting
der Abenteuerfilm (-e)
adventure film
so was
A more conversational form of "so etwas". Both mean "things like that".
mag
The third person singular from the modal verb "mögen" (see explanation on Page 10 of this chapter).
so was mag ich auch gerne
"I also like things like that". Note again that the object of the sentence can come at the start of a phrase in German.
laufen
An irregular verb meaning "to run".
im Kino
This means "at the cinema". Note the different preposition in German.
was läuft heute im Kino?
What's on at the cinema today?
der Wievielte ist heute?
What's the date today?
Dienstag
Tuesday
der vierzehnte März
"The fourteenth of March". There is no word for "of" in the German phrase.
im Odeon
"In the Odeon (cinema)". The word for "cinema" (das Kino) is not repeated at this point in the conversation, but it is understood as being there, so the gender of Odeon must be the same as das Kino, namely neuter.
Hennen Rennen
This is the literal German translation of the cartoon film Chicken Run and was used as the German title of the film because of the fortuitous rhyme! Click here for more information about the German version of this film.
anfangen
This is a separable verb meaning "to begin". It is irregular.
erst um elf
not until eleven o'clock
die Vorstellung (en)
showing (of a film); performance
die Spätvorstellung late showing (-en) was für ein Film ist das?
What sort of film is that?
der Zeichentrickfilm (e)
cartoon (film)
zu kindisch
This means "too childish". Note this usage of "zu" before an adjective.
was läuft sonst noch?
What's on apart from that?
Mittwoch
Wednesday
stimmt's?
is that right?
im Cosima
"At the Cosima (cinema)". This is also neuter for the reasons outlined above.
Romeo und Julia
Romeo and Juliet
von William Shakespeare
by William Shakespeare
der Regisseur (-e)
director
die love story Liebesgeschichte (n) langweilig
boring
interessieren
to interest
überhaupt nicht
not in the slightest; not at all
das interessiert mich überhaupt nicht
That doesn't interest me at all
wie wär's mit...?
what about...?
übermorgen
the day after tomorrow
da kann ich nicht
I can't manage that
das Wochenende (- weekend ) am Wochenende
at the weekend
zu Hause
at home
bleiben
remain
packen
to pack
9.3 Der Einkaufsbummel Barbara Zacharias and Sophie Gerland agree to go shopping the following morning. They first need to find out where to meet. As they plan to meet at the square called Hackescher Markt (= Hackescher Market) in a busy area of East Berlin, Barbara Zacharias needs to be fairly precise in giving instructions to Sophie Gerland, who still doesn't know her way round too well.
Conversation 3: Der Einkaufsbummel
Barbara Zacharias
Sag mal, hättest du Lust, morgen früh einen Einkaufsbummel zu machen?
Sophie Gerland
Ja, warum nicht? Wann und wo wollen wir uns treffen?
Barbara Zacharias
Um halb zehn vor der Bäckerei am Hackeschen Markt - oder ist das vielleicht zu früh?
Sophie Gerland
Kein Problem. Ich bin Frühaufsteherin. Wo ist die Bäckerei?
Barbara Zacharias
Die Bäckerei ist neben dem Blumengeschäft.
Sophie Gerland
Und wo ist das Blumengeschäft?
Barbara Zacharias
Unter dem Fitness-Center. Nein, es gibt Wohnungen über dem Blumengeschäft. Das Blumengeschäft ist gegenüber der Bibliothek.
Sophie Gerland
Und wo ist der S-Bahnhof?
Barbara Zacharias
Der S-Bahnhof ist hinter der Post. Die Post ist zwischen dem Reisebüro und der Sparkasse. Alles klar?
Sophie Gerland
Alles klar! Bis morgen dann!
Barbara Zacharias
Bis morgen! Conversation 3: The shopping spree
Barbara Zacharias
Tell me, would you like to go on a shopping spree with me tomorrow morning?
Sophie Gerland
Yes, why not? When and where shall we meet?
Barbara Zacharias
At half past nine in front of the baker's at the Hackescher Markt - or is that perhaps too early?
Sophie Gerland
That's no problem. I'm an early riser. Where is the baker's?
Barbara Zacharias
The baker's is next to the florist's.
Sophie Gerland
And where is the florist's?
Barbara Zacharias
Below the fitness centre. No, there are flats above the florist's. The florist's is opposite
the library. Sophie Gerland
And where is the S-Bahn station?
Barbara Zacharias
The S-Bahn station is behind the post office. The post office is between the travel agency and the savings bank. Is that OK?
Sophie Gerland
OK! See you tomorrow then!
Barbara Zacharias
See you tomorrow!
Glossary sag mal!
"Tell me!" "Sag" is the imperative of the verb "sagen" (= to say).
hättest du Lust...
"Would you like to..." This construction is always followed by a comma, and then a clause ending with the word "zu" and the infinitive of a second verb.
morgen früh
tomorrow morning
der shopping spree Einkaufsbummel () einen Einkaufsbummel machen
to go on a shopping spree
warum nicht?
why not?
die Bäckerei (-en)
bakery
zu früh
too early
das Problem (-e)
problem
kein Problem!
no problem
die Frühaufsteherin (innen)
This means an "early riser". The masculine version would be der Frühaufsteher.
neben
This is a preposition meaning "next to". It takes the dative case when position is being described, and the accusative case when movement is being described.
die Blume (-n)
flower
das Blumengeschäft (e)
flower shop
unter
This is a preposition meaning "beneath" or "under". It takes the dative case when
position is being described, and the accusative case when movement is being described. das Fitness-Center fitness centre (-) die Wohnung (en)
flat, apartment
über
This is a preposition meaning "above". It also takes the dative case when position is being described, and the accusative case when movement is being described.
gegenüber
This is a preposition meaning "opposite". It always takes the dative case.
die Bibliothek (en)
library
der S-Bahnhof (pl. -Bahnhöfe)
S-Bahn station
hinter
This is a preposition meaning "behind". It also takes the dative case when position is being described, and the accusative case when movement is being described.
die Post
post-office
zwischen
This is a preposition meaning "between". It also takes the dative case when position is being described, and the accusative case when movement is being described.
das Reisebüro (-s)
travel agency
die Sparkasse (-n)
savings bank
alles klar?
everything OK?
bis morgen
until tomorrow
9.4 Das Kaufhaus As part of their shopping tour, Sophie Gerland and Barbara Zacharias go to the Berlin department store Kaufhaus des Westens which is the largest store on the European continent. Since "KaDeWe", as it is commonly called, has eight storeys, a sales floor area of 60,000 square metres and over 380,000 articles of merchandise, Sophie and Barbara need to ask an assistant where things are. Conversation 4: Das Kaufhaus
Sophie Gerland
Entschuldigung. Ich möchte eine Puppe kaufen. Wo finde ich die Abteilung für Spielwaren?
Assistentin
Die Spielwarenabteilung ist im ersten Stock. Sie müssen also in den ersten Stock.
Barbara
Und wo kann ich hier eine Jacke
Zacharias
bekommen?
Assistentin
Für einen Mann oder eine Frau?
Barbara Zacharias
Für eine Frau.
Assistentin
Also, da müssen Sie in den dritten Stock. Damenjacken finden Sie im dritten Stock bei Damenbekleidung.
Sophie Gerland
Pralinen sind wohl bei Lebensmitteln im Untergeschoss, oder?
Assistentin
Nein, nicht im Untergeschoss. Wir haben eine besondere Abteilung für Süßwaren im sechsten Stock.
Barbara Zacharias
Wir möchten auch eine Bettdecke kaufen. Welcher Stock ist das?
Assistentin
Bettdecken sind bei Bettwäsche ganz oben im sechsten Stock. Da müssen Sie hinauf.
Sophie Gerland
Und Portmonees?
Assistentin
Portmonees sind bei Taschen im Untergeschoss. Sie müssen also ins Untergeschoss.
Barbara Zacharias
Und wo können wir hier einen Kugelschreiber bekommen?
Assistentin
Kugelschreiber sind bei Schreibwaren im Erdgeschoss. Sie müssen also ins Erdgeschoss.
Sophie Gerland
Wo sind hier Topfplanzen?
Assistentin
Topfplanzen? Sie sind beim Gartenbedarf im fünften Stock.
Sophie Gerland
Vielen Dank.
Assistentin
Gern geschehen. Conversation 4: The department store
Sophie Gerland
Excuse me. I'd like to buy a doll. Where can I find the toy department?
Shop assistant
The toy department is on the first floor. So you'll have to go to the first floor.
Barbara Zacharias
And where can I get a jacket here?
Shop assistant
For a man or a woman?
Barbara Zacharias
For a woman.
Shop assistant
Well, for that you'll have to go to the third floor. You will ladies' jackets on the third floor in with the ladies' wear.
Sophie Gerland
I take it that the chocolates are in the food department in the basement, right?
Shop assistant
No, not in the basement. We have a special department for them amongst the confectionery on the sixth floor.
Barbara Zacharias
We'd also like to buy a blanket. Which floor is that?
Shop assistant
Blankets are with the bedding right up on the sixth floor. You'll have to go up there for that.
Sophie Gerland
And purses?
Shop assistant
Purses are in the bag department in the basement. So you'll have to go to the basement.
Barbara Zacharias
And where can we get a fountain pen here?
Shop assistant
Fountain pens are with the stationery on the ground floor. So you'll have to go to the ground floor.
Sophie Gerland
Where are your potted plants?
Shop assistant
Potted plants? They're with the garden equipment on the fifth floor.
Sophie Gerland
Thank's very much.
Shop assistant
You're welcome.
Glossary die Puppe (-n)
doll
die Abteilung (-en)
department
Spielwaren (pl.)
"toys". The singular word for a toy is "das Spielzeug".
die Spielwarenabteilung
"The toy department". As we have seen before, German tends to make a
(-en)
compound noun where English uses two or more separate words
der Stock
"floor (of shop); storey". It's also the word for a "stick".
im ersten Stock
"On the first floor". Note the preposition used in German here.
Sie müssen also in den ersten Stock
"So you'll have to go to the first floor". The preposition "in" is used with the accusative case when it denotes motion, and in the dative case ("im ersten Stock") when it denotes position. As the preposition makes it clear that there is motion involved, the verb for "to go" is omitted here.
die Jacke
jacket
da müssen Sie...
for this you'll have to go...
die Dame
lady
die Damenjacke (-n)
A "lady's jacket". A man's jacket would be "die Herrenjacke"
die Damenbekleidung
"Ladies' wear". You would translate "menswear" by "die Männerbekleidung".
bei Damenbekleidung
in the ladies' wear department
Pralinen (pl.)
chocolates
die Lebensmittel (pl.) This means "groceries; food". Thus "bei Lebensmitteln" means "in the food department". das Untergeschoss
basement
im Untergeschoss
in the basement
oder?
"right"? Normally "oder" is the conjunction meaning "or".
besondere
particular; special
Süßwaren (pl.)
confectionery
die Bettdecke (-n)
blanket; duvet
welcher Stock ist das?
which floor is that?
die Bettwäsche (-n)
bedding
ganz oben
right at the top
hinauf
"up". The full sentence could be translated as "You'll have to go up there".
das Portmonee (-s)
This is the new spelling of the German word for "purse". The old spelling of the word was "das Portemonnaie".
die Tasche (-n)
"bag". Somewhat confusingly, it is also the word for "pocket".
Sie müssen also ins Untergeschoss
"So you'll have to go to the basement". The word "ins" is a contraction of "in das". The accusative case again denotes motion.
der Kugelschreiber
"ballpoint pen; biro"
Schreibwaren (pl.)
stationery
das Erdgeschoss
ground floor
im Erdgeschoss
on the ground floor
ins Erdgeschoss
to the ground floor
der Topf (pl. Töpfe)
pot
die Pflanze (-n)
plant
die Topfpflanze (-n)
potted plant
der Garten (pl. Gärten)
garden
der Gartenbedarf
garden equipment
gern geschehen
you're welcome; it's my pleasure
9.5 Buying Clothes After they have found their way to the women's clothing department (die Damenbekleidung), Barbara and Sophie try and find a present for Barbara's sister. What do they decide on, what size is it, and do they get a bargain? Conversation 5: Buying Clothes
Barbara Zacharias
Entschuldigung, könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?
Assistentin
Gerne, was darf ich Ihnen denn zeigen?
Barbara Zacharias
Ich suche ein T-Shirt.
Assistentin
Aus Baumwolle?
Barbara Zacharias
Ja, aus Baumwolle.
Assistentin
Ja, hätten Sie es gerne selbst oder möchten Sie es verschenken?
Barbara Zacharias
Ich suche ein T-Shirt für meine Schwester.
Sophie Gerland
Wann hat sie Geburtstag?
Barbara Zacharias
Am einunddreißigsten Januar. Welche Farben haben Sie da?
Assistentin
In gelb, rot, schwarz, beige, hellblau,
dunkelblau... Sophie Gerland
Auch in grün, sehe ich.
Barbara Zacharias
Ja, denn könnten Sie mir bitte ein grünes T-Shirt zeigen?
Assistentin
Ja, gerne. Welche Größe muss es denn sein?
Barbara Zacharias
Sie ist etwas kleiner als ich, ich glaube so Größe S.
Assistentin
S oder M?
Barbara Zacharias
Hm, S reicht, glaube ich.
Assistentin
Sehen Sie mal, ein grünes T-Shirt mit rundem Ausschnitt.
Barbara Zacharias
Kann ich vielleicht ein T-Shirt in Größe M sehen?
Assistentin
Gerne, schauen Sie, das ist es in Größe M.
Barbara Zacharias
Ja, ich nehme das T-Shirt in Größe M. Was kostet es?
Assistentin
Sechzehn Euro.
Barbara Zacharias
Ist das billig oder teuer?
Sophie Gerland
Sechzehn Euro für ein T-Shirt. Das ist nicht teuer. Das ist ein preiswertes T-Shirt. Conversation 5: Buying Clothes
Barbara Zacharias
Excuse me, could you help me please?
Sales assistant
Of course, what might I show you?
Barbara Zacharias
I'm looking for a T-shirt.
Sales assistant
Made of cotton?
Barbara Zacharias
Yes, made of cotton.
Sales assistant
Yes, would you like it for yourself or are you going to give it as a present?
Barbara Zacharias
I'm looking for a T-shirt for my sister.
Sales assistant
When is her birthday?
Barbara Zacharias
On the thirty-first of January. Which colours do you have?
Sales assistant
We have it in yellow, red, black, beige, light blue, dark blue...
Sophie Gerland
Also in green, I see.
Barbara Zacharias
Yes, so could you show me a green T-shirt please?
Sales assistant
Yes, of course. Which size do you require?
Barbara Zacharias
She is a little smaller than I am, I think about a small size.
Sales assistant
Small or medium?
Barbara Zacharias
Hmm, small will be about right, I think.
Sales assistant
Here you are, a green T-shirt with a round neck.
Barbara Zacharias
Could I perhaps see a T-shirt in the medium size please?
Sales assistant
Of course, here you are, that's it in the medium size.
Barbara Zacharias
Yes, I'll take the T-shirt in the medium size. What does it cost?
Sales assistant
Sixteen euros.
Barbara Zacharias
Is that cheap or expensive?
Sophie Gerland
Sixteen euros for a T-shirt. That's not expensive. It's a T-shirt that is good value for money.
Glossary zeigen
This means "to show". The thing which you are showing is in the accusative case. The person to whom you are showing it ("Ihnen") is in the dative case.
was darf ich Ihnen zeigen?
What may I show you?
das T-Shirt (-s)
T-Shirt
suchen
to look for
die Baumwolle
cotton
aus Baumwolle
made of cotton
selbst
This means "self" i.e. the full question reads: "Would you like it for yourself?"
verschenken
to give sth as a present
der Geburtstag (-e)
birthday
wann hat sie Geburtstag?
when is her birthday?
Januar
January
am einunddreißigsten Januar
on the thirty-first of January
die Farbe (-n)
colour
welche Farben...?
which colours...?
hellblau
light blue
dunkelblau
dark blue
die Größe (-n)
size
welche Größe muss es denn sein?
which size do you need?
klein
small
etwas kleiner als ich
a little smaller than me
(Größe) S
small (size)
ich glaube so Größe S
I think she's a small size.
(Größe) M
medium (size)
reichen
to be sufficient
S reicht
"Small" will do
Sehen Sie mal
Look!; Here you are! (= polite imperative)
rund
round
der Ausschnitt (-e)
neck (of shirt)
mit rundem Ausschnitt
This means "with a round neck". Note the strong adjective endings on "rund" as there is no article preceding the adjective.
schauen
This is another verb meaning "to look" or "to see".
preiswert
good value
ein preiswertes TShirt
a T-Shirt which is good value (for money)
9.6 Zwei Geschenke
After buying a present for Barbara's sister, Sophie remembers that she needs to buy presents for her brother and her aunt. What does she decide on in both cases? What is a "Sonderangebot"? Conversation 6: Zwei Geschenke
Sophie Gerland
Ich möchte ein Geburtstagsgeschenk für meinen Bruder.
Barbara Zacharias
Wann hat er Geburtstag?
Sophie Gerland
Im Sommer.
Barbara Zacharias
Und wann genau?
Sophie Gerland
Am sechzehnten Juli.
Barbara Zacharias
Wie wär's mit einer CD? CDs sind in der zweiten Etage - in der Elektroabteilung. Was für Musik mag er?
Sophie Gerland
Er findet Popmusik gut.
Barbara Zacharias
Magst du Popmusik nicht?
Sophie Gerland
Nein, ich höre lieber klassische Musik.
Barbara Zacharias
Ich höre gern Rock und Techno.
Sophie Gerland
(Spotting a stall with jewellery.) Ich möchte auch ganz gerne ein Geschenk für meine Tante Käthe kaufen. Sie hat am dritten Juni Geburtstag.
Assistent
Was darf es sein? Ein Armband, eine Brosche?
Sophie Gerland
Eine Brosche.
Assistent
Gefällt Ihnen hiervon etwas? Diese vielleicht?
Sophie Gerland
Nein, die gefällt mir nicht.
Assistent
Oder diese?
Sophie Gerland
Die gefällt mir besser, aber ich glaube, die ist ein bisschen zu teuer.
Barbara Zacharias
Hey, guck mal, hier sind Sonderangebote! Diese Armbänder sind billiger. Wie gefallen sie dir?
Sophie Gerland
Die gefallen mir gut. Ich glaube, ich werde dieses Armband kaufen, das silberne.
Assistent
Ja. Soll ich dieses Armband als Geschenk verpacken?
Sophie Gerland
Das wäre sehr nett, ja bitte.
Assistent
Dann können Sie mir zur Kasse folgen und dort bezahlen.
Sophie Gerland
Ja, gut. Danke schön. Conversation 6: Two presents
Sophie Gerland
I'd like to get a birthday present for my brother.
Barbara Zacharias
When is his birthday?
Sophie Gerland
In summer.
Barbara Zacharias
And when exactly?
Sophie Gerland
On the sixteenth of July.
Barbara Zacharias
How about a CD? CDs are on the second floor - in the electrical department. What sort of music does he like?
Sophie Gerland
He thinks that popmusic is good.
Barbara Zacharias
Don't you like pop music?
Sophie Gerland
No, I prefer to listen to classical music.
Barbara Zacharias
I like listening to rock and techno.
Sophie Gerland
(Spotting a stall with jewellery.) I'd also quite like to buy a present for my aunt Käthe. Her birthday is on the third of June.
Sales assistant
How can I help you? A bracelet or a brooch?
Sophie Gerland
A brooch.
Sales assistant
Do you like anything here? This one perhaps?
Sophie
No, I don't like that one.
Gerland Sales assistant
Or this one?
Sophie Gerland
I like that one more, but I think that it's a bit too expensive.
Barbara Zacharias
Hey, look, there are some special offers here! These bracelets are cheaper. Do you like them?
Sophie Gerland
Yes, I like them. I think I'll buy this bracelet, the silver one.
Sales assistant
Yes. Would you like me to wrap up this bracelet as a present?
Sophie Gerland
Yes please, that would be very nice of you.
Sales assistant
Could you follow me to the till then and pay there?
Sophie Gerland
Yes, fine. Thank you.
Glossary das Geschenk (-e)
present
das Geburtstagsgeschenk (-e)
birthday present
der Sommer
summer
im Sommer
in summer
genau
exact; precise
Juli
July
die CD (-s)
This means (unsurprisingly!) "compact disc". The full German version is only one word - "die Compactdisc".
wie wär's mit einer CD?
how about a CD?
die Etage (-n)
This is another word meaning "the floor (of a building)". It and "der Stock" are interchangeable.
in der zweiten Etage
on the second floor
die Elektroabteilung (- electrical department en)
die Musik
music
was für Musik...?
what sort of music...
die Popmusik
pop music
ich höre lieber...
I prefer to listen to...
klassisch
classical
die klassische Musik
classical music
der Rock
This means both "rock music" and "a skirt".
der Techno
techno (music)
Juni
June
was darf es sein?
"How may I help?"
das Armband (pl. Armbänder)
This means "bracelet". It can also mean a "watchstrap".
die Brosche (-n)
brooch
gefallen
This irregular verb literally means "to please". It is however a very common way of saying that you like something. Thus "das gefällt mir" (literally: "That is pleasing to me") means "I like that".
hiervon
of these things here
gefällt Ihnen hiervon etwas?
do you like any of the things here?
diese
It means "this one". The word for "one" is not given in German, as the endings on the word for "this" indicate the gender of the noun, and thus tell the reader which previously mentioned noun is being referred to.
besser
better
ein bisschen zu teuer
a little too expensive
gucken
Another word for "to look"! Unlike "sehen" and "schauen", this verb is strictly conversational and should not be used in written German.
guck mal!
"Look!" This is the "du" form of the imperative.
das Sonderangebot (e)
special offer
billiger
This means "cheaper". To form the comparative of most adjectives, you add "-er" to the end.
die gefallen mir gut
"I like them". The verb is in the third person plural because there is more than one brooch.
silbern
silver
das silberne
It means "the silver one". It is neuter as it refers back to "das Armband".
als Geschenk
This means "as a present". The indefinite article is omitted in German.
verpacken
to wrap (up)
das wäre sehr nett
that would be very nice of you
die Kasse (-n)
till; checkout
folgen
This means "to follow". The person whom you are following is always in the dative case.
zur Kasse folgen
to follow to the till
bezahlen
to pay
9.7 The Calendar Grammar 1: Die Monate
Januar (January)
Juli (Juli)
Februar (February)
August (August)
März (March)
September (September)
April (April)
Oktober (October)
Mai (May)
November (November)
Juni (June)
Dezember (December
• • • •
In Austria, the word for January is Jänner. You would translate "in January", "in February" etc. as im Januar, im Februar. All German months are masculine. The German word for a month is der Monat (-e).
Asking and giving the date There are two phrases that you can use to ask the date in German. Both of them employ a "how many" construction. Grammar 2: What's the date today?
Der Wievielte ist heute? (Literally: "The how many-th is it today?")
Den Wievielten haben wir heute? (Literally: "The how many-th do we have today?")
To answer the question you would use any of the following responses, depending on context. The masculine form of the definite article is used because all days of the week are masculine. As in English the ordinal number is used to specify the date. Grammar 3: Today is...
"Der Wievielte ist heute?" Heute ist der Vierte (Literally: "Today is the fourth") Heute ist der vierte Mai (Literally: "Today is the fourth of May") Heute ist Mittwoch, der vierte Mai (Literally: "Today is Wednesday the fourth of May") "Den Wievielten haben wir heute?" Heute haben wir den Vierten (Literally: "Today is the fourth") Heute haben wir den vierten Mai (Literally: "Today is the fourth of May")
The first question requires you to use the nominative case when giving the date; the second question requires you to give the case in the accusative case. As the adjective follows the definite article, you need to use the weak declension. Writing the date Unlike English which has several variations ("May 4", "May 4th", "4th May" etc.), the abbreviated form of the German date is always written the same way - der 4. Mai. If you are also giving the date you would write: 4. Mai 2001 At the head of letters, the date is given in the order day, month, year preceded by the definite article in the accusative case. Thus "May 4, 2001" would appear in a letter heading as den 4.5.2001. You can also precede the date by stating your location - i.e. Exeter, den 4.5.2001. Dates in German Unlike English which has several variations (May 2, May 2nd, 2nd May etc.), dates in German are always written the same way - der 2. Mai.
At the head of letters, the accusative form is used, preceded by the name of the place Exeter, den 2. Mai 2001. Dates written all in numbers are also found in German, particularly in business letters - e.g. Exeter, den 2.5.2001.
Monday May 2nd 2001
Montag, der 2. Mai 2001
With reference to your letter of the 2.5.2001
Bezug nehmend auf Ihr Schreiben vom 2.5.2001
Prepositions in dates "On" with days and dates is translated by "an" (+ Dative) with the definite article, conflated to "am", whether there is a definite article in English or not:
On Friday
am Freitag
On May 2nd
am 2. Mai
On Friday May 2nd
am Freitag, den or dem 2. Mai
On the first of next month am nächsten Ersten "In" with months is translated by "in" (+ Dative) with the definite article, conflated to "im", whether there is a definite article in English or not:
in June
im Juni
last June voriges Jahr im Juni next June im Juni nächsten Jahres BUT:
at the start of June
Anfang Juni
in the middle of December Mitte Dezember at the end of October
Ende Oktober
When giving the year when something happened in German, the year is usually given on its own without any preposition, although "im Jahre" can be added in more formal language:
She died in 1963 Sie starb 1963 Sie starb im Jahre 1963
Date of birth Current usage of "geboren" is as follows: "Ich bin geboren" is used when no other circumstances or only the place of birth are mentioned: "Ich wurde geboren" is used if further circumstances, such as the date, are given: Referring to people who are dead, either passive may be used:
I was born in Hamburg
Ich bin in Hamburg geboren
I was born in 1983 in Blubberhouses
Ich wurde 1983 / im Jahre 1983 in Blubberhouses geboren
Goethe was born in 1749 in Frankfurt
Goethe wurde / war 1749 in Frankfurt geboren
Date of birth: 2nd May 2001
Geburtsdatum: 02.05.2001
Place of birth: Hanover
Geburtsort: Hannover
Other phrases
From April onwards
ab April; vom April an
From April 5th onwards
vom 5. April an
From next Tuesday
von kommendem Dienstag an
From the 21st to the 30th
vom 21. bis zum 30.
It will be ready by Friday
Es wird bis Freitag fertig
It will be ready by the 12th
Es wird bis zum 12. fertig
It won't be ready until Friday Es wird erst (am) Freitag fertig Around November 15th
um den 15. November (herum)
In the 1980's
in den Achtzigerjahren; in den 80er-Jahren
Years The German word for a year is "das Jahr (-e)" You have two options when translating "in 2001", neither of which is identical with the English version. The German equivalents are either "im Jahre 2001" or simply "2001" without a preposition. When years are spoken, they are done so in two blocks up to 1999 much as in English. Thus 1999 would be neunzehnhundertneunundneunzig (literally: "nineteen hundred ninety-nine"). Note that the word "hundert" is always included in German whereas it can be omitted in English. The year 2000 is das Jahr zweitausend, 2001 is written as zweitausendeins.
9.8 The Calendar (2) April 2006 So Mo Di Mi Do Fr Sa 1 2 9
3
4
5
6
7
8
10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A German calendar (der Kalender) showing the current month and day. Note the German abbreviations that are used for the days of the week. On which day? To say "on which day" something is happening, you need to use "am" followed by the date in the dative case: Grammar 4: An welchem Tag?
Wann / An welchem Tag gehen Sie? (When / On which day are you going?) Wir gehen am vierten Mai (We're going on the fourth of May) Wir gehen am Vierten
(We're going on the fourth) Wir gehen am Mittwoch, dem/den vierten Mai (We're going on Wednesday, the fourth of May) Wir gehen am 4. Mai (We're going on May 4th) Wir gehen am 4.5.2001 (spoken: am vierten, fünften, zweitausendeins) (We're going on 4.5.2001) In the third response, you can either use the dative or the accusative of the definite article when you are giving the day of the week followed by the date. It is more formal to use the dative of the article. Note in particular the word order when you say on what day your birthday falls. The word "Geburtstag" will always be the final element in the clause: • •
Wann hast du Geburtstag? (When is your birthday?) Ich habe am vierten Mai Geburtstag. (My birthday is on the fourth of May.)
Major festivals Below are a few important events on the German calendar along with the preposition that you would use when stating what you are doing on that day. Grammar 5: Major festivals
Weihnachten (Christmas)
zu Weihnachten (at Christmas)
Ostern (Easter)
zu Ostern (at Easter)
Pfingsten (Whitsun)
zu Pfingsten (at Whitsun)
(In south German, "an" is often used rather than "zu" with these festivals.) This morning/afternoon/evening The table below gives the phrases needed to say at what part of the day you wish to do something: Grammar 6: This morning etc.
heute Morgen / heute Vormittag (this morning)
morgen früh (tomorrow morning)
heute Nachmittag (this afternoon)
morgen Nachmittag (tomorrow afternoon)
heute Abend (this evening)
morgen Abend (tomorrow evening)
Why is "heute Morgen" used to translate "this morning" whereas "morgen früh" is used for "tomorrow morning"? Because "morgen Morgen" would sound absurd! Always make sure that you are using small and capital letters correctly with this word - "Morgen" = morning; "morgen" = tomorrow.
9.9 Two-way prepositions We have already learned that some prepositions in German are always followed by an object in the accusative case, while others are always followed by an object in the dative case. A third group, called the "two-way prepositions" (Wechselpräpositionen), all show spatial relationships. They are followed by the accusative case when they signal movement, and by the dative case when they signal location. In the example sentences in the table below, notice how the verb determines movement or location. Verbs such as sein, liegen and stehen show location and thus require the dative case; verbs such as gehen and fahren show movement and thus require the accusative case. Grammar 7: Die Wechselpräpositionen
an Kevin geht ans Fenster. (Acc.) ("Kevin is going towards the window.") Kevin steht am Fenster. (Dat.) ("Kevin is standing at the window.") auf Ich gehe auf die Post. (Acc.) ("I'm going to the post office.") Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (Dat.) ("The book is on the table.") hinter Franziska läuft hinter die Post. (Acc.) ("Franziska runs behind the post office.") Der S-Bahnhof ist hinter der Post. (Dat.) ("The S-Bahn station is behind the post office.")
in Sie müssen in den ersten Stock gehen! (Acc.) ("You'll have to go to the first floor.") Damenjacken finden Sie im dritten Stock. (Dat.) ("You'll find ladies jackets on the third floor.") neben Ulla legt die Zeitung neben das Buch. (Acc.) ("Ulla puts the newspaper next to the book.") Das Schloss liegt neben dem Blumengeschäft (Dat.) ("The castle is next to the florist's.") über Wir fahren über die Brücke. (Acc.) ("We're driving over the bridge") Es gibt Wohnungen über dem Blumengeschäft. (Dat.) ("There are flats above the florist's.") unter Das Kind läuft unter das Bett. (Acc.) ("The child runs under the bed.") Die Katze liegt unter dem Bett. (Dat.) ("The cat is lying under the bed.") vor Der Bus fährt vor das Hotel. (Acc.) ("The bus drives up in front of the hotel.") Der Bus ist vor dem Hotel. (Dat.) ("The bus is in front of the hotel.") zwischen Ich laufe zwischen das Reisebüro und die Sparkasse. (Acc.) ("I'm running between the travel agency and the savings bank.") Die Post ist zwischen dem Reisebüro und der Sparkasse. (Dat.) ("The post office is between the travel agency
and the savings bank.")
This does not mean however that all prepositions of motion take the accusative case. We have already seen that "aus", "nach", "von" and "zu" always take the dative case, even when they indicate motion. It is much better to remember the three different groupings which we have encountered so far: Grammar 8: Prepositions and cases
Accusative (bis, durch, für, gegen, ohne, um) Dative (aus, bei, gegenüber, mit, nach, seit (= since), von, zu) "Two-way" prepositions (an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen) Merging of prepositions with the definite article We have already seen in an earlier chapter that certain prepositions tend to merge with the definite article in the dative case. This is also true with certain prepositions in the accusative case, although fewer prepositions require this contraction in the accusative case than they do in the dative case: Grammar 9: Prepositions and the definite article
Prep.
Example
an + das = ans Du gehst ans Telefon. (You're going to the phone.) in + das = ins
Gehen wir ins Kino! (Let's go to the cinema!)
Whilst you might hear some other contractions in spoken German (i.e. "aufs", "durchs", "fürs", "übers", "ums", "unters", they are quite colloquial and you should use the uncontracted forms in formal writing.
9.10 Liking and disliking Grammar 10: The verb "mögen" (= to like)
Singular ich mag
I like
du magst Sie mögen
You like (informal/formal)
er/sie/es mag
He/she/it likes
Plural wir mögen
We like
ihr mögt Sie mögen
You like (informal/formal)
sie mögen
They like
The irregular verb "mögen" is the only one of the modal verbs which does not have to be followed by an infinitive. When it takes a direct object, it simply means to like something. The usage of "gern" is optional: • • •
Magst du die Brosche? Ja, ich mag sie. (Do you like the brooch? Yes, I like it.) Mögt ihr Abenteuerfilme? Nein, wir mögen sie nicht. (Do you like adventure films? No, we don't like them.) Mag er Popmusik? Ja, er mag Popmusik gern. (Does he like pop music? Yes, he likes pop music.)
The verb "gefallen" The second verb which can used to express likes and dislikes is the irregular verb "gefallen", which means "to please": Grammar 11: The verb "gefallen" (= to please)
Singular ich gefalle
I please
du gefällst Sie gefallen
You please (informal/formal)
er/sie/es gefällt
He/she/it pleases
Plural wir gefallen
We please
ihr gefallt Sie gefallen
You please (informal/formal)
sie gefallen
They please
The verb takes the dative case, such that "das gefällt mir" means "that pleases me". But it is equally used to translate "I like it", whereby the English speaker must remember that it in the German construction, it is the thing which is being liked which is the subject of the sentence. The person doing the liking is in the dative case. The addition of "gut" for emphasis is an optional extra. For example: •
Gefällt dir die Brosche? Ja, sie gefällt mir. (Do you like the brooch? Yes, I like it.)
• •
Gefallen euch Abenteuerfilme? Nein, sie gefallen uns nicht. (Do you like adventure films? No, we don't like them.) Gefällt ihr das Schloss? Ja, es gefällt mir ganz gut. (Does she like the stately home? Yes, see likes it.)
Gerne You would use "mögen" and "gefallen" to describe whether you like objects or not. To explain what you like doing, simply add the adverb "gern(e)" after the verb denoting the action in question. If you don't like doing an action, add nicht gern(e): Grammar 12: Gern(e)
Händel höre ich gern. ("I like listening to Händel.") Händel höre ich nicht gern. ("I don't like listening to Händel.") Was essen Sie gern? ("What do you like to eat?") Ich esse gern Pommes frites. ("I like eating chips.")
9.11 Expressing a preference The comparative The comparative is formed in English by adding "-er" to an adjective or adverb, or by preceding it with "more", according to the length of the adjective - i.e. "bigger", "more difficult", "more easily". German forms the comparative in one way only, by adding "-er" to the end of an adjective or adverb. There is no equivalent to the English use of "more" with longer adjectives: Grammar 13: The Comparative
Adjective
Comparative
klein (small)
kleiner (smaller)
schön (nice)
schöner (nicer)
neu (new)
neuer (newer)
Unfortunately some of the most commonly used German adjectives and adverbs have comparatives which are exceptions to this rule: either the vowel "modifies" i.e. adds an umlaut - or a different word is used entirely: Grammar 14: Comparative - exceptions
Adjective
Comparative
groß (big)
größer (bigger)
alt (old)
älter (older)
gut (good)
besser (better)
gern (gladly)
lieber (more gladly)
The comparative using "mögen" As the optional adverb used with "mögen" is "gern", you need to use "lieber" (= the comparative of "gern") if you wish to use this verb to say that you prefer something: Grammar 15: Comparative with "mögen"
Wir mögen Berlin (gern). ("We like Berlin.") Wir mögen Berlin lieber. Wir mögen lieber Berlin. ("We prefer Berlin.") Welchen Wein mögen Sie lieber? ("Which wine do you prefer?") Ich mag Rotwein lieber. Ich mag lieber Rotwein. ("I prefer red wine.")
By extension, as you use "gern(e)" to describe what you like doing, you will also use "lieber" to describe what you prefer doing: Grammar 16: Comparative with verbs
Ich höre Händel gern. ("I like listening to Händel.") Ich höre Händel lieber. Ich höre lieber Händel. ("I prefer listening to Händel.")
Welchen Wein trinken Sie lieber? ("Which wine do you prefer to drink?") Ich trinke Rotwein lieber. Ich trinke lieber Rotwein. ("I prefer to drink red wine.") The comparative using "gefallen" As the optional adverb used with "gefallen" is "gut", you need to use "besser" (= the comparative of "gut") if you wish to use this verb to say that you prefer something: Grammar 17: Comparative with "gefallen"
Diese Stadt gefällt uns (gut). ("We like this city.") Diese Stadt gefällt uns besser. ("We prefer this city.") Was gefällt dir besser? ("What do you like better?") Das Armband gefällt mir besser. ("I prefer the bracelet.")
9.12 The conditional of "sein" and "haben" The "conditional subjunctive" mood is used to express what might happen if something else occurred and is normally formed in English with "would" - e.g. "I would go if..." etc. The present-time conditional subjunctive is also used in German to make very polite requests. We have already seen in Chapter 8 how the conditional of some modal verbs is used in this way. The present-time conditional subjunctive of the verbs "haben" and "sein" can be translated into English as "would have" and "would be": Grammar 18: Conditional of the verb "haben" (= to be)
Singular ich hätte
I would have
du hättest Sie hätten
You would have (informal/formal)
er/sie/es hätte
He/she/it would have
Plural wir hätten
We would have
ihr hättet
You would have
Sie hätten
(informal/formal)
sie hätten
They would have
We have already seen several usages of the conditional form of "haben". It also tends to have the sense of a polite request: Grammar 20: Conditional sentences with "haben"
Was hätten Sie gern? ("What would you like?") Ich hätte gerne ein Bier. ("I would like a beer.") Hätten Sie es gern selbst? ("Would you be buying it for yourself?") Ich hätte gern Frau Arndt gesprochen. ("I would like to speak to Ms. Arndt.")
Occasionally the distinction between the normal present tense and the conditional is a very small one. The following two sentences mean much the same thing - the first is more direct, the second slightly more tentative: • •
Hast du Lust, morgen früh einen Einkaufsbummel zu machen? (Are you interested in going on a shopping spree tomorrow morning?) Hättest du Lust, morgen früh einen Einkaufsbummel zu machen? (Would you be interested in going on a shopping spree tomorrow morning?)
Conditional usage of "sein" Grammar 19: Conditional of the verb "sein" (= to be)
Singular ich wäre
I would be
du wär(e)st Sie wären
You would be (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wäre
He/she/it would be
Plural wir wären
We would be
ihr wärt Sie wären
You would be (informal/formal)
sie wären
They would be
In this chapter we have met some conditional usages of the verb "sein". Sentences containing such forms tend to be hypothetical in meaning: Grammar 21: Conditional sentences with "sein"
Das wäre seht nett. ("That would be very nice.") Wie wäre es mit einer CD? ("How about a CD?") Wie wäre es mit übermorgen? ("How about the day after tomorrow?")
9.13 New irregular verbs In addition to the verb declinations already covered in this chapter, we have also come across four new irregular verbs, two of which are separable. Grammar 22: Present tense of "anfangen" (= to begin)
Singular ich fange an
I begin
du fängst an Sie fangen an
You begin (informal/formal)
er/sie/es fängt an
He/she/it begins
Plural wir fangen an
We begin
ihr fangt an Sie fangen an
You begin (informal/formal)
sie fangen an
They begin
Grammar 23: Present tense of "laufen" (= to run)
Singular ich laufe
I run
du läufst Sie laufen
You run (informal/formal)
er/sie/es läuft
He/she/it runs
Plural
wir laufen
We run
ihr lauft Sie laufen
You run (informal/formal)
sie laufen
They run
Grammar 24: Present tense of "sehen" (= to see; to watch)
Singular ich sehe
I see
du siehst Sie sehen
You see (informal/formal)
er/sie/es sieht
He/she/it sees
Plural wir sehen
We see
ihr seht Sie sehen
You see (informal/formal)
sie sehen
They see
Grammar 25: Present tense of "vorschlagen" (= to suggest)
Singular ich schlage vor
I suggest
du schlägst vor Sie schlagen vor
You suggest (informal/formal)
er/sie/es schlägt vor
He/she/it starts
Plural wir schlagen vor
We suggest
ihr schlagt vor Sie schlagen vor
You suggest (informal/formal)
sie schlagen vor
They suggest
9.14 "dieser" and "jener" The demonstrative "dieser" refers to something near at hand. It corresponds to English "this", but as it is used in contexts where the difference between near and distant is not crucial, it often equates to English "that". When placed in front of a noun, it declines as follows: Grammar 26: The declination of "dieser" (= this)
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
diese Frau
dieses Kind
Accusative diesen Mann diese Frau
dieses Kind
Dative
diesem Kind
Nominative dieser Mann diesem Mann
dieser Frau Plural
Nominative
diese Frauen
Accusative
diese Frauen
Dative
diesen Frauen
"Dieser" can also be used as a pronoun meaning "this one". It then of course takes the same endings as in the table above: • •
Welches Kind arbeitet gut? - Dieses. (Which child works well? - This one.) Welchen Mann siehst du? - Diesen. (Which man do you see? - That one.)
You will have noticed that "dieser" takes the same endings as the definite article. It also takes the same adjective endings - the weak declension which we met in Chapter 5: Grammar 27: Adjective endings after "dieser"
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
diese gute Frau
dieses gute Kind
Acc.
diesen guten Mann diese gute Frau
dieses gute Kind
Dat.
diesem guten Mann
diesem guten Kind
Nom. dieser gute Mann
dieser guten Frau Plural
Nom.
diese guten Frauen
Acc.
diese guten Frauen
Dat.
diesen guten Frauen
The demonstrative "jener" Although the pronoun "jener" means "that", it is really only used in certain formal registers or to contrast with "dieser", which should otherwise be used to translate "that":
• •
Ich will nicht dieses Armband kaufen, sondern jenes. (I don't want to buy this bracelet, but that one.) Willst du diese Brosche oder jene? (Do you want this brooch or that one?)
"Jener" adds the same endings as "dieser" and the definite article and adjectives following "jener" will be in the weak declension: Grammar 28: The declination of "jener" (= that)
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nominative jener Mann
jene Frau
jenes Kind
Accusative
jenen Mann
jene Frau
jenes Kind
Dative
jenem Mann jener Frau jenem Kind Plural
Nominative
jene Frauen
Accusative
jene Frauen
Dative
jenen Frauen
9.15 The department store Here is a list of vocabulary to help you navigate your way around a German department store. Note the high number of compound nouns and the influx of English words and phrases into commercial German! As ever, plurals are indicated by brackets. Vocabulary 1: Das Kaufhaus English
German
babywear
die Babyartikel (pl.)
basement
das Untergeschoss
bathroom fittings die Badezimmerausstattung bedding
die Bettwäsche
book
das Buch (pl. - Bücher)
car accessories
das Autozubehör
carpet
der Teppich (-e)
cheap
billig
children's wear
die Kinderbekleidung
clearance sale
der Räumungsverkauf
closed
geschlossen
clothing
die Bekleidung
computer section der Computershop (-s) confectionery
Süßwaren (pl.)
cosmetics
die Kosmetik
curtains
die Gardine (-n)
customer
der Kunde (-n); die Kundin (-nen)
customer service
der Kundendienst
electrical appliance
das Elektrogerät (-e)
escalator
die Rolltreppe (-n)
expensive
teuer
fashion
die Mode
- young people's fashion
- die Junge Mode
floor (of shop)
der Stock (no pl.) die Etage (-n)
furniture
das Möbel (no pl.)
gardening equipment
der Gartenbedarf
gift
der Geschenkartikel (-)
glassware
das Glas
good value (adj.) preiswert groceries
die Lebensmittel (pl.)
ground floor
das Erdgeschoss
jewellery
der Schmuck
ladies' shoes
Damenschuhe (pl.)
ladies' wear
die Damenbekleidung
lift
der Fahrstuhl (pl. - Fahrstühle)
leather goods
die Lederwaren (pl.)
lighting section
das Lampenstudio (-s)
menswear
die Herrenbekleidung
men's shoes
Herrenschuhe (pl.)
music
die Musik
open
geöffnet
opening hours
die Öffnungszeiten (pl.)
photography section
der Fotoshop (-s)
porcelain
das Porzellan
present
das Geschenk (-e)
price
der Preis (-e)
reduced
reduziert
sales receipt
der Kassenbon (-s)
souvenir
das Andenken (-)
special offer
das Sonderangebot (-e)
sports goods
Sportartikel (pl.)
stationery
Schreibwaren (pl.)
summer sale
der Sommerschlussverkauf (SSV)
television
der Fernseher (-)
till
die Kasse (-n)
tobacco goods
Tabakwaren (pl.)
toilet
die Toilette (-n)
toys
Spielwaren (pl.)
video store
die Videothek (-en)
winter sale
der Winterschlussverkauf (WSV)
9.16 Opening hours in German-speaking countries A gradual relaxation Ever since the 1950's, shop opening hours in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have been among the most restricted in Europe. Germany's draconian law on opening hours (das Ladenschlussgesetz) ensured that stores remained closed after 1800 on weekdays and 1400 on Saturdays. Shops were allowed to remain open two longer on one Saturday every month, on a day called "the long Saturday" (der lange Samstag). In June 1996, the German Parliament finally gave in to pressure from both business and consumers and relaxed (das Ladenschlussgesetz). Starting from November 1 that year, shops were allowed to remain open until eight o'clock in the evening on weekdays and until four o'clock on Saturdays. They are only allowed to open later than that on Thursdays when some city centre shops choose to remain open until 20.30. In the weeks leading up to Christmas however, shops can open until 18:00 on Saturdays. Whilst there is intense pressure from customers to extend opening hours still further, Germany's trade unions are unwilling to give way. And while it makes sense for businesses in major cities like Berlin to extend opening hours (Öffnungszeiten), many shops in towns and villages have found that longer opening hours does not necessarily mean more turnover, and have gone back to the old opening hours for Thursdays and Saturdays.
All of which still means that if you run out of fresh milk on Sundays, then you are out of luck. You will have to go to the station or airport where fresh goods can be sold on Sundays. At kiosks and petrol station shops (der Tankstellenshop), you will find durable items such as long-life milk, cold drinks, sweets etc. Flower shops usually open for a couple of hours around lunchtime on Sundays and cake shops (die Konditorei) are allowed to ensure that everyone can have a piece of fresh gateau at the Sunday afternoon coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) sessions. Occasionally department stores, particularly furniture stores, open on a Sunday for people to go and look and get advice - but they are not allowed to buy things. These Sundays are referred to as open days (der Tag der offenen Tür). Under Austrian law, stores may stay open from 0600 until 1930 on work days. In tourist areas they are allowed to conduct business until 2000, even on Sundays. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland however, pub opening hours are much more relaxed than in Britain - in general they open at around 11 a.m. and stay open till midnight or beyond. Sales You can get particularly good bargains in the summer sales (der Sommerschlussverkauf (SSV)) and winter sales (der Winterschlussverkauf (WSV)). Strictly speaking the sales only begin on the last Monday in July and the last Monday in January, selling goods left over from the previous season at considerably reduced rates. Just look for the German word for "reduced" - reduziert. However, most shops start offering reduced-price articles and special offers long before the official date so that all that is left on the shelves when the real sales begin are often sub-standard goods specially manufactured for the sales.
Chapter 10: Daily Life 10.1 Der Alltag: Mareike Herda In Chapter 3 we listened to Radio Eins DJ Claudia Stenzel interviews Anna Müller and Müslüm Can about modern Berliners and their lives. Her series continues with interviews entitled "Ein Tag in meinem Leben" ("One day in my life"), in which she asks her guests what they do every day. First to be interviewed is the school-teacher Mareike Herda, whom we met in Chapter 2.
Conversation 1: Ein Tag in meinem Leben
Claudia Stenzel
Wie ist Ihr Alltag?
Mareike Ich stehe um halb sieben Uhr auf... Herda Claudia Stenzel
Sie haben es gut! Ich stehe um fünf Uhr auf.
Mareike Ich frühstücke gegen sieben und gehe um halb Herda acht aus dem Haus. Ich bin Lehrerin auf einer Grundschule und wohne in einem Vorort. Ich fahre mit dem Bus zur Schule, etwa 10 Minuten. Claudia Stenzel
Wann arbeiten Sie?
Mareike Ich hab's ziemlich gut, denn mittwochs und Herda freitags habe ich die erste Stunde frei. Das heißt, ich fange erst um Viertel vor neun an. Und ich bin jeden Tag um halb zwei fertig. Um Viertel vor zwei verlasse ich die Schule. Claudia Stenzel
Gefällt Ihnen die Arbeit?
Mareike Ja, die Arbeit gefällt mir gut, aber ich mag nicht Herda in Berlin wohnen. Die Stadt ist mir zu groß. Claudia Stenzel
Und was machen Sie nachmittags?
Mareike Ich arbeite! Ich mache Schularbeiten und höre Herda dabei ein bisschen Musik - oder ich gehe einkaufen. Das mache ich eigentlich nicht so gerne aber es muss sein. Um halb fünf hole ich meinen Freund von der Arbeit ab. Claudia Stenzel
Wann essen Sie Abendbrot?
Mareike Normalerweise essen wir um halb sieben Herda Abendbrot. Claudia Stenzel
Und was machen Sie abends?
Mareike Nach dem Abendbrot sehen wir im Herda Wohnzimmer fern. Zweimal in der Woche gehe ich zu einer Aerobicstunde. Ich mache gern Aerobic, es macht Spaß und ich bleibe fit. Mein Freund treibt gern Sport. Jeden Mittwoch spielt er Federball oder Handball im Sportzentrum. Wir haben auch viele gute Freunde, und wir unternehmen oft etwas zusammen. Claudia Stenzel
Was zum Beispiel?
Mareike Jeden Freitagabend treffen wir uns zum Kegeln. Herda Und nach dem Kegeln gehen wir dann noch ein Bier trinken. Es gibt viele Kneipen. Es ist natürlich viel los in Berlin! Meistens sind wir vor zwei Uhr nie zu Hause. Aber normalerweise gehen wir zwischen halb elf und elf ins Bett. Conversation 1: A day in my life
Claudia Stenzel
What's your everyday life like?
Mareike I get up at half-past six... Herda Claudia Stenzel
You're lucky! I get up at five o'clock.
Mareike I have breakfast at about seven o'clock and Herda leave the house at about half-past seven. I'm a primary school teacher and live in the suburbs. I travel to school on the bus, it takes about ten minutes. Claudia Stenzel
When are your working hours?
Mareike I'm pretty lucky, because I have the first hour Herda off on Wednesdays and Fridays. That means that I don't start until a quarter to nine. And I finish every day at half-past one. I leave school at a quarter to two. Claudia Stenzel
Do you enjoy your work?
Mareike Yes, I enjoy the work a lot, but I don't like Herda leaving in Berlin. I find the city too big. Claudia Stenzel
And what do you do in the afternoon?
Mareike I work! I do school work and listen to some Herda music while I'm doing it - or I go shopping. I don't really like doing that but it has to be done. At half-past four I pick up my boyfriend from work. Claudia Stenzel
When do you have your evening meal?
Mareike We normally have our evening meal at halfHerda past six. Claudia Stenzel
And what do you do in the evening?
Mareike After tea we watch television in the living room. Herda I attend an aerobics class twice a week. I enjoy doing aerobics, it's fun and I keep fit. My boyfriend enjoys doing sport. He plays badminton or handball every Wednesday in the sports centre. We also have a lot of good friends, and we often do something together. Claudia Stenzel
What for example?
Mareike Every Friday evening we met up to go bowling.
Herda
After bowling we then go and have a beer. There are a lot of bars. Of course there's a lot going on in Berlin! More often than not we don't get back home before two o'clock. But we normally go to bed between half-past ten and eleven o'clock.
Glossary das Leben (-)
life
der Alltag
everyday life
wie ist Ihr Alltag?
what's your everyday life like?
aufstehen (sep.)
This separable verb means "to get up". (Literally: "to stand up")
Sie haben es gut!
"You're lucky!" (Literally "You have it good".) The "es" is invariable.
frühstücken
This means "to have breakfast". It is an inseparable verb.
gegen sieben
"At about seven o'clock". The word "Uhr" is often omitted in the German construction.
aus dem Haus gehen
to leave the house
die Grundschule (-n)
primary school
auf einer Grundschule
This means "in a primary school". Although the preposition "auf" usually means "on", it can also be used with certain nouns to mean "to" (with the accusative case) or "in" (with the dative case).
der Vorort (-e)
suburb
die Schule (-n)
school
ich fahre zur Schule
"I travel to school". Mareike doesn't say in die Schule, because the bus isn't actually entering the school.
etwa 10 minuten
about 10 minutes; approximately 10 minutes.
ziemlich
fairly
ich hab's ziemlich I'm pretty lucky gut denn
for; because
die Stunde (-n)
This also means "a school class" as well as "an hour".
frei haben
to have off
das heißt
this means...
erst um Viertel vor neun
not until a quarter to nine
jeden Tag
This means "every day". It is one of many German time phrases which is in the accusative case no matter where it comes in the sentence.
fertig
It means "finished" in this context. It can also mean "ready" of a meal.
verlassen (insep.) to leave die Stadt ist mir zu groß
I find the city too big
Schularbeiten machen
to do school work
dabei
A very useful word which means "while I'm/you're (etc.) doing it".
das mache ich nicht so gerne
I don't really like doing that
abholen (sep.)
This separable verb means "to fetch". What you are fetching is in the accusative case.
der Freund (-e)
This means "boyfriend" here - you have to work it out from the context.
das Abendbrot
evening meal; tea
normalerweise
normally
das Wohnzimmer (-)
living room
fernsehen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to watch television". The prefix "fern" is invariable but the "sehen" element of the verb declines in exactly the way which we have already encountered.
zweimal
twice
zweimal in der Woche
twice a week
die Aerobicstunde aerobics class (-n) Aerobic machen
to do aerobics
der Spaß
fun
es macht Spaß
it's fun
fit
fit (!)
Sport treiben
to do sport
jeden Mittwoch
every Wednesday
das Sportzentrum sports centre (pl. -zentren) spielen
to play
der Federball
badminton
der Handball
Handball is a much more popular sport in German-speaking countries than it is in Britain.
unternehmen (insep.)
to undertake; to do
zum Beispiel (z.B.)
for example
jeden Freitagabend
"Every Friday evening". Another time phrase which is always in the accusative case. Note too that "Friday evening" is one word in German.
kegeln
to go bowling; to play skittles
wir treffen uns zum Kegeln
"We meet to go bowling." The grammatical construction with the second verb will be explained in a later section.
trinken
to drink
wir gehen ein Bier we go and have a beer trinken die Kneipe (-n)
bar; pub
es ist viel los
there's a lot going on
meistens
mostly
vor zwei Uhr
before two o'clock
nie
never
zu Hause
at home
das Bett (-en)
bed
ins Bett gehen
to go to bed
10.2 Der Alltag: Anna Müller Now it is Anna Müller's turn to discuss her daily routine with Claudia Stenzel. What five different things does she like to eat for supper? What does she like doing inthe different seasons of the year? What can you do in Werder? Conversation 2: Ein Tag in meinem Leben
Claudia Wie sieht Ihr typischer Tag aus? Stenzel Anna Müller
Ich stehe gegen sechs Uhr auf. Ich gehe ins Badezimmer und dusche. Danach bin ich ganz schön wach. Dann gehe ich in die Küche und frühstücke mit der Familie. Zum Frühstück esse ich eine Grapefruit und trinke einen Früchtetee ich mache eine Diät. Ich muss abnehmen.
Claudia Wie lange machen Sie schon eine Diät?
Stenzel Anna Müller
Seit fänf Wochen. Ich bemähe mich, aber es ist nicht einfach!
Claudia Und was dürfen Sie essen? Stenzel Anna Müller
Viel Gemüse und Obst, wenig Fleisch.
Claudia Und wie viel Kalorien dürfen Sie essen? Stenzel Anna Müller
Tausend.
Claudia Dürfen Sie Alkohol trinken? Stenzel Anna Müller
Nein, Alkohol darf ich nicht trinken.
Claudia Was essen Sie zum Abendbrot? Stenzel Anna Müller
Wir essen abends alle zusammen und wir essen sehr gesund. Das Abendbrot besteht normalerweise aus Suppe (meine Lieblingssuppe ist Gulaschsuppe!), Fleisch, Brot, Käse und Quark. Nach dem Abendbrot räumen die Kinder den Tisch und wir waschen ab.
Claudia Was machen Sie gern in Ihrer Freizeit? Stenzel Anna Müller
Abends? Nichts Besonderes. Ich faulenze gern. Vielleicht sehe ich mir ein paar Fernsehsendungen an.
Claudia Was sehen Sie gern im Fernsehen? Stenzel Anna Müller
Seifenopern, Talkshows, Quizsendungen, die Nachrichten. Ich sehe mir alles an!
Claudia Was für Hobbys haben Sie? Stenzel Anna Müller
Ich interessiere mich für Reisen. Im Sommer bleibe ich nicht gern zu Hause - ich langweile mich zu Tode! Im Winter fahren wir in die Berge. Ich liebe den Schnee und ich laufe sehr gern Ski. Im Frühling und im Herbst fahren wir gern nach Werder. Dort kann man herrlich segeln und spazieren gehen. Ich wandere gern durch den Wald. Ich fotografiere auch leidenschaftlich gern. Ich habe meinen Fotoapparat immer dabei.
Conversation 2: A day in my life
Claudia What does your typical day look like? Stenzel Anna Müller
I get up at about six o'clock. I go into the bathroom and have a shower. I'm really quite awake afterwards. Then I go into the kitchen and have breakfast with my family. I have grapefruit for breakfast and drink a fruit tea I'm on a diet. I have to lose weight.
Claudia How long have you been on a diet for? Stenzel Anna Müller
For five weeks. I'm making an effort, but it isn't easy!
Claudia And what are you allowed to eat? Stenzel Anna Müller
A lot of vegetables and fruit, but not much meat.
Claudia And how many calories are you allowed to eat? Stenzel Anna Müller
A thousand.
Claudia Can you drink alcohol? Stenzel Anna Müller
No, I'm not allowed to drink alcohol.
Claudia What do you eat for tea? Stenzel Anna Müller
We all eat together in the evening and we eat very healthily. Our evening meal normally consists of soup (my favourite soup is goulash soup!), meat, bread, cheese and soft curd cheese. After tea the children clear the table and we do the washing-up.
Claudia What do you like doing in your spare time? Stenzel Anna Müller
In the evenings? Nothing in particular. I like lazing about. I might watch a few TV programmes.
Claudia What do you like watching on the television? Stenzel Anna Müller
Soap operas, talk shows, quiz programmes, and the news. I watch everything!
Claudia What hobbies do you have? Stenzel
Anna Müller
I'm interested in travel. I don't like staying at home in the summer - I get bored to death! In winter we go to the mountains. I love the snow and I really like skiing. In spring and in autumn we like going to Werder. You can have a wonderful time sailing and walking there. I like rambling in the forest. I'm also mad about photography. I always have my camera with me.
Glossary aussehen (sep.)
to look (like)
typisch
typisch
das Badezimmer (-)
bathroom
duschen
to shower
danach
afterwards
ganz schön wach
This means "really quite awake". When "ganz schön" precedes an adjective it has an emphatic sense.
die Küche (-n)
kitchen
zum Frühstück
for breakfast
essen
This means "to eat". It is an irregular verb.
die Grapefruit (s)
grapefruit
der Früchtetee (s)
fruit tea
die Diät (-en)
diet
eine Diät machen to go on a diet abnehmen (sep.)
This means "to lose weight". To gain weight is "zunehmen". Both verbs are separable.
wie lange...?
how long...?
seit fünf Wochen
Although seit literally means "since", this translates as "for five weeks".
sich bemühen
to make an effort
viel Gemüse
a lot of vegetables
das Obst
fruit
wenig Fleisch
"Not much meat". Note that neither "viel" nor "wenig" have endings when used this way.
die Kalorie (-n)
calorie
der Alkohol
alcohol
alle zusammen
all together
gesund
healthy
wir essen gesund
we eat healthily
bestehen aus (+ Dat.)
This means "to consist of". The verb "bestehen" is inseparable.
die Suppe (-n)
soup
die Lieblingssuppe (n)
This means "favourite soup". You can add "Lieblings-" to the front of any noun to create this effect.
die Gulaschsuppe (-n)
goulash soup
der Quark
soft curd cheese
räumen
to clear
abwaschen
to do the washing up. As "waschen" is an irregular verb, so too is "abwaschen".
die Freizeit
free time; spare time
nichts Besonderes
nothing much; nothing in particular
faulenzen
to laze about
ein paar
a few
die Fernsehsendung (-en)
TV programme
sich etwas ansehen
This means "to watch something". The programme that is being watched is in the accusative case whilst the reflexive pronoun referring back to the person doing the action is in the dative case. The verb "ansehen" is both separable and reflexive.
das Fernsehen
This means "television" as in "the medium of television", as opposed to a "TV set", which is translated by "der Fernseher".
die Seifenoper (n)
soap opera
die Talkshow (-s)
talk show
die Quizsendung (-en)
quiz programme
die Nachrichten (plural)
This means "the news". The singular of this noun - die Nachricht (-en) - means "a piece of news".
das Hobby (-s)
hobby
sich interessieren für (+ Acc.)
This reflexive verb means "to be interested in". The reflexive pronoun referring back to the person doing the action is in the accusative case.
reisen
to travel
ich interessiere mich für Reisen
"I'm interested in travelling". If the thing in which you are interested is a verb, you use the infinitive form of the verb starting with a capital letter.
der Sommer
summer
im Sommer
in summer
sich langweilen
to be bored
ich langweile mich zu Tode
I'm bored to death
der Winter
winter
im Winter
in winter
der Berg (-e)
mountains
der Schnee
snow
Ski laufen
to ski
der Frühling
spring
im Frühling
in spring
der Herbst
autumn
im Herbst
in autumn
herrlich
wonderful
segeln
to sail
spazieren gehen
to go for a walk
wandern
to ramble; to hike
der Wald (pl. Wälder)
wood, forest
fotografieren
to take photos
ich ... leidenschaftlich gern
"I'm mad about..." The word "leidenschaftlich" on its own means "passionately".
der Fotoapparat (-e)
camera
dabei
with me/you etc.
10.3 Der Alltag: Jens Hoffmann
Now it is the turn of Jens Hoffmann (below right) to be interviewed. Try to work out what he does during his lunchtime break and why his route home depends on the weather. Which football team does he support? Conversation 3: Jens Hoffmann
Claudia Stenzel
Herr Hoffmann, was machen Sie an einem normalen Tag?
Jens Ich stehe ziemlich früh auf, so gegen halb Hoffmann sieben. Ich gehe ins Badezimmer und wasche mich. Normalerweise rasiere ich mich - aber am Wochenende nicht immer! Dann ziehe ich mich an und lese den Tagesspiegel. Diese Zeitung gefällt mir am besten. Zum Frühstück esse ich Müesli, vielleicht eine Scheibe Brot oder ein Brötchen und zwei Tassen Kaffee. Claudia Stenzel
Welche Sorte trinken Sie am liebsten?
Jens Am allerliebsten trinke ich brasilianischen Hoffmann Kaffee. Claudia Stenzel
Wann gehen Sie normalerweise aus dem Haus?
Jens Das kommt darauf an. Normalerweise um Hoffmann sieben Uhr zwanzig. Claudia Stenzel
Und wie kommen sie zur Arbeit?
Jens Ich gehe zu Fuß zum Büro - aber nur wenn es Hoffmann nicht regnet! Ich wohne in einer Dreizimmerwohnung im Stadtzentrum, nicht weit von meinem Büro entfernt. Ich komme um Viertel vor acht im Büro an. Claudia Stenzel
Haben sie Mittagspause?
Jens Die Mittagspause ist von halb eins bis halb Hoffmann zwei. Zu Mittag esse ich in einem kleinen italienischen Restaurant, vielleicht eine Pizza oder Spagetti oder etwas Ähnliches. Ich esse gern auswärts und ich esse am liebsten italienische Gerichte. Claudia Stenzel
Wann verlassen Sie das Büro?
Jens Ich bin um siebzehn Uhr dreißig mit der Arbeit Hoffmann fertig. Dann gehe ich aus dem Büro. Wenn die Sonne scheint, gehe ich durch den Park zurück nach Hause. Um zehn vor sechs bin ich wieder zu Hause. Dann mache ich das Abendessen. Nach dem Abendessen bin ich
oft wirklich müde und ruhe mich vor dem Fernseher aus. Jeden Donnerstagabend leihe ich mir ein Video aus. Ich sehe mir gern alte Horrorfilme und Komödien an. Claudia Stenzel
Was machen Sie in Ihrer Freizeit? Haben Sie Hobbys?
Jens Tja, eigentlich habe ich nicht viel Freizeit. Ich Hoffmann interessiere mich für Literatur und gehe regelmäßig ins Theater... Claudia Stenzel
Was für Bücher lesen Sie gerne?
Jens Meistens Romane und Kurzgeschichten. Ich Hoffmann treibe nicht gern Sport aber ich sehe mir gern Fußballspiele an. Claudia Stenzel
Welche Fußballmannschaft mögen Sie lieber: Hertha Berlin oder Bayern München?
Jens Ich mag weder Hertha noch Bayern. Ich bin Hoffmann TeBe-Fan. Claudia Stenzel
Wie bitte?
Jens Meine Lieblingsmannschaft heißt TeBe Hoffmann Tennis Borussia Berlin! Conversation 3: Jens Hoffmann
Claudia Stenzel
Mr. Hoffmann, what do you do on a normal day?
Jens I get up quite early, at about half-past six. I Hoffmann go into the bathroom and have a wash. I usually have a shave - but not always at the weekend! Then I get dressed and read the Tagesspiegel. I like this newspaper most of all. For breakfast I have muesli, perhaps a slice of bread or a roll and two cups of coffee. Claudia Stenzel
What sort of coffee do you like drinking the most?
Jens I like drinking Brazilian coffee most of all. Hoffmann Claudia Stenzel
When do you normally leave the house?
Jens That depends. Usually at twenty past seven. Hoffmann Claudia Stenzel
And how do you get to work?
Jens I walk to the office - but only when it doesn't Hoffmann rain! I live in a three-room flat in the city
centre, not far from my office. I get to the office at a quarter to eight. Claudia Stenzel
Do you have a lunch-break?
Jens The lunch-break is between half-past twelve Hoffmann and half-past one. I have lunch in a small Italian restaurant, perhaps a pizza or spaghetti or something like that. I like eating out and I like eating Italian dishes most of all. Claudia Stenzel
When do you leave the office?
Jens I finish work at five thirty. Then I leave the Hoffmann office. If the sun is shining, I walk home through the park. I get back home at ten to six. Then I cook my evening meal. After tea I'm often really tired and relax in front of the television. Every Thursday evening I rent a video. I like watching old horror films and comedies. Claudia Stenzel
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
Jens Well, I don't actually have much spare time. Hoffmann I'm interested in literature and go to the theatre regularly... Claudia Stenzel
What kind of books do you like reading?
Jens Mainly novels and short stories. I don't like Hoffmann doing sport but I enjoy watching football matches. Claudia Stenzel
Which football team do you prefer: Hertha Berlin or Bayern Munich?
Jens I don't like Hertha or Bayern. I'm a TeBe fan. Hoffmann Claudia Stenzel
I'm sorry?
Jens My favourite team is called TeBe - Tennis Hoffmann Borussia Berlin!
Glossary normal
normal
sich waschen
This reflexive verb means "to have a wash". It is also an irregular verb.
sich rasieren
to have a shave
das Wochenende (n)
weekend
am Wochenende
at the weekend
immer
always
nicht immer
not always
sich anziehen
This is a separable verb meaning "to get dressed".
lesen
This is an irregular verb meaning "to read"
Der Tagesspiegel
This is a Berlin daily newspaper which literally translates as "Daily Mirror" but is actually a broadsheet. Click here to read the latest edition of the newspaper on the Internet!
die Zeitung (-en)
newspaper
das Müesli
muesli
am liebsten
most
am allerliebsten
most of all
das kommt darauf an
that depends
zur Arbeit kommen
to get to work
nur wenn
only when
es regnet
it's raining
das Zimmer (-)
room
die Dreizimmerwohnung (-en)
three-room flat
das Stadtzentrum (pl. city centre -zentren) entfernt
distant
nicht weit ... entfernt
"Not far away from". The thing from which you are not far away - here "the office" - is in the dative case and is preceded by "von" i.e. "nicht weit von meinem Büro entfernt".
ankommen
This means "to arrive". Note that the place where you are arriving is in the dative case even though motion is involved.
die Mittagspause (n)
lunch-hour; lunch-break
zu Mittag essen
to have lunch
Spagetti (pl.)
spaghetti
ähnlich
similar
etwas Ähnliches
something similar
auswärts essen
to eat out
das Gericht (-e)
dish; meal
verlassen
This irregular verb means "to leave".
die Sonne (-n)
sun
scheinen
This means "to shine". In other contexts it can also mean "to appear".
der Park (-s)
park
nach Hause gehen
to go home
wieder
again
das Abendessen (-)
This is another word for "evening meal" or "tea".
oft
often
wirklich
really
müde
tired
sich ausruhen
This separable and reflexive verb means "to have a rest".
der Donnerstagabend Thursday evening (-e) sich etwas ausleihen
This means "to borrow or rent". The object that you are renting is in the accusative case. The reflexive pronoun referring back to the person doing in the borrowing is in the dative case.
das Video (-s)
video
der Horrorfilm (-e)
horror film
die Komödie (-n)
comedy
tja
well...
die Literatur
literature
regelmäßig
regularly
das Theater (-)
theatre
ins Theater gehen
to go to the theatre
der Roman (-e)
novel
die Kurzgeschichte (n)
short story
der Sport
sport
Sport treiben
to do sport
der Fußball
football
das Spiel (-e)
game
das Fußballspiel (-e)
football game
die Mannschaft (-en)
team
die Fußballmannschaft (en)
football team
Hertha Berlin
Currently the biggest football team in Berlin. Cynics would say that this has a lot to do with the favouritism of the Berlin media and local football associations. Click here to visit the club's homepage.
Bayern München
This is the club that we call "Bayern Munich", the biggest team in German football. If you like them, click here. If you don't like them, click here.
weder ... noch
neither ... nor
der Fan (-s)
(football) fan
die Lieblingsmannschaft (-en)
favourite team
Tennis Borussia Berlin
Despite their name, Tennis Borussia Berlin - or TeBe - are a football club based in the Charlottenburg area of Berlin. Click here to visit their homepage. This is also the team supported by the author of this German course!
10.4 Der Alltag: Lars Weber Finally, Claudia Stenzel interviews one of the children taught by Mareike Herda. As you would imagine, he is much more interested in playing than his schoolwork! Pay particular attention to how he expresses his daily routine when he gets up in the morning and when he goes to bed at night. Conversation 4: Ein Tag in meinem Leben
Claudia Stenzel
Wann wachst du auf?
Lars Weber
Ich wache um sieben Uhr auf. Ich stehe auf, gehe ins Badezimmer und wasche mir die Hände. Ich wasche mir das Gesicht und putze mir die Zähne. Ich ziehe mir das Hemd, die Hose und die Schuhe an. Um Viertel nach sieben ist Frühstück.
Claudia Stenzel
Trägst du keine Socken?
Lars Weber
Doch!
Claudia Stenzel
Und wann gehst du in die Schule?
Lars Weber
Kurz nach halb acht. Mutti bringt mich in die Schule.
Claudia Stenzel
Gefällt dir die Schule?
Lars Weber
Manchmal. Ich hasse Hausaufgaben! Am Abend muss ich immer lernen!
Claudia Stenzel
Gefällt dir Mathe?
Lars Weber
Nein, natürlich nicht!
Claudia Stenzel
Gefällt dir Sport?
Lars Weber
Ja. Finde ich Klasse!
Claudia Stenzel
Was gefällt dir am besten?
Lars Weber
Schwimmen und Wasserball.
Claudia Stenzel
Was machst du gern in deiner Freizeit?
Lars Weber
Skateboarden. Das macht Spaß. Ich spiele gern draußen. Ich bin auch Inlineskater. Meine Schwester fährt gern Rad. Sie hat ein nagelneues rotes Mountainbike. Ich interessiere mich auch für Briefmarken. Ich sammle sie gern.
Claudia Stenzel
Wann gehst du ins Bett?
Lars Weber
Gegen neun Uhr. Ich ziehe mich aus, nehme ein Bad, und ziehe mir den Schlafanzug an. Ich habe mein eigenes Schlafzimmer! Conversation 4: A day in my life
Claudia Stenzel
When do you wake up?
Lars Weber
I wake up at seven o'clock. I get up, go into the bathroom and wash my hands. I wash my face and clean my teeth. I put my shirt, my trousers and my shoes on. Breakfast is at a quarter past seven.
Claudia Stenzel
Don't you wear any socks?
Lars Weber
Yes I do!
Claudia Stenzel
And when do you go to school?
Lars Weber
Just after half-past seven. Mummy takes me to school.
Claudia Stenzel
Do you like school?
Lars Weber
Sometimes. I hate homework! I always have to study in the evenings!
Claudia Stenzel
Do you like maths?
Lars Weber
No, of course not!
Claudia Stenzel
Do you like sport?
Lars Weber
Yes. I think it's great!
Claudia Stenzel
What do you like the most?
Lars Weber
Swimming and water polo.
Claudia Stenzel
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Lars Weber
Skateboarding. It's fun. I like playing outside. I'm also an inline skater. My sister likes cycling. She's got a brand new red mountain bike. I'm also interested in stamps. I like collecting them.
Claudia Stenzel
When do you go to bed?
Lars Weber
About nine o'clock. I get undressed, have a bath, and put my pyjamas on. I've got my own bedroom!
Glossary aufwachen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to wake up".
die Hand (pl. Hände)
hand
das Gesicht (er)
face
putzen
to clean
der Zahn (pl. Zähne)
tooth
das Hemd (-en)
shirt
die Hose (-n)
This means "(a pair of) trousers". It is a singular noun in German.
der Schuh (-e)
shoe
tragen
This is an irregular verb meaning "to wear" or "to carry".
die Socke (-n)
sock
doch
This means "yes" and it is used like the French "si" after someone has asked a question in the negative.
Mutti
Mummy
manchmal
sometimes
hassen
to hate
die Hausaufgaben (pl.)
This means "homework". It is a plural noun in German.
am Abend
in the evening
lernen
to learn; to study
die Mathe
This means "maths". It is short for die Mathematik.
Klasse!
great!; cool!
das Schwimmen
This means "swimming". To form a verbal noun in German, you simply put a capital letter in front of the infinitive of a verb. All verbal nouns are neuter in gender.
der Wasserball
water polo
das Skateboarden
This means "skateboarding". It is another verbal noun.
draußen (insep.)
outside
der Inlineskater (-)
Unsurprisingly, this means "inline skater". It is another example of just how many English words are entering the German language.
(sie) fährt gern Rad
She likes riding her bike.
nagelneu
This means "brand new". It literally translates as "as new as a nail"!
das Mountainbike mountain bike
(-s) die Briefmarke (- (postage) stamp n) sammeln
This means "to collect". Verbs ending in "eln" tend to drop the "-e-" of the infinitive in the first person singular - i.e. "ich sammle".
sich ausziehen
This means "to get undressed". It is both irregular and separable.
das Bad (pl. Bäder)
bath
ein Bad nehmen
to have a bath
der Schlafanzug (pl. -anzüge)
This means "pyjamas". It is a singular noun in German.
eigen
own
das Schlafzimmer ()
bedroom
10.5 Das Wetter In this conversation Sophie Gerland tries to find out from Barabara Zacharias what the weather is like in Berlin in general and then what the weather is going to be like today. They decide to listen to the weather forecast on Radio Eins. Conversation 5: Das Wetter
Sophie Gerland
Wie ist das Wetter hier in Berlin?
Barbara Zacharias
Im Sommer ist es ziemlich heiß und trocken. Im Winter ist es oft neblig und sehr kalt - besonders in der Nacht. Wir haben ab und zu viel Schnee und Glatteis.
Sophie Gerland
Das kann ich mir gut vorstellen!
Barbara Zacharias
Im Frühling ist es warm aber oft stürmisch und im Herbst ist es kühl und wolkig - wir haben fast die ganze Zeit Regen.
Sophie Gerland
Und wie ist das Wetter heute? Schlecht, oder?
Barbara Zacharias
Im Moment ist es mild. Es ist sonnig aber auch windig. Ich sehe keine schwarzen Wolken!
Sophie Gerland
Wie viel Grad sind es?
Barbara Zacharias
Weiß ich nicht. Es sind wohl etwa vierzehn Grad. Hoffentlich kommt das
schöne Wetter noch. Hören wir uns die Wettervorhersage im Radio an! (Sie macht das Radio an.) Wettervorhersage Und jetzt die Wettervorhersage bis morgen abend. Im Norden stark bewölkt, Gewitter oder Regenschauer. Starker Wind aus Nordost. In der Mitte bewölkt oder bedeckt, wiederholt gibt es ein paar Tropfen Regen. Schwacher Wind aus Ost bis Südost. In Süddeutschland heiter und trocken, keine Niederschläge. Höchsttemperaturen elf bis siebzehn Grad. Temperaturen im Sendegebiet: Berlin - 14 Grad; Neuruppin - 16 Grad; Angermünde - 15 Grad; Frankfurt an der Oder - 15 Grad; Finsterwalde - 12 Grad; Cottbus - 13 Grad. Tiefsttemperaturen in der Nacht zum Montag um den Gefrierpunkt. In Norddeutschland leichter Frost bis minus drei Grad. Vereinzelt Gewitterschauer. Conversation 5: The Weather
Sophie Gerland
What is the weather like here in Berlin?
Barbara Zacharias
In summer it is fairly hot and dry. In winter it is often foggy and very cold particularly in the night. Every now and then we get a lot of snow and ice.
Sophie Gerland
I can imagine that!
Barbara Zacharias
In spring it is warm but often stormy and in autumn it is cool and cloudy we have rain almost all the time.
Sophie Gerland
And what's the weather like today? Bad, isn't it?
Barbara Zacharias
At the moment it's mild. It's sunny but also windy. I can't see any black clouds!
Sophie Gerland
What's the temperature?
Barbara Zacharias
Don't know. It's probably about fourteen degrees. Hopefully the nice weather will come. Let's listen to the weather forecast on the radio! (She
turns the radio on.) Weather forecast
And now the weather forecast until tomorrow evening. In the north, heavy clouds, thunderstorms or rain showers. Strong wind from the northeast. In the middle of Germany, cloudy or overcast, with a few drops of rain on several occasions. A slight wind from the east to the south-east. In South Germany it will be fine and dry, with no precipitation. The highest temperature will be between eleven and seventeen degrees. Temperatures in our broadcast area: Berlin - 14 degrees; Neuruppin - 16 degrees; Angermünde - 15 degrees; Frankfurt an der Oder 15 degrees; Finsterwalde - 12 degrees; Cottbus - 13 degrees. Lowest temperatures between Sunday night and early Monday morning around the freezing point. In North Germany there will a slight frost which could reach minus three degrees. Occasional thundery showers.
Glossary das Wetter (-)
weather
wie ist das Wetter?
what's the weather like?
heiß
hot
trocken
dry
der Winter
winter
im Winter
in winter
neblig
foggy; misty
in der Nacht
in the night
ab und zu
now and then
das Glatteis
(black) ice
sich etwas vorstellen
We have already met the verb "vorstellen" when it takes a direct object and means "to introduce somebody". When it takes a reflexive pronoun in the dative case however it means "to imagine something".
der Frühling
spring
im Frühling
in spring
warm
warm
stürmisch
stormy
der Herbst
autumn
im Herbst
in autumn
kühl
cool; cold
wolkig
cloudy
fast
almost
die ganze Zeit
the whole time
der Regen
rain
schlecht
bad
mild
mild
sonnig
sunny
windig
windy
die Wolke (-n)
cloud
der Grad (-e)
degree
wie viel Grad sind es?
"What is the temperature?" Literally: "How many degrees is it?"
weiß ich nicht
don't know
wohl
probably
etwa
approximately
hoffentlich
hopefully
sich etwas anhören
This means "to listen to something". The thing that you are listening to is in the accusative case, whereas the reflexive pronoun referring back to the person doing the listening is in the dative case.
die Wettervorhersage (-n)
weather forecast
das Radio
radio
im Radio
on the radio
anmachen (sep.)
This means "to switch on". It is a separable verb.
bis morgen abend
until tomorrow evening
der Norden
the north
im Norden
in the north
der Regenschauer (-)
rain shower
stark
This normally means "strong", but when used in weather phrases it can also mean "heavy".
bewölkt
cloudy
stark bewölkt
with heavy clouds
das Gewitter (-)
(thunder-)storm
der Wind (-e)
wind
der Nordosten
the north-east
aus Nordost
This means "from the north-east". Note that the shorter form of the part of the compass without "-en" is used in this construction.
die Mitte (-n)
middle; centre
in der Mitte
in the middle (i.e. between North and South Germany)
bedeckt
overcast
wiederholt
repeatedly
der Tropfen (-)
drop
schwach
weak
der Osten
the east
der Südosten
the south-east
aus Ost bis Südost
from the east to the south-east
Süddeutschland
This means "South Germany". The shorter form of the part of the compass is used in the compound noun.
heiter
fine; clear
trocken
dry
der Niederschlag (pl. -schläge)
This means "precipitation". It is used very commonly in weather forecasts but not in conversational German.
die Temperatur (en)
temperature
die Höchsttemperatur (-en)
This means "highest temperature". It is often used in the plural in weather forecasts.
das Sendegebiet (e)
broadcast area (i.e. the area to which the radio station is broadcasting)
die Tiefsttemperatur (en)
This means "lowest temperature". It is often used in the plural in weather forecasts.
in der Nacht zum Montag
This literally means "in the night to Monday", but equates to "Sunday night and early Monday morning".
der Gefrierpunkt
This means "freezing point". You might also hear "null Grad" used to translate this.
um den
around the freezing point
Gefrierpunkt Norddeutschland
North Germany
leicht
light
der Frost
frost
minus drei Grad
minus three degrees
vereinzelt
isolated; occasional
der Gewitterschauer ()
thundery shower
10.6 Vocabulary: The weather To ask what the weather is like (today), you should say "Wie ist das Wetter (heute)?". As in English, many descriptions of weather require impersonal verbs, i.e. verbs which are only used in the "es" form. Vocabulary 1: Wie ist das Wetter heute?
es regnet ("It's raining")
es schneit ("It's snowing")
es donnert ("There's thunder")
es blitzt ("There's lightning")
es hagelt ("It's hailing")
die Sonne scheint ("The sun is shining")
Other weather phrases resemble their English equivalents in that they use "Es ist..." (= It is...) followed by the appropriate adjective. The adjectives themselves can also be quite similiar to the English version. Vocabulary 2: Wie ist das Wetter? Es ist...
es ist sonnig ("It's sunny")
es ist warm ("It's warm")
es ist heiß ("It's hot")
es ist schwül ("It's sultry")
es ist heiter ("It's fine")
es ist schön ("It's nice")
es ist trocken ("It's dry")
es ist mild ("It's mild")
es ist wolkig ("It's cloudy")
es ist bewölkt ("It's cloudy")
es ist bedeckt ("It's overcast")
es ist neb(e)lig ("It's misty")
es ist kühl ("It's cool")
es ist kalt ("It's cold")
es ist eisig ("It's icy")
es ist windig ("It's windy")
es ist regnerisch ("It's rainy")
es ist stürmisch ("It's stormy")
es ist wechselhaft ("It's changeable")
German weather nouns Nouns relating to German weather phenomena are listed below. Plurals are given in brackets. Some of these nouns are usually only found in German weather forecasts and not in conversational German. Vocabulary 3: German weather nouns
der Blitz (-e) (lightning flash)
die Bö (-en) (squall)
die Brise (-n) (breeze)
der Donner (thunder)
das Eis (ice)
der Frost (frost)
das Gewitter (-) (thunderstorm)
das Glatteis (black ice)
der Hagel (hail)
der Nebel (fog; mist)
der Niederschlag (pl. -schläge) (precipitation)
der Regen (rain)
der Schauer (-) (shower)
der Schnee (snow)
die Sonne (sun)
der Sturm (pl. Stürme) (storm)
die Temperatur (-en) (temperature)
der Wind (-e) (wind)
die Wolke (-n) (cloud)
Notes on nouns 1. To specify which type of shower you are experiencing, form a compound noun using "der Schauer": •
"der Hagel" + "der Schauer" = "der Hagelschauer" (brief hailstorm)
• •
"der Regen" + "der Schauer" = "der Regenschauer" (shower of rain) "der Schnee" + "der Schauer" = "der Schneeschauer" (snow shower)
Similar compounds can also be made with "der Sturm". As with all compound nouns, such nouns have the gender of the final element of the compound noun, and form the plural in the same way as this final element: • • •
"der Hagel" + "der Sturm" = "der Hagelsturm" (hailstorm) "das Gewitter" + "der Sturm" = "der Gewittersturm" (thunderstorm) "der Schnee" + "der Sturm" = "der Schneesturm" (snowstorm)
2. Whereas English speaks of "temperature" in the singular, German uses the word almost exclusively in the plural - "die Temperaturen". This is also true of the other compounds of the noun which we have met in this chapter: "die Höchsttemperaturen" (highest temperature) and "die Tiefsttemperaturen" (lowest temperature). 3. We have also encountered some other words in this section's conversations where the usage of singular and plural is different from in English: • • •
"die Hausaufgaben" (plural) = homework (singular) "die Hose" (singular) = trousers (plural) "der Schlafanzug" (singular) = pyjamas (plural)
10.7 Seasons and the compass German seasons The names of the German seasons are all masculine in German, with the exception of "das Frühjahr", which is one of the words for "spring". The word for a season is "die Jahreszeit (-en)", which literally means "the time of the year": Vocabulary 4: Die vier Jahreszeiten
der Frühling das Frühjahr (spring)
der Sommer (summer)
der Herbst (autumn)
der Winter (winter)
Note that German uses the definite article when translating "in spring etc.". In practice, this means that you precede each of the seasons by "im" - "im Frühling / Frühjahr", "im Sommer", "im Herbst", "im Winter". Points of the compass Similarly, the points of the compass are all masculine in German. To say "in the north etc.". In practice, you also precede each of the compass points by "im" - "im Norden", "im Westen", "im Süden", "im Osten". Vocabulary 5: Points of the compass
der Norden (the North)
der Westen (the West)
der Süden (the South)
der Osten (the East)
When used as the first element in compound nouns however, the points of the compass drop the final "-en". Any compound noun thus formed will always take the gender of the final element of the compound.
Vocabulary 6: Compound nouns of location
der Nordwesten (the North-West)
der Nordosten (the North-East)
der Südwesten (the South-West)
der Südosten (the South-East)
Nordengland (the North of England)
Süddeutschland (South Germany)
Westfrankreich (the West of France)
Ostbelgien (the East of Belgium)
Notes on the compass 1. When wind directions are given in weather forecasts, the shorter forms of the points of the compass tend to be used: • •
Schwacher Wind aus Nordost (= A light wind from the north-east) Starker Wind aus West bis Südwest (= A strong wind from the west to the south-west)
2. If you wish to describe what the temperature is in the middle of a country, you should say "in der Mitte". The element "Mittel-" in a compound geographical noun is used to indicate centrality: • •
Mittelamerika (= Central America) Mitteleuropa (= Central Europe)
10.8 Reflexive verbs (1) Definition In most sentences with objects, the subject and the object are two different people or things - e.g. Ich sehe ihn ("I see him"). Sometimes however a verb's subject and object are the same person or thing. Such verbs
are called reflexive. In English, reflexive verbs end in "-self" or "-selves" - e.g. "I hurt myself", "she flatters herself", "they're giving themselves a break". Not all German reflexive verbs however can be translated by "-self". In fact, whilst most English reflexive verbs are also reflexive in German, there are a number of German reflexive verbs that are not reflexive in English. Some of them have English equivalents which use "get" (i.e. to get dressed, to get washed, to get shaved), whereas some of them describe physical actions for which we do not use a reflexive verb. Many other German reflexive verbs however do not fall into either of these two categories (i.e. to be interested, to relax). The infinitive of a German reflexive verb German reflexive verbs consist of a simple verb together with the reflexive pronoun in the accusative or (in certain circumstances) the dative case. In the infinitive form, the reflexive pronoun (sich) precedes the verb itself. Here is the infinitive form of the reflexive verbs taking an accusative pronoun which we have encountered in this and earlier chapters:
Grammar 1: Reflexive verbs with an accusative pronoun
sich anziehen (to get dressed)
sich ausruhen (to relax)
sich ausziehen (to get undressed)
sich bemühen (to make an effort)
sich interessieren (to be interested)
sich langweilen (to be bored)
sich rasieren (to have a shave)
sich treffen (to meet)
sich vorstellen (to introduce oneself)
sich waschen (to get washed)
Notes 1. The verb treffen (= to meet) is only used reflexively in the plural. In this context, the reflexive pronoun denotes reciprocity and is the equivalent of each other: • • We
Wir treffen uns morgen. (We will meet each other tomorrow.) Wo treffen sie sich? (Where are they meeting each other?)
will
meet
more
reflexive
verbs
of
this
sort
in
subsequent
chapters.
2. When using sich interessieren, you should employ the preposition für followed by a noun in the accusative case to say what it is that you are interested in. If your interest is an activity, you should express this by using the infinitive of the German verb, spelling it with a capital letter. This is called a verbal noun.
• •
Paula interessiert sich für Fußball. (Paula is interested in football.) Interessieren Sie sich für Lesen? (Are you interested in reading?)
Reflexive and non-reflexive verbs Most of the verbs which we have met on the previous page can either be used as a reflexive verb followed by a reflexive pronoun in the accusative case, or as a normal verb using a personal pronoun in the accusative case. In the second case the action of the verb is being carried out to somebody else. Grammar 2: Reflexive and non-reflexive verb pairs
sich anziehen (to get dressed)
jemanden anziehen (to dress somebody)
sich ausziehen (to get undressed)
jemanden ausziehen (to undress somebody)
sich interessieren (to be interested)
jemanden interessieren (to interest somebody)
sich langweilen (to be bored)
jemanden langweilen (to bore somebody)
sich rasieren (to have a shave)
jemanden rasieren (to shave somebody)
sich treffen (to meet)
jemanden treffen (to meet somebody)
sich vorstellen (to introduce oneself)
jemanden vorstellen (to introduce somebody)
sich waschen (to wash oneself)
jemanden waschen (to wash somebody)
Notes 1. In dictionaries, verbs which take a direct object are listed as in the table above, namely preceded by jemanden or its abbreviated form jdn.. The word jemand is the German word for somebody. In the accusative case (as here), it adds "-en". To use the verb, simply replace jemanden with the accusative of the noun to which you are referring. 2. Care needs to be taken in distinguishing between the reflexive and non-reflexive usages of a verb: • • • •
Claudia wäscht sich. (Claudia washes herself.) Claudia wäscht das Kind. (Claudia washes the child.) Er stellt sich vor. (He introduces himself.) Er stellt ihn vor. (He introduces him (i.e. somebody else).)
• •
Sie treffen sich. (They meet each other.) Sie treffen sie. (They meet them (i.e. some other people).)
10.9 Reflexive verbs (2) Present tense of reflexive verbs taking an accusative pronoun The present tense of a reflexive verb consists of a verb with the normal present tense endings followed by the reflexive pronoun in the appropriate case. The only difference between reflexive pronouns and the personal pronouns which we have encountered in previous chapters is that the reflexive pronoun is sich in the formal "Sie" form as well as in the third person singular and plural. Here is the present tense of a reflexive verb which takes a reflexive pronoun in the accusative case:
Grammar 3: The present tense of "sich rasieren"
Singular ich rasiere mich
I shave myself
du rasierst dich Sie rasieren sich
You shave yourself (informal/formal)
er rasiert sich
He shaves himself
Plural wir rasieren uns
We shave ourselves
ihr rasiert euch Sie rasieren sich
You shave yourselves (informal/formal)
sie rasieren sich
They shave themselves
If the reflexive verb is also separable, then the separable prefix of the verb will follow the pronoun (and any other elements of the clause). Of the verbs which we have encountered so far, this is true for sich anziehen, sich ausruhen, sich ausziehen and sich vorstellen: Grammar 4: The present tense of "sich anziehen"
Singular ich ziehe mich an
I get dressed
du ziehst dich an Sie ziehen sich an
You get dressed (informal/formal)
er/sie/es zieht sich an
He/she/it gets dressed
Plural wir ziehen uns an
We get dressed
ihr zieht euch an Sie ziehen sich an
You get dressed (informal/formal)
sie ziehen sich an
They get dressed
Present tense of reflexive verbs with a modal verb When reflexive verbs are preceded by a modal verb, the infinitive of the verb itself is used, but the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject of the verb. The reflexive pronoun in such cases is identical to the appropriate pronoun in the present tense of the reflexive verb: Grammar 5: The infinitive of a reflexive verb after a modal verb
Singular ich muss mich waschen
I must have a wash
du musst dich waschen You must have a wash Sie müssen sich waschen (informal/formal) er muss sich waschen
He must have a wash
Plural wir müssen uns waschen
We must have a wash
ihr müsst euch waschen You must have a wash Sie müssen sich waschen (informal/formal) sie müssen sich waschen
They must have a wash
10.10 Reflexive verbs taking the dative case Present tense of reflexive verbs taking a dative pronoun A number of verbs use the reflexive pronoun in the dative case. Only two of the dative reflexive pronouns are different from their equivalent accusative reflexive pronoun. These are mich and dich which become mir and dir respectively. Here is the present tense of sich vorstellen, a separable verb which takes a reflexive pronoun in the dative case when it means "to imagine": Grammar 6: The present tense of "sich vorstellen" (= to imagine)
Singular ich stelle mir vor
I imagine
du stellst dir vor Sie stellen sich vor
You imagine (informal/formal)
er/sie stellt sich vor
He/she imagines
Plural
wir stellen uns vor
We imagine
ihr stellt euch vor Sie stellen sich vor
You imagine (informal/formal)
sie stellen sich vor
They imagine
Great care must be taken with using this particular verb. As we have seen, when sich vorstellen takes a reflexive pronoun in the accusative case, it means "to introduce oneself". And when it takes a non-reflexive object in the accusative case it means "to introduce somebody else": • • •
Ich stelle ihn vor (I introduce him (= accusative)) Ich stelle mich vor (I introduce myself (= accusative)) Ich stelle mir vor (I imagine (= dative))
Other reflexive verbs taking a dative pronoun We have already seen in Chapter 7 that a number of German verbs such as sagen, geben and empfehlen take both a dative and an accusative object. The dative object is usually a person whereas the accusative object is usually a thing. The same construction is found with certain reflexive verbs. The reflexive pronoun, which is an integral part of the verb, is in the dative case, but the verb also has an accusative object. Here is a list of such verbs which we have encountered in this chapter.
Grammar 7: Verbs taking a dative reflexive pronoun
sich etwas anhören (to listen to something)
sich etwas ansehen (to watch something)
sich etwas ausleihen (to borrow something)
sich etwas vorstellen (to imagine something)
Notes 1. All of these four verbs happen to be separable. This by no means always true of verbs taking a reflexive pronoun in the dative case! 2. To use these verbs, replace etwas (= something) with an appropriate noun in the accusative case. For example: • • •
Ich höre mir die Wettervorhersage an. (I'm listening to the weather forecast.) Wir sehen uns die Quizshow an. (We're watching the quiz show) Du leihst dir das Video aus. (You borrow the video.)
•
Das kann ich mir vorstellen. (I can imagine that.)
The complete present tense of "sich ansehen" with an accusative noun is thus as follows: Grammar 8: The present tense of "sich ansehen"
Singular ich sehe mir den Film an
I watch the film
du siehst dir den Film an Sie sehen sich den Film an
You watch the film (informal/formal)
er sieht sich den Film an sie sieht sich den Film an
He watches the film She watches the film
Plural wir sehen uns den Film an
We watch the film
ihr seht euch den Film an Sie sehen sich den Film an
You watch the film (informal/formal)
sie sehen sich den Film an
They watch the film
Reflexive verbs concerning the body The dative reflexive pronoun is used in German with certain verbs when they refer to doing things to parts of the body (sich waschen) and putting on or taking off articles of clothing (sich anziehen, sich ausziehen). The dative reflexive pronoun must be used when you specify which part of your body you are washing or which article of clothing you are putting on or taking off. Furthermore, the definite article is used to refer to the specific part of the body, whereas in English the possessive (my, your, his etc.) is used. It is therefore the task of the dative reflexive pronoun to indicate possession.
Grammar 9: Dative reflexive pronouns referring to specific items
ich wasche mir die Hände
I wash my hands
du wäscht dir das Gesicht
You wash your face
ich ziehe mir das Hemd an
I put my shirt on
du ziehst dir die Schuhe aus
You take your shoes off
Great care must therefore be taken to distinguish between the following pairs of verbs:
• •
Ich wasche mich. (I'm having a wash.) Ich wasche mir die Hände. (I'm washing my hands.)
• •
Du ziehst dich an. (You get dressed.) Du ziehst dir die Hose an. (You put your trousers on.)
The same construction is also used in German to translate "to clean one's teeth". The full present tense of this construction is given below. Grammar 10: The present tense of "sich die Zähne putzen"
Singular ich putze mir die Zähne
I clean my teeth
du putzt dir die Zähne Sie putzen sich die Zähne
You clean your teeth (informal/formal)
er/sie putzt sich die Zähne
He/she cleans her teeth
Plural wir putzen uns die Zähne
We clean our teeth
ihr putzt euch die Zähne Sie putzen sich die Zähne
You clean your teeth (informal/formal)
sie putzen sich die Zähne
They clean their teeth
As the stem of the verb putzen ends in "-z-", note that the "du" form of the verb adds "-t", and not "-st" - du putzt.
10.11 Verbs in "-el", "-er" and new irregular verbs Verbs whose stem ends in "-el" and "-er" Regular verbs whose stem ends in "-el" or "-er" differ from the general pattern of present tense endings in the following respects: • • •
The infinitive of such verbs ends in "-n", not "-en". The first and third person plural of the present tense, along with the polite "Sie" form, also end in "-n", not "-en". In the "ich" form of the present tense, the "-e-" of the stem is always dropped with verbs in "-el" - e.g. ich sammle. This "-e-" is also occasionally dropped with verbs ending in "-er", although this is more common in spoken German than in written German - e.g. ich wand(e)re.
Here is the present tense of two such verbs which we have encountered in this chapter: sammeln (= to collect) and wandern (= to ramble; to hike). Grammar 11: Present tense of "sammeln" (= to collect)
Singular ich sammle
I collect
du sammelst Sie sammeln
You collect (informal/formal)
er/sie/es sammelt
He/she/it collects
Plural wir sammeln
We collect
ihr sammelt Sie sammeln
You collect (informal/formal)
sie sammeln
They collect
Grammar 12: The present tense of "wandern" (= to ramble)
Singular ich wand(e)re
I ramble
du wanderst Sie wandern
You ramble (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wandert
He/she/it rambles
Plural wir wandern
We ramble
ihr wandert Sie wandern
You ramble (informal/formal)
sie wandern
They ramble
New irregular verbs Here is the present tense of the new irregular verbs which we have met in this chapter. Grammar 13: Present tense of "essen" (= to eat)
Singular ich esse
I eat
du isst Sie essen
You eat (informal/formal)
er/sie/es isst
He/she/it eats
Plural wir essen
We eat
ihr esst Sie essen
You eat (informal/formal)
sie essen
They eat
Grammar 14: The present tense of "lesen" (= to read)
Singular
ich lese
I read
du liest Sie lesen
You read (informal/formal)
er/sie/es liest
He/she/it reads
Plural wir lesen
We read
ihr lest Sie lesen
You read (informal/formal)
sie lesen
They read
Grammar 15: Present tense of "tragen" (= to wear, carry)
Singular ich trage
I wear
du trägst Sie tragen
You wear (informal/formal)
er/sie/es trägt
He/she/it wears
Plural wir tragen
We wear
ihr tragt Sie tragen
You wear (informal/formal)
sie tragen
They wear
Grammar 16: Present tense of "treffen" (= to meet)
Singular ich treffe
I meet
du triffst Sie treffen
You meet (informal/formal)
er/sie/es trifft
He/she/it meets
Plural wir treffen
We meet
ihr trefft Sie treffen
You meet (informal/formal)
sie treffen
They meet
Grammar 17: Present tense of "verlassen" (= to leave)
Singular ich verlasse
I leave
du verlässt
You leave
Sie verlassen
(informal/formal)
er/sie/es verlässt
He/she/it leaves
Plural wir verlassen
We leave
ihr verlasst Sie verlassen
You leave (informal/formal)
sie verlassen
They leave
Grammar 18: Present tense of "waschen" (= to wash)
Singular ich wasche
I wash
du wäschst Sie waschen
You wash (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wäscht
He/she/it washes
Plural wir waschen
We wash
ihr wascht Sie waschen
You wash (informal/formal)
sie waschen
They wash
Grammar 19: Present tense of "wissen" (= to know)
Singular ich weiß
I know
du weißt Sie wissen
You know (informal/formal)
er/sie/es weiß
He/she/it knows
Plural wir wissen
We know
ihr wisst Sie wissen
You know (informal/formal)
sie wissen
They know
10.12 Compound verbs Types of compound verb We have already seen in Chapter 6 how simple German verbs add prefixes to take on another meaning. In this and the previous chapter we have come across a lot more instances of such compound verbs which are listed in the table below.
Grammar 20: New compound verbs in this section
Main Verb
Compound Verb
fangen (to catch)
anfangen (to begin)
holen (to fetch)
abholen (to pick up)
kommen (to come)
ankommen (to depend; to arrive)
lassen (to let; to leave)
verlassen (to leave)
leihen (to lend, borrow)
ausleihen (to lend, borrow)
machen (to do; to make)
anmachen (to switch on)
nehmen (to take)
abnehmen (to lose weight) unternehmen (to do; undertake) zunehmen (to gain weight)
sehen (to see)
ansehen (to look at) aussehen (to look like) fernsehen (to watch television)
stehen (to stand)
aufstehen (to get up) bestehen (to consist)
wachen (to be awake)
aufwachen (to wake up)
waschen (to wash)
abwaschen (to do the washing up)
ziehen (to pull)
anziehen (to put on) ausziehen (to take off)
Just as the gender and plural of compound nouns are determined by the final element of the noun, the declension of a compound verb is determined by the final element. Thus although all the compounds of "sehen" are irregular, they are not listed separately in verb tables as it suffices to learn the endings of "sehen" to be able to decline them all!
• • •
Ich sehe keine schwarzen Wolken (I can't see any black clouds) Du siehst oft fern (You often watch television) Anna sieht sich die Talkshow an (Anna watches the talk show)
And although we may only have come across the compounds of verbs such as fangen, lassen and wachen, we know how they will decline if we learn the endings of verbs such as anfangen, verlassen and aufwachen. Other types of compound verbs German compound verbs are not only formed by adding prefixes, but also by adding other parts of speech. As the following four examples show, it is also possible to add nouns and other verbs to form a compound verb: Grammar 21: Other forms of compound verbs
Rad fahren (to cycle)
Ski laufen (to ski)
einkaufen gehen (to go shopping)
spazieren gehen (to go for a walk)
Notes Although these compound verbs are written as two words, they behave in the same way as verbs with a separable prefix. This means that it is only the second element which declines - even if the first element is another verb as with einkaufen gehen and spazieren gehen. It also means that, like a separable prefix, the first element is positioned at the end of a German clause. For example: • • • •
Thomas fährt gern Rad. (Thomas likes cycling.) Läufst du gern Ski? (Do you like skiing?) Heute Nachmittag gehe ich einkaufen. (I'm going shopping this afternoon.) Wir gehen jeden Abend spazieren. (We go for a walk every evening.)
10.13 The modal verbs "dürfen" und "müssen" Present tense of "dürfen" We have already had an introduction to German modal verbs and their usage in Chapter 8 of this course. Here are the present tenses of two more modal verbs which we have encountered in this chapter:
Grammar 22: Present tense of "dürfen" (= to be allowed to)
Singular
ich darf
I am allowed to
du darfst Sie dürfen
You are allowed to (informal/formal)
er/sie/es darf
He/she/it is allowed to
Plural wir dürfen
We are allowed to
ihr dürft Sie dürfen
You are allowed to (informal/formal)
sie dürfen
They are allowed to
Usage of "dürfen" The verb "dürfen" corresponds to English "be allowed to" or "can" (in the sense of having the permission to do something). • •
Was dürfen Sie essen? (What are you allowed to eat?) Dürfen Sie Alkohol trinken? (Can you drink alcohol?)
Great care must be taken when translating the English word "can" into German. You need to distinguish between two different possible meanings of "can": "to be able to do something" (= "können") and "to have permission to do something" (= "dürfen"). For example: • • • •
Ich kann Rad fahren. (I can (= know how to) ride a bicycle.) Ich darf Rad fahren. (I can (= have permission to) ride a bicycle.) Andrea kann Deutsch. (Andrea can (= knows how to) speak German.) Andrea darf nach Deutschland fahren. (Andrea is able to (= has permission to) go to Germany.)
Present tense of "müssen" Grammar 23: The present tense of "müssen" (= must)
Singular ich muss
I must
du musst Sie müssen
You must (informal/formal)
er/sie/es muss
He/she/it must
Plural wir müssen
We must
ihr müsst
You must
Sie müssen
(informal/formal)
sie müssen
They must
Usage of "müssen" The verb "müssen" corresponds to English "must" or "to have to". For example: • •
Ich muss abnehmen. (I must lose weight.) Am Abend muss ich immer lernen. (In the evenings I have to study.)
The negative of "dürfen" and "müssen" Great care must be taken when using "dürfen" and "müssen" in the negative. Although "müssen" is used to translate "must", it is "nicht dürfen" which is used to translate "mustn't" in the sense of "not being allowed to do something". The words "nicht müssen" are instead used to translate "don't have to". For example: • • • •
Michael darf das nicht tun. (Michael must not do that.) Michael muss das nicht tun. (Michael does not have to do that.) Alkohol darf ich nicht trinken. (I'm not allowed to drink alcohol.) Alkohol muss ich nicht trinken. (I don't have to drink alcohol.)
10.14 Adverbs and word order Explanation Adverbs are words which describe the action of a verb. They show how, when and where things happen - e.g. "quickly", "often", "outside". You can usually recognise an adverb in English becuase it ends in "-ly" - e.g. "happily", "regularly", "completely". This is not the case in German, where most adjectives can be used as adverbs without adding a suffix. In fact, when such adjectives are used as adverbs they have no endings at all: • • • •
Anna ist eine gesunde Frau. (Anna is a healthy woman (= adjective).) Wir essen sehr gesund. (We eat very healthily (= adverb).) "Metropolis" ist ein guter Film. ("Metropolis" is a good film (= adjective).) Es geht mir gut. (I am very well (= adverb).)
Word order with adverbs The positioning of adverbs in a German sentence can be tricky as German word order is quite specific on this point. For the moment it will suffice to note that if you put an adverb or adverbial phrase at the start of the sentence, then the verb must come next followed immediately by the subject of the clause. This is known as inverted word order. Note too that German adverbial phrases are not separated from the rest of the clause by a comma when they occur at the start of the sentence. • • • •
Hoffentlich kommt das schöne Wetter noch. (Hopefully the good weather will still come.) Manchmal fahren wir in die Berge. (Sometimes we go into the mountains.) Im Moment ist es mild. (At the moment the weather is mild.) Zweimal in der Woche gehe ich zu einer Aerobicstunde. (Twice a week I go to an aerobics class.)
General word order It is not only adverbs however which can be placed at the start of a German clause. You may have noticed that - unlike in English - it is also possible to emphasise an accusative or dative object by putting it at the start of a sentence. This is because in German, it is the the case endings, not the word order, which tell us who is doing what to whom, i.e. what is the subject and what are the objects. Thus the following pairs of sentences have the same basic meaning, even though the subject of the clause is in first position only in the first sentence in each pair. Note how the case endings change depending on who is doing what to whom! Grammar 24: Inverted word order
Die Katze sieht den Hund. Den Hund sieht die Katze. (The cat sees the dog.) Der Hund sieht die Katze. Die Katze sieht der Hund. (The dog sees the cat.) Ich sehe dich. Dich sehe ich. (I see you.) Du siehst mich. Mich siehst du. (You see me.) Der Mann hilft dem Kind. Dem Kind hilft der Mann. (The man helps the child.) Das Kind hilft dem Mann. Dem Mann hilft das Kind. (The child helps the man.)
Notes In each of these pairs there is a slight difference in that the first element in each sentence is always being stressed. Whereas the first sentence in each pair stresses therefore who is performing the action i.e. seeing or helping, the second sentence stresses more who is being seen or being helped. Certain nouns, pronouns, definite and indefinite articles have identical endings in the nominative and accusative cases. In most instances, common sense will tell you who is performing the action. For example, in the clause "Bier darf Thomas nicht trinken", it should hopefully be clear that it is Thomas who not allowed to drink beer and not vice versa. Yet the phrase "sie sieht sie" could have six different meanings: 1) "she sees her"; 2) "she sees them"; 3) "she sees it (= feminine noun)"; 4) "it sees her"; 5) "it sees them"; 6) "it sees it"!
10.15 Adverbs of time Introduction As has been indicated, most German adjectives can be used as adverbs without a suffix being added. There are however a number of adverbs which are only (or primarily) used in the adverbial form. On the next two pages of this chapter we have listed a number of such adverbs which we have already encountered in this course or which are in common usage in German. They have been divided up into three groups which describe when, how and where things happen - we call them adverbs of time, manner and place. Listed below are the most common German adverbs of time - note that both "morgens" and "vormittags" mean "in the morning". Vocabulary 7: Adverbs of time
abends (in the evening)
nachher (afterwards)
bald (soon)
nachts (in the night)
danach (afterwards)
nun (now)
dann (then)
oft (often)
früh (early)
rechtzeitig (in good time)
gleich (at once)
schon (already)
gleichzeitig (at the same time)
selten (rarely)
heute (today)
sofort (immediately)
immer (always)
spät (late)
jetzt (now)
täglich (every day)
lange (for a long time)
vormittags (in the morning)
manchmal (sometimes)
zuerst (at first)
morgen (tomorrow)
zuletzt (at last)
morgens (in the morning) Adverbs for days of the week Vocabulary 8: Adverbs for days of the week
sonntags (on Sundays)
donnerstags (on Thursdays)
montags (on Mondays)
freitags (on Fridays)
dienstags (on Tuesdays)
samstags / sonnabends
mittwochs (on Wednesdays)
(on Saturdays)
To translate "on Tuesday mornings", "on Wednesday evenings" etc., form a compound noun consisting of the name of the day followed by the adverb for the appropriate part of the day - "morgens", "vormittags", "abends" and "nachts". Such compound adverbs do not start with a capital letter. For example: • • •
Wir treffen uns freitagabends zum Kegeln. (We meet on Friday evenings and go bowling.) Ich leihe mir donnerstagnachmittags ein Video aus. (I rent a video on Thursday afternoons.) Wir spielen sonnabendvormittags Fußball. (We play football on Saturday morning.)
Adverbial phrases We have also encountered a number of adverbial phrases with which you can express the time in German. These are listed below: Vocabulary 9: Adverbial phrases of time
am Montag (on Monday)
jeden Montag (every Monday)
am Morgen (in the morning)
jeden Morgen (every morning)
am Vormittag (in the morning)
jeden Vormittag (every morning)
am Nachmittag (in the afternoon)
jeden Nachmittag (every afternoon)
am Abend (in the evening)
jeden Abend (every evening)
in der Nacht (in the night)
jede Nacht (every night)
die ganze Zeit (the whole time)
im Moment (at the moment)
zweimal in der Woche (twice a week) Notes Both "der Morgen" and "der Vormittag" can be used to translate the English word "morning". Many adverbial time phrases in German are in the accusative case. This is the case for "jeden Tag", "jede Nacht" etc. and also for the phrase "die ganze Zeit". To translate "on Tuesday morning" or "every Wednesday evening", form a compound noun from the name of the day and the part of the day. As the gender of the compound noun is determined by the gender of the final element, the endings on "am" and "jede(n)" remain unchanged. For example: • • •
Jeden Freitagabend treffen wir uns zum Kegeln. (Every Friday evening we meet up and go bowling.) Jeden Donnerstagnachmittag leihe ich mir ein Video aus. (Every Thursday afternoon I rent a video.) Am Sonnabendvormittag spielen wir Fußball. (We play football on Saturday morning.)
10.16 Adverbs of manner and place Adverbs of manner Having looked in the previous section at adverbs of time, we shall now examine the adverbs of manner which we have already encountered in this course as well as others which are in common usage in German: Vocabulary 10: Adverbs of manner
außerdem (besides)
natürlich (of course)
dazu (in addition)
normalerweise (normally)
eben (even, just)
plötzlich (suddenly)
eigentlich (actually)
selbstverständlich (of course)
gern (gladly)
sonst (otherwise)
gleichfalls (likewise)
vielleicht (possibly)
hoffentlich (hopefully)
wahrscheinlich (probably)
leider (unfortunately)
wirklich (really)
möglicherweise (possibly)
Adverbs of manner with "-erweise" "Möglicherweise" and "normalerweise" belong to a group of adverbs which are formed by adding the suffix "-erweise" to the adjective - in this case "möglich" (= possible) and "normal" (= normal). Remember that the adverb is invariable, whereas the adjective takes the appropriate adjective endings: • • • •
Heute ist ein normaler Tag. (Today is a normal day (= adjective).) Normalerweise essen wir um halb sieben Abendbrot. (We normally have our evening meal at half-past six (= adverb).) Das ist möglich. (That is possible (= adjective).) Möglicherweise geht er zu Fuß. (He's possibly walking (= adverb).)
Other such adverbs include: "glücklicherweise" (= "fortunately"), "natürlicherweise" (= "naturally") and "unglücklicherweise" (= "unfortunately"). Adverbs of place Vocabulary 11: Adverbs of place
auswärts (out; outwards)
irgendwo (somewhere)
da (there)
links (on the left)
dabei (with me/you etc.)
nirgendwo (nowhere)
dort (there)
oben (at the top)
dorthin (there (= motion))
rechts (on the right)
draußen (outside)
überall (everywhere)
geradeaus (straight on)
unten (at the bottom)
hier (here)
vorne (at the front)
hinten (at the back) Adverbs of degree There is a further group of adverbs which precede other adjectives or adverbs to emphasise or tone down the word which they are qualifying. These are known as adverbs of degree. Vocabulary 12: Adverbs of degree
äußerst (extremely)
kaum (scarcely)
besonders (especially)
meistens (mostly)
etwas (somewhat)
sehr (very)
fast (almost)
völlig (completely)
ganz (quite)
ziemlich (fairly)
genug (enough)
zu (too)
höchst (extremely, highly) Notes Adverbs of degree qualify other adjectives or adverbs but do not themselves add endings. Like all adverbs they are invariable. For example: • • •
Es ist sehr neblig und äußerst kalt. (It is very foggy and extremely cold.) Im Frühling ist es besonders stürmisch. (In spring it is particularly stormy.) Sein neuer Film ist ganz gut. (His new film is pretty good.)
• • •
Im Sommer ist es ziemlich trocken und oft zu heiß. (In summer it is pretty dry and often too hot.) In der Nacht kann ich kaum sehen. (I can hardly see at night.) Die Ärztin ist etwas nervös. (The doctor is a little nervous.)
The only exception to this pattern is the adverb "genug" (= enough), which as in English follows the adjective or adverb which it qualifies: • •
Es ist heute warm genug. (It is warm enough today.) Das Fahrrad war nicht gut genug. (The bicycle wasn't good enough.)
10.17 Adverbs: The Superlative The superlative using "mögen" In the previous chapter you learned how to form the comparative of German adverbs and to express ideas such as "more", "bigger" etc. In this chapter, we have met several instances of the superlative of German adverbs - i.e. how to say that you like something "best" or enjoy doing something "most of all". When using the verb "mögen" to express a preference, you form the superlative by using "am liebsten" (which is the superlative of the adverb of manner "gern"): Grammar 24: The superlative using "mögen"
Wir mögen Berlin (gern). ("We like Berlin.") Wir mögen Berlin lieber. ("We prefer Berlin.") Wir mögen Berlin am liebsten. ("We like Berlin most of all.") Welchen Wein mögen Sie lieber? ("Which wine do you prefer?") Ich mag Rotwein lieber. ("I prefer red wine.") Ich mag Rotwein am liebsten. ("I like red wine most of all.")
To add even more emphasis to your preferences, you could also use "am allerliebsten" to describe something which you like "more than anything else". For example: •
Was magst du am allerliebsten? (What do you like more than anthing else?)
•
Am allerliebsten mag ich Fußball. (I like football more than anything else.)
The superlative of "gern" when used with other verbs You will recall that we can use the adverb "gern(e)" with other verbs to describe things that you like doing. By extension therefore, you use "am liebsten" - the superlative of "gern(e)" with verbs other than "mögen" to describe what you like doing most of all:
Grammar 25: The superlative with other verbs
Ich esse gern Käse. ("I like (to eat) cheese.") Ich esse lieber Käse. ("I prefer (to eat) cheese.") Ich esse am liebsten Käse. ("I like (to eat) cheese most of all.") Welchen Wein trinken Sie am liebsten? ("Which wine do you like (drinking) most of all?") Ich trinke am liebsten Weißwein. ("I like (to drink) white wine most of all.")
Once again you could use "am allerliebsten" to add even more emphasis: • •
Welche Sorte trinken Sie am allerliebsten? (What sort do you like drinking more than anthing else?) Am allerliebsten trinken wir brasilianischen Kaffee. (We like Brazilian coffee more than anything else.)
The superlative using "gefallen" As the optional adverb used with the verb "gefallen" is "gut", you need to use "am besten" (= the superlative of "gut") if you wish to use "gefallen" to say that you like something "most of all": Grammar 26: Superlative using "gefallen"
Diese Stadt gefällt uns (gut). ("We like this city.") Diese Stadt gefällt uns besser. ("We prefer this city.")
Diese Stadt gefällt uns am besten. ("We like this city most of all.") Was gefällt dir am besten? ("What do you like the most?") Das Armband gefällt mir am besten. ("I like the bracelet most of all.")
10.18 Prepositions with motion and place The prepositions "in" und "aus" As a general rule, the preposition "in" (+ Accusative) is used for going to places which one will then be "inside". To describe being "inside" such places - which include rooms and most buildings - you should use "in" (+ Dative). When leaving such places, you use the preposition "aus". This preposition always takes the dative case, even though motion is involved. Grammar 27: "in" und "aus"
Ich gehe ins Badezimmer. ("I go into the bathroom.") Ich gehe in die Küche. ("I go into the kitchen.") Ich bin im Badezimmer. ("I am in the bathroom.") Ich bin in der Küche. ("I am in the kitchen.") Ich gehe aus dem Badezimmer. ("I go out of the bathroom.") Ich gehe aus der Küche. ("I go out of the kitchen.")
Notes German also uses the preposition "in" (+ Accusative) where we would not necessarily do so in English: • • • •
Gehen wir ins Konzert! (Let's go to the concert!) Herr Dr. Schmidt geht regelmäßig ins Theater. (Dr. Schmidt regularly goes to the theatre.) Ich gehe ins Stadtzentrum! (I'm going to the city centre.) Im Winter fahren wir in die Berge. (In winter we go into the mountains.)
For a number of German buildings and public places, you should use the preposition "zu" (+ Dative) for motion towards, "an" (+ Dative) to translate position ("at" or "in") and "von" (+ Dative) to translate motion away. We have already dealt with this grammatical point in Chapter 6, where the correct prepositions for travelling to and from countries are also explained. When using the separable verb ankommen (= "to arrive"), the place where you arrive is in the dative case: • •
Ich komme um Viertel vor acht im Büro an. (I arrive in the office at a quarter to eight.) Wann kommt sie am Flughafen an? (When does she arrive at the airport?)
Note too that the same prepositions are used for travelling to and from towns and cities as are used for travelling to (neuter) countries.
Grammar 28: Prepositions and cities
Wir fahren nach Werder. ("We travel to Werder.") Mareike wohnt in Berlin. ("Mareike lives in Berlin.") Peter kommt aus Nürnberg. ("Peter comes from Nuremberg.") Prepositions with "die Schule" Grammar 29: Die Schule
Lars geht in die Schule. ("Lars goes to school.") Mutti bringt mich in die Schule. ("Mummy takes me to school.") Mareike fährt zur Schule. ("Mareike drives to school.") Lars ist in der Schule. ("Lars is at school.") Sie ist Lehrerin auf einer Grundschule. ("She teaches in a primary school.") Um drei Uhr verlasse ich die Schule. ("I leave school at three o'clock.")
Notes As a school is a building which you can be "inside", the preposition used for going
into a school is "in" (+ Accusative). It cannot be used in the third example however as Mareike is driving to school. To use the German preposition "in" here would imply that she drove her car into the school building itself! As the example suggests, you should instead use the preposition "zu" (+ Dative), which indicates motion up to, but not inside a place or building. The preposition used for being physically inside a school is "in" (+ Dative). The prepositions "auf" (+ Dative) or "an" (+ Dative) are used with academic institutions at which a person is employed. The verb "verlassen" equates to "to leave" in English. It is used to describe movements out of buildings as opposed to rooms. "Verlassen" is a transitive verb, which means that it has to be followed by an accusative (direct) object - i.e. "die Schule". You cannot simply say "Ich verlasse". Prepositions with "das Haus" "Das Haus" is literally the German word for a house. Even though a large number of Germans live in a flat (= "die Wohnung"), "das Haus" is nevertheless used to translate "home". Grammar 30: Das Haus
Ich gehe nach Hause. ("I go home.") Ich bin zu Hause. ("I am at home.") Ich gehe aus dem Haus. Ich verlasse das Haus. ("I leave home.")
In older German, some masculine and neuter nouns, particularly those of one syllable, added "-e" in the dative singular. This is now extremely uncommon in modern German. The practice persists however with certain set phrases involving "das Haus" - the phrases "nach Hause" kommen and "zu Hause sein" always add the additional "-e". It is rare however to find the "-e" in the expression "aus dem Haus gehen". You must of course never add it in the expression "ich verlasse das Haus", as the noun is here in the accusative case. Prepositions used with meals Note the different prepositional constructions used to translate the different meals of the day: Grammar 31: Prepositions and meals
Zum Frühstück esse ich Müesli. ("I have muesli for breakfast.")
Zu Mittag esse ich eine Pizza. ("I have a pizza for lunch.") Zum Abendbrot esse ich Fisch. ("I have fish for tea.")
The German word for "lunch" is "das Mittagessen", but the phrase for "to have lunch" is "zu Mittag essen". You would use the construction "zum Mittagessen" when you are describing what there is for lunch - i.e. "Zum Mittagessen gibt es eine Pizza" ("There is pizza for lunch").
10.19 Vocabulary: Clothes (1) In the vocabulary sections of this chapter, we shall be dealing with clothes and hobbies. Firstly here is a list of the different verbs used to translate "wearing", "putting on" and "taking off" clothes. Pay particular attention to the different compounds of the verb "ziehen" and the different cases which the object is in depending on whether you are referring to the whole process of getting changed or just one item of clothing.
Vocabulary 13: The verb "tragen" tragen (du trägst, er trägt) to wear (see Chapter 10.11) was trägst du? was tragen Sie? what are you wearing? ich trage einen grauen Mantel I'm wearing a grey coat Lars trägt eine blaue Hose Lars is wearing blue trousers Trägst du eine Brille? Do you wear glasses? Anja trägt keine Socken Anja is not wearing any socks Vocabulary 14: Clothing - anziehen was soll ich anziehen? what shall I wear? sich (+ Acc.) anziehen (ich ziehe mich an) to get dressed (see Chapter 10.8) sich (+ Dat.) etwas anziehen to put something on (see Chapter 10.10) ich ziehe mir die Jacke an
I put my coat on sich (+ Acc.) ausziehen (du ziehst dich aus) to get undressed (see Chapter 10.8) sich (+ Dat.) etwas ausziehen to take something off (see Chapter 10.10) du ziehst dir die Schuhe aus You take your shoes off sich (+Acc.) umziehen (er zieht sich um) to get changed
Vocabulary 15: Clothing - other verbs etwas (+ Acc.) anhaben to have something on ich habe die schwarzen Schuhe an I've got my black shoes on etwas (+ acc.) anprobieren to try something on Robert probiert diesen Sakko an Robert is trying this sports jacket on einen Hut aufprobieren to try a hat on Katja probiert den gelben Hut auf Katja is trying the yellow hat on sich (+ Dat.) den Hut aufsetzen to put one's hat on ich setze mir den Hut auf I put my hat on den Hut abnehmen to take one's hat off Mirjam nimmt den Hut ab Mirjam takes her hat off
10.20 Vocabulary: Clothes (2) Having learned the expressions for putting on and taking off clothes, here is a vocabulary list containing articles of clothing and their German equivalents. Pay particular attention to those words which are plural in English, but singular in German! Vocabulary 15: Articles of clothing
English
German
anorak
der Anorak (-s)
apron
die Schürze (-n)
belt
der Gürtel (-)
bikini
der Bikini (-s)
blouse
die Bluse (-n)
blouson
das/der Blouson (-s)
boot
der Stiefel (-)
bow-tie
die Fliege (-n)
bra
der Büstenhalter (-) der BH (-s)
bracelet
das Armband (pl. -bänder)
(pair of) briefs (pl.)
der Slip (-s)
cap
die Mütze (-n)
cardigan (pl.)
die Strickjacke (-n)
clothes (pl.)
die Kleider (pl.) die Kleidung (no pl.)
coat
der Mantel (pl. - Mäntel)
culottes (pl.)
der Hosenrock (pl. röcke)
dinner-jacket
der Smoking (-s)
dress
das Kleid (-er)
dressing-gown
der Bademantel (pl. mäntel) der Morgenrock (pl. röcke)
duffle-coat
der Dufflecoat (-s)
(pair of) dungarees (pl.)
die Latzhose (-n)
earring
der Ohrring (-e)
fur coat
der Pelzmantel (pl. mäntel)
glasses (pl.)
die Brille (-n)
glove
der Handschuh (-e)
gym shoe
der Turnschuh (-e)
handkerchief
das Taschentuch (pl. tücher)
hat
der Hut (pl. - Hüte)
headscarf
das Kopftuch (pl. tücher)
high-heeled shoe
der Stöckelschuh (-e)
jacket
die Jacke (-n)
jeans
die Jeans (-)
jumper
der Jumper (-)
knickers (pl.)
das Höschen (-) der Schlüpfer (-)
(pair of) lederhosen die Lederhose (-n) (pl.) mini-skirt
der Minirock (pl. -röcke)
necklace
die Halskette (-n)
petticoat
der Unterrock (pl. -röcke)
polo-neck sweater
der Rollkragenpulli (-s)
pyjamas (pl.)
der Schlafanzug (pl. anzüge)
pullover
der Pullover (-) der Pulli (-s)
raincoat
der Regenmantel (pl. mäntel)
sandal
die Sandale (-n)
scarf
der Schal (pl. -s or -e)
shirt
das Hemd (-en)
shoe
der Schuh (-e)
shorts (pl.)
die Shorts (pl.)
skirt
der Rock (pl. - Röcke)
slipper
der Hausschuh (-e) der Pantoffel (-n)
sock
die Socke (-n)
sports jacket
der/das Sakko (-s)
sports shirt
das Sporthemd (-en)
stocking
der Strumpf (pl. Strümpfe)
suit
der Anzug (pl. - Anzüge)
suit (for women)
das Kostüm (-e)
sun-glasses
die Sonnenbrille (-n)
sweatshirt
das Sweatshirt (-s)
swimming trunks
die Badehose (-n)
swimsuit
der Badeanzug (pl. anzüge)
tie
die Krawatte (-n) der Schlips (-e)
(pair of) tights
die Strumpfhose (-n)
tracksuit
der Trainingsanzug (pl. anzüge)
trainer
der Trainingsschuh (-e)
trousers (pl.)
die Hose (-n)
T-shirt
das T-Shirt (-s)
underpants
die Unterhose (-n)
underwear
die Unterwäsche (no pl.)
uniform
die Uniform (-en)
vest
das Unterhemd (-en)
watch
die Uhr (-en)
waistcoat
die Weste (-n)
wellington boot
der Gummistiefel (-)
wristwatch
die Armbanduhr (-en)
10.21 Television and radio in Germany Public broadcasters Germany has two public broadcasting corporations. The first of these, ARD, was founded in 1954 and comprises eleven regional public television and radio stations. Each of these regional stations contributes programmes to ARD's national television channel "Das Erste" (= "the first"), and also broadcasts its own regional channel known as "das dritte Programm" (= "the third programme"), which concentrates on the culture and politics of their area. As its name suggests, ZDF (= "Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen") is the second national TV channel. It was launched in 1961, and, unlike ARD, it is structured as a single national corporation. The Austrian public broadcaster ORF offers two TV channels: ORF 1 and ORF 2. The Swiss national broadcasting company DRS also offers two German-speaking channels SF1 and SF2 - alongside their French and Italian output. Licence fees Both ARD and ZDF are funded by public licence fees (Rundfunkgebühren). If a household has a television, or a television and a radio, a licence fee of 16 Euros and 15 cents (DM 31,58) per month must be paid to the central fees office (GEZ) of the public broadcasting corporations. Payment can be made quarterly, every six months or annually and is normally carried out by direct debit or standing order. Individuals with a low income can apply for exemption. Unlike in Britain, a licence fee of € 5,32 (DM 10,40) per month must also be paid if you only have a radio in the house! This includes radio alarm clocks and even car radios,
although a car driver who is already paying licence fees for a radio at his home address does not need a separate licence for a car registered in his/her name. Another major distinction to Britain is that licences in Germany are not merely determined "per household" but on the principle of who has access to the television and radio in a given accommodation. Thus a child who lives with their parents but who has a personal income above a certain level has to pay "Rundfunkgebühren" for any TV sets and radios in his/her own room, as do pensioners living with their sons and daughters. Non-married couples are also treated differently in Germany. Whichever of the two partners has the TV and radio licence registered under their name can have as many radios and TV sets as they like, but the other partner must pay a licence fee for any additional sets that he/she has in their room. And students are only exempted from paying licence fees in their university accommodation if their total income (including grants) is below a certain amount! You must apply to the municipal authorities to be exempted from paying licence fees. Similar licensing agreements exist in the other German-speaking countries, although the licensing situation in Switzerland is comparatively liberal. Unlike in Germany, you only need to register and pay the licence fee once if you share accommodation with your partner and you also do not need to have a separate licence for a holiday home which is not rented out commercially. Click here for more details. Cable and satellite In 1981 the Federal Constitutional court recognised the right of the individual German Länder to grant broadcasting licences to private companies, and the broadcasting law of 1987 allowed the creation of private broadcasting companies to compete with public stations. The entertainment channel Sat 1 became Germany's first private television station in 1985, quickly followed by a number of other national and local private broadcasters which can be received via cable and satellite. Many of these (such as RTL, Pro7, Vox and Kabel 1 and Neun Live) are light entertainment channels, broadcasting a mixture of films, talkshows, soaps and series. Others are purely specialist broadcasters: N24 and N-TV (owned by CNN and Time Warner) are rolling news channels, Bloomberg TV concentrates on business news, the encrypted channel Premiere is a film channel, DSF is a German sports broadcaster, and both MTV Deutschland and Viva are music broadcasters. The impact on the German media scene of the finanical collapse of the Kirch media group, which owns Sat 1, Pro Sieben, Kabel 1, N24, DSF and Neun Live, in April 2002 has yet to fully evaluated. As the pay TV wing of Kirch has broadcasting rights to German Bundesliga football, as well as to the football World Cup and Formula 1 motor racing, jobs may well be at risk in the sproting world as well as in television. Public broadcasters have also taken the opportunities offered by cable and satellite broadcasting to create a number of new channels. 3Sat offers the best cultural and
documentary programmes from the German, Swiss and Austrian public channels, Arte is a Franco-German cultural co-production, Phoenix is a German current affairs programme, whereas Ki.Ka is a channel for children. Reception of German programmes in Britain There are currently over 30 (!) German-language channels broadcasting their programmes unencrypted via the ASTRA satellite, including ARD, ZDF and all the German "third programmes". A large number of German radio stations also broadcast via the ASTRA satellite, although many of them are digital channels only and you will need a special digital receiver in order to listen to them. As in Britain, this may be an option worth considering, as the number of digital TV channels - such as those offered by ARD Digital - are on the rise. A number of German TV stations allow you to view their programmes via the Internet. Some of them - such as N-TV, Phoenix and Deutsche Welle TV (the German equivalent of BBC World Service) broadcast their TV programme as a livestream. Other broadcasters allow you to watch the current edition of certain programmes as a "video on demand" option. Viewing habits in Germany According to a survey of viewing habits carried out on behalf of ARD, 90.2% of Germans watch television several times a week. Only 83.6% of Germans said that they read a newspaper or listened to the radio regularly each week. The viewing figures are slightly higher for women (91.3%) than they are for men (89.1%), and in terms of age groups, the over 60's watch the most television (95.5%), whereas the 20-39 year olds watch the least (85.4%). In 2001, German households spent an average of 333 minutes per week compared with 275 minutes in 1992. There was a pronounced regional difference: families in the former GDR spend an average of 375 minutes per week watching the box, whereas "West" Germans spent only 323 minutes doing so. The same study showed that RTL had leapfrogged Das Erste (ARD) in 2001 to become the most popular TV channel, with the families surveyed watching it for 28 minutes per day, closely followed by Das Erste (26 mins), ZDF and the regional "third programmes" (25 mins). They are followed by channels which are broadcast only on satellite and cabel - Sat 1 (19 mins), ProSieben (15 mins) and Kabel 1 (10 mins). A regional difference is again apparent, with citizens of the former GDR spending much more time - 33 minutes per day - watching both RTL and the regional third programmes.
10.22 Vocabulary: Leisure activities
Here is a list of words and phrases connected with general hobbies and leisure activities. Note again that there are two ways of saying what your favourite hobby is. You can either: • • •
use "am liebsten" followed by the verb OR say "mein Lieblingshobby ist" followed by a verbal noun or the noun describing the activity the translation of "my favourite leisure activity" shows you just how long German compound nouns came be - "meine Lieblingsfreizeitsbeschäftigung"! Vocabulary 16: Leisure - Verbs Sein Lieblingshobby ist Angeln Am liebsten angelt er His favourite hobby is fishing. Mein Lieblingssport ist Eishockey Am liebsten spiele ich Eishockey My favourite sport is ice hockey. Lieblingsfavourite was machen Sie gern in Ihrer Freizeit? what do you like doing in your spare time? Haben Sie Hobbys? Do you have any hobbies? Am Abend liest Kai gern Kai likes reading in the evening Ich spiele gern Fußball, Karten usw. I like playing football, cards etc. sich interessieren für (+ Accusative) to be interested in (see Chapter 10.8) wir interessieren uns für Musik we're interested in music er interessiert sich für Lesen he's interested in reading wofür interessierst du dich? wofür interessieren Sie sich? what are you interested in?
Vocabulary 17: Hobbys English
German
art
die Kunst
bar
die Bar (-s)
bird-watching
die Vogelkunde
book
das Buch (pl. - Bücher)
to go bowling
kegeln
- bowling alley
die Kegelbahn (-en)
camera
der Fotoapparat (-e) die Kamera (-s)
to play cards
Karten spielen
to play chess
Schach spielen
to cook
kochen
to dance
tanzen
- to go dancing
- tanzen gehen
disco
die Diskothek (-en) die Disko (-s)
DIY
das Do it yourself
to draw
zeichnen
to do dressmaking
schneidern
embroidery
die Stickerei
to be fun
Spaß machen
gardening
die Gartenarbeit
- to do gardening
- gärtnern
to go out
ausgehen (sep.)
to hike; to ramble
wandern (For "-ern" verbs, see Chapter 10.11)
hobby
das Hobby (-s)
interest
das Interesse
jigsaw
das Puzzlespiel (-e)
to knit
stricken
to laze about
faulenzen
leisure
die Freizeit
leisure activity
die Freizeitsbeschäftigung (en)
leisure centre
das Freizeitzentrum (pl. zentren)
literature
die Literatur
to do the lottery
Lotto spielen
model-making
der Modellbau
- to make models
- basteln (For "-eln" verbs, see Chapter 10.11)
music
die Musik
to listen to music
Musik hören
to go bowling
kegeln
novel
der Roman (-e)
to paint
malen
- painting (as hobby)
- die Malerei
photography
die Fotografie
- to take photographs
- fotografieren
pub
die Kneipe (-n) das Lokal (-e)
radio
das Radio
to listen to the radio
Radio hören
to read
lesen (irreg.)
to sew
nähen
to sing
singen
spare time
die Freizeit
stamp
die Briefmarke (-n)
- to collect stamps
- Briefmarken sammeln (For "-eln" verbs, see Chapter 10.11)
to watch television
fernsehen (sep.)
theatre
das Theater (-)
- to go to the theatre
- ins Theater gehen
to travel
reisen
to go on a trip
einen Ausflug machen
to go for a walk
spazieren gehen
youth club
das Jugendzentrum (pl. zentren)
zoo
der Zoo (-s) der Tiergarten (pl. -gärten)
10.23 Sport in Germany (1) An active sporting nation? In 2001, the number of Germans who were members of the country's 87,000 sports clubs was estimated at 26.8 million - or one in three German citizens and an increase of three million people on the 1990 figure. The actual figure may be closer to 18 million German club members however, as some sportsmen and sportswomen belong to more than one club whereas others are merely passive or social members. This figure is even more impressive if you consider the fact that only 29% of German sportsmen and sportswomen play their sports "primarily in a club" (der Sportverein). 58% of people regularly participating in sport do not belong to any organisation, i.e. they cycle or jog -, and another 12% use a commercial facility such as a fitness centre (das Fitness-Center) or a dance studio (das Tanzstudio). In fact, the number of fitness centres has more than doubled since 1985, rising from 2,800 to 6,500. Acording to a report commissioned by the Institut für Demoskopie in Allensbach in March 2001, 63% of Germans claim to take part in sporting activities, and 34% do so at least once a week. The German government is becoming increaingly concerned about the health of the 37% of Germans who do not take part in any sporting activity. Not least for financial reasons - medical research has shown lack of exercise and physical work to be one of the reasons for the increase in cardiovascular diseases, and about 30 per cent of medical costs incurred in Germany result from heart, circulatory or metabolic disorders. This is a major problem in an ageing population, as 52% of German Bewegungsmuffel (= people who don't like exercise) are aged fifty or over, and only one in ten German adults between the age of 35 and 60 does two hours or more of moderate sporting activity. Younger generations are equally threatened by an increasingly sedentary lifestyle characterised by long periods of being seated in front of a computer or television screen. Keeping Germany fit is the aim of the Deutscher Sportbund (= German Sports Federation), the umbrella organisation for Germany's 16 state sports federations and numerous other specialised sports associations. In terms of numbers, it is the largest organisation in Germany. Under the motto "Sport für alle" (= "Sport for all") the DSB has launched several campaigns to increase mass participation, starting in the seventies with the construction of "Trimm-dich-Pfade", keep-fit trails in parks and woods. Their current campaigns include Sport Pro Gesundheit (= "Sport For Health") and Richtig Fit (= "Properly Fit"), both of which offer courses and information on how best to use sport to stay fit and healthy.
10.24 Sport in Germany (2) "König Fußball" (King Football)
As in Britain, football is by far the most popular spectator sport in Germany. The football clubs of Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 both attract an average over 60,000 fans per home game in the German Bundesliga, the top division in German football. In third place in terms of attendance is Germany's most successful club in terms of national and international titles - FC Bayern München. Bayern have won the German championship more than anyone else (17 times) and have also won the European Cup / Champions League four times, most recently in 2001. But there are also literally thousands of smaller football clubs throughout Germany. With more than 6.3 million members, the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) (= German Football Federation) has the largest membership of any sports organisation in Germany. The success of the German national team has also contributed to the mass appeal of "König Fußball" (= King Football). Germany has won the World Cup three times (1954, 1974, 1990) and has been runners-up on a further four occasions (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002). And footballing heroes such as Uwe Seeler, Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann have proved excellent sporting ambassadors for the nation abroad. German success at the 2002 World Cup Finishing runners-up at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea was a sensational achievement for the team managed by popular ex-international Rudi Völler. For despite having won the European Championships in 1996, the German national squad had been widely perceived to be in decline. With not enough gifted players coming through the ranks, the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) launched programmes campaigns aimed at spotting and developing young German talent. Former international striker Jürgen Klinsmann urged German children to start playing street football again in their spare time as he had done as a boy. Expectations in Germany were thus quite low when the 2002 World Cup got started. Germany had required a playoff against Ukraine to qualify at all after an unconvincing qualifying campaign which had included a 5-1 home defeat against England in the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Yet Germany grew in confidence as the tournament progressed. An 8-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, in which Miroslav Klose scored a hat-trick, laid the foundation for Germany to top a tricky frist-round group which also included Cameroon and Ireland. It was then the turn of defenders such as Sebastian Kehl to shine, as successive 1-0 victories over Paraguay, USA and hosts South Korea took the Nationalelf through to a clash in the finals with Brazil. Although an unfortunate error by goalkeeper Oliver Kahn ultimately handed Brazil a 2-0 victory, he was subsequently voted the player of the tournament by international journalists. And Kahn was cheered louder than anyone when the German team received a heroes welcome on their return to Frankfurt on July 1, 2002 Golden years until 2006? Uli Hoeness, the general manager of Bayern Munich, predicted after the tournament that German football would now experience "golden years". On one level this seems plausible, not least because Germany itself will be hosting the next World Cup finals in 2006. On another level however, domestic football is crying out for the kind of shot in the arm which the unexpected success in the Far East could provide. TV viewing figures for the Bundesliga have been dropping steadily for years. Whereas in
the 1995/96 football season, an average of 6.83 million viewers watched "ran", the Saturday night Bundesliga highlights programme broadcast by Sat 1, the figure had dropped to a mere 4.33 million viewers by December 2001. And the pay TV channel Premiere, which has been showing all of the Bundesliga matches live for the last two seasons has only managed to attract 2.4 million paying customers. Most damagingly of all, the financial crisis affecting the Kirch media group leaves German football in as uncertain a position as British football after the collapse of ITV Digital. Many big clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt and 1.FC Kaiserslautern are already in extreme financial difficulties. Other Sports The German sporting landscape is quite different from that in Britain. Cricket and rugby have very little support in Germany, although rugby union is gradually establishing a presence in some towns and cities. Darts and snooker also enjoy a very limited media presence in Germany. Winter sports on the other hand enjoy a much greater popularity in the Federal Republic than in the UK. The opportunities for alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing make Germany's mountainous regions a favourite destination for tourists. Both speed skating and in particular ice hockey are big spectator in Germany, with an average of 4,765 fans attending matches in the German ice-hockey league DEL. Germany in fact topped the medal table at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, winning twelve gold, sixteen silver and seven bronze medals. The speed skaters Claudia Pechstein and Anni Friesinger were in record-breaking form. Switzerland finished tenth in the medals table, and Austria finished twelfth. Alongside basketball, volleyball and - increasingly - American football, handball is a good example of a sport that is much more popular in Germany than it is in Britain. More than five thousand handball clubs with 838,000 members belong to the German handball association Deutscher Handball-Bund (DHB). Germany's cycling boom has developed steadily throughout the 1990s, triggered by the reunification of the country which brought the GDR's highly successful amateur cyclists into the professional fold. Deutsche Telekom, Europe's largest telecommunications and internet service provider, sponsors a cycling team which won the Tour de France two years running, in the shape of the Dane Bjarne Riis in 1996 and then homegrown star Jan Ullrich in 1997, who has also finished runner-up in the race four times in the last six years. Another German cyclist, Erik Zabel, managed won the Tour de France points jersey for Team Telekom six years in a row (1996-2001). It is testimony to the popularity of cycling in Germany that both Ullrich and Zabel regularly triumph in annual national sporting polls. Other German sports have similarly benefited from the success of individual athletes. Single-minded Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher has won the Formula 1 championship four times, and is joined on the start grid by his brother Ralf as well as compatriots Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Nick Heidfeld. The tennis boom initiated by the Wimbledon victories of Boris Becker, Steffi Graf and Michael Stich lasted for much of the 1990s, although in recent times the pool of German tennis talent seems to have dried up somewhat.
Bernhard Langer’s victories in the US Masters in 1985 and 1993 can be seen to have triggered interest in golf - the number of golf clubs in the Federal Republic increased by 70% in the 1990s to its current figure of over 500. Yet these are primarily private clubs with high membership fees, targetted at the business community, the well-off and overseas tourists. The absence of public municipal golf courses will possibly prove as detrimental to the sport's growth as the lack of public courts has to tennis.
10.25 Vocabulary: Sports Below is a list of words and phrases connected with sports and leisure activities. Note in particular that there are two ways of saying what your favourite sport or hobby is. You can either: • • •
use "am liebsten" followed by the verb OR say "mein Lieblingssport / Lieblingshobby ist" followed by a verbal noun or the noun describing the activity the translation of "my favourite leisure activity" shows you just how long German compound nouns came be - "meine Lieblingsfreizeitsbeschäftigung"! Vocabulary 18: Leisure - Sportarten
English
German
to do aerobics
Aerobic machen
alpine skiing
der Ski alpin
American football
der Football
archery
das Bogenschießen
athletics
die Leichtathletik
badminton
das Badminton der Federball
baseball
der Baseball
basketball
der Basketball
bobsleigh
der Bob
boxing
der Boxsport
- to box
- boxen
bungee jumping
das Bungeespringen
to climb
klettern
cricket
das Kricket
cross-country skiing
der Skilanglauf
cycling
der Radsport
- to cycle
- Rad fahren
fencing
der Fechtsport
- to fence
- fechten
figure skating
der Eiskunstlauf
to fish
angeln
football
der Fußball
golf
der Golf
- to play golf
- Golf spielen
gymnastics
die Gymnastik
- to do gymnastics - turnen handball
der Handball
hockey
der Hockey
to hunt
jagen
ice hockey
der Eishockey
to ice skate
Schlittschuh laufen
to jog
joggen
judo
das Judo
long jump
der Weitsprung
to luge
rodeln
motorcycling
der Motorradsport
motorracing
der Rennsport
mountaineering
das Bergsteigen
polo
das Polo
riding
der Reitsport
to ride
reiten
to row
rudern
rugby
das Rugby
to sail
segeln
shooting
das Schießen
skateboard
das Skateboarden
to ski
Ski fahren; Ski laufen
skijumping
das Skispringen
sport
der Sport (no pl.)
- type of sport
die Sportart (-en)
- to do sport
Sport treiben
sports centre
das Sportzentrum (pl. zentren)
sports club
der Sportverein (-e)
stadium
das Stadion (pl. - Stadien)
to swim
schwimmen
- to go swimming
- schwimmen gehen
swimming pool
das Schwimmbad (pl. -
bäder) table tennis
das Tischtennis
tennis
das Tennis
to train
trainieren
triathlon
der Triathlon
volleyball
der Volleyball
water polo
der Wasserball
weightlifting
das Gewichtheben
windsurfing
das Windsurfing
to wrestle
ringen
Chapter 11: Booking Accommodation
11.1 Am Empfang (1) Sophie Gerland's boyfriend Marko Tredup, whom we first met in Chapter 1, has been accepted to study at the Dresden University of Technology. He has arrived in the city to sort out his course details and his accommodation for the coming year. He therefore needs to find a hotel room in Dresden for a few days and makes enquiries at the Hotel Ambiente. The hotel receptionist (die Empfangsdame) is called Ursula Wagner. Conversation 1: Am Empfang (1)
Marko Tredup
Guten Tag. Haben Sie ein Zimmer frei?
Ursula Wagner
Für heute Abend?
Marko Tredup
Ja, für heute Abend.
Ursula Wagner
Möchten Sie ein Einzelzimmer oder ein Doppelzimmer?
Marko Tredup
Ein Einzelzimmer bitte.
Ursula Wagner
Mit Dusche oder mit Bad?
Marko Tredup
Mit Dusche.
Ursula
Ich schaue mal nach... ja, natürlich, wir haben
Wagner
ein Einzelzimmer frei. Und das ist mit Dusche und WC. Wie lange bleiben Sie?
Marko Tredup
Drei Nächte, vom sechzehnten bis zum neunzehnten Juli.
Ursula Wagner
Also das heißt am 16., 17. und 18. Juli?
Marko Tredup
Ja, genau. Ich fahre am 19. Juli wieder ab.
Ursula Wagner
Und möchten Sie Halbpension haben oder nur Übernachtung mit Frühstück?
Marko Tredup
Nur Übernachtung mit Frühstück. Was kostet das?
Ursula Wagner
In unseren Hotels kostet ein Einzelzimmer 85 Euro pro Nacht, und das ist inklusive Frühstück, Bedienung und Mehrwertsteuer.
Marko Tredup
Das ist ziemlich viel für einen Studenten. Um wie viel Uhr wird das Frühstück serviert?
Ursula Wagner
Das ist ab sieben Uhr im Restaurant, hier geradeaus.
Marko Tredup
Wo ist der Parkplatz für das Hotel? Mein Auto steht hier auf der Straße.
Ursula Wagner
Wir haben eine Tiefgarage mit 200 Stellplätzen.
Marko Tredup
Ausgezeichnet. Und welche Freizeiteinrichtungen haben Sie hier?
Ursula Wagner
Ein Solarium haben wir ... Fitnessraum, Sauna und Schwimmbecken auch.
Marko Tredup
Prima, das freut mich! Werden Kreditkarten akzeptiert?
Ursula Wagner
Ja, wir akzeptieren alle großen Kreditkarten.
Marko Tredup
Gut. Ich nehme das Zimmer.
Ursula Wagner
Würden Sie sich bitte eintragen?
Marko Tredup
Gerne. (He signs the register.)
Ursula Wagner
Wollen Sie mir jetzt bitte folgen? Hier ist Ihr Schlüssel, ich zeige Ihnen Ihr Zimmer. Es ist im obersten Stock und Ihre Zimmernummer ist 426. Der Portier trägt Ihr Gepäck nach oben. Conversation 1: At the reception desk (1)
Marko Tredup
Hello. Do you have any vacancies?
Ursula Wagner
For this evening?
Marko Tredup
Yes, for this evening.
Ursula Wagner
Would you like a single room or a double room?
Marko Tredup
A single room please.
Ursula Wagner
With shower or bath?
Marko Tredup
With shower.
Ursula Wagner
Let me have a look... yes, of course, we have a single room free. And this is with shower and toilet. How long will you be staying?
Marko Tredup
Three nights, from the sixteenth to the nineteenth of July.
Ursula Wagner
So that would be on the 16th, 17th and 18th of July?
Marko Tredup
Yes, precisely. I'll be departing on the 19th July.
Ursula Wagner
And would you like half-board or just bed and breakfast?
Marko Tredup
Just bed and breakfast. What does that cost?
Ursula Wagner
A single room costs 85 euros per night, and that includes breakfast, service and VAT.
Marko Tredup
That's quite a lot for a student. What time is breakfast served?
Ursula Wagner
From seven o'clock onwards in the restaurant, straight in front of you.
Marko Tredup
Where is the hotel car park? My car is here in the street.
Ursula Wagner
We have an underground car park with 200 parking spaces.
Marko Tredup
Excellent. And what leisure facilities do you have here?
Ursula Wagner
We have a solarium, and also a fitness room, a sauna and a swimming pool.
Marko
Great, I'm pleased to hear that! Do you accept
Tredup
credit cards?
Ursula Wagner
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Marko Tredup
Good. I'll take the room.
Ursula Wagner
Would you like to sign the register?
Marko Tredup
With pleasure. (He signs the register.)
Ursula Wagner
Follow me please. Here is your key, I'll show you your room. It's on the top floor and your room number is 426. The porter will carry your luggage upstairs.
Glossary das Ambiente
ambience
der Empfang
reception (desk)
am Empfang
at the reception desk
die Empfangsdame (-n)
receptionist
heute Abend
this evening
das Einzelzimmer ()
single room
das Doppelzimmer (- double room ) die Dusche (-n)
shower
das Bad (pl. Bäder)
bath
nachschauen (sep.)
to have a look
der WC (-s)
toilet; WC
vom ... bis zum
from ... to
am 16., 17. und 18. Juli
"On the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth of July". Note the abbreviated form in German.
ja, genau
yes, exactly
abfahren (sep.)
to leave, depart
die Halbpension
half-board
die Übernachtung (en)
overnight stay
Übernachtung mit Frühstück
bed and breakfast
pro Nacht
per night
inklusive
This preposition means "inclusive of; including". It takes the genitive case, which we shall discuss in Chapter 12.
die Bedienung
service
die Mehrwertsteuer
value added tax, VAT
ziemlich viel
quite a lot
für einen Studenten
This means "for a student". "Der Student" is a weak masculine noun and "Studenten" is the accusative singular of this (see explanation on Page 9 of this chapter).
um wie viel Uhr?
at what time?
servieren
to serve
wird ... serviert
This means "is served". It is an example of the passive mood in German.
ab sieben Uhr
This means "from seven o'clock onwards". The preposition "ab" takes the dative case.
hier geradeaus
straight ahead (of you)
der Parkplatz (pl. plätze)
Here it means "car park". It can also mean "parking space".
die Tiefgarage (-n)
underground car park
der Stellplatz (pl. plätze)
(parking) space
die leisure facility Freizeiteinrichtung (en) das Solarium (pl. ien)
solarium
der Fitnessraum (pl. -räume)
fitness room
die Sauna (-s)
sauna
das Schwimmbecken swimming pool (-) das freut mich
I'm pleased to hear that
die Kreditkarte (-n)
credit card
akzeptieren
to accept
werden Kreditkarten akzeptiert?
are credit cards accepted?
sich eintragen (sep.)
This is a separable and reflexive verb meaning "to sign the register".
würden Sie...?
This means "would you like to...?" Using the conditional form "würden Sie" is a polite way of asking someone to do something.
wollen Sie...?
This also means "would you like to...?" Using the modal verb "wollen" is another polite way of asking someone to do something.
folgen (+ Dative)
to follow
der Schlüssel (-)
key
zeigen
This means "to show". The object that you are showing is in the accusative case and the person to whom you are showing the object is in the dative case.
oberst
top
im obersten Stock
on the top floor
die Zimmernummer (-n)
room number
der Portier (-s)
porter
tragen
This means "to carry" in this context. It can also mean "to wear".
das Gepäck
luggage
nach oben
upstairs
11.2 Am Empfang (2) The family Schulz arrive at the Hotel Ambiente and Frau Schulz approaches Ursula Wagner to see if accommodation is available at short notice. Conversation 2: Am Empfang (2)
Frau Schulz
Guten Tag. Ich möchte ein Zimmer für mich und meine Familie reservieren, bitte. Wir sind zwei Erwachsene und zwei Kinder.
Ursula Wagner
Ja, klar. Die Kinder sind wohl beide unter zwölf Jahren, oder?
Frau Schulz
Ja, sie sind erst siebeneinhalb und neuneinhalb Jahre alt.
Ursula Wagner
Sie können also kostenlos in Ihrem Zimmer übernachten. Wir haben Drei- und Vierbettzimmer für Familien. Wie lange wollen Sie bleiben?
Frau Schulz
Eine Woche.
Ursula Wagner
Also vom sechzehnten bis zum dreiundzwanzigsten Juli?
Frau Schulz
Ja, richtig.
Ursula Wagner
Und möchten Sie Halbpension haben, oder nur Übernachtung mit Frühstück?
Frau Schulz
Ähmm ... Halbpension, bitte. Was kostet das?
Ursula Wagner
In unseren Hotels kostet ein Doppelzimmer mit Bad und Balkon 100 Euro pro Nacht, und das ist inklusive Frühstück, Bedienung und Mehrwertsteuer. Halbpension kostet zusätzlich 20 Euro pro Tag.
Frau Schulz
Alles klar.
Ursula Wagner
Haben Sie spezielle Wünsche?
Frau Schulz
Ja. Mein Mann ist behindert. Hat das Hotel Ausstattung für Rollstuhlfahrer?
Ursula Wagner
Ja, natürlich. Wir haben zwei Handicapzimmer für Behinderte im Erdgeschoss. Sie sind rollstuhlgerecht eingerichtet und etwas größer als die übrigen Zimmer. Das Hotel hat natürlich auch einen Lift zu allen Stockwerken.
Frau Schulz
Wir müssen unbedingt ein ruhiges Zimmer haben, wenn möglich in einer Nichtraucheretage.
Ursula Wagner
Ja, das ist kein Problem. Wir haben fünfzehn Nichtraucherzimmer.
Frau Schulz
Wir möchten auch Satellitenfernsehen haben.
Ursula Wagner
In unseren Hotelzimmern gibt es einen Kabelfernseher mit Kabel-TV, Hausvideo und Fernbedienung.
Frau Schulz
Ist das Hotel familienfreundlich?
Ursula Wagner
Ja, wir haben einen Kinderspielplatz für unsere Gäste. Haustiere sind leider aber nicht erlaubt.
Frau Schulz
Gut. Wir nehmen das Zimmer.
Ursula Wagner
Bitte füllen Sie das Anmeldeformular aus. Angenehmen Aufenthalt! Conversation 2: At the reception desk (2)
Frau Schulz
Hello. I'd like to reserve a room for myself and my family please. We're two grown-ups and too children.
Ursula Wagner
Yes, of course. I assume that the children are both younger than twelve, yes?
Frau Schulz
Yes, they are only seven and half and nine and a half years old.
Ursula Wagner
Then they can spend the night in your room free of charge. We have rooms with three beds and four beds for families. How long do you plan to stay?
Frau Schulz
A week.
Ursula Wagner
That would be from the sixteenth to the twenty-third of July?
Frau Schulz
Yes, that's right.
Ursula Wagner
And would you like half-board or just bed and breakfast?
Frau Schulz
Um ... half-board, please. How much does that cost?
Ursula Wagner
A double room with a bath and a balcony costs 100 euros per night, and that includes breakfast, service and VAT. Half-board costs an additional 20 euros per day.
Frau Schulz
That's fine.
Ursula Wagner
Do you have any special wishes?
Frau Schulz
Yes. My husband is disabled. Does the hotel have wheelchair facilities?
Ursula Wagner
Yes, of course. We have two handicap rooms for disabled guests on the ground floor. They are furnished so as to be suitable for wheelchairs and are a little bigger than the other rooms. The hotel naturally also has a lift to all floors.
Frau Schulz
We absolutely have to have a quite room, if possible on a non-smoking floor.
Ursula Wagner
Yes, that's no problem. We have fifteen nonsmoking rooms.
Frau Schulz
We'd also like satellite television.
Ursula
In our hotel rooms there are cable TV sets with
Wagner
cable TV, in-house video and remore control.
Frau Schulz
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Ursula Wagner
Yes, we have a children's playground for our guests. Unfortunately pets are not allowed.
Frau Schulz
Good. We'll take the room.
Ursula Wagner
Please fill out the registration form. Enjoy your stay!
Glossary reservieren
to reserve, book
der/die Erwachsene
adult
wohl
This means "no doubt". You could translate this by starting the sentence "I assume that...".
erst
This means "only" and is used with time phrases.
siebeneinhalb
seven and a half
neuneinhalb
nine and a half
kostenlos
free of charge
übernachten
This means "to stay the night". It is an inseparable verb.
das Dreibettzimmer ()
room with three beds
das Vierbettzimmer ()
room with four beds
bleiben
to stay
zusätzlich
This means "additionally". The full meaning is "an additional 20 euros".
der Wunsch (pl. Wünsche)
wish; desire
behindert
disabled
die Ausstattung (-en)
facilities; equipment
der Rollstuhl (pl. stühle)
wheelchair
der Rollstuhlfahrer (-)
wheelchair user
das Handicapzimmer (- handicap room ) der/die Behinderte
This means "a disabled person". It is an adjectival noun.
das Erdgeschoss
ground floor
im Erdgeschoss
on the ground floor
rollstuhlgerecht
suitable for wheelchairs
einrichten
furnish
eingerichtet
furnished
etwas größer als
a little bigger than
übrig
other
der Lift (-e or -s)
lift; elevator
das Stockwerk (-e)
This is another word for a "floor" or "storey". It tends to be used when you need to refer to "floors" in the plural.
unbedingt
absolutely
wir müssen unbedingt...
we absolutely have to...
ruhig
quiet
wenn möglich
if possible
die Nichtraucheretage (-n)
non-smoking floor
kein Problem
no problem
das Nichtraucherzimmer ()
non-smoking room
das Satellitenfernsehen
satellite TV (i.e. as a medium)
der Kabelfernseher (-)
cable television set
das Kabel-TV
cable TV (i.e. as a medium)
das Hausvideo
in-house video
die Fernbedienung
remote control
familienfreundlich
family-friendly
der Kinderspielplatz (pl. -plätze)
children's playground
der Gast (pl. - Gäste)
guest
das Haustier (-e)
pet
erlaubt
allowed
ausfüllen (sep.)
to fill out
das Anmeldeformular (-e)
registration form
angenehm
pleasant
der Aufenthalt (-e)
stay
angenehmen Aufenthalt!
This means "enjoy your stay!". Note that the phrase is in the accusative case in German.
11.3 Am Empfang (3) Detlef Grün rings up the Hotel Ambiente on behalf of his company to try and book accommodation and meeting rooms for a forthcoming conference. His call is answered by Ursula Wagner. Conversation 3: Am Empfang (3)
Ursula Guten Morgen. Hier das Hotel Ambiente Wagner Dresden. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? Detlef Grün
Guten Morgen. Hier Herr Grün von der Firma Köster & Hermann in Chemnitz. Ich möchte für ein paar Kollegen Zimmer reservieren.
Ursula Ja, gerne. Wie viele Personen sind das? Wagner Detlef Grün
Elf Personen, das wären also elf Einzelzimmer, und Vollpension für alle.
Ursula Und für welches Datum, bitte? Wagner Detlef Grün
Für den 7. und 8. Oktober, also zwei Nächte insgesamt.
Ursula Ich schaue mal nach... Ja, das wäre möglich. Wagner Haben Sie spezielle Wünsche? Detlef Grün
Ja, wir brauchen zwei Seminarräume.
Ursula Kein Problem. Fünf klimatisierte Wagner Konferenzräume mit modernen Tagungseinrichtungen stehen unseren Gästen zur Verfügung. Die Tagungspauschale ist 25 Euro pro Person. Detlef Grün
Haben alle Zimmer Telefon und Minibar?
Ursula Ja, wir haben dreißig stilvolle Businesszimmer Wagner mit separatem Schlaf-, Wohn- und Arbeitsbereich. In sämtlichen Businesszimmern gibt es Direktwahltelefon, PC- und Telefaxanschluss, Radiowecker, Farbfernseher, Schreibtisch und Minibar. Wir haben natürlich auch eine Hausbar mit offenem Kamin. Detlef Grün
Gibt es eine Gruppenermäßigung?
Ursula Ja, bei Gruppen von elf bis fünfzehn Personen Wagner kostet ein Businesszimmer nur 95 Euro pro Nacht. Detlef Grün
Gut. Kann ich Sie auch noch fragen... Zwei von meinen Kollegen sind Vegetarier...
Ursula Das ist kein Problem. Unser Restaurant ist auch Wagner für Vegetarier geeignet. Es gibt ein Vegetariermenü mit internationalen und regionalen Spezialitäten und Ihre Kollegen kommt mit Sicherheit zu ihrem Recht. Detlef Grün
Alles klar. Wo liegt das Hotel? Wie weit ist es zum Stadtzentrum?
Ursula Das Hotel befindet sich in ruhiger Lage nahe der Wagner Elbe im Stadtteil Laubegast, circa sechs Kilometer vom Stadtzentrum entfernt. Direkt vor dem Hotel befindet sich eine Straßenbahnhaltestelle. Die Verkehrsanbindungen zu allen wichtigen Autobahnen sind optimal. Detlef Grün
Das freut mich. Und was für Freizeitmöglichkeiten gibt es in der Nähe vom Hotel?
Ursula Recht viele! Am besten schicke ich Ihnen einen Wagner Prospekt. Geben Sie mir bitte die Adresse von Ihrer Firma. Detlef Grün
Köster & Hermann GmbH, Hauptstraße 57, 09117 Chemnitz.
Ursula Und auf welchen Namen gehen die Zimmer? Wagner Detlef Grün
Detlef Grün. Meine Telefonnummer lautet 0371 6 57 68 41. Meine Faxnummer lautet 0371 6 57 68 42.
Ursula Alles klar. Sie müssen die Reservierung Wagner schriftlich bestätigen, bitte.
Conversation 3: At the reception desk (3)
Ursula Wagner
Good morning. This is the Hotel Ambiente in Dresden. How may I help you?
Detlef Grün
Good morning. This is Herr Grün from the Köster & Hermann company in Chemnitz. I would like to book some rooms for some colleagues of mine.
Ursula Wagner
Yes, of course. How many people would that be?
Detlef Grün
Eleven people, so that would be eleven single rooms, and full board for everyone.
Ursula Wagner
And for which date would that be please?
Detlef Grün
For the 7th and 8th of October, so that's two nights in total.
Ursula Wagner
I'll just have a look... Yes, that would be possible. Do you have any special wishes?
Detlef Grün
Yes, we shall require two seminar rooms.
Ursula Wagner
No problem. Our guests have five airconditioned conference rooms at their disposal with modern conference facilities. The conference charge is 25 euros per person.
Detlef Grün
Do all rooms have telephone and mini-bar?
Ursula Wagner
Yes, we have thirty stylish business rooms with separate sleeping, living and working areas. In all of our business rooms there is a direct-dial telephone, PC connection, fax connection, radio alarm clock, colour TV set, desk and mini-bar. Of course we also have a house bar with an open fire.
Detlef Grün
Is there a reduction for groups?
Ursula Wagner
Yes, for groups of eleven to fifteen people a business room only costs 95 euros per night.
Detlef Grün
Good. Could I also ask... Two of my colleagues are vegetarians...
Ursula Wagner
That's no problem. Our restaurant is also suitable for vegetarians. There is a vegetarian menu with international and regional specialities and your colleagues will certainly be well-treated.
Detlef Grün
That's fine. Where is the hotel? How far is it to the city centre?
Ursula Wagner
The hotel is situated in a quiet location near to the River Elbe in a district called Laubegast, which is about six kilometres from the city centre. There is a tram stop directly outside the hotel. The transport connections to all important motorways are excellent.
Detlef Grün
That's good to hear. And what leisure opportunities are there in the vicinity of the hotel?
Ursula Wagner
Quite a lot! The best thing would be if I sent you a brochure. Please give me the address of your company.
Detlef
Köster & Hermann Ltd., Hauptstraße 57, 09117
Grün
Chemnitz.
Ursula Wagner
And in what name should I book the rooms?
Detlef Grün
Detlef Grün. My telephone number is 0371 657 6841. My fax number is 0371 657 6842.
Ursula Wagner
OK. You need to confirm your reservation in writing please.
Glossary die Firma (pl. - Firmen)
company; firm
Chemnitz
This city in Saxony was called KarlMarx-Stadt during the GDR period.
der Kollege (-n)
colleague
die Person (-en)
person
das wären also...
that would make...
die Vollpension
full board
das Datum (pl. - Daten) date insgesamt
in total
das Seminar (-e)
seminar
der Seminarraum (pl. räume)
seminar room
klimatisiert
air-conditioned
die Konferenz (-en)
conference
der Konferenzraum (pl. -räume)
conference room
modern
modern
die Tagung (-en)
conference
die Tagungseinrichtungen (pl.)
conference equipment
zur Verfügung stehen
This means "to be available". It literally translates as "to stand at someone's disposal". The person to whom the objects are available (here "unseren Gästen") is in the dative case.
die Pauschale
flat rate
die Tagungspauschale (-n)
This is often translated as "conference package" and means the flat rate charged for attending a conference.
die Minibar (-s)
mini-bar
stilvoll
stylish
das Businesszimmer (-)
business room
separat
separate
der Bereich (-e)
area
der Schlafbereich (-e)
sleeping area
der Wohnbereich (-e)
living area
der Arbeitsbereich (-e)
working area
Schlaf-, Wohn- und Arbeitsbereich
This means "sleeping, living and working area". When two or more compound nouns are listed which share a common final element, this final element can be omitted for the first noun(s) in the list and is replaced by a hyphen.
sämtliche (pl.)
all
das Direktwahltelefon (- direct-dial telephone e) der Anschluss (pl. schlüsse)
connection
der PC (-s)
PC; personal computer
der PC-Anschluss (pl. schlüsse)
computer connection
das Telefax
fax
der Telefaxanschluss (pl. -schlüsse)
fax connection
PC- und Telefaxanschluss
PC and fax connection
der Radiowecker (-e)
radio alarm clock
der Farbfernseher (-)
colour television set
der Schreibtisch (-e)
desk
die Hausbar (-s)
house bar
offen
open
der Kamin (-e)
chimney
der offene Kamin
open fire
die Gruppe (-n)
group
die Ermäßigung (-en)
reduction
die Gruppenermäßigung group reduction (-en) der Vegetarier (-)
vegetarian
geeignet
This means "suitable". Note that the person for whom the object is suitable normally precedes the adjective itself.
das Menü (-s)
menu
das Vegetariermenü (s)
vegetarian menu
international
international
regional
regional
die Spezialität (-en)
speciality
mit Sicherheit
certainly
sie kommen zu ihrem Recht
they will be well-treated
das Stadtzentrum (-en)
city centre
sich befinden
This is a reflexive verb meaning "to be situated".
die Lage (-n)
This can either mean "situation" or (as here) "location".
in ruhiger Lage
in a quiet location
nahe (+ Dative)
This is a preposition meaning "near to" or "close to". It takes the dative case.
die Elbe
River Elbe
der Stadtteil (-e)
district; part of town
Laubegast
This is a district in the south-east of Dresden.
der Kilometer (-)
kilometre
nicht weit ... entfernt
not far away
direkt
directly
die Straßenbahnhaltestelle (-n)
tram stop
die Verkehrsanbindungen (pl.)
transport connections
wichtig
important
die Autobahn (-en)
motorway
optimal
excellent; optimal
was für...?
what kind of...?
die Freizeitmöglichkeiten (pl.)
leisure opportunities
in der Nähe von (+ Dat.)
near
recht viele
quite a lot
schicken
This means "to send". Note that the object that you are sending is in the
accusative case whereas the person to whom you are sending the object is in the dative case. am besten schicke ich...
"The best thing would be if I sent you". Note that German uses the present tense for this construction.
der Prospekt (-e)
brochure
geben Sie mir... (pl.)
This is the imperative of the verb "to give". Note that the object that you are giving is in the accusative case whereas the person to whom you are giving the object is in the dative case.
die Adresse (-n)
address
GmbH
This means "limited company" or "Ltd.". As it is short for "Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung", you can see why the abbreviation is used!
auf welchen Namen...? (+ Acc.)
This translates as "in whose name...?". In this instance, the twoway preposition "auf" takes the accusative case. Note that the weak masculine noun "der Name" adds an "-n" in the accusative case (see explanation on Page 9 of this chapter).
6 57 68 41
German telephone numbers are normally said in pairs. If (as in this case) there is an odd number of digits in the phone number, the first digit is given separately and the following digits are then spoken in pairs.
die Faxnummer (-n)
fax number
alles klar
OK; fine
die Reservierung (-en)
reservation
schriftlich
in writing
bestätigen
to confirm
11.4 Der Prospekt Below is the brochure of the Pension Sonnenhof in Dresden. It sets out the facilities that are available, the type of rooms, prices and how to get there. Text 1: Der Prospekt
Herzlich willkommen in der Pension Sonnenhof! Unsere beliebte und gastfreundliche Pension befindet sich
im Nordwesten von Dresden, im Grünen aber dennoch verkehrsgünstig gelegen (nur 25 Minuten Fahrtzeit vom Stadtzentrum entfernt). Ganzjährig geöffnet. Appartements und Zimmer Wir bieten komplett ausgestattete Ferienwohnungen und Appartements, sowie gemütliche Gästezimmer für Reisende und Suiten mit Blick auf die Elbe oder ins Grüne. Alle Zimmer sind für Rollstuhlfahrer geeignet und verfügen über Klimaanlage und ein Badezimmer mit Dusche/WC, teilweise Badewanne. Zusatzbett auf Anfrage. Parkanlage Unseren Gästen steht eine große Parkanlage mit Terrasse, Gartenrestaurant und Liegestühlen zur Verfügung. Hauseigener Parkplatz. Sächsische Küche Wir verwöhnen Sie in unserem Restaurant mit einem reichhaltigen Frühstück, gepflegten Getränken und kulinarischen Genüssen am Abend (3-Gang-Menü). Es gibt auch ein Vegetarier- und Kindermenü. Freizeiteinrichtungen Ein heller freundlicher Aufenthaltsraum mit Farb-TV steht unseren Gästen zur Verfügung. In 10 Gehminuten ist das Hallenbad erreichbar. In unmittelbarer Umgebung: Eisbahn, Minigolf, Vergnügungspark und Kasino. Exzellente Verkehrsanbindungen Unsere Pension ist problemlos erreichbar. Aus Richtung Norden führen die Autobahnen A 13 und A 14, aus Richtung Osten und Westen die A 4 sowie aus Richtung Süden die A 9 und A 72 nach Dresden. Ab Hauptbahnhof direkt per S-Bahn: S3 oder S35 Haltestelle Pankstraße (Entfernung 250 Meter). Von unserer Pension aus erreichen Sie einfach und schnell alle Sehenswürdigkeiten! Preise Alle Preise auf Anfrage. Sonderpreise in der Vor- und Nachsaison. Kinderermäßigung ab 12 Jahren. Unsere Gäste kommen als Fremde und gehen als Freunde!
Text 1: The Guest-House Brochure
A very warm welcome to the Sonnenhof Guest-House! Our popular and hospitable guest-house is situated in the north-west of Dresden - in the countryside but nevertheless conveniently located (only a 25 minute journey from the city centre). Open all the year round. Apartments and rooms We offer fully furnished holiday flats and apartments, as well as comfortable guest rooms for travellers and suites that look out on the River Elbe or the countryside. All of our rooms are suitable for wheelchair users and have airconditioning and a bathroom with shower/toilet, some of them have a bath. Additional beds available on request. Park A large park with terrace, garden restaurant and deckchairs is at our guests' disposal. Car park that belongs to the hotel. Saxon cuisine We spoil you in our restaurant with a lavish breakfast, excellent drinks and culinary delights in the evening (3 course menu). There is also a vegetarian menu and a children's menu. Leisure facilities A bright friendly recreation room with colour TV is at our guests' disposal. The indoor swimming pool is only 10 minutes walk away. In the immediate vicinity are an ice rink, crazy golf, amusement park and a casino. Excellent travel connections You can get to our guest-house without any difficulties. From the north, the A 13 and A 14 motorways go to Dresden, as does the A 4 from the east and the west and the A 9 and the A 72 from the south. From the central station the S-Bahn brings you directly here: take the S3 or the S35, and the Pankstraße bus-stop is 250 metres away. You can reach all the attractions of Dresden easily and quickly from our guest-house! Prices All prices are available on request. Special prices at the start of the season and in late season. Child reduction from 12 years upwards. Our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends!
Glossary der Prospekt (-e)
brochure
herzlich willkommen
a very warm welcome
die Pension (-en)
guest-house
beliebt
popular
gastfreundlich
hospitable
im Nordwesten von (+ in the north-west of Dat.) im Grünen
in the countryside
dennoch
nevertheless
verkehrsgünstig gelegen
conveniently situated (for travel)
die Fahrtzeit (-en)
journey time
ganzjährig
all the year round
geöffnet
open
das Appartement (-s)
apartment
bieten
This means "to offer". The person to whom the object is being offered is in the dative case, whereas the thing that is being offered is in the accusative case.
komplett
completely; fully
ausgestattet
furnished
komplett ausgestattet
fully furnished
die Wohnung (-en)
flat
die Ferienwohnung (en)
holiday flat
sowie
as well as
gemütlich
comfortable; cosy
das Gästezimmer (-)
guest room
der/die Reisende
This is the word for a "traveller". It is an adjectival noun (see explanation on Page 7 of this chapter).
die Suite (-n)
suite
der Blick (-e)
look; glance
mit Blick auf (+ Acc.)
This means "looking out on", with the object that is being looked out on in the accusative case. The German title of the book and film "A Room With A View" was "Zimmer mit Blick".
das Grüne
This means "the countryside". It is another adjectival noun.
mit Blick ... ins Grüne
looking out over the countryside
verfügen über (+ Acc.)
This means "to have" or "to possess". Unlike "haben" it does not take a direct object, but instead requires "über" followed by the accusative case.
die Klimaanlage (-n)
air-conditioning (system)
teilweise
This can mean "partially", but here it means "some of them".
die Badewanne (-n)
bath tub
teilweise Badewanne
some of them have a bath tub
das Zusatzbett (-en)
This means an "additional bed". "Zusatz" (= additional) can be used as the first element in a number of compound nouns.
die Parkanlage (-n)
park
die Terrasse (-n)
terrace
das Gartenrestaurant (-s)
garden restaurant
der Liegestuhl (pl. stühle)
deckchair
hauseigen (adj.)
belonging to the hotel
der Parkplatz (pl. plätze)
car park
sächsisch
This means "Saxon". Dresden is in Saxony.
die Küche
This means "cuisine" in this context. It more commonly means "kitchen", as we have already seen.
verwöhnen
This means "to pamper or spoil somebody".
reichhaltig
substantial
gepflegt
This can mean "sophisticated" in other contexts, but when it refers to food and drink it means "excellent".
das Getränk (-e)
drink; beverage
kulinarisch (-)
culinary
der Genuss (pl. Genüsse)
delight; pleasure
der Gang (pl. Gänge)
course (of meal)
das 3-Gang-Menü (-s)
three course menu
das Kindermenü (-s)
children's menu
hell
bright
freundlich
friendly
der Aufenthaltsraum (pl. -räume)
day room; recreation room
Farb-TV
colour TV
die Gehminute (-n)
minute's walk
in 10 Gehminuten
in 10 minutes walk
das Hallenbad (pl. bäder)
indoor swimming pool
erreichbar
can be reached; reachable
unmittelbar
immediate
die Umgebung
surroundings; vicinity
in unmittelbarer Umgebung
in the immediate vicinity
die Eisbahn (-en)
ice-rink
das Minigolf
crazy golf
der Vergnügungspark (-s)
amusement park
das Kasino (-s)
casino
exzellent
excellent
die Verkehrsanbindungen (pl.)
transport connections
problemlos
without any problems
problemlos erreichbar
can be reached without any problems
die Richtung (-en)
direction
aus Richtung Norden
from the north
führen
This normally means "to lead", but it means "to go" when it describes a road.
die Autobahn (-en)
motorway
A 13
German motorways start with the letter "A".
der Hauptbahnhof (pl. -höfe)
central station
per S-Bahn
This means "with the S-Bahn". The preposition "per" is used as an alternative to "mit" to describe travelling on means of transport. It is used without a following definite article and can take the accusative or (sometimes) the dative case.
Haltestelle Pankstraße
the Pankstraße stop
die Entfernung (-en)
distance
das/der Meter (-)
The German word for "metre" is officially neuter, but often appears in as
a masculine noun in colloquial usage and sometimes even in print. von unserer Pension aus
from our guest-house
erreichen
to reach; to get to
einfach
easily
schnell
quick(-ly)
die Sehenswürdigkeit (-en)
attraction; sight
alle Preise auf Anfrage
all prices available on request
der Sonderpreis (-e)
special price
die Saison (-s)
(holiday) season
die Vorsaison (-s)
start of the season
die Nachsaison (-s)
late season
die Kinderermäßigung (-en)
child reduction
ab 12 Jahren
from 12 years upwards
als
In this context, it means "as" although in can mean "than" when used with the comparative.
der/die Fremde
This means "stranger". It is another adjectival noun.
11.5 Zimmer frei? Meanwhile, back in Berlin, Sophie Gerland rings up the tourist information office in Dresden in an attempt to book a room in a boarding house so that she can come and visit her boyfriend Marko. She does not appear to be having much luck however, as it is summer and much of the accommodation has already been booked up. Conversation 4: Zimmer frei?
Frau Däbritz
Fremdenverkehrsbüro Dresden, guten Tag.
Sophie Guten Tag, mein Name ist Gerland. Ich hätte Gerland gern ein Zweibettzimmer mit Dusche in einem Hotel in Dresden reserviert. Ich reise mit einer Bekannten von mir. Frau Däbritz
Ja gut, und von wann bis wann?
Sophie Vom zwanzigsten bis zum vierundzwanzigsten Gerland August.
Frau Däbritz
Moment, bitte. Oh, das tut mir Leid, sämtliche Hotels sind für diese Zeit schon voll belegt.
Sophie Voll belegt? Schade. Hm, was mache ich denn Gerland da? Können Sie mir eine Pension oder ein Hotel garni in der Nähe empfehlen? Frau Däbritz
Versuchen Sie es mal in der Pension Schmidt, die Telefonnummer lautet 0351 49 56 98. Aber wir sind jetzt in den Sommermonaten und alle Unterkünfte sind bereits ausgebucht...
Sophie Können Sie mir Informationen über Gerland Jugendherbergen in Dresden geben? Frau Däbritz
Ja, natürlich. Die Jugendherberge Dresden "Rudi Arndt" liegt in der Südvorstadt und das Jugendgästehaus Dresden befindet sich wenige Minuten Fußweg vom historischen Stadtkern entfernt, gegenüber dem World-Trade-Center. Beide Jugendherbergen sind geeignet für Jugendliche, Studenten und Schulklassen.
Sophie Gibt es bestimmte Regeln und Vorschriften in Gerland den Herbergen? Frau Däbritz
Man muss spätestens vor 19 Uhr in der Jugendherberge eintreffen. Man darf nicht rauchen. Man darf keinen Alkohol mitbringen. Man muss nach dem Essen abwaschen. Man muss einen gültigen Herbergsausweis haben...
Sophie Auweia! Ich habe keinen Herbergsausweis! Ich Gerland werde langsam verrückt! Frau Däbritz
Wie wär's mit einem Campingplatz? Haben Sie einen Wohnwagen, ein Wohnmobil oder ein Zelt...?
Sophie Ich habe ein altes Zelt. Könnte ich einen Gerland Stellplatz reservieren? Frau Däbritz
Da muss ich mal nachschauen. Eine Reservierung ist normalerweise ab 4 Nächten und gegen Anzahlung möglich. Aber mitten in der Hauptsaison ist es unbedingt erforderlich, frühzeitig Unterkünfte zu reservieren!
Conversation 4: Any rooms available?
Frau Däbritz
Hello, Dresden tourist information office.
Barbara Zacharias
Hello, my name is Zacharias. I'd like to book a room with two beds and a shower in a hotel in Dresden. I'll be travelling with one of my acquaintances.
Frau Däbritz
Yes OK - from when to when?
Barbara Zacharias
From the twentieth to the twenty-fourth of August.
Frau One moment please. Oh, I'm sorry, all Däauml;britz hotels are already fully booked for this period. Barbara Zacharias
Fully booked? Oh, that's a shame. Hmm, what will I do now? Could you recommend a guest-house or a bed and breakfast in the vicinity?
Frau You could try the Schmidt guest-house, Däauml;britz the telephone number is 0351 495698. But we're now in the summer months and all of the accommodation is already booked... Barbara Zacharias
Could you give me some information about youth hostels in Dresden?
Frau Däbritz
Yes, of course. The youth hostel "Dresden Rudi Arndt" is situated in the southern suburb and the youth hostel Dresden is only a few minutes walk from the historic town centre, opposite the World Trade Centre. Both youth hostels are suitable for young people, students and school classes.
Barbara Zacharias
Are there certain rules and regulations in the hostels?
Frau Däbritz
You must arrive in the youth hostel before seven o'clock in the evening. Smoking is forbidden. You must not bring any alcohol with you. You have to do the washing-up after meals. You have to have a valid youth hostel card...
Barbara Zacharias
Oh dear! I don't have a youth hostel card! I think I'm going mad!
Frau Däbritz
What about a camp site? Do you have a tent, a dormobile or a caravan?
Barbara Zacharias
I have an old tent. Could I book a pitch for the tent?
Frau Däbritz
I'll have to have a look. A reservation is usually possible if you are staying more than four nights and on payment of a deposit. But in the middle of high season it is aboslutely necessary to book accommodation in good time!
Glossary ich hätte gern ... reserviert
I would like to reserve
das Zweibettzimmer ()
room with two beds
reisen
to travel
der/die Bekannte (- This means "acquaintance" or "friend" and n) is an adjectival noun von wann bis wann?
from when to when?
voll
full; fully
belegt
occupied
Sie haben es gut!
"You're lucky!" (Literally "You have it good".) The "es" is invariable in this construction.
Schade!
What a pity / shame!
was mache ich denn da?
what shall I do now?
das Hotel garni (-s, This is is the German expression for a -s) "bed and breakfast". Note that both words add an "-s" in the plural. empfehlen
This means "to recommend". The object that is being recommended is in the accusative case, the person to whom the object is being recommended is in the dative case.
versuchen
to try
versuchen Sie es mal...
why not try...?
der Sommermonat (-e)
summer month
bereits
already
ausgebucht
fully booked
die Information (en)
This means "a piece of information". Whereas English uses "information" only in the singular, German uses "die Information" in the plural unless you are referring to one specific piece of information.
Informationen über information about (+ Acc.) die Jugendherberge youth hostel (-n) "Rudi Arndt"
A lot of German youth hostels are named after people.
die Vorstadt (pl. städte)
suburb
die Südvorstadt
southern suburb
das Gästehaus (pl. -häuser)
guest house
das Jugendgästehaus (pl. -häuser)
This is another word for "youth hostel"
sich befinden
to be situated
der Fußweg (-e)
walk; footpath
wenige Minuten Fußweg von
only a few minutes walk from
historisch
historic
der Stadtkern (-e)
city centre
gegenüber (+ Dat.)
opposite
das World-TradeCenter (-)
This means "World Trade Centre" and is one of the many European trade centres to belong to the World Trade Centre Association.
eineinhalb
one and a half
für etwas (+ Acc.) geeignet
The word "geeignet" follows the person for whom the object is suitable unless there is a long list of such people.
der/die Jugendliche
The German word for "young person" is another adjectival noun.
der Student (-en)
The German word for "student" is a weak masculine noun. See explanation on Page 7 of this chapter.
die Schulklasse (n)
school class
bestimmt
certain
die Regel (-n)
rule
die Vorschrift (-en)
regulation
die Herberge (-n)
hostel
vor 19 Uhr
before seven o'clock in the evening
eintreffen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to arrive". Like "ankommen", the place in which you are arriving is in the dative case even though motion is involved.
rauchen
to smoke
man darf nicht rauchen
you are not allowed to smoke
der Alkohol
alcohol
mitbringen (sep.)
This means "to bring with you".
das Essen (-)
meal
abwaschen (sep.)
to do the washing-up
gültig
valid
der youth hostel card Herbergsausweis (e) auweia!
oh dear!
werden
to become
langsam
slowly; gradually
verrückt
mad
ich werde langsam verrückt
I think I'm going mad
wie wär's mit...?
how about...?
der Campingplatz (pl. -plätze)
camp site
der Wohnwagen ()
caravan
das Wohnmobil (e)
dormobile; camper van
das Zelt (-e)
tent
der Stellplatz (pl. plätze)
In this context this means a "pitch for a tent" on a camping site. As we have seen already in this chapter, it can also mean a parking space in a car park.
ab 4 Nächten
This means "from 4 nights", i.e. you can book a pitch for your tent if you are staying longer than four nights.
die Anzahlung (en)
deposit
gegen Anzahlung
This means "if you pay a deposit". It is one of many instances where the German language uses a noun where English uses a verb.
mitten in (+ Dative)
in the middle of
die Hauptsaison (s)
high season
unbedingt
absolutely
erforderlich
necessary; essential
frühzeitig
in good time; early
... zu reservieren
This is an infinitive clause meaning "to reserve ..." We will look at this from a grammatical perspective in subsequent chapters.
11.6 The dative plural German plural nouns add an "-n" when in the dative case unless: • •
The plural of the noun already ends in "-n" The plural of the noun ends in "-s" Grammar 1: Nouns in the dative plural
The man der Mann
Singular
die Männer
Plural
den Männern
Dative plural
The guest der Gast
Singular
die Gäste
Plural
den Gästen
Dative plural
The hotel room das Hotelzimmer
Singular
die Hotelzimmer
Plural
den Hotelzimmern
Dative plural
The hotel das Hotel
Singular
die Hotels
Plural
den Hotels
Dative plural
The woman die Frau
Singular
die Frauen
Plural
den Frauen
Dative plural
The speciality die Spezialität
Singular
die Spezialitäten
Plural
den Spezialitäten
Dative plural
Examples from this chapter You will already have seen the following instances in this chapter where an "-n" has been added to nouns in the dative plural: • •
•
•
Wir haben eine Tiefgarage mit 200 Stellplätzen. (We have an underpground garage with 200 parking spaces.) (Singular = der Stellplatz; Plural = die Stellplätze; Dative Plural = den Stellplätzen) Das Hotel hat einen Lift zu allen Stockwerken. (The hotel has a lift to all floors.) (Singular = das Stockwerk; Plural = die Stockwerke; Dative Plural = den Stockwerken) In sämtlichen Businesszimmern gibt es Direktwahltelefon. (There is a direct-dial telephone in every business room.) (Singular = das Businesszimmer; Plural = die Businesszimmer; Dative Plural = den Businesszimmern) Das steht unseren Gästen zur Verfügung. (This is available to our guests.) (Singular = unser Gast; Plural = unsere Gäste; Dative Plural = unseren Gästen)
In the following examples however, the nouns in the dative plural do not add an extra "-n": • • •
In unseren Hotels kostet ein Einzelzimmer 85 Euro pro Nacht. (In our hotels a single room costs 85 euros per night.) (Singular = unser Hotel; Plural = unsere Hotels; Dative Plural = unseren Hotels) Bei Gruppen von 11 bis 15 Personen ... (With groups of eleven to 15 people ...) (Singular = die Person; Plural = die Personen; Dative Plural = den Personen) Die Verkehrsanbindungen zu allen wichtigen Autobahnen sind optimal. (Travel connections to all important motorways are excellent.) (Singular = die Autobahn; Plural = die Autobahnen; Dative Plural = den Autobahnen)
Determiners and adjectives in the dative plural As you will have noticed, the dative plural of the definite article is "den", regardless of the gender of the noun. All other determiners (i.e. articles, possessives and all other items that "determine" adjective endings) also end in "-n" in the dative plural - i.e. diesen, meinen, deinen, seinen, ihren, unseren, euren, Ihren, allen, sämtlichen, welchen etc. All adjective endings in the dative plural also end in "-en" - regardless of whether they are in the weak, mixed or strong declension:
Grammar 2: Adjective endings in the dative plural
Weak declension in Ihren großen Hotelzimmern ("in your big hotel rooms")
aus diesen roten Autos ("out of these red cars") zu allen wichtigen Autobahnen ("to all important motorways") bei sämtlichen internationalen Gruppen ("with all international groups") Mixed declension nach meinen ersten Nächten ("after my first nights") vor euren letzten Abenden ("before your final evenings") mit keinen besonderen Wünschen ("with no particular wishes") Strong declension mit modernen Tagungseinrichtungen ("with modern conference facilities") mit gepflegten Getränken und kulinarischen Genüssen ("with excellent drinks and culinary delights") in zwei guten Studios ("in two good studios")
Notes Both words meaning "all" - "alle" and "sämtliche" - take weak adjectival endings.
11.7 Adjectival nouns (1) All adjectives can be used as nouns in German. This is much more common than in English where usage of such adjectives is restricted to certain instances in the plural (the old, the young, the French, etc.). German adjectives used as nouns (or "adjectival nouns") can either refer to people - in which case they are masculine or feminine - or abstract concepts, in which case they tend to be neuter. Here are a list of the adjectival nouns that we have already encountered in this and other chapters, as well as other commonly used adjectival nouns:
Grammar 3: German adjectival nouns
der/die Angestellte (employee)
der/die Fremde (stranger; foreigner)
der/die Bankangestellte (bank employee)
der/die Jugendliche (young person)
der Beamte (civil servant)
der/die Obdachlose (homeless person)
der/die Behinderte (disabled person)
der/die Reisende (traveller)
der/die Bekannte (acquaintance)
der/die Überlebende (survivor)
der/die Deutsche (German)
der/die Verlobte (fiancé(e))
der/die Erwachsene (adult)
der/die Verwandte (relative)
der/die Gefangene (prisoner)
der/die Vorsitzende (chairperson)
Notes 1. Although formed from adjectives, adjectival nouns are written with a capital letter. 2. "Die Beamtin", a female civil servant, is not an adjectival noun. It declines just like a normal feminine noun ending in "-in" and has the plural "die Beamtinnen". The declension of adjectival nouns German adjectival nouns take exactly the same endings as adjectives would in the same grammatical context. Let us take for example one of the most common adjectival nouns to have been incorporated into the German language - "der Deutsche" (= the German man). It has an "-e" ending because it is: • • • •
masculine singular in the nominative case in the weak declension (i.e. it follows the definite article "der")
Likewise the feminine equivalent "the German woman" is "die Deutsche", because this adjectival noun is feminine, singular, nominative and in the weak declension. (It may help you at first to imagine the adjectival noun followed by "Mann" or "Frau". "Der Deutsche" has the same endings as "der deutsche Mann" and "die Deutsche" has the same endings as "die deutsche Frau".) The full table of endings for adjectival nouns in the weak declension is as follows:
Grammar 4: Adjectival nouns in the weak declension
Singular
Masculine
Feminine
Nominative
der Deutsche
die Deutsche
Accusative
den Deutschen
die Deutsche
Dative
dem Deutschen
der Deutschen
Plural Nominative
die Deutschen
Accusative
die Deutschen
Dative
den Deutschen
Notes 1. Adjectival nouns have the same endings as above after other determiners which require the weak declension such as "dieser", "jener", "welcher", "alle" and "sämtliche": • • •
Mit welchem Deutschen redet er? (To which German (man) is he speaking?) Sämtliche Behinderten sind hier. (All of the disabled people are here.) Man muss allen Obdachlosen helfen. (We must help all the homeless people.)
2. Note in the following examples how the endings of the determiner and the adjectival noun serve to distinguish between different genders and numbers of people: • • • • • •
Welche Verwandte besuchen Sie? (Which (female) relative are you visiting?) Welche Verwandten besuchen Sie? (Which relatives are you visiting?) Welchen Verwandten besuchen Sie? (Which (male) relative are you visiting?) Die Empfangsdame spricht mit dem Vorsitzenden. (The receptionist is speaking to the chairman.) Die Empfangsdame spricht mit der Vorsitzenden. (The receptionist is speaking to the chairwoman.) Die Empfangsdame spricht mit den Vorsitzenden. (The receptionist is speaking to the chairpersons.)
11.8 Adjectival nouns (2) Mixed declension As we have seen on the previous page, the endings for adjectives used as nouns are dependent on the determiner that precedes it. Below are the endings for the "mixed
declension", i.e. when the adjectival noun follows "ein", "kein" or one of the possessives. Grammar 5: Adjectival nouns in the mixed declension
Singular
Masculine
Feminine
Nominative
ein Deutscher
eine Deutsche
Accusative
einen Deutschen
eine Deutsche
Dative
einem Deutschen
einer Deutschen
Plural Nominative
keine Deutschen
Accusative
keine Deutschen
Dative
keinen Deutschen
Notes 1. The following examples show how adjectival nouns are used with the possessives: • • •
Ihr Verlobter ist Arzt. (Her fiancé is a doctor.) Seine Verlobte ist Ärztin. (His fiancée is a doctor.) Wir verhandeln mit unseren Angestellten. (We're in discussions with our employees.)
2. Note once again how the ending of both the determiner and the adjectival noun indicates the gender and the number of the noun: • • • • •
Ich reise mit einer Bekannten von mir. (I'm travelling with one of my acquaintances (female).) Ich reise mit einem Bekannten von mir. (I'm travelling with one of my acquaintances (female).) Sie arbeitet für ihren Verwandten. (She's working for her relative (male).) Sie arbeitet für ihre Verwandte. (She's working for her relative (female).) Sie arbeitet für ihre Verwandten. (She's working for her relatives.)
Strong declension This is how adjectival nouns decline in the strong declension i.e. after "viele" (many), numbers and when they are not preceded by a determiner. Grammar 6: Adjectival nouns in the strong declension
Singular
Masculine
Feminine
Nominative
Deutscher
Deutsche
Accusative
Deutschen
Deutsche
Dative
Deutschem
Deutscher
Plural Nominative
zwei Deutsche
Accusative
zwei Deutsche
Dative
zwei Deutschen
Notes 1. In practice the singular of the strong declension is rarely used. 2. The following examples shos how the strong declension of adjectival nouns is used in different contexts: • • •
Viele Reisende brauchen Businesszimmer. (Many travellers require business rooms.) Wir fahren mit drei Gefangenen. (We're travelling with three prisoners) Fremde haben keinen Zutritt. (No access for strangers!)
Adjectives with adjectival nouns When adjectival nouns are preceded by adjectives, these adjectives - logically enough - have the same endings as the adjectival nouns. For example: • • • •
Wir helfen den kalten Überlebenden. (We are helping the cold survivors.) Ein alter Bekannter von mir spielt auch Squash. (An old friend of mine also plays squash.) Junge Erwachsene haben oft viele Probleme. (Young adults often have a lot of problems.) Ich fahre zu meiner französischen Verlobten. (I'm travelling to my French fiancée's house.)
Neuter adjectival nouns Adjectival nouns that refer to things or abstract concepts are neuter. We have met only one of these so far - "das Grüne", which can means "green" but also means "the countryside". It it is often used with the preposition "in" as in the examples below: • • •
Unsere Pension befindet sich im Grünen. (Our guest-house is in the countryside.) Eure Verwandten fahren ins Grüne. (Your relatives are going to the countryside.) Wir bieten Suiten mit Blick ins Grüne. (We offer suites which look out on the countryside.)
11.9 Weak masculine nouns As the name suggests, this a group of masculine nouns which predominantly denote living beings. Although they are occasionally confused by students with adjectival nouns, they decline in a different way: weak masculine nouns add "-(e)n" throughout the plural and in all singular cases other than the nominative. The table below gives the endings for "der Student" (= (male) student) and "der Name" (= name): Grammar 7: Declension of weak adjectival nouns
Singular
Plural
Nominative
der Student
die Studenten
Accusative
den Studenten
die Studenten
Dative
dem Studenten
den Studenten
Nominative
der Name
die Namen
Accusative
den Namen
die Namen
Dative
dem Namen
den Namen
Examples • • • • • •
Ihr Bruder ist Student. (Her brother is a student (= nominative).) Das ist ziemlich viel für einen Studenten. (That's quite a lot for a student (= accusative).) Meine Schwester ist mit einem Studenten verlobt. (My sister is engaged to a student (= dative).) Alle Studenten müssen nach dem Essen abwaschen! (All of the male students (= nominative) must wash up after the meal!) Wie ist Ihr Name? (What is your name (= nominative)?) Auf welchen Namen geht das Zimmer? (In what name (= accusative) should I book the room?)
Male nationalities ending in "-e" These include many of the masculine nouns describing nationalities that we met in Chapter 2. Grammar 8: Weak masculine nouns - nationalities
der Brite (Briton (male))
der Monegasse (Monegasque man)
der Bulgare (Bulgarian man)
der Pole (Polish man)
der Chinese (Chinese man)
der Portugiese (Portuguese man)
der Däne (Dane (male))
der Rumäne (Romanian man)
der Este (Estonian man)
der Russe (Russian (male))
der Finne (Finnish man)
der Schotte (Scotsman)
der Franzose (Frenchman)
der Schwede (Swede (male))
der Grieche (Greek (male))
der Slowake (Slowak (male))
der Ire (Irishman)
der Slowene (Slovenian man)
der Kroate (Croatian man)
der Tscheche (Czech man)
der Lette (Latvian man)
der Türke (Turk (male))
Other weak masculine nouns ending in "-e" Other weak masculine nouns ending in "-e" that we have encountered so far or are in common usage include: Grammar 9: Weak masculine nouns ending in "-e"
der Affe (ape)
der Knabe (boy; lad)
der Buchstabe (letter of alphabet)
der Kollege (colleague (male))
der Bulle (bull; policeman)
der Kunde (customer (male))
der Bursche (boy; lad)
der Löwe (lion)
der Experte (expert)
der Name (name)
der Hase (hare; rabbit)
der Neffe (nephew)
der Jude (Jew (male))
der Sklave (slave (male))
der Junge (boy)
der Zeuge (witness (male))
Notes 1. As we shall see in the following chapter, both "der Buchstabe" and "der Name" belong to a separate subdivision of weak masculine nouns and behave differently in the genitive case. 2. You would only use "der Experte", "der Jude", "der Kollege", "der Kunde", "der Löwe", "der Sklave", and "der Zeuge" if you are speaking of male experts, Jews, colleagues etc. The female equivalents have their own separate German noun, all of which end in "-in" - "die Expertin (-innen)", "die Jüdin (-innen)", "die Kollegin (innen)", "die Kundin (-innen)", "die Löwin (-innen)", "die Sklavin (-innen)" and "die Zeugin (-innen)". Masculine nouns coming from the Greek and other foreign languages This is particularly the case with masculine nouns ending in "-and", "-ant", "-ent", "ist", "-krat" and "-log(e)". These primarily (but not exclusively) refer to human beings: Grammar 10: Weak masculine nouns with certain endings
der Architekt (architect)
der Katholik (Catholic)
der Biologe (biologist)
der Komponist (composer)
der Bürokrat (bureaucrat)
der Monarch (monarch)
der Demokrat (democrat)
der Philosoph (philosopher)
der Diplomat (diplomat)
der Polizist (policeman)
der Elefant (elephant)
der Präsident (president)
der Fotograf (photographer)
der Soziologe (sociologist)
der Journalist (journalist)
der Student (student)
Other German masculine nouns There are a few native German weak masculine nouns which do not end in "-e" in the nominative singular: Grammar 11: Other weak masculine nouns
der Bär (bear)
der Herr (man; gentleman)
der Bauer (peasant)
der Mensch (human being)
der Bayer (Bavarian)
der Nachbar (neighbour)
der Fürst (prince)
der Narr (fool)
der Graf (count)
der Oberst (colonel)
der Held (hero)
der Prinz (prince)
Note the irregular declension of "der Herr". This weak masculine noun adds "-en" throughout the plural, but "-n" in the singular for all cases other than the nominative. Grammar 12: Declension of "der Herr"
Singular
Plural
Nominative
der Herr
die Herren
Accusative
den Herrn
die Herren
Dative
dem Herrn
den Herren
11.10 Prepositions and questions It is possible in English (although not always strictly grammatically correct!) to place a preposition at the end of a question. In spoken English therefore you might hear "for which date is this?" or "which date is this for?". This second option does not exist in German as the preposition must be the first element in a question followed by the interrogative as second element. If the interrogative is not invariable (i.e. if its endings can change), then the case of the interrogative - and thus its endings - is determined by the preposition. We have encountered the following combinations of questions and prepositions in this and previous chapters: Grammar 13: Questions involving prepositions
Welcher? Auf welchen Namen gehen die Zimmer? ("In which name should I book the rooms?") Für welches Datum? ("For which date?") Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug? ("From which platform does the train leave?") Mit welchem Bus fährst du?
("Which bus are you travelling on?") Invariable interrogatives Um wie viel Uhr wird das Frühstück serviert? ("At what time is breakfast served?") Von wann bis wann? ("From when to when?")
Was für...? Although the question phrase "was für...?" (= what kind of...?) is comprised of a pronoun and a preposition, it should be considered as a single concept which behaves according to the rules outlined above. This means that the case of the noun that follows "was für...?" depends on the role of the phrase in the clause and not on "für" - i.e. it does not mean that any noun following "was für...?" is automatically in the accusative case. Equally, "was für...?" can be preceded by a preposition which then determines the case of any subsequent noun. Look at the following examples using the weak masculine noun "der Mensch" (see previous page): Grammar 14: Questions involving "was für...?"
Nominative Was für ein Mensch ist er? ("What kind of a person is he?") Accusative Was für einen Menschen siehst du? ("What sort of a person can you see?") Was für Freizeitmöglichkeiten gibt es im Hotel? ("What sort of leisure facilities are there in the hotel?") Dative Mit was für einem Menschen ist deine Schwester verlobt? ("With what sort of man is your sister engaged?") In was für einer Pension übernachten wir? ("What sort of guest-house are we spending the night in?")
Questions involving "wie...?" Note the following different question constructions involving "wie...?" that we have encountered in this chapter: Grammar 15: Questions involving "wie...?"
Wie lange bleiben Sie? ("How long are you staying?") Um wie viel Uhr wird das Frühstück serviert? ("At what time is breakfast served?") Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? ("How may I help you?") Wie viele Personen sind das? ("How many people will that be?") Wie weit ist es zum Stadtzentrum? ("How far is it to the city centre?")
Notes 1. Note the type of constructions required for responding to the question "Wie weit ist es zum Stadtzentrum?": • • • • • •
Wie weit ist es zum Stadtzentrum? (How far is it to the city centre?) Das Hotel ist circa sechs Kilometer vom Stadtzentrum entfernt. (The hotel is approximately six kilometres away from the city centre.) Unsere Pension ist nur 25 Minuten Fahrtzeit vom Stadtzentrum entfernt. (Our guest-house is only 25 minutes travel away from the city centre.) Die Jugendherberge befindet sich nur wenige Minuten Fußweg vom Stadtkern entfernt. (The youth hostel is only a few minutes walk from the city centre.) Der Gasthof liegt nur 15 Gehminuten vom Stadtzentrum entfernt. (The inn is only 15 minutes walk from the city centre.) Das Stadtzentrum ist etwa 15 Gehminuten entfernt. (The city centre is about 15 minutes walk away.)
2. When in German-speaking countries, remember to give all distances in metres and kilometres, and not yards and miles!
11.11 New prepositions The preposition "ab" The German preposition "ab" means "from ... onwards" and tends to be used without a following article or determiner. It normally takes the dative case, but it can also take the accusative case in time phrases when it is not followed by a determiner. Grammar 16: The preposition "ab"
Das ist ab sieben Uhr im Restaurant ("That is from seven o'clock onwards in the restaurant") Kinderermäßigung ab 12 Jahre(n) ("Child reductions for 12-year-olds and above.") Eine Reservierung ist ab 4 Nächte(n) möglich. ("A reservation is possible for stays of longer than four nights.") Ab Hauptbahnhof direkt per U-Bahn ("From the central station you can travel directly using the underground") The prepositions "per" and "pro" Take care not to confuse these two prepositions. The German preposition "pro" should be used to translate English "per". The German preposition "per" on the other hand is used mainly in commercial German to translate "by" as in a means of doing something, often a means of transport. Both "per" and "pro" take the accusative case, but are almost always used without a following determiner. Grammar 17: The prepositions "per" and "pro"
Pro Was ist der Preis pro Tag? ("What is the price per day?") Ein Einzelzimmer kostet 85 Euro pro Tag. ("A single room costs 85 euros per day.") Die Tagungspauschale ist 25 Euro pro Person. ("The conference charge is 25 euros per person.") Die Äpfel kosten 50 Cent pro Stück. ("The apples cost 50 cents each.") Per Wie Sie uns per Bahn finden: ("How you can find us by rail:") So erreichen Sie unser Hotel per Straßenbahn: ("This is how you can reach our hotel by tram:") per Post ("by post")
The preposition "bis" In practice, "bis" is used on its own only with names, adverbs and a few time phrases. Otherwise it is followed by another preposition which determines the case of the following noun. We shall look at "bis" in more detail in subsequent chapters, but for the moment note the construction required to express the date until which you plan to stay somewhere and how to travel "as far as" a place: Grammar 18: The preposition "bis"
Von wann bis wann bleiben Sie hier? ("From when until when are you staying here?") Wir bleiben vom ersten bis zum siebten Februar. ("We're staying from the first to the seventh of February.") Sie bleibt vom 20. August bis zum 24. August. ("She's staying from the twentieth to the twenty-fourth of August.") Wie weit ist es bis zum Hotel? ("How far is it to the hotel?") Mit dem Bus Linie 27 fahren Sie direkt bis zur Pension. ("You can travel directly to the guest-house using bus number 27.") BUT: von acht Uhr bis neun Uhr ("from eight o'clock until nine o'clock") Ihr fahrt nur bis Dresden. ("You're only travelling as far as Dresden.")
Notes 1. If you need reminding about how to express dates in German, click here to return to the appropriate page in Chapter 9. 2. Note another construction that you can use to describe the duration of your stay: • •
Und für welches Datum, bitte? (And for which date, please?) Für den 14. und 15. März, also zwei Nächte. (For the fourteenth and the fifteenth of March, that makes two nights.)
11.12 "Werden" and the passive Grammar 19: Present tense of "werden" (= to become)
Singular ich werde
I become
du wirst Sie werden
You become (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wird
He/she/it becomes
Plural wir werden
We become
ihr werdet Sie werden
You become (informal/formal)
sie werden
They become
The German irregular verb "werden" has a number of uses. Its basic meaning is "to become" and it can be combined with both adjectives and nouns: • • • •
Es wird kalt. (It's getting cold.) Ich werde langsam verrückt! (I think I'm going mad!) Britta will Lehrerin werden. (Britta wants to become a teacher.) Es wird Winter. (Winter is coming.)
In addition to this "werden" is used as an auxiliary verb to form the future tense (which we shall look at in the next chapter) and the passive voice which we shall examine here. The passive voice What is the passive voice? The passive voice is where the subject of the verb experiences the action rather than performs it: • •
He was seen (= passive). (He saw (= active).) You are being helped by us (= passive). (We are helping you (= active).)
How is the passive voice formed? As the examples above indicate, the passive in English is formed with parts of the verb "to be" and the past participle. This is only one of two possibilities in German, both of which however include the past participle. As we shall not learn how to construct the past participle until a later chapter, it will suffice for the moment to be able to identify it in German passages: •
For the vast number of verbs, the past participle will start with "ge-" and end with either "-t" or "-en" - e.g. "gemacht" (= done), "geschlossen" (= closed).
•
Verbs that end in "-ieren" or that have inseparable prefixes also end in "-t" or "-en" but do not start with "ge-". These include two of the past participles that we have encountered in this chapter - "akzeptiert" (= accepted) and "serviert" (= served).
What is the distinction between the two forms of the German passive? If a state is being described as opposed to an action, the present tense of the German passive like its English equivalent - consists of the present tense of "sein" and the past participle. • •
Das Geschäft ist heute geschlossen. (The shop is closed today.) Haustiere sind nicht erlaubt. (Pets are not allowed.)
But if an action is being described as opposed to a state, the present tense of the German passive consists of the present tense of "werden" and the past participle. • • •
Das Geschäft wird jetzt geschlossen. (The shop is being closed now.) Wann wird das Frühstück serviert? (When is breakfast served?) Werden Kreditkarten akzeptiert? - Ja, wir akzeptieren alle großen Kreditkarten. (Are credit cards accepted? - Yes, we accept all major credit cards.)
Note the word order in all of the above clauses. The verbs "sein" and "werden" occur in the same position as a main verb would in a clause, whereas the past participle comes at the end of the sentence. There will be an extensive explanation of the passive, the past participle and the distinction between a state and an action in a subsequent chapter.
11.13 Compound nouns in lists To avoid clumsy repetition, German uses hyphens in a list of compound nouns to represent those elements that are common to all nouns in the list: Grammar 20: Lists of compound nouns
Drei- und Vierbettzimmer (Implied: "Dreibettzimmer und Vierbettzimmer") (Translation: "rooms with three and four beds") PC- und Telefaxanschluss (Implied: "PC-Anschluss und Telefaxanschluss") (Translation: "PC connection and fax connection") Schlaf-, Wohn- und Arbeitsbereich (Implied: "Schlafbereich, Wohnbereich und Arbeitsbereich") (Translation: "sleeping area, living area and
working area") Vegetarier- und Kindermenü (Implied: "Vegetariermenü und Kindermenü") (Translation: "vegetarian menu and children's menu") Hyphens and compound nouns Hyphens are also used to break up individual compound nouns that would otherwise be difficult to read. This is particularly true in compound nouns were one element is an abbreviation such as "der PC-Anschluss", "der/die HIV-Infizierte" (= HIV-infected person) or "die VIP-Lounge" (= VIP lounge). One of the changes introduced recently in the German spelling reforms has made it possible to have three (!) of the same letters in a row in a German compound noun. This occurs when the first element of a compound noun ends with a double letter and the second element of the compound noun starts with the same letter. Before the spelling reforms, only two of the three letters would have been written. It is still an accepted variant however to split up such compound nouns with a hyphen, and this version is more common when you have three vowels in a row. Grammar 21: Same three letters in a row!
3 Consonants
3 Vowels
die Balletttänzerin ("die Ballett-Tänzerin") (ballet dancer)
die Teeei ("die Tee-Ei") (tea infuser)
der Rollladen ("der Roll-Laden") (shutter)
der Kaffeeersatz ("der Kaffee-Ersatz") (coffee substitute)
die Brennnessel ("die Brenn-Nessel") (stinging nettle)
die Hawaiiinseln ("die Hawaii-Inseln") (Hawaii islands)
der Schlussstrich ("der Schluss-Strich") (final stroke)
die Armeeeinheit ("die Armee-Einheit") (army unit)
Common first elements in compound nouns In Chapter 10 we looked at main verbs that appear as the second element in a number of compound verbs. On a similar theme, you may have noticed how certain parts of speech form the first element in many compound nouns and colour the element which follows in a particular way. For example: Grammar 22: First elements in compound nouns
First element
Compound noun
Bade-
der Badeanzug
(bathing)
(swimming costume) die Badehose (swimming trunks) der Bademantel (bathrobe) die Badewanne (bath tub) das Badezimmer (bathroom)
Einzel(individual)
das Einzelkind (only child) das Einzelzimmer (single room)
Fern(distance)
die Fernbedienung (remote control) das Ferngespräch (long-distance call) das Fernsehen (television)
Haupt(central)
der Hauptbahnhof (central station) die Hauptstadt (capital city)
Sonder(special)
das Sonderangebot (special offer) der Sonderpreis (special price)
Zusatz(additional)
das Zusatzbett (additional bed) die Zusatzzahl (additional number)
11.14 Addresses and postcodes On the following three pages you will find a basic introduction to structuring a German letter. The address (die Adresse) German addresses are much shorter than British addresses. Whereas British addresses can extend to six or seven lines with their house names, villages, town and counties, addresses in German-speaking countries tend to contain only three lines - the name of the addressee, the street name and number and the town/city together with the post code. Other differences include: • •
German street numbers occur after the name of the street and not before e.g. Hauptstraße 43, Wolburgsweg 36c, Webergasse 7-9. Postcodes in German-speaking countries precede the name of the town or city - e.g. 10825 Berlin, 09117 Chemnitz, 01069 Dresden.
Street names (der Straßenname) German street names are usually one or two words long, depending on the nature of the first element of the name. Whereas streets named after people tend to written as one word - e.g. Schillerstraße, Brahmsweg -, cities and regions that appear in street names are for example usually written as a separate word - e.g. Berliner Straße, Frankfurter Allee, Leipziger Platz. The signpost below bears this out. Lothringer Weg is written as two words as it is named after the German word for the region of Lorraine (= Lothringen). Goetheallee on the other hand is written as one word as it celebrates Germany's most famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). The second element of a German street name is normally a type of thoroughfare as listed in the table below: Vocabulary 1: Types of German roads
die Allee (-n) (avenue)
der Ring (-e) (ring road)
die Chaussee (-n) (avenue; highway)
der Steig (-e) (path)
der Damm (pl. - Dämme) (road (lit: dam))
die Straße (-n) (road; street)
die Gasse (-n) (lane; alley)
das Ufer (-) ((river-)bank)
die Landstraße (-n) (country road)
der Weg (-e) (way; road)
der Pfad (-e) (path; track)
die Zeile (-n) (row)
der Platz (pl. - Plätze) (square)
Other road names do not contain a type of thoroughfare, but instead describe a landmark in the vicinity of the road - i.e. Am Park, Am Hauptbahnhof, An der Brücke (= bridge). The postcode (die Postleitzahl) Germany pioneered the idea of post codes back in the early sixties, and the rest of the world imitated the concept. The German word for a postcode is "die Postleitzahl (-en)", which is often abbreviated to "PLZ". The current postcode system was introduced on 1 July 1993 to take account of postreunification Germany. All addresses now have a five-digit code, with the first two numbers indicating the region and the last three narrowing it down to a specific area of a town or a village. Hence the reason why German addresses are so much shorter than British ones - the postcode supplies all the requisite information. Below is a
map showing the regions of Germany to which the first number of the post code corresponds.
Unlike British postcodes, German postcodes precede the name of the place in addresses. In addition, when writing to one of the German-speaking countries from abroad, people sometimes prefix the postcode with the international country code for the sake of clarity. As Germany has the international country code "D", this produces such postcodes as D-10825 Berlin and D-01069 Dresden. A similar principle applies when writing from overseas to addresses in the other German-speaking countries. Austria has the international country code "A", Switzerland has "CH" and Liechtenstein "FL". As postcodes in these countries have four digits, this produces such postcodes as A-9010 Klagenfurt, CH-4012 Basel or FL9490 Vaduz. These international country codes are now however increasingly seen as archaic. The correct convention for addressing international letters is not to prefix the postcode with a country code, but to ensure that the country name is written in capital letters in the language of the origin country on a line of its own at the end of the address e.g. "10825 Berlin, Deutschland", "9010 Klagenfurt, Österreich", "4012 Basel, Schweiz", "9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein". German addresses look different to English ones.
Linie 1 Herrn Professor
Frau
Linie 2 Jens Melzig
Dr.Ingeborg Holm Goran Curko
Herrn
Linie 3 Jenaer Straße 11a Wolburgsweg 36c bei Schmidt
Linie 4 D-10717 Berlin
A-8010 Graz
Frankenstraße 4
Linie 5 Germany
Austria
CH-6002 Luzern
Linie 6
Switzerland
Line 1: the person's basic title (Mr = Herrn, Mrs or Ms = Frau, Miss = Fräulein) followed by any other title or rank (Professor, Major etc.). This is except for Dr. and Dipl.-Ing (Diplomingenieur) which precede the name on Line 2. N.B. There is an "n" after Herr in addresses because this is an accusative. Line 3: the street, with the house number after it. Line 4: the place, preceded by the postcode (die Postleitzahl). The postcode may be preceded by "D" for Germany, "A" for Austria or "CH" for Switzerland on letters from outside the country itself. A district of a large town will often be added after the name of the town and joined with a hyphen (e.g. Berlin-Tegel). Line 5: the country itself. When writing to someone staying with a family or friend, use "bei" plus the surname, e.g. bei Schmidt. This is then placed on Line 3, after the addressee and before the street name. Writing to a firm If the name of the company is a person's name, the word Firma can be placed on Line 1. The name of the department and person you want follows the firm's name, and if you writing to a person, precede it with "z.H." = zu Händen (for the attention of).
Linie 1 Firma
ZF Friedrich AG
Linie 2 Winni Schäfer
Verkaufsabteilung
Linie 3 z.H. Herrn Hamann Postfach 23 96 17 Linie 4 Harbigstraße 13
48637 Coesfeld
Linie 5 14055 Berlin If you are writing to a specific person with a specific post within a company, you can put:
Linie 1 An Herrn
An den
Linie 2 Mike Lünsmann
Personaldirektor
Linie 3 Personaldirektor
Musterfirma GmbH
Linie 4 Musterfirma GmbH Industriestraße 78 Linie 5 Industriestraße 78
77649 Offenburg
Linie 6 77649 Offenburg N.B. In typed or printed business mail there is often a blank line before the place on an envelope, but not when the name of the firm is typed on the heading of the letter itself. Thus on an envelope you might see:
Linie 1 An Herrn
An den
Linie 2 Mike Lünsmann
Personaldirektor
Linie 3 Personaldirektor
Musterfirma GmbH
Linie 4 Musterfirma GmbH Industriestraße 78 Linie 5 Industriestraße 78 Linie 6
77649 Offenburg
Linie 7 77649 Offenburg The Austrian post office's guide to addressing an envelope however clearly states that no blank lines should be included on an envelope see the separate section on setting out an envelope. Dear Sir... Yours Faithfully 1) If you do not know the person's name
If you are writing to a firm or an institution and do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, use "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren," (= Dear Sir or Madam). You should only use "Sehr geehrte Herren," or "Sehr geehrte Damen," if you are sure that the people to whom you are writing are all male or all female. In all cases you should close the letter - "Mit freundlichen Grüßen". If you are writing a business letter as a representative of a company, you could also use "Mit besten Empfehlungen".
If you are a writing to one individual woman whose name you do not know, open with "Sehr geehrte gnädige Frau" and close with "Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung". 2) If you know the person's job title, but not their name If you are writing (say) to the head of personnel of a company (= "der Personaldirektor"), start with "Sehr geehrter Herr Personaldirektor,". End as usual with "mit freundlichen Grüßen". 3) If you know the person's name
Dear Mr. Wagner
Sehr geehrter Herr Wagner,
Dear Mrs Wagner
Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner,
Dear Mr and Mrs Wagner Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner, sehr geehrter Herr Wagner, An important point to remember is that Herr / Frau is retained when writing to someone who has a title:
Dear Professor Yates
Sehr geehrter Herr Professor Yates,
Dear Professor Lauster Sehr geehrte Frau Professor Lauster, If you are writing to somebody with a title, you should not write their Christian name. Thus the opening formula to write to Dr. Marie Huana is Sehr geehrte Frau Dr. Huana. In all cases, "mit freundlichen Grüßen" would be an acceptable closing formula. A possible (if rather formal) alternative when writing to a female professor would be: "Ich verbleibe, sehr geehrte Frau Professor, mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung Ihr / Ihre..." N.B. The usage of feminine endings with German titles varies. The feminine endings are no longer used with "Frau Doktor" and "Frau Professor", but they are used with Frau Studienrätin (= "secondary school teacher"). 4) When writing to someone in the same profession
In a formal letter:
Sehr geehrter Herr Kollege; Sehr geehrte Frau Kollegin,
In an informal letter:
Lieber Kollege; Liebe Kollegin,
In both cases conclude with: Mit freundlichen kollegialen Grüßen,
5) When writing to a person in a very important position In this case it is usual practice to omit the name:
Addressing a president:
Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin,
Addressing a government minister: Sehr geehrter Herr Bundesminister, In both cases conclude with:
Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung,
Letter-writing vocabulary Letter headings and initials
our reference
unser Zeichen
your reference
Ihr Zeichen
your message of 13th June Ihre Nachricht vom 13. Juni our person responsible
unser Sachbearbeiter
concerning, re:
Betreff: Oder: Betr.:
with reference to
Bezug:
in replying please quote
bei Beantwortung bitte angeben
Applying for an advertised post
an applicant
der Bewerber; die Bewerberin
an application
die Bewerbung
to apply for something sich um (+ Acc.) bewerben a vacancy
die freie Stelle
sich um den Posten der Bankkauffrau bewerben (to apply for the post of bank clerk)
Hiermit möchte ich mich um die ausgeschriebene Stelle als Lehrer bewerben. (I would like to apply for the advertised job as a teacher.) in die engere Wahl gezogen werden (to be short-listed) Bewerbung als Leiter der Anzeigenabteilung. (Application for the post of head of the advertising department.) Ich beziehe mich auf Ihre Stellenanzeige in der heutigen Ausgabe der "Berliner Zeitung" und möchte Sie bitten, mir nähere Angaben über die Stelle zuzusenden. Oder: Ich nehme Bezug auf Ihre Anzeige in der heutigen Ausgabe der "Berliner Zeitung" und wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie mir nähere Angaben über die Stelle zusenden würden.. (In reply to your advertisement in today's "Berliner Zeitung", I should be grateful if you could send me further details of this post.) In Beantwortung Ihrer Stellenanzeige in der FAZ wäre ich Ihnen für die Berücksichtigung meiner Bewerbung sehr verbunden. (In response to your advertisement in "Frankfurter Allgemeine", I would be grateful if you could consider my application.) Ich möchte mich um die Stelle eines Marketingmanagers bewerben, die Sie im "Spiegel-Online" vom August ausgeschrieben haben. Oder: Hiermit bewerbe ich mich auf Ihre Anzeige im "Spiegel-Online" vom August für die ausgeschriebene Stelle eines Marketingmanagers. (I wish to apply for the post of marketing manager which you advertised in the August edition of "Spiegel-Online".) Mit Bezug auf Ihre Anzeige in der "Tageszeitung" bewerbe ich mich für die oben erwähnte Position. (With reference to your advertisement in the "Tageszeitung", I would like to apply for the aforementioned position.) Ihrer Anzeige in der Juli-Ausgabe von "Kicker" entnehme ich, dass... (I see from your advertisement in the July edition of "Kicker" that ...) Bewerbungen müssen bis spätestens 13. Juni eingehen. (The closing date for applications is the 13th June.)
To whom am I writing? personnel office
die Personalabteilung
personnel officer
der Personaldirektor; die Personaldirektorin Oder: der Leiter der Personalabteilung
"To the Personnel Officer" "An den Personaldirektor" personnel management
die Personalführung
"To the Management"
"An die Geschäftsführung"
Asking for more details Könnten Sie mir bitte .... übersenden? (Could you please send me ...?) Für weitere Einzelheiten wenden Sie sich an: (For more details, contact:) Ich beziehe mich auf Ihre Stellenanzeige in der heutigen Ausgabe der "Berliner Zeitung" und möchte Sie bitten, mir nähere Angaben über die Stelle zuzusenden. Oder: Ich nehme Bezug auf Ihre Anzeige in der heutigen Ausgabe der "Berliner Zeitung" und wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie mir nähere Angaben über die Stelle zusenden würden. (In reply to your advertisement in today's "Berliner Zeitung", I should be grateful if you could send me further details of this post.) Asking for a reply to a letter Auf mein Schreiben vom 27. Oktober habe ich noch keine Antwort erhalten. I have received no reply to my letter of 27 October. Bitte bestätigen Sie den Empfang dieses Schreibens. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter. Ich danke im voraus für eine postwendende Antwort. I would be grateful for a reply by return of post. Ich würde mich freuen, bald von Ihnen Nachricht zu erhalten. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Being offered a post Wir freuen uns, hiermit die Stelle eines / einer ..... anbieten zu können. (We are happy to offer you the post of ...) Mit Bezug auf Ihr Schreiben vom Montag den 12. Januar kann ich Ihnen nun die Position des Systemanalytikers in unserer Firma anbieten. (Further to your letter of Monday the 12th of January, I would like to offer you the post of systems analyst in our firm.) Dieses Angebot gilt bei verbindlicher Bestellung vor dem 24. März des nächsten Jahres. (This offer is subject to your firm acceptance by 24th March next.) Bitte setzen Sie sich mit uns in Verbindung, damit die nötigen Vorbereitungen getroffen werden können. (Please contact us in order to make the necessary arrangements.) Being turned down for a post Es tut mir leid, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass ... (I regret to inform you that...) Wir müssen Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass der Posten schon besetzt wurde. (We regret to inform that the post has already been filled.) Wir müssen Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass Sie nicht in die engere Wahl gekommen sind. (We regret to inform you that your name has not been put on our short list.) Nach eingehenden Überlegungen kamen wir zu dem Entschluss, dass wir Ihnen im Moment keine Anstellung in unseren Büros anbieten können. (After lengthy considerations we decided that we do not have any work for you in our offices at the moment.) Wir werden Ihren Lebenslauf und Ihre Bewerbung zu unseren Akten legen. (We will keep your CV and application form on file.) Wir werden Ihre Bewerbung zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt berücksichtigen, da wir regelmäßig zusätzliches Personal oder Ersatzpersonal suchen.
(We will keep your application on file as we regularly look for replacement staff.) Bei künftigen Stellenangeboten können Sie sich gerne um einen ähnlichen Posten bewerben. (Please do not hesitate to reply to future advertisements for a similar post.) Ich hoffe, dass diese Entscheidung keine zu große Enttäuschung für sie bedeutet. (I hope that you do not feel too disappointed by this decision.) Curriculum vitae General phrases der Lebenslauf (curriculum vitae) Anbei sende ich Ihnen meinen Lebenslauf (Please find enclosed my C.V.) Wie Sie meinem Lebenslauf entnehmen können, habe ich schon in Deutschland gearbeitet. (As you will see from my C.V., I have worked in Germany before.) Aus meinem beiliegenden Lebenslauf erfahren Sie Näheres über meine akademische Laufbahn. (You will learn more about my academic career from the C.V. enclosed within.) Skills skills
Kenntnisse (pl.)
computer skills
PC-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- data processing skills
- EDV-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- I am familiar with word processors
- Ich bin mit der Textverarbeitung vertraut
- I am familiar with Word 6.0
- Textverarbeitung (Word 6.0) ist mir geläufig
- I am familiar with DataBase3
- DataBase3 ist mir geläufig
I can type well
Ich kann gut Maschine schreiben
- typing speed
- die Schreibgeschwindigkeit
- typewritten
- Maschine geschrieben
driving licence
der Führerschein
- I've lost my driving licence
- mir wurde der Führerschein entzogen
my organisational ability
mein organisatorisches Können
my sound knowledge of the field
meine fundierten Sachkenntnisse (pl.)
to come up to your expectations
Ihren Erwartungen entsprechen
Ich bin stets bemüht, meine beruflichen Kenntnisse zu verbessern. (I have always tried to improve my career skills.) Ich besuchte Kurse in Betriebswirtschaft und Datenverarbeitung. (I have taken courses in business management and data processing.) Ich habe einen Abendkurs in Büroorganisation belegt. (I have taken a night-school course in office management.) Spezialkenntnisse (pl.) auf dem Fachgebiet der Psychologie (Special knowledge in the field of psychology) Ich bin sicher, dass ich alle mir anvertrauten Aufgaben als Sekretärin zu Ihrer vollsten Zufriedenheit ausüben würde. (I am confident that I could fulfil all the tasks which you would require of a secretary.) Sie hat die ihr übertragenen Aufgaben stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit erledigt. (She carried out her work to our complete satisfaction.) Language skills Englisch ist meine Muttersprache. (English is my first language.) Haben Sie irgendwelche Sprachkenntnisse? (Do you know any languages?) Ich habe gute mündliche und schriftliche deutsche Sprachkenntnisse.
(I speak and write German well.) Ich spreche fließend Deutsch. (I speak fluent German.) Meine Deutschkenntnisse sind ziemlich eingerostet. (My German is a little rusty.) Mein Handelsdeutsch erwarb ich am Goethe-Institut in London. (I learned business German at the Goethe Institute in London.) Ich habe gute Anfangskenntnisse im Italienischen. (I have some knowledge of Italian.) Ich habe Grundkenntnisse in Russisch. (I have a working knowledge of Russian.) Ich habe Kurse in Spanisch und Französisch mit Erfolg belegt. (I have successfully taken courses in Spanish and French.) Ich kann Schwedisch lesen. (I can read Swedish.) Ich verstehe kein Griechisch. (I don't understand Greek.) Ich möchte meine Sprachkenntnisse verbessern. (I want to improve my language.) Ich würde meine Sprachkenntnisse gerne etwas mehr einsetzen. (I would like to make better use of my languages.) deutschen Sprachunterricht erteilen (to give German lessons) einen Text aus dem Deutschen ins Englische übersetzen. (to translate a text from German into English)
Ich kann nicht gut übersetzen. (I'm not very good at translation.) die zweisprachige Sekretärin (bilingual secretary) Work experience "previous employment"
"berufliche Tätigkeiten"
die Arbeitsplatzbeschreibung job description die Berufsbezeichnung
job title
der Ferienjob (-s)
holiday job
Dienstjahre (pl.)
length of service
Meine offizielle Berufsbezeichnung ist ... (My official job title is ...) Ich arbeite zur Zeit in diesem Bereich. (I am currently working in this field.) Ich bin seit 5 Jahren hier tätig. (I have been working here for 5 years.) Ich bin seit 1998 in dieser Stelle. (I started the job in 1998.) Seit vier Jahren bin ich als Sekretärin in einer aufstrebenden kleinen Firma tätig. (I have been a secretary in a small but ambitious company for 4 years.) Die letzten sechs Jahre war ich in der Exportabteilung von EMI tätig. (I was working in the export dept. of EMI for the last 6 years.) Ich habe die nötige Erfahrung für diese Stelle. (I have the necessary experience for this job.)
Erfahrung in diesem Bereich ist erwünscht, aber nicht unbedingt erforderlich. (Experience in the field is preferable but not essential.) Ich verfüge über Berufserfahrung in der Werbebranche. (I have experience of working in advertising.) Ich verfüge über 2 Jahre Büroerfahrung. Oder: Ich habe zwei Jahre Büroerfahrung. (I have 2 years experience of office work.) Ich habe drei Jahre Erfahrung in diesem Bereich. (I have 3 years experience of this kind of work.) viel Berufserfahrung im Bankwesen haben (to have a lot of experience in banking) Ich habe zwar keine Erfahrung auf diesem speziellen Fachgebiet, habe aber ... (Although I have no experience of this type of work, I have ....) Ich bin ausgebildeter Ingenieur. (I was trained as an engineer.) Durch die dadurch gewonnenen Erfahrungen bin ich mit den Aufgaben einer Sekretärin bestens vertraut. (Thanks to this experience I am thoroughly familiar with the job of secretary.) Ich habe mehrere Ferienjobs ausgeübt. (I have had many holiday jobs.) in meiner Funktion als Richter Oder: in meiner Eigenschaft als Richter (in my function as judge) Qualifications - general die Qualifikationen (pl.) (qualifications)
Meine Qualifikationen sind folgende: (My qualifications are briefly as follows:) Ich habe die erforderlichen Qualifikationen für die Stelle. (I have the necessary qualifications for the job.) Ich beendete meine schulische Laufbahn 1999. (I left school in 1999.) Ich graduierte von der Universität Exeter in dem Fach moderne Sprachen (Deutsch & Französisch). (I graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Modern Languages (German & French).) The contract the contract
der Arbeitsvertrag; der Vertrag
- der Vertrag mit bestimmter Dauer
- fixed term contract
- einen Vertrag unterzeichnen
- to sign a contract
- Vertragsbedingungen (pl.)
- terms of contract
- ein vertraglich zugesichertes Recht
- a contractual right
Anbei senden wir Ihnen drei Kopien Ihres Arbeitsvertrags. (Please find enclosed three copies of your contract.) Dieser Vertrag erfordert die Schriftform. (This contract must be drawn up in writing.) Bitte schicken Sie sobald wie möglich zwei unterschriebene Verträge an meine Sekretärin zurück. (Please sign two copies of this contract and return it to my secretary as soon as possible.) Sollten Sie noch Fragen zu den Vertragsbedingungen haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an mich. (Should you have any further questions about the contract terms, please contact me.)
bei ICI unter Vertrag stehen (to be under contract to ICI) Habe ich das Recht auf Rücktritt aus diesem Vertrag? (Do I have the right to withdraw from this conract?)
Work permits work permit
die Arbeitserlaubnis
residence permit
das Aufenthaltserlaubnis; die Aufenthaltsgenehmigung
to obtain a work permit eine Arbeitserlaubnis erteilen
Können Sie mir bitte Informationen bezüglich Erhalt einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis zusenden? (Could you send me details about getting a residence permit?) Requests Könnten Sie bitte ...? (Could you please ....?) Dürfte ich Sie bitten, das zu tun? (May I ask you to ...?) Ich wäre Ihnen (sehr) dankbar, wenn Sie... Oder: Ich wäre Ihnen zu Dank verpflichtet, wenn Sie... (I would be (very) grateful if you ...) Hätten Sie die Liebenswürdigkeit, mir mitzuteilen, ob Sie ...? (Would you be kind enough to inform me whether you...?) Ich wüßte gerne, ob ich ... (I would like to know whether I ...)
Ich wüßte gerne, wie lange ich ... (I would like to know how long I ...) Ich verlasse mich darauf, dass Sie das tun. (I'm relying on you doing that.) Wir bestehen darauf, dass ... (We must insist that ...) Wir möchten Sie dringend bitten, das nicht zu tun. (We must insist that you do not do that.) Wir möchten Sie dringend auffordern, das zu tun. (You are urgently requested to do that.) Types of Letter the letter
der Brief (-e)
- a letter of application
- der Bewerbungsbrief (-e); - das Bewerbungsschreiben (-)
- handwritten letter
- der handgeschriebene Brief
- typewritten letter
- der Maschine(n) geschriebene Brief
- draft letter
- der Entwurf
circular
die Wurfsendung
parcel
das Päckchen; das Paket
parcel post
die Paketpost
Sending a fax the fax
das Fax; das Telefax
to send somebody a fax
jdm ein Fax schicken
to fax somebody something jemandem etwas faxen fax machine
die Faxmaschine; das Fax
fax number
die Faxnummer
Kann ich von hier aus ein Fax schicken? Can I send a fax from here? Ending a letter Ich hoffe, dass Sie meine Bewerbung wohlwollend in Betracht ziehen werden. (I hope that you will look favourably upon my application.) Für weitere Auskünfte stehe ich Ihnen gerne jederzeit zur Verfügung. (Please feel free to ask for any further details which you may require.) Sollten Sie irgendwelche Fragen haben, werde ich sie Ihnen gerne beantworten. (Should you have any queries, I shall be pleased to discuss them with you.) Ich würde mich freuen, bald von Ihnen Nachricht zu erhalten. Oder: Ich hoffe, bald von Ihnen zu hören. Oder: Ich sehe Ihrer Antwort mit Interesse entgegen. (I look forward to hearing from you soon.) Wir danken im voraus für eine postwendende Antwort. Oder: Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie mir umgehend antworten würden. (I would be grateful if you could reply by return of post.) Wenn ich sonst noch etwas für Sie tun kann, setzen Sie sich bitte wieder mit mir in Verbindung. (If there is anything further that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me.) Ich hoffe, Sie sind hiermit einverstanden. (I trust the foregoing is to your satisfaction.) Asking if work is available die Blindbewerbung; die Initiativbewerbung (unsolicited application) Ich schreibe Ihnen in der Hoffnung, dass Sie mir eine Stelle im Bereich ... anbieten können.
(I am writing to you in the hope that you will be able to offer me employment in the field of ...) Als Teil meines Universitätsstudiums würde ich gerne 6 Monate in Deutschland arbeiten. (As part of my university course, I would like to work in Germany for approximately 6 months.) ein Praktikum absolvieren (to go on work placement) Ich möchte mich hiermit erkundigen, ob es möglich wäre, in Ihrer Firma ein sechsmonatiges / zwölfmonatiges Praktikum zu absolvieren. (I am writing to enquire about the possibility of joining your company for 6 / 12 months on work placement.) Haben Sie Stellen für ....? (Do you vacancies for ....?) Ich habe mit Interesse erfahren, dass ... (I was interested to hear that ...) Ich möchte sehr gern in der Werbebranche arbeiten und würde mich freuen, wenn Sie eine entsprechende Arbeit für mich hätten. (I would very much like to work in advertising and wonder whether you are able to offer me work in any capacity.) Ich möchte unbedingt im Verlagswesen / in der Werbebranche arbeiten. (I am very anxious to work in publishing / advertising.) Reasons for applying for a post Das Auslandsjahr ist obligatorischer Teil meines Studiums an der Universität Exeter. (As part of my university course I am required to spend a year abroad.) Als Teil meines Universitätsstudiums würde ich gerne 6 Monate in Deutschland arbeiten. (As part of my university course, I would like to work in Germany for approximately 6 months.)
Ich interessiere mich ganz besonders für diese Stelle, weil ich sehr gerne im Verlagswesen arbeiten möchte. (I am particularly interested in this job, because I am very keen to work in publishing.) Ich würde meine Sprachkenntnisse gerne etwas mehr einsetzen. (I would like to make better use of my languages.) Ich würde gerne wieder im Ausland arbeiten. (I would like to work in Germany again.) Ich möchte in Deutschland arbeiten, um meine Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern und Erfahrungen in der Hotelbranche zu sammeln. (I wish to work in Germany in order to improve my languages and to gain experience of hotel work.) Ich möchte meinen Arbeitsplatz wechseln, weil ... (I would like to change jobs because...) Ich möchte mich verändern. (I would welcome a change.) aus persönlichen Gründen (for personal reasons) aus beruflichen Gründen (for professional reasons) Nachdem ich auf diesem Niveau nun seit einigen Jahren gearbeitet habe, strebe ich eine verantwortungsvollere Tätigkeit an. (Having worked at this level for some years, I am looking for a more responsible position.) Arranging a meeting mit jemandem einen Termin ausmachen (to arrange a time for a meeting)
Ich wäre Ihnen sehr verbunden, wenn Sie mich den Termin baldmöglichst wissen lassen. (I would be most obliged if you inform me of the date as soon as possible.) Bitte schlagen Sie einen günstigen Termin für unsere Besprechung vor. (Please suggest a convenient time and date for our meeting.) Ich habe in der Woche vom 20. März Zeit für eine Besprechung mit Ihnen. (I shall be free to meet you some time during the week commencing 20 March.) Der vorgeschlagene Termin kommt mir sehr gelegen / passt mir ausgezeichnet. (The suggested date suits me perfectly.) Tut mir leid, aber an diesem Tag / zu dieser Zeit geht es nicht. (I'm afraid I can't manage the date / time you suggest.) Ich komme gerne zu dem von Ihnen angegebenen Zeitpunkt zu Ihrem Büro. (I will be happy to meet you at your office at the time you suggest.) Ich bin am 2. Februar in Bonn und könnte Sie zwischen 14 und 17 Uhr treffen. (I will be in Bonn on 2 February, and would be free to meet you from 2pm to 5pm.) Sollten Sie den Termin für unsere Besprechung ändern müssen, dann setzen Sie sich bitte so bald wie möglich mit mir in Verbindung. (Should you need to change the time / date of our meeting, please contact me as soon as possible.) eine Sitzung (auf morgen) vertagen (to postpone a meeting (until tomorrow)) Das Datum / die Zeit für die Besprechung wurde auf .... vorverlegt. (The date / time of the meeting has been brought forward to ...) Das Datum / die Zeit für die Besprechung wurde verschoben auf ... (The date / time of the meeting has been put back to ...) Wenn möglich, würde ich die Besprechung gern vorverlegen / verschieben / absagen.
(I'd like to bring forward / postpone / cancel the meeting if possible.) Acknowledging receipt of a letter Vielen Dank für Ihr Schreiben vom 13.Juni. (Thank you for your letter of 13th June.) Vielen Dank für Ihr Schreiben, das ich gerade erhalten habe. (Thank you for your letter, which I have just received.) Vielen Dank für Ihr Schreiben, das von X an mich weitergeleitet wurde. (Thank you for your letter, which X has passed on to me.) Vielen Dank für die Zusendung Ihrer Broschüre. (Thank you for sending me your brochure.) Bitte bestätigen Sie den Empfang dieses Schreibens. (Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.) Accepting a job offer das Angebot annehmen (to accept the offer) Es freut mich sehr, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass ich Ihr Angebot für die Stelle als ... mit Arbeitsbeginn am 28. Dezember gerne annehme. (I am very pleased to say that I would like to accept your offer of the post of ..., commencing on 28 December.) Ich freue mich, Ihnen mitteilen zu können, dass ... (I am happy to inform you that...) Ich würde die Stelle, die Sie mir angeboten haben, sehr gerne annehmen. Wäre es jedoch möglich, das Anfangsdatum auf den 1. April zu verschieben? (I would very much like to accept the post which you have offered me. Would it be possible however to postpone my starting date until the 1st of April?) Ich würde Ihr Angebot sehr gerne annehmen, wenn Sie bereit wären, das Gehalt auf .... zu erhöhen.
(I would be very glad to accept your offer if you agreed to increase the salary to ...) Hiermit bestätige ich, dass ... (I hereby confirm that ...) Confidentiality "vertraulich" ("confidential") Ich wäre Ihnen zu Dank verpflichtet, wenn Sie in dieser Sache äußerste Diskretion walten lassen könnten. (I would be grateful if you could show the utmost discretion in this matter.) Ihre Antwort wird selbstverständlich streng vertraulich behandelt. (Your answer will be treated in strict confidence.) Curriculum vitae: things to include abroad:
im Ausland:
- year abroad
- das Auslandsjahr
- term abroad
- das Auslandssemester
activities:
Tätigkeiten (pl.):
- activities outside work
- nebenberufliche Tätigkeiten
- cultural activities
- kulturelle Tätigkeiten
- sporting activities
- sportliche Tätigkeiten
address
die Anschrift
birth:
die Geburt:
- date of birth
- das Geburtsdatum
- place of birth
- der Geburtsort
dissertation
die Diplomarbeit
- dissertation topic
- das Diplomarbeitsthema
education:
die Ausbildung:
- school education
- die Schulbildung
- university education
- das Studium
"enclosed"
"Anlage"
grant (university)
das Stipendium
job experience
berufliche Tätigkeiten (pl.)
marital status:
der Familienstand:
- single
- unverheiratet; ledig
- married
- verheiratet
mark:
die Note:
- overall mark
- die Gesamtnote
membership
die Mitgliedschaft
name:
der Name:
- full name
- der vollständige Name
photograph
das Lichtbild
postgraduate studies
postgraduatierte Studien (pl.)
skills:
Kenntnisse (pl.):
- computer skills
- PC-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- language skills
- Fremdsprachenkenntnisse (pl.)
- multimedia skills
- Multimedia-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- other skills
- sonstige Kenntnisse (pl.)
society, club:
der Verein:
- a University society
- ein universitärer Verein
- a non-University society
- ein außeruniversitärer Verein
subject studied
das Studienfach
telephone number
die Telefonnummer
work experience
das Praktikum
Personal qualities competent
kompetent
conscientious gewissenhaft hard-working
fleißig
punctual
pünktlich
reliable
zuverlässig
trustworthy
vertrauenswürdig
Ich bin kontaktfreudig. (I am an outgoing person.) Er ist ein äußerst zuverlässiger Mitarbeiter. (He is a thoroughly reliable worker.) Ich habe Freude am selbständigen Arbeiten. (I like taking responsibility.) Ich bin pflichtbewusst. (I have a sense of responsibility.) Im Umgang mit seinen Kollegen zeigte er sich stets hilfsbereit. (He was always helpful to his colleagues.) meine sorgfältige Arbeitsweise (a careful approach to my work) University vocabulary Exeter University
die Universität Exeter
at Exeter University
an der Universität Exeter
to enrol at a university
sich an einer Universität einschreiben
first-year student
Student(in) im ersten Jahr
during the summer vacation während der Sommersemesterferien before starting University
bevor ich mit meinem Universitätsstudium begann
after graduating in 1999
nach meiner Graduierung 1999
Als Teil meines Universitätsstudiums würde ich gerne 6 Monate in Deutschland arbeiten. As part of my university course, I would like to work in Germany for approximately 6 months.
Ich graduierte von der Universität Exeter in dem Fach moderne Sprachen (Deutsch & Französisch). I graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Modern Languages (German & French).
Types of work to work
arbeiten
- to work in advertising
- in der Werbebranche arbeiten
- to work in banking
- im Bankwesen tätig sein
- to work in the hotel industry
- in der Hotelbranche arbeiten
- to work in publishing
- im Verlagswesen arbeiten
holiday job
der Ferienjob (-s)
- I have had many holiday jobs
- Ich habe mehrere Ferienjobs ausgeübt
work placement
das Praktikum
- to go on a work placement
- ein Praktikum absolvieren
full-time job
die Ganztagsstelle; die ganztägige Arbeit
- full-time occupation
- die Ganztagsbeschäftigung
- to work full-time
- ganztägig arbeiten
part-time job
der Teilzeitjob (-s); die Teilzeitarbeit; die Teilzeitbeschäftigiung (-en)
- part-time worker
- der/die Teilzeitbeschäftigte
- I'm only working part-time
- Ich arbeite nur Teilzeit
- employed part-time
- teilzeitbeschäftigt
- Can I do the job part-time?
- Kann ich auf Teilzeit arbeiten?
- She only teaches part-time
- Sie unterrichtet nur stundenweise
self-employed
freiberuflich; selbständig
- a self-employed person
- der Freiberufler; die Freiberuflerin
- to be self-employed
- freiberuflich für eine Firma arbeiten
freelance work for a publisher
freie Mitarbeit bei einem Verlag
short-time work
die Kurzarbeit
employee / white-collar worker
der/die Angestellte
skilled worker
der Facharbeiter
- semi-skilled worker
- die angelernte Arbeitskraft
- unskilled worker
- der ungelernte Arbeiter; die ungelernte Arbeiterin
employer
der Arbeitgeber
- equal opportunities employer
- ein Arbeitgeber, der Chancengleichheit praktiziert
English qualifications O Levels, GCSEs, Standard Grades
die mittlere Reife
A Levels, Higher Grades
das Abitur (in Germany); die Matura (in Austria, Switzerland)
A Levels/Highers in German, French, Maths
Abitur/Matura in den Fächern Deutsch, Französisch, Mathematik
a degree (in ...)
akademischer Abschluss (in ...)
a diploma in industrial management
Diplom in Betriebsführung
OND (in ...)
zweijähriges Studium an einer technischen Fachschule (in...)
HND (in ...)
dreijähriges Studium an einer technischen Fachschule (in...)
MA (in ...)
der M.A. (in ...)
MBA
der MBA (Magister in Betriebswirtschaftslehre)
MSc
Magister der Naturwissenschaften (in ...)
PhD (in...)
Dr. (der / des ...)
Salary and conditions salary - salary increase
das Gehalt - die Gehaltserhöhung
- an across the board salary increase - My present salary is X DM per annum
- die allgemeine Gehaltserhöhung - Zur Zeit verdiene ich DM X im Jahr; Oder: Mein derzeitiges Gehalt ist DM X pro Jahr
- salaried employee
- der Gehaltsempfänger
- salary on application
- Auskunft über Gehalt auf Anfrage
- salary review
- die Gehaltsüberprüfung
wage
der Lohn
- minimum wage
- der Mindestlohn
- guaranteed minimum wage
- der garantierte Mindestlohn
- wage earner
- der Lohnempfänger
paid holidays
der bezahlte Urlaub
- I have five weeks paid holiday
- Ich habe einen jährlichen Anspruch auf fünf Wochen bezahlten Urlaub
to receive a bonus payment
eine Prämie erhalten
golden hello
die Einstellungsprämie
golden handshake
die hohe Abfindung bei Entlassung
contributory pension scheme
die beitragspflichtige Rentenversicherung
employee benefits
Sachbezüge (pl.) für Angestellte
equal pay
gleicher Lohn (m.)
expense account
das Spesenkonto
expenses
Spesen (pl.)
flexitime
die Gleitzeit
fringe benefits
Lohnnebenleistungen (pl.)
gross pay
der Bruttolohn; das Bruttogehalt
incentive scheme
das Anreizsystem
luncheon voucher
die Essensmarke
maternity benefit
das Mutterschaftsgeld
maternity leave
der Mutterschaftsurlaub
national insurance
die Nationalversicherung
net pay
der Nettolohn
non-contributory pension scheme
die beitragsfreie Rentenversicherung
paternity leave
der Vaterschaftsurlaub
payment-by-results system das Leistungslohnsystem performance-related pay
Der leistungsbezogene Lohn
probationary period
die Probezeit
profit-sharing scheme
der Gewinnbeteiligungsplan
redundancy agreement
die Entlassungsvereinbarung
redundancy payment
die Entlassungsabfindung
security of tenure
der Kündigungsschutz
statutory deductions
gesetzliche Abzüge (pl.)
take-home pay
der Nettolohn; das Nettogehalt
time-and-a-half
die Arbeitszeit zu anderthalbfachem Tarif
Gehalt: ... pro Jahr zusätzlich Kommission / Prämien und Firmenwagen Salary: ... p.a. plus commission / bonuses and a company car Ich würde Ihr Angebot sehr gerne annehmen, wenn Sie bereit wären, das Gehalt auf .... zu erhöhen. I would be very glad to accept your offer if you agreed to increase the salary to ... Sending a letter I'd like to send this letter...
Ich möchte diesen Brief ... schicken.
- by airmail
- per Luftpost
- by registered post
- per Einschreiben
- express delivery
- per Express / per Eilboten
- as cheaply as possible
- auf die billigste Art
postage and packing
Porto und Verpackung
postage rate
Porto
surface mail
die Post auf dem Landweg / Seeweg
express delivery
die Eilzustellung
recorded delivery
die eingeschriebene Sendung
Datapost
Datapost
Freepost
Freepost
courier service
der Kurierdienst
poste restante
postlagernd
by return of post
postwendend
postpaid
portofrei
prepaid envelope
der Freiumschlag
window envelope
der Fensterumschlag
international reply coupon
= der internationale Rückantowrtschein
reply paid postcard
die Rückantwortkarte
address
die Anschrift
- business address
- die Geschäftsadresse
- at the above address
- unter obenstehender Adresse
- sender's address:
- Absender:
postcode
die Postleitzahl (PLZ)
P.O. Box 226
Postfach 226
postmark
der Poststempel
"date as postmark"
das Datum des Poststempels
printed matter
Drucksache (f.)
for the attention of Mr. Joyce z. Hd. Herrn Joyce care of, c/o
per Adresse
"private"
"vertraulich"
"private and confidential"
"streng vertraulich"
please forward
bitte nachsenden
jemandem einen Brief schicken, zusenden (to send somebody a letter) etwas mit getrennter Post senden (to send something in a separate letter) Wie lange wird dieser Brief brauchen?
(How long will this letter take to arrive?) Wie kann ich diesen Brief auf die schnellste Art schicken? (What's the quickest way of sending this letter?) Ich weiß die Postleitzahl nicht. Wo könnte ich sie nachschlagen? (I don't know the postcode. Where can I look it up?) Ich lege einen frankierten Umschlag bei. (I enclose a stamped, addressed envelope) Offers and offering Wenden Sie sich bitte jederzeit an mich. (Please feel free to contact me at any time.) Ich kümmere mich gern um diese Sache. (I would be glad to take care of this matter.) Ich wäre gerne bereit, das zu tun Oder: Ich wäre mit Vergnügen bereit, das zu tun. (I would be happy to ...) Booking accomodation Ich möchte bei Ihnen Übernachtungen mit Frühstück buchen. (I would like to book bed-and-breakfast accommodation with you.) Ich würde gerne ein Doppelzimmer für meine Frau und mich sowie ein Zweibettzimmer für unsere beiden Söhne (beide unter 12 Jahren) reservieren. (I wish to book one double room for my wife and myself, and one twin-bedded room for our sons, who are both under 12 years of age.) Ich hätte gerne ein Einzelzimmer mit Dusche für zwei Nächte. (I'd like a single room with shower for two nights.) Ich möchte für Herrn Namdar ein Einzelzimmer mit Bad für die Woche nach dem 23. Februar selbst. Herr Namdar bezahlt seine Rechnung selbst. (I wish to reserve a single room with bath for one week from the 23rd February, in the
name of Herr Namdar. Herr Namdar will settle the bill himself.) Bitte betrachten Sie diese Reservierung als bindend, und halten Sie mir das Zimmer frei, auch wenn ich sehr spät am Abend ankommen sollte. (Please consider this a firm booking, and hold the room till I arrive, however late in the evening.) Ich hätte gerne ein Zimmer mit Blick auf .... , wenn möglich. (If possible, I would like a room with a view of ...) Ich hätte gerne ein ruhiges Zimmer. (I would like a room which isn't too noisy, please.) Was sind Ihre Preise? (What are your room rates?) Was kostet eine Übernachtung mit Frühstück? (How much is a room per night, with breakfast?) Können Sie mir bitte ein Prospekt von Ihrem Hotel schicken? (Please send me a brochure about your hotel.) Wir wollen gegen Abend eintreffen, falls nicht dazwischenkommt. (We expect to arrive in the early evening, unless something unforeseen prevents us.) Bitte senden Sie die Rechnung an die obige Adresse. (Please send the bill to the above address.) Welche Kreditkarten nehmen Sie? (Which credit cards do you accept?) Können Sie mir vielleicht ein anderes Hotel empfehlen, das eventuell noch Zimmer frei hat? (Can you suggest another hotel that might have a vacancy?) Ich muss Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass ich aufgrund unvorhersehbarer Umstände meine Zimmerreservierung für die Woche ab dem 5. September stornieren muss.
(Owing to unforeseen circumstances, I am afraid that I must cancel the booking made with you for the week beginning September 5th.) Leider muss ich Sie bitten, meine Reservierung vom 24. August auf den 3. September umzubuchen. (I am afraid I must ask you to alter my booking from 24th August to 3rd September.) Thanks and best wishes Vielen Dank schon im voraus Oder: Ich danke Ihnen im voraus für Ihre Bemühungen. (Thanks in anticipation) Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Mühe gemacht haben, mir zu schreiben. (Thank you for taking the trouble to write to me.) Ich danke Ihnen vielmals für Ihre Zeit und Mühe. (I greatly appreciate the time and trouble which you took for us.) Ich danke Ihnen vielmals für all Ihre Bemühungen. (Please accept my grateful thanks for all your efforts.) Application forms das Bewerbungsformular (-e); das Antragsformular (-e) (application form) ein Bewerbungsformular ausfüllen (to complete an application form) Hiermit übersende ich Ihnen mein ausgefülltes Bewerbungsformular. (Please find herewith my completed application form.) Ich füge ein Bewerbungsformular bei. Bitte senden Sie es ausgefüllt bis zum 10. Oktober an uns zurück. (I enclose an application form. Please fill it and return it by 10th October.)
Availability for work Ich könnte diese Stelle im Mai 2001 antreten Oder: Ich könnte Ihnen ab Mai 2001 zur Verfügung stehen. (I shall be available from May 2001.) Ich bin in unangekündigter Stellung. (I am not under notice to leave.) Ich verlasse die Firma auf eigenen Wunsch. (I am leaving the firm at my own request.) The job interview das Vorstellungsgespräch; das Einstellungsgespräch (the job interview) das Beurteilungsgespräch (appraisal interview) Ich stehe Ihnen jederzeit zu einem persönlichen Vorstellungsgespräch zur Verfügung. (I am available for a personal interview at any time.) Über ein Vorstellungsgespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen. (I would welcome an interview.) Ich hoffe sehr, dass Sie mir die Gelegenheit zu einem persönlichen Vorstellungsgespräch gewähren werden. (I hope that you will allow me a personal interview.) Ich freue mich, Sie persönlich kennenzulernen. (I look forward to meeting you in person.) Wenn möglich, würde ich lieber an einem Freitag zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch kommen. (If possible, I would prefer to have my interview on a Friday.) Wir möchten Sie hiermit am 20. Juni zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch bitten.
(We would be grateful if you could come here for an interview on the 20th June.) Ich komme gern am 20. Juni zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch in Ihr Büro. (I shall be delighted to attend for interview in your offices on 20th June.) Lassen Sie mich bitte wissen, ob dieser Termin Ihnen ungelegen ist. (Please let me know if this time is inconvenient.) Falls Ihnen dieser Termin nicht passt, setzen Sie sich bitte sofort mit uns in Verbindung. (Please contact us immediately if this is not convenient.) Sollte dieser Termin Ihnen ungelegen sein, wenden Sie sich bitte an meine Sekretärin zur Vereinbarung eines beiderseits akzeptablen Termins. (If this time is not convenient for you, I would appreciate it if you could let my secretary know, and I will arrange the interview for a date that it suitable for us both.)
Replying to a letter In Beantwortung Ihres Briefes (In reply to your letter) Bezug nehmend auf Ihr Schreiben vom 31 Juli ... (With reference to your letter of 31 July...) Mit Bezug auf Ihr Angebot möchten wir Sie bitten, ... (With reference to your offer we would like to ask you ...) Ich beziehe mich auf Ihre Anfrage vom 14. Februar und sende Ihnen in der Anlage ... (In response to your enquiry of the 14th February, I enclose ...) Ich nehme Bezug auf unser Gespräch vom 23. August (Further to our conversation of 23 August)
Turning down a job offer
das Angebot ablehnen (to refuse the offer) Ich möchte Ihnen mitteilen, dass ich mich nach reiflicher Überlegung leider gezwungen sehe, Ihr Angebot abzulehnen. (Having given your offer due consideration, I regret to say that I am forced to decline your offer.) Es tut mir wirklich leid, aber ich kann Ihr Angebot nicht annehmen. (I'm very sorry but I can't accept your offer.) Ich danke Ihnen herzlich für die Einladung, muss aber leider ablehnen. (I'm afraid I cannot accept your kind invitation.) Es ist mir leider nicht möglich, das zu tun. (I'm afraid I will not be able to do that.) Ich bin nicht in der Lage, das zu tun. (I am not in a position to do that.) Ich kann Ihre Bitte nur unter größten Schwierigkeiten erfüllen. (It will be very difficult for me to fulfil your request.)
References a reference
das Zeugnis (-sse); die Referenz (-en)
a letter of recommendation das Empfehlungsschreiben a referee
die Referenz
Zeugnisse meiner früheren Arbeitgeber vorlegen (to provide references from my previous employers) Auf Verlangen kann ich Ihnen jederzeit Zeugnisse meiner früheren Arbeitgeber vorlegen.
Oder: Wenn Sie wünschen, kann ich Ihnen Referenzen von früheren Arbeitgebern vorlegen. (I can supply references from my previous employers, if you would like them.) Bitte setzen Sie sich nicht mit meinem derzeitigen Arbeitgeber in Verbindung. (Please do not contact my present employers.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir gestatten würden, Ihren Namen als Referenz nennen zu dürfen. (I would very much appreciate it if I could include your name in my list of references.) Ich habe mich für den Sommer um eine Stelle als Kellnerin beworben und wurde jetzt gebeten, ein Zeugnis vorzulegen. Wären Sie so freundlich, mir eines auszustellen? Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar dafür. (I have applied for a job of waitress for the summer and they have asked me to supply a reference. I wonder if you would be kind enough to write one for me? I would be very grateful.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir so bald wie möglich ein Zeugnis über meine Tätigkeit hier zuschicken könnten. (I would be very grateful if you would send me a reference relating to my time here as soon as possible.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr verbunden, wenn Sie mir ein Empfehlungsschreiben ausstellen könnten. (I would be very grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.) Da Sie mit meiner Arbeit vertraut sind, wäre ich Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie eine unparteiische Einschätzung meiner Fähigkeiten geben könnten. (As you are familiar with my work I would be grateful if you could give a fair evaluation of my capabilities.) jemandem als Referenz dienen (to be a referee for somebody) jemandem ein gutes Zeugnis ausstellen Oder: jemandem gute Referenzen ausstellen (to give somebody a good reference)
Man hat mich gebeten, ihm eine Referenz zu geben. (I have been asked to write a reference for him.) Wir wären Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie uns mitteilen könnten, ob sie Ihrer Meinung nach für diesen Posten geeignet ist. (We would be grateful if you could let us know whether she is suitable for the post.) Könnten Sie uns bitte mitteilen, ob Sie ihn für diese Tätigkeit empfehlen können? (Would you be kind enough to tell us whether you can recommend him for this post?) Ich bin gerne bereit, Ihnen nähere Auskunft über Ellen Bogen zu geben. (I am happy to provide information about Ellen Bogen.) Ich kann Ihnen Bill Anz bestens empfehlen. (I can strongly recommend Bill Anz.) Ich bin überzeugt, dass Harry Bo für den Posten in Ihrer Firma sehr geeignet ist. (I am convinced that Harry Bo is suitable for the post in your firm)
Documents my application documents meine Bewerbungsunterlagen (pl.) the original document
das Originaldokument (-e)
a copy of a document
die Zeugnisabschrift; die Zeugniskopie
an authenticated copy
eine beglaubigte Kopie
medical certificate
das amtsärztliche Zeugnis
You should never send the original documents, but instead approved copies
Sie sollten nie Originaldokumente verschicken, immer nur beglaubigte Kopien.
Enclosing documents In der Anlage übersende ich Ihnen meinen Lebenslauf und Referenzen. (Please find enclosed my C.V. and references.)
In der Anlage übersende ich Ihnen die üblichen Bewerbungsunterlagen. (I have enclosed the customary application documents.) Aus meinem beiliegenden Lebenslauf erfahren Sie Näheres über meine berufliche Laufbahn. (You will learn more about my career from the CV enclosed within.) In der Anlage sende ich Ihnen einen Scheck über DM X. (I enclose a cheque for X Marks.) Für Ihre Rückantwort lege ich einen frankierten Umschlag bei. (I enclose a stamped, addressed envelope for your reply.) Ich lege einen (internationalen) Antwortschein bei. (I enclose an international reply coupon.) Mit getrennter Post übersende ich Ihnen ... (I am sending under separate cover ...) Training training
die Ausbildung
- training course
- der Ausbildungskurs
- training officer
- der Ausbildungsleiter
- in-house training
- die betriebsinterne Ausbildung
- off-the-job training
- die außerbetriebliche Ausbildung
- on-the-job training
- die innerbetriebliche Ausbildung
- vocational training
- die Berufsausbildung
trainee; apprentice
der/die Auszubildende; der Azubi
- management trainee
- der/die Management-Auszubildende
Responsibilities Ich war verantwortlich für die Publicity. (I was responsible for publicity.)
Ich bin dafür verantwortlich, dass ... Oder: Es ist meine Aufgabe, sicherzustellen, dass ... (I am responsible for ensuring that ...) Meine Aufgabe innerhalb der Firma ist es, ... zu ..... (My role within the company is to ...) Ich kümmere mich um alle Angelegenheiten, die mit ... zu tun haben. (I deal with all matters regarding ...) Ich war für den täglichen Büroablauf verantwortlich. (I looked after the day-to-day running of the office.) Zu meinen Aufgaben gehörte außerdem die Vereinbarung weiterer Termine. (I was also responsible for arranging private appointments.) Ein Teil meines Aufgabengebiets war ... (One of my responsibilities was ...)
German qualifications Diplom (Dipl.)
= diploma after 5-6 years at university
Dipl.-Ing
= academically qualified engineer
Dipl.-Kfm
= business school graduate
Fachabitur
= A Levels in a specific subject
FH
= qualification from a Fachhochschule
Gesellenprüfung
= craftman's certificate
Lehre
= apprenticeship
Meisterprüfung
= master craftman's certificate
Staatsexamen
= first degree required before teacher training
Accommodation / relocation expenses Würden Sie mir bei der Wohnungssuche behilflich sein? (Would you help me to find accommodation?)
Wir werden Ihnen gerne behilflich sein, vorübergehende Unterkunft zu finden. (We will help you to find temporary accommodation.) Wir werden kostenlos vorübergehende Unterkunft für Sie arrangieren. (We will arrange temporary accommodation for you free of charge.) Würden Sie für meine Umzugskosten aufkommen? (Would you cover my relocation expenses?) Wir kommen für Umzugskosten bis zu einer Summe von ..... auf (We will cover your relocation expenses up to ...)
Telephone and fax vocabulary telephone
das Telefon
telephone number
die Telefonnummer
telephone extension
die Durchwahl
extension number 213
Apparat 213
telephone box
die Telefonzelle
telephone directory
das Telefonbuch
Yellow Pages
das Branchenverzeichnis; die Gelben Seiten
directory enquiries
die (Fernsprech)auskunft
answering machine
der Anrufbeantworter
recorded answerphone message der Ansagetext cardphone
das Kartentelefon
carphone
das Autotelefon
cellular telephone
das Funktelefon
cordless telephone
das schnurlose Telefon
mobile telephone
das Handy (-s)
pager
der Funkrufempfänger; die Personenrufanlage
Ich bin jederzeit unter der Telefonnummer 123-4567 zu erreichen. (I can be contacted by phone at any time at the number 123-4567.) Ich bin jederzeit über meinen Anrufbeantworter zu erreichen. (You can leave a message on my answering machine at any time.)
Orders and compulsion Ich bin verpflichtet, Sie darauf hinzuweisen, dass... (It is my duty to point out that...) Ich sehe mich gezwungen, das zu tun. (I am obliged / forced to do this.) Man ist (dazu) verpflichtet, das zu tun. (It is compulsory to do this.) Booking accomodation (2) accommodation
die Unterkunft
"accommodation offered"
"Fremdenzimmer"
"accommodation wanted"
"Zimmer / Wohnung gesucht"
adjacent rooms
nebeneinanderliegende Zimmer
air conditioned
klimatisiert
alarm call
der Weckruf
balcony
der Balkon
chambermaid
das Zimmermädchen
to check in
sich anmelden
to check out
abreisen
check-out time
die Abreisezeit
conference facilities
die Konferenzräumlichkeiten
conference room
das Konferenzzimmer
connecting rooms
angrenzende Zimmer
dining room
der Speisesaal
double room
das Doppelzimmer
emergency exit
der Notausgang
with en suite bathroom
mit Bad
foyer
die Empfangshalle
full board
die Vollpension
function suite
die Veranstaltungsräume
half board
die Halbpension
hotel reservation
die Hotelreservierung
laundry service
die Wäscherei
lobby
die Eingangshalle
lounge
der Gesellschaftsraum
meeting room
der Besprechungsraum
mini-bar
die Minibar
night porter
der Nachtportier
non-smoking room
das Nichtraucherzimmer
porter
der Portier
receipt
die Quittung
reception
der Empfang; die Rezeption
receptionist (male)
der Empfangschef; der Herr am Empfang
receptionist (female)
die Empfangsdame; die Dame am Empfang
room rates
die Zimmerpreise (pl.)
room service
der Zimmerservice
secretarial services
Schreibdienste (pl.)
single room
das Einzelzimmer
sleeping accommodation for six Schlafgelegenheit für 6 Personen suite
die Suite
twin beds
zwei Einzelbetten
valet service
der Reinigungsdienst
Postcodes
Germany Germany pioneered the idea of post codes (= Postleitzahlen) back in the early sixties, and the rest of the world imitated the concept. Under the current system established after reunification all addresses have a five-digit code, and letters are directed not just to cities, but to certain parts of cities. Hence the reason why German addresses are so much shorter than British ones - the postcode supplies all the requisite information.
Dates in German Unlike English which has several variations (May 2, May 2nd, 2nd May etc.), dates in German are always written the same way - der 2. Mai. At the head of letters, the accusative form is used, preceded by the name of the place Exeter, den 2. Mai 2001. Dates written all in numbers are also found in German, particularly in business letters - e.g. Exeter, den 2.5.2001.
Monday May 2nd 2001
Montag, der 2. Mai 2001
With reference to your letter of the 2.5.2001
Bezug nehmend auf Ihr Schreiben vom 2.5.2001
Prepositions in dates "On" with days and dates is translated by "an" (+ Dative) with the definite article, conflated to "am", whether there is a definite article in English or not:
On Friday
am Freitag
On May 2nd
am 2. Mai
On Friday May 2nd
am Freitag, den or dem 2. Mai
On the first of next month am nächsten Ersten "In" with months is translated by "in" (+ Dative) with the definite article, conflated to "im", whether there is a definite article in English or not:
in June
im Juni
last June voriges Jahr im Juni next June im Juni nächsten Jahres
BUT:
at the start of June
Anfang Juni
in the middle of December Mitte Dezember at the end of October
Ende Oktober
When giving the year when something happened in German, the year is usually given on its own without any preposition, although "im Jahre" can be added in more formal language:
She died in 1963 Sie starb 1963 Sie starb im Jahre 1963
Date of birth Current usage of "geboren" is as follows: "Ich bin geboren" is used when no other circumstances or only the place of birth are mentioned: "Ich wurde geboren" is used if further circumstances, such as the date, are given: Referring to people who are dead, either passive may be used:
I was born in Hamburg
Ich bin in Hamburg geboren
I was born in 1983 in Blubberhouses
Ich wurde 1983 / im Jahre 1983 in Blubberhouses geboren
Goethe was born in 1749 in Frankfurt
Goethe wurde / war 1749 in Frankfurt geboren
Date of birth: 2nd May 2001
Geburtsdatum: 02.05.2001
Place of birth: Hanover
Geburtsort: Hannover
Other phrases
From April onwards
ab April; vom April an
From April 5th onwards
vom 5. April an
From next Tuesday
von kommendem Dienstag an
From the 21st to the 30th
vom 21. bis zum 30.
It will be ready by Friday
Es wird bis Freitag fertig
It will be ready by the 12th
Es wird bis zum 12. fertig
It won't be ready until Friday Es wird erst (am) Freitag fertig Around November 15th
um den 15. November (herum)
In the 1980's
in den Achtzigerjahren; in den 80er-Jahren
Writing to friends
1) Writing formally to acquaintances and friends (using "Sie")
Dear Dr. Jaekel, Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Jaekel, Ending formula: mit freundlichen Grüßen, Dear friends,
Liebe Freunde,
Ending formula: mit besten Grüßen,
2) Writing quite informally to acquaintances and friends ("du" or "Sie")
Dear Ingrid,
Liebe Ingrid,
Dear Peter,
Lieber Peter,
Dear Peter and Ingrid,
Liebe Ingrid, lieber Peter,
Es grüßt dich / Sie..., Ending formula in each case: Herzliche Grüße von deinem / Ihrem (+ Dat.)... (followed by your own name) When writing to two people you can also close by saying: "Viele Grüße an euch / Sie beide".
3) Writing to close friends and family ("du")
Dear Uncle Tom,
Lieber Onkel Tom,
Dear Mother and Father,
Liebe Mutti, lieber Vati,
Dear Peter and Ingrid,
Liebe Ingrid, lieber Peter,
- Liebe Grüße von ... (+ Dative), Possible ending formulae: - Viele liebe Grüße - Viele Grüße und Küsse von deinem / eurem ...(+ Dat.)
Please note that as of August 1998, the second person singular and plural ("du" and "ihr") and their various forms ("dich", "dir" and "euch") are no longer written with an initial capital letter in letters. The polite form "Sie" is however still written with a capital letter. Envelope layout
1) Basic rules There are some basic rules to be adhered to when writing the name and address on an envelope. These are: 1) Make sure that the address is written flush left - i.e. that the first letters of each line are written directly beneath each other.
2) The street name (= "b" in our graphic) should be placed on the last line but two when writing to a foreign country, and on the last line but one when writing to an addressee in the same country as you. 3) The postcode and city/region (= "c" and "d" in our graphic) should be placed on the last line but one when writing to a foreign country, and on the very last line when writing to an addressee in the same country as you. Separate the postcode and the city/region by a single space. When writing to a German-speaking country from Britain you should always include the international abbreviation. 4) The country to which you are writing should go on the very last line of a letter abroad. 5) Do not underline any part of the address or use any graphics. 6) The Austrian post office's guide to addressing an envelope states that no blank lines should be included on an envelope. In typed or printed business mail however there is often a blank line before the place on an envelope.
2) "Absender" When sending a letter, you should always put your own name and address on the envelope. Many companies print this on the top left corner of the front of the envelope, but if you do this, make sure that this is printed in small lettering so as not to distract from the address of the person to whom you are sending the letter! On handwritten envelopes, most Germans write their own address on the back, preceded by the word "Absender:". International Postcodes
International abbreviations As well as the four/five digit postcodes which determine cities and regions, you should also preface the postcode on a letter heading overseas with the appropriate international abbreviation (= internationales Kennzeichen) for the country where the addressee lives. Thus a letter to Germany might bear the postcode: D-05067. A letter to Austria might bear the postcode: A-9010. A letter to Switzerland might bear the postcode: CH-4012. A letter to Liechtenstein might bear the postcode: FL-9490. The following countries would prefer you to include their international abbreviation in letters posted from overseas:
A
Austria
L
Luxembourg
B
Belgium
LT
Lithuania
BG Bulgaria
LV
Latvia
CH Switzerland
MC
Monaco
CY Cyprus
MD
Moldova
CZ
Czech Republic
MK
Macedonia
D
Germany
N
Norway
DK Denmark
P
Portugal
E
Spain
PL
Poland
EE
Estonia
RD
Dominican Republic
F
France
RO
Romania
FIN Finland
RSM San Marino
FL
Liechtenstein
S
Sweden
FO Faroe Islands
SI
Slovenia
GR Greece
SK
Slovakia
H
TN
Tunisia
HR Croatia
TR
Turkey
HT
Haiti
V
Vatican City
I
Italy
YU
Yugoslavia
IS
Iceland
Hungary
When sending a letter from one place in Germany to another, there is no need to add the international abbreviation. How to write a CV Introduction As with the letter of application, a German CV should be brief - one side, at most two. Unless otherwise stipulated, the CV should be typewritten and set out as a table (= "der tabellarische Lebenslauf"). Thus the requisite headings should appear on the left of the page followed on the right by a brief keyword description of your personal details. The advantages for an employer are clear: the information is clearly set out, and comparisons between candidates are much easier. The following information should be included (usually in this order): 1) Personal data ("die persönlichen Daten")
(Full) name
Name:
Address
Anschrift:
Telephone number Telefonnummer: Date of birth
Geburtsdatum:
Place of birth
Geburtsort:
Marital status
Familienstand:
Number of children Kinderzahl: 2) School Education List all the schools which you attended and the years that you were there. After the name of each school, it would make sense to indicate in German which type of establishment this was - e.g. "Grundschule", "Gymnasium". You should also list all qualifications gained, again followed by the appopriate German equivalent in brackets - e.g. "Abitur", "Mittlere Reife". See the specific vocabulary section for help in this. 3) University career ("das Studium")
Name and location of university Name und Ort der Universität: Subject(s) studied
Studienfach:
(Main emphasis of studies)
(Schwerpunkt:)
(Subject of dissertation)
(Diplomarbeitsthema:)
Level of qualification
Akademischer Grad:
(Expected academic grade)
(Angestrebter akademischer Grad:)
You might also wish to list:
Terms spent abroad Auslandssemester: Year spent abroad
Auslandsjahr:
Postgraduate Studies Postgraduierte Studien: Awards
Förderpreise:
Publications
Veröffentlichungen:
4) Work experience ("Berufliche Tätigkeiten; Berufserfahrung") List any jobs which you have already had, and the dates of each employment. Although you may not have had much work experience at this point, the more jobs you can supply, the more active a person you appear. 5) Other skills ("Besondere Kenntnisse") Or in other words, anything impressive which you haven't managed to fit into the previous categories. This should include knowledge of foreign languages ("Sprachkenntnisse"), other than those which you have indicated on your earlier degree information. Be as specific as possible. The phrase "zwei Jahre Spanischunterricht" is less likely to convince a company than an honest assessment of your actual standard - e.g. "Grundkenntnisse in Italienisch" (a basic knowledge of Italian). It is better still to mention specific certificates which you have attained, particularly if they are business-related such as the "Cambridge Certificate for International Business and Trade". If you have attended a "Business German" course at the Foreign Language Centre, here would be the ideal place to mention it! Other skills which you might care to mention:
Computer skills
PC-Kenntnisse:
Multimedia skills Multimedia-Kenntnisse: Driving licence
Führerschein:
6) Hobbies ("Hobbys") Be sensible here - the aim is to show that you are a well-balanced individual with cultural and sporting inclinations and NOT somebody with so many extracurricular activities that work responsibilties would merely get in the way of your social life. Try to reduce the number of hobbies that you list to ones where you held positions of responsibility or achieved something tangible - e.g. Mitgliedschaft in universitären und außeruniversitären Vereinen (= membership of university societies and non-university groupings). 7) Date and place ("Ort und Datum") At the bottom of your CV you should give the name of the town in which you are writing the form, followed by a comma and the date - e.g. "Exeter, 01.10.2000". 8) Signature ("Unterschrift") Finally sign your CV in your own handwriting and on the left-hand side of the page. Beneath that you should then print your name. 9) Photograph ("Lichtbild") If there is not a specific place on an application form for a photograph of yourself then you should attach one on the first page of the CV, if possible in the top right hand corner. German employers tend to be quite picky about the quality of picture required - the quality of picture is deemed to correspond to the seriousness of your application. A passport picture will NOT suffice, and it should be slightly larger than that in size (4 x 5cm). Whether you choose a colour or a black and white picture is a matter of taste. The photograph The photograph "Das Lichtbild" If there is not a specific place on an application form for a photograph of yourself then you should affix one on the first page of the CV, if possible in the top right hand corner. German employers tend to be quite picky about the quality of picture required - the quality of picture is deemed to correspond to the seriousness of your application. A passport picture will not suffice, and it should be slightly bigger than this in size (4 x 5cm). Whether you choose a colour or a black and white picture is a matter of taste. On the letter of application itself, you should list the picture as one of the items enclosed, even if it is attached to the CV. photograph
das Lichtbild (-er); das Bewerbungsfoto (-s)
passport photo
das Passfoto
picture from a photo booth das Automatenfoto black and white picture
das Schwarzweißfoto
colour picture
das Farbfoto
Das Lichtbild auf dem Bewerbungsbogen leicht ankleben! (Please stick the picture onto the application form.) Das Lichtbild stellt den ersten optischen Eindruck Ihrer Person dar. (The photograph gives the first visual impression of your character.)
Vocabulary - Curriculum vitae General phrases der Lebenslauf (curriculum vitae) Anbei sende ich Ihnen meinen Lebenslauf (Please find enclosed my C.V.) Wie Sie meinem Lebenslauf entnehmen können, habe ich schon in Deutschland gearbeitet. (As you will see from my C.V., I have worked in Germany before.) Aus meinem beiliegenden Lebenslauf erfahren Sie Näheres über meine akademische Laufbahn. (You will learn more about my academic career from the C.V. enclosed within.) Documents my application documents meine Bewerbungsunterlagen (pl.) the original document
das Originaldokument (-e)
a copy of a document
die Zeugnisabschrift; die Zeugniskopie
an authenticated copy
eine beglaubigte Kopie
medical certificate
das amtsärztliche Zeugnis
You should never send the original documents, but instead approved copies
Sie sollten nie Originaldokumente verschicken, immer nur beglaubigte Kopien.
Qualifications - general die Qualifikationen (pl.) (qualifications) Meine Qualifikationen sind folgende: (My qualifications are briefly as follows:) Ich habe die erforderlichen Qualifikationen für die Stelle. (I have the necessary qualifications for the job.) Ich beendete meine schulische Laufbahn 1999. (I left school in 1999.) Ich graduierte von der Universität Exeter in dem Fach moderne Sprachen (Deutsch & Französisch). (I graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Modern Languages (German & French).) University vocabulary Exeter University
die Universität Exeter
at Exeter University
an der Universität Exeter
to enrol at a university
sich an einer Universität einschreiben
first-year student
Student(in) im ersten Jahr
during the summer vacation während der Sommersemesterferien before starting University
bevor ich mit meinem Universitätsstudium begann
after graduating in 1999
nach meiner Graduierung 1999
Als Teil meines Universitätsstudiums würde ich gerne 6 Monate in Deutschland arbeiten. As part of my university course, I would like to work in Germany for approximately 6 months.
Ich graduierte von der Universität Exeter in dem Fach moderne Sprachen (Deutsch & Französisch). I graduated from Exeter University with a degree in Modern Languages (German & French). Work experience "previous employment"
"berufliche Tätigkeiten"
die Arbeitsplatzbeschreibung job description die Berufsbezeichnung
job title
der Ferienjob (-s)
holiday job
Dienstjahre (pl.)
length of service
Meine offizielle Berufsbezeichnung ist ... (My official job title is ...) Ich arbeite zur Zeit in diesem Bereich. (I am currently working in this field.) Ich bin seit 5 Jahren hier tätig. (I have been working here for 5 years.) Ich bin seit 1998 in dieser Stelle. (I started the job in 1998.) Seit vier Jahren bin ich als Sekretärin in einer aufstrebenden kleinen Firma tätig. (I have been a secretary in a small but ambitious company for 4 years.) Die letzten sechs Jahre war ich in der Exportabteilung von EMI tätig. (I was working in the export dept. of EMI for the last 6 years.) Ich habe die nötige Erfahrung für diese Stelle. (I have the necessary experience for this job.)
Erfahrung in diesem Bereich ist erwünscht, aber nicht unbedingt erforderlich. (Experience in the field is preferable but not essential.) Ich verfüge über Berufserfahrung in der Werbebranche. (I have experience of working in advertising.) Ich verfüge über 2 Jahre Büroerfahrung. Oder: Ich habe zwei Jahre Büroerfahrung. (I have 2 years experience of office work.) Ich habe drei Jahre Erfahrung in diesem Bereich. (I have 3 years experience of this kind of work.) viel Berufserfahrung im Bankwesen haben (to have a lot of experience in banking) Ich habe zwar keine Erfahrung auf diesem speziellen Fachgebiet, habe aber ... (Although I have no experience of this type of work, I have ....) Ich bin ausgebildeter Ingenieur. (I was trained as an engineer.) Durch die dadurch gewonnenen Erfahrungen bin ich mit den Aufgaben einer Sekretärin bestens vertraut. (Thanks to this experience I am thoroughly familiar with the job of secretary.) Ich habe mehrere Ferienjobs ausgeübt. (I have had many holiday jobs.) in meiner Funktion als Richter Oder: in meiner Eigenschaft als Richter (in my function as judge) Curriculum vitae: things to include abroad:
im Ausland:
- year abroad
- das Auslandsjahr
- term abroad
- das Auslandssemester
activities:
Tätigkeiten (pl.):
- activities outside work
- nebenberufliche Tätigkeiten
- cultural activities
- kulturelle Tätigkeiten
- sporting activities
- sportliche Tätigkeiten
address
die Anschrift
birth:
die Geburt:
- date of birth
- das Geburtsdatum
- place of birth
- der Geburtsort
dissertation
die Diplomarbeit
- dissertation topic
- das Diplomarbeitsthema
education:
die Ausbildung:
- school education
- die Schulbildung
- university education
- das Studium
"enclosed"
"Anlage"
grant (university)
das Stipendium
job experience
berufliche Tätigkeiten (pl.)
marital status:
der Familienstand:
- single
- unverheiratet; ledig
- married
- verheiratet
mark:
die Note:
- overall mark
- die Gesamtnote
membership
die Mitgliedschaft
name:
der Name:
- full name
- der vollständige Name
photograph
das Lichtbild
postgraduate studies
postgraduatierte Studien (pl.)
skills:
Kenntnisse (pl.):
- computer skills
- PC-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- language skills
- Fremdsprachenkenntnisse (pl.)
- multimedia skills
- Multimedia-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- other skills
- sonstige Kenntnisse (pl.)
society, club:
der Verein:
- a University society
- ein universitärer Verein
- a non-University society
- ein außeruniversitärer Verein
subject studied
das Studienfach
telephone number
die Telefonnummer
work experience
das Praktikum
Enclosing documents In der Anlage übersende ich Ihnen meinen Lebenslauf und Referenzen. (Please find enclosed my C.V. and references.) In der Anlage übersende ich Ihnen die üblichen Bewerbungsunterlagen. (I have enclosed the customary application documents.) Aus meinem beiliegenden Lebenslauf erfahren Sie Näheres über meine berufliche Laufbahn. (You will learn more about my career from the CV enclosed within.) In der Anlage sende ich Ihnen einen Scheck über DM X. (I enclose a cheque for X Marks.) Für Ihre Rückantwort lege ich einen frankierten Umschlag bei. (I enclose a stamped, addressed envelope for your reply.) Ich lege einen (internationalen) Antwortschein bei. (I enclose an international reply coupon.) Mit getrennter Post übersende ich Ihnen ... (I am sending under separate cover ...)
English qualifications O Levels, GCSEs, Standard Grades
die mittlere Reife
A Levels, Higher Grades
das Abitur (in Germany); die Matura (in Austria, Switzerland)
A Levels/Highers in German, French, Maths
Abitur/Matura in den Fächern Deutsch, Französisch, Mathematik
a degree (in ...)
akademischer Abschluss (in ...)
a diploma in industrial management
Diplom in Betriebsführung
OND (in ...)
zweijähriges Studium an einer technischen Fachschule (in...)
HND (in ...)
dreijähriges Studium an einer technischen Fachschule (in...)
MA (in ...)
der M.A. (in ...)
MBA
der MBA (Magister in Betriebswirtschaftslehre)
MSc
Magister der Naturwissenschaften (in ...)
PhD (in...)
Dr. (der / des ...)
Language skills Englisch ist meine Muttersprache. (English is my first language.) Haben Sie irgendwelche Sprachkenntnisse? (Do you know any languages?) Ich habe gute mündliche und schriftliche deutsche Sprachkenntnisse. (I speak and write German well.) Ich spreche fließend Deutsch. (I speak fluent German.) Meine Deutschkenntnisse sind ziemlich eingerostet. (My German is a little rusty.) Mein Handelsdeutsch erwarb ich am Goethe-Institut in London. (I learned business German at the Goethe Institute in London.)
Ich habe gute Anfangskenntnisse im Italienischen. (I have some knowledge of Italian.) Ich habe Grundkenntnisse in Russisch. (I have a working knowledge of Russian.) Ich habe Kurse in Spanisch und Französisch mit Erfolg belegt. (I have successfully taken courses in Spanish and French.) Ich kann Schwedisch lesen. (I can read Swedish.) Ich verstehe kein Griechisch. (I don't understand Greek.) Ich möchte meine Sprachkenntnisse verbessern. (I want to improve my language.) Ich würde meine Sprachkenntnisse gerne etwas mehr einsetzen. (I would like to make better use of my languages.) deutschen Sprachunterricht erteilen (to give German lessons) einen Text aus dem Deutschen ins Englische übersetzen. (to translate a text from German into English) Ich kann nicht gut übersetzen. (I'm not very good at translation.) die zweisprachige Sekretärin (bilingual secretary) Types of work to work - to work in advertising
arbeiten - in der Werbebranche arbeiten
- to work in banking - to work in the hotel industry
- im Bankwesen tätig sein - in der Hotelbranche arbeiten
- to work in publishing
- im Verlagswesen arbeiten
holiday job
der Ferienjob (-s)
- I have had many holiday jobs
- Ich habe mehrere Ferienjobs ausgeübt
work placement
das Praktikum
- to go on a work placement
- ein Praktikum absolvieren
full-time job
die Ganztagsstelle; die ganztägige Arbeit
- full-time occupation
- die Ganztagsbeschäftigung
- to work full-time
- ganztägig arbeiten
part-time job
der Teilzeitjob (-s); die Teilzeitarbeit; die Teilzeitbeschäftigiung (-en)
- part-time worker
- der/die Teilzeitbeschäftigte
- I'm only working part-time
- Ich arbeite nur Teilzeit
- employed part-time
- teilzeitbeschäftigt
- Can I do the job part-time?
- Kann ich auf Teilzeit arbeiten?
- She only teaches part-time
- Sie unterrichtet nur stundenweise
self-employed
freiberuflich; selbständig
- a self-employed person
- der Freiberufler; die Freiberuflerin
- to be self-employed
- freiberuflich für eine Firma arbeiten
freelance work for a publisher
freie Mitarbeit bei einem Verlag
short-time work
die Kurzarbeit
employee / white-collar worker
der/die Angestellte
skilled worker
der Facharbeiter
- semi-skilled worker
- die angelernte Arbeitskraft
- unskilled worker
- der ungelernte Arbeiter; die ungelernte Arbeiterin
employer
der Arbeitgeber
- equal opportunities employer
- ein Arbeitgeber, der Chancengleichheit praktiziert
Skills skills
Kenntnisse (pl.)
computer skills
PC-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- data processing skills
- EDV-Kenntnisse (pl.)
- I am familiar with word processors
- Ich bin mit der Textverarbeitung vertraut
- I am familiar with Word 6.0
- Textverarbeitung (Word 6.0) ist mir geläufig
- I am familiar with DataBase3
- DataBase3 ist mir geläufig
I can type well
Ich kann gut Maschine schreiben
- typing speed
- die Schreibgeschwindigkeit
- typewritten
- Maschine geschrieben
driving licence
der Führerschein
- I've lost my driving licence
- mir wurde der Führerschein entzogen
my organisational ability
mein organisatorisches Können
my sound knowledge of the field
meine fundierten Sachkenntnisse (pl.)
to come up to your expectations
Ihren Erwartungen entsprechen
Ich bin stets bemüht, meine beruflichen Kenntnisse zu verbessern. (I have always tried to improve my career skills.) Ich besuchte Kurse in Betriebswirtschaft und Datenverarbeitung. (I have taken courses in business management and data processing.) Ich habe einen Abendkurs in Büroorganisation belegt. (I have taken a night-school course in office management.) Spezialkenntnisse (pl.) auf dem Fachgebiet der Psychologie (Special knowledge in the field of psychology) Ich bin sicher, dass ich alle mir anvertrauten Aufgaben als Sekretärin zu Ihrer vollsten Zufriedenheit ausüben würde. (I am confident that I could fulfil all the tasks which you would require of a secretary.)
Sie hat die ihr übertragenen Aufgaben stets zur vollsten Zufriedenheit erledigt. (She carried out her work to our complete satisfaction.)
Personal qualities competent
kompetent
conscientious gewissenhaft hard-working
fleißig
punctual
pünktlich
reliable
zuverlässig
trustworthy
vertrauenswürdig
Ich bin kontaktfreudig. (I am an outgoing person.) Er ist ein äußerst zuverlässiger Mitarbeiter. (He is a thoroughly reliable worker.) Ich habe Freude am selbständigen Arbeiten. (I like taking responsibility.) Ich bin pflichtbewusst. (I have a sense of responsibility.) Im Umgang mit seinen Kollegen zeigte er sich stets hilfsbereit. (He was always helpful to his colleagues.) meine sorgfältige Arbeitsweise (a careful approach to my work) German qualifications
Diplom (Dipl.)
= diploma after 5-6 years at university
Dipl.-Ing
= academically qualified engineer
Dipl.-Kfm
= business school graduate
Fachabitur
= A Levels in a specific subject
FH
= qualification from a Fachhochschule
Gesellenprüfung
= craftman's certificate
Lehre
= apprenticeship
Meisterprüfung
= master craftman's certificate
Staatsexamen
= first degree required before teacher training
Training training
die Ausbildung
- training course
- der Ausbildungskurs
- training officer
- der Ausbildungsleiter
- in-house training
- die betriebsinterne Ausbildung
- off-the-job training
- die außerbetriebliche Ausbildung
- on-the-job training
- die innerbetriebliche Ausbildung
- vocational training
- die Berufsausbildung
trainee; apprentice
der/die Auszubildende; der Azubi
- management trainee
- der/die Management-Auszubildende
Responsibilities Ich war verantwortlich für die Publicity. (I was responsible for publicity.) Ich bin dafür verantwortlich, dass ... Oder: Es ist meine Aufgabe, sicherzustellen, dass ... (I am responsible for ensuring that ...) Meine Aufgabe innerhalb der Firma ist es, ... zu ..... (My role within the company is to ...) Ich kümmere mich um alle Angelegenheiten, die mit ... zu tun haben.
(I deal with all matters regarding ...) Ich war für den täglichen Büroablauf verantwortlich. (I looked after the day-to-day running of the office.) Zu meinen Aufgaben gehörte außerdem die Vereinbarung weiterer Termine. (I was also responsible for arranging private appointments.) Ein Teil meines Aufgabengebiets war ... (One of my responsibilities was ...)
Model CV (1)
Lebenslauf Name:
Martina Mustermann
Anschrift:
Im Spektefeld 23 D-13307 Berlin
Telefonnummer:
0123/45678
Geburtsdatum:
5. Juni 1983
Geburtsort:
Halle
Eltern:
Erwin Mustermann, Maurermeister Lena Mustermann, Erzieherin
Schulbildung:
September 1989 - Juli 1993 Erich-KästnerGrundschule Musterstadt
September 1993 - Juli 1995 Pestalozzi-Hauptschule Musterstadt seit September 1995 Hermann-Hesse-Realschule Musterstadt Schulabschluss:
Mittlere Reife voraussichtlich im Juli 1999
Lieblingsfächer:
Mathematik, Englisch
Außerschulische Tätigkeiten:
seit Juni 1996 Leiterin der Jugendgruppe "Kleine Schwalben" Juli 1998 Betriebspraktikum bei der Wieauchimmer GmbH Maschinenschreiben
Besondere Kenntnisse:
Textverarbeitung mit Word for Windows
Hobbys:
Tanzen, Lesen
Berufswunsch:
Industriekauffrau
Musterstadt, 1. Oktober 1998 (handschriftlich unterschreiben)
Model CV (2)
Lebenslauf Harry Kearie
Alexandrinenstraße 43a D-10969 Berlin Tel: 030/123 4567 Geboren:
15.9.1962 in Braunschweig
Familienstand:
Verheiratet seit 1990, 3 Kinder
Schulbildung:
5 Jahre Grundschule in Lübeck 9 Jahre Pestalozzi-Gymnasium Lübeck Abitur 1980
Studium:
Chemie und Physik Universität Gießen 1983-1989
Berufliche Tätigkeiten:
Juli 1989 - Juni 1991 Auslandsaufenthalt New York Freie Mitarbeit bei Reuters News Agency Seit Juli 1991 Personaldirektor bei der Spielwarenfirma Kinderschreck GmbH in Berlin-Neukölln
Kenntnisse:
PC-Kenntnisse (Textverarbeitung und Tabellenkalulation) Gute mündliche und schriftliche englische und französische Sprachkenntnisse Anfangskenntnisse Japanisch Führerschein Klasse 3
Berlin, 2. Mai 1997 (handschriftlich unterschrieben)
Model CV (3)
LEBENSLAUF NAME:
Duncan George Disorderly
ANSCHRIFT:
12 Letsby Avenue Exeter EX2 4QQ England Tel:(0044) 1392 987654 E-Mail:
[email protected]
GEBURTSDATUM:
19.06.1975
GEBURTSORT:
Sellafield, England
AUSBILDUNG: 1986-1993
Queen Mary's Girls School, Sellafield (Gymnasium)
Mai 1993
4 A Levels: German, French, Maths, Physics (Abitur in 4 Fächern: Deutsch, Französisch, Mathematik, Physik)
1993-1997
BSc in Mechanical Engineering II.1 (Diplom in Maschinenbau) Universität Exeter
1997-1998
Master of Business Administration (Magister in Betriebswirtschaftslehre) Universität Exeter
BERUFLICHE TÄTIGKEITEN: Juni 1998 - Juli 1998
Trainee Salesman (Firmenpraktikant) Marko Tredup KG, Hamburg
Juli 1998 - heute
Deputy Export Manager (Stellvertretender Leiter der Exportabteilung)
Rancid Scones Ltd., Exeter
HOBBYS:
In meiner Freizeit leite ich eine Jugendgruppe
SPRACHKENNTNISSE:
Englisch (Muttersprache) Deutsch (fließend) Französisch (gute mündliche und schriftliche Kenntnisse)
WEITERE INFORMATIONEN:
PC-Kenntnisse Führerschein
Model CV (4)
Lebenslauf Persönliche Daten Name: Nina Muster Adresse: Musterstr. 5 12345 Musterstadt Telefon: 0814 / 4711 Geburtsdatum: 5.10.1981
Geburtsort: Musterstadt Staatsangehörigkeit: deutsch Familienstand: ledig Eltern: Vater: Felix Muster, Bauingenieur Mutter: Beate Muster, geb. Glück, Hausfrau Geschwister: Bruder: Dennis Muster Geboren am: 13.05.1985
Schulische Daten September 1987 - Juli 1991: Musterschule Musterhausen Seit September 1991: Gymnasium von Musterhausen Juni 1999: Schulabschluß Abitur Lieblingsfächer: Physik, Mathematik, Geschichte
Fremdsprachenkenntnisse Englisch gut, Grundkenntnisse in Französisch und Italienisch
Nina Muster Musterstadt, 22.12.1998
Asking if work is available Model Letter 1 Peter Maier Rosenstraße 3 Musterstadt Telefon 1 23 / 6 78
Firma XY Geschäftsführung Herrn Jörg Klein Detmolder Straße 3 40213 Düsseldorf Beispielstadt, den 17. Januar 1999 Meine Bewerbung bei der XXXXX Sehr geehrter Herr Klein, Ihre Gesellschaften gehören zu einem der größten und wachstumsstärksten Unternehmen der Branche und bieten in Anzeigen immer wieder attraktive Aufgaben an. Ich könnte mir vorstellen, daß Ihr Haus qualifizierten Fach- und Führungskräften auch darüber hinaus interessante Perspektiven aufzeigen kann. Deshalb bewerbe ich mich bei Ihrer Unternehmensgruppe. Als Volljurist und gelernter "Sachmann" mit fundierten und zugleich vielseitigen Erfahrungen in der Branche, im Innen- und Außendienst, interessiere ich mich für eine neue Aufgabe bei einem namhaften xxxx. Zehn Jahre bei der xxxx und etwa zweieinhalb Jahre bei einem xxxx Unternehmen sind meine Ausgangsposition. Für den Einstieg stelle ich mir vor, eine Funktion im Außendienst zu übernehmen und denke dabei an den Vertrieb für den privaten oder industriell, gewerblichen Bereich. So könnte ich wieder an meine bei der xxxx ausgeübten Tätigkeit anknüpfen. Aber auch ein anderer Weg, mit der Chance, Neues dazuzulernen, würde mich sehr reizen. Vielleicht ergibt sich vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Entwicklung auf dem Gebiet des xxxx eine solche Möglichkeit im Bereich xxxx. Einschlägige Berufserfahrungen auf diesem Gebiet sind bei mir vorhanden. Gerne sende ich Ihnen, wie telefonisch vereinbart, mit diesem Schreiben meine Bewerbungsunterlagen. Ich würde mich sehr freuen, wenn Sie die Einsatzmöglichkeiten für mich in Ihrem Hause prüfen könnten. Mit freundlichen Grüßen xxxx Anlagen: Lichtbild, Lebenslauf, Zeugniskopie
How good is this application?
Good unsolicited applications are personalised - i.e. the intended addressee of the letter is mentioned with both Christian name and surname in the firm's address. By simply writing to "the management", the applicant sends a negative signal. He has clearly not taken time to investigate the company and find out the name of its employees. In unsolicited applications, the letter-writer must seek the shortest possible path to the decision-maker in the department in which he seeks to work. Writing directly to a Head of Department often yields more positive results in Germany than simple writing to personnel departments. The reason for writing (Betreffzeile) is not punchy enough. The name of the firm can be taken for granted - why does the applicant not simply write "Bewerbung Vertriebsleiter" (Application for the post of Sales Manager), thus immediately telling the recipient which post he is interested in? As there as already been telephone contact between applicant and addressee, the "Betreffzeile" should be completed by the line "Unser Telefonat vom ..." (Re: Our telephone call of ...) so as to remind the recipient that he knows this man. This letterwriter only mentions the phone call in the final paragraph - by which time the company representative may well have thrown his letter in the bin! And if we assume that the function of the telephone call was to see if the firm needed a sales manager, the opening paragraph is very vague and does not suggest that the applicant knows that an opportunity might be available. A much better opening paragraph would therefore be: "Sie teilten mir mit, dass Sie im Bereich der gewerblich / industriellen Kunden expandieren wollen. Hierbei könnte ich Sie durch meine langjährige Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet unterstützen. Daher bewerbe ich mich." The main function of a letter of application should be to communicate the applicant's experience and skills as concisely and punchily as possible. Here again our letter-writer is found wanting, using too many relative clauses and over-complex sentences. The reader's attention naturally wanders, particularly if he/she has to read many such letters per day. Crisp (German) sentences should ideally be no longer than eight or nine words. Another error on behalf of the letter-writer is to talk in too much detail about the benefits of a new job for him. He should instead concentrate upon delineating what expertise he can offer the company. In unsolicited applications at least three positions of responsibility which the applicant has held should be mentioned - but only if they are relevant to the post itself Perhaps the most serious mistake is in the fourth paragraph, where the applicant undoes all his good work by suggesting another area in the company in which he would be prepared to work. In trying to display his flexibility, he instead inadvertently signals both career uncertainty and a degree of desperation to the reader! For clarity's sake, stick to applying for one particular post.
The idea of listing the enclosed items next to each other, instead of beneath each other as is usual, is perfectly acceptable in longish letters where the dangers of going on to a new sheet of paper is present. Model Letter 2 How effective is this letter of application? The form of letter heading is very compact and provides more room for the main body of the text - a detail depiction of the person applying for the post. It is by no means the most conventional of letter headings, but as formal requirements are met, it is acceptable. BUT there is no "Betreffzeile" - the brief key-word explanation of the purpose of the letter which should come before the body of the text. A minus point! Nor has the applicant remembered to list the documents which she has enclosed - another black mark. To the content: A plus point is the way in which the text is split up into clear and concise sections, which makes it easy to read. Note too how the writer of the letter relates the various elements of her career so as to give a clear sense of purpose and direction. The application for this job thus seems like a logical conclusion, and not a whim. Equally strong is the reference in the first line to a concrete episode, a conversation which the applicant had with the person to whom she is writing (and the fact what she has remembered her name is another advantage!). The conclusion of the letter is not exactly creative - but then there are no prizes for creativity in letters of application. The traditional formulae of greetings and good wishes are a safe option - particularly for non-native German speakers! Translation of Anna Morgner's letter of application Dear Ms Haupt, We have already exchanged initial details at your company's "Milk Round" presentation at the University of Cologne on the 6th May 1997. I was especially pleased to discover how much emphasis you placed on personality as opposed to the by now standard intellectual excellence. For in all my activities I have concentrated precisely upon personality development. Thus I was able to complete my psychology degree with a very high level of success and graduated from business school in eight terms. In order to not only possess theoretical knowledge, I looked for practical challenges, avoiding the circuitous route. In my function as assistant to the commercial manager of the Bau GmbH, I was required to display not only my knowledge of the field but above all social competence in completing the tasks allocated to me and a good deal of common sense. How good it is therefore that the motto of the "Kaufbank" is thinking on your feet. In my capacity as assistant, I fulfilled tasks on projects such as the introduction of a new
accounting system for building-sites, but also carried out the myriad chores of everyday working life. In accordance with my special subjects, my dissertation topic centred on the area of financing and investment accounting. the dissertation title "The private financing of municipal properties" and my specialised subjects of investment / financing and banking complement each other to form the perfect basis for starting out with the "Kaufbank". As a continuation of my previous efforts and of the possibilities for development offered by the "Kaufbank" through its focus on the areas of financing and real estate, I would like to start climbing the career ladder with you. The "Kaufbank", which requires charisma and the ability to think on your feet, and myself, who can offer both of these qualities, make a perfect combination in my eyes. If you also see it this way, I would be grateful for the opportunity of an interview. Yours faithfully,
Anna Morgner Model Letter 3 Guildo Horn Dieffenbachstraße 28 D-10967 Berlin Frau Christiane Schindler Fremdspracheninstitut Bettinastraße 9-11 D-14193 Berlin Berlin, 5. November 1998 Bewerbung Sehr geehrte Frau Schindler, von meinem Kollegen Ben Dover, der bis vor kurzem bei Ihnen beschäftigt war, weiß ich, dass Sie im kommenden März neue Mitarbeiter einstellen wollen. Ich bin derzeit als Lehrer für Deutsch als Fremdsprache bei einem Fremdspracheninstitut in Potsdam beschäftigt. Da mein Vertrag jedoch auf Ende Dezember dieses Jahres befristet ist, suche ich nach einem neuen Betätigungsfeld.
Wie Sie meinem Lebenslauf entnehmen können, bringe ich die notwendigen Qualifikationen sowie einschlägige Berufserfahrung mit. Zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch stehe ich ab dem 18. Dezember jederzeit zur Verfügung. Sie können mich ab diesem Datum unter der folgenden Adresse erreichen: c/o Strittmatter Herzbergstraße 79 D-10365 Berlin Tel: (030) 5 47 20 Mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben)
Guildo Horn Anlage
Model Letter 4 Claudia Schiffer Niederwallstraße 10 70715 Stuttgart Softwarehaus Fiducia AG Dieselstraße 1 76227 Karlsruhe Stuttgart, 23. März 1999 Bewerbung Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich wende mich an Sie in der Hoffnung, dass Sie mir eventuell eine Stelle anbieten können. Wie Sie meinem Lebenslauf entnehmen können, verfüge ich über beträchtliche Berufserfahrung. Ich bin derzeit auf der Basis eines demnächst auslaufenden Zeitvertrags bei der Firma Evocom Informationssysteme GmbH in Stuttgart tätig und habe nun den Wunsch, in einem kleinen Team hier im Karlsruher Raum zu arbeiten. Ich hoffe, von Ihnen zu hören, und würde Ihnen gerne auch Arbeitsproben vorlegen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben)
Claudia Schiffer Anlage
Asking for references Which referees should I ask? References ("Referenzen, Zeugnisse") The references which you supply should portray you in as positive a light as possible. As in Britain you should choose as referees people who can vouch for your personal qualities or who can provide an overview of youe academic / working skills, such as teachers, lecturers or previous employers. As such, the referees whom you choose should be credible witnesses whose title and position within society would boost your application. Remember to ask for their permission first! Asking someone to give a reference Letter asking for permission to give a person's name as a referee Sehr geehrter Herr Professor Dermech, ich möchte mich als Außendienstmitarbeiter bei Newag Papier GmbH in Salzburg bewerben. Ich wäre Ihnen daher sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir gestatten würden, Ihren Namen als Referenz nennen zu dürfen. Da Sie mit meiner Arbeit bei Consilium Agentur GmbH in Heidelberg vertraut sind, wäre ich Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie eine unparteiische Einschätzung meiner Fähigkeiten geben könnten. Anbei sende ich Ihnen einen frankierten und adressierten Briefumschlag für Ihre Rückantwort. Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Walter Wall-Carpeting
Asking someone to send a reference to an employer Letter asking a referee to send a reference directly to a potential employer Sehr geehrter Frau Kovacec, ich bewerbe mich um den Posten der zweisprachigen Fremdsprachensekretärin bei Haut Como Cosmetic GmbH in Saarbrücken. Da Sie mich zur Fortführung meines Studiums der deutschen Sprache in jeglicher Weise anspornten und mir bei der Vorbereitung der Abschlussprüfung beim Goethe-Institut behilflich waren, wäre ich Ihnen sehr verbunden, wenn Sie mir ein Empfehlungsschreiben ausstellen könnten. Anbei sende ich Ihnen einen frankierten Briefumschlag, adressiert an Herrn Jansen, dem Personalleiter bei Haut Como Cosmetic GmbH. Mit freundlichen Grüß Stella R. Trois Vocabulary a reference
das Zeugnis (-sse); die Referenz (-en)
a letter of recommendation das Empfehlungsschreiben a referee
die Referenz
Zeugnisse meiner früheren Arbeitgeber vorlegen (to provide references from my previous employers) Auf Verlangen kann ich Ihnen jederzeit Zeugnisse meiner früheren Arbeitgeber vorlegen. Oder: Wenn Sie wünschen, kann ich Ihnen Referenzen von früheren Arbeitgebern vorlegen. (I can supply references from my previous employers, if you would like them.) Bitte setzen Sie sich nicht mit meinem derzeitigen Arbeitgeber in Verbindung. (Please do not contact my present employers.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir gestatten würden, Ihren Namen als
Referenz nennen zu dürfen. (I would very much appreciate it if I could include your name in my list of references.) Ich habe mich für den Sommer um eine Stelle als Kellnerin beworben und wurde jetzt gebeten, ein Zeugnis vorzulegen. Wären Sie so freundlich, mir eines auszustellen? Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar dafür. (I have applied for a job of waitress for the summer and they have asked me to supply a reference. I wonder if you would be kind enough to write one for me? I would be very grateful.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir so bald wie möglich ein Zeugnis über meine Tätigkeit hier zuschicken könnten. (I would be very grateful if you would send me a reference relating to my time here as soon as possible.) Ich wäre Ihnen sehr verbunden, wenn Sie mir ein Empfehlungsschreiben ausstellen könnten. (I would be very grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.) Da Sie mit meiner Arbeit vertraut sind, wäre ich Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie eine unparteiische Einschätzung meiner Fähigkeiten geben könnten. (As you are familiar with my work I would be grateful if you could give a fair evaluation of my capabilities.) jemandem als Referenz dienen (to be a referee for somebody) jemandem ein gutes Zeugnis ausstellen Oder: jemandem gute Referenzen ausstellen (to give somebody a good reference) Man hat mich gebeten, ihm eine Referenz zu geben. (I have been asked to write a reference for him.) Wir wären Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie uns mitteilen könnten, ob sie Ihrer Meinung nach für diesen Posten geeignet ist. (We would be grateful if you could let us know whether she is suitable for the post.) Könnten Sie uns bitte mitteilen, ob Sie ihn für diese Tätigkeit empfehlen können?
(Would you be kind enough to tell us whether you can recommend him for this post?) Ich bin gerne bereit, Ihnen nähere Auskunft über Ellen Bogen zu geben. (I am happy to provide information about Ellen Bogen.) Ich kann Ihnen Bill Anz bestens empfehlen. (I can strongly recommend Bill Anz.) Ich bin überzeugt, dass Harry Bo für den Posten in Ihrer Firma sehr geeignet ist. (I am convinced that Harry Bo is suitable for the post in your firm)
Letters of application How to write letters of application How to write a letter of application ("Wie schreibt man ein Bewerbungsanschreiben?") An ideal letter of application should cover one side of paper, and certainly no more than a side and a half. It must be typewritten, using an easily legible font (Times New Roman, Arial). Font size should be between 10-12 cpi. A laser printed version on high quality A4 paper is also essential. The following elements are essential for a letter of application: 1) Letter heading (Der Briefkopf) This should be placed on the left hand side of the paper (= linksbündig). It should include your own address ("die Anschrift") and telephone number ("die Telefonnummer"). You may also wish to include a fax number ("die Faxnummer") or E-Mail address ("die EMail-Adresse"). Then leave 2/3 lines of space. Be logical here: it is no use asking a German firm to contact you at an Exeter E-Mail address if you are not going to be here to answer it! 2) Address of the firm This should again be on the left hand side of the page (= linksbündig). The more precise you can make this the better. If you know the name and the post of the person to whom you are writing, you should include this. If not, try and specify a department of the company - e.g. "Personalabteilung" (= "personnel department"). A vague instruction such as "An die Geschäftsführung" (= "To the management") suggests apathy and lack of initiative on behalf of the applicant.
3) Place and date (Ort und Datum) This should be on the right hand side of the page (= rechtsbündig). The town where you are writing the letter comes first, followed by a comma and then the date - e.g. Exeter, 1. Oktober 2000. 4) Reason for writing (die Betreffzeile) This should be on the left hand side of the page - as should all subsequent components of your letter. Here is where you give the reason for your application. This should be short and given in key words (= stichwortartig). Thus if you are applying for the job of sales manager, the words Bewerbung Vertriebsleiter" will suffice, as opposed to a vague formulation such as "Meine Bewerbung bei der Firma XXXX". Do not write the German word for concerning - "Betreff" - itself! If you have already been in telephone contact with the person to whom you are writing, you should mention it here, as this gives you an advantage over other applicants. This should also be written in the form of key words. For example: "Unser Telefonat vom 01.05.1999, Einstiegsmöglichkeit Controlling" is a concise way of expressing "Re: Our telephone conversation of the 1st June 1999 about the possibility of my starting work in the controlling department"! 5) Dear Sir (= die Anrede) If you know the name of the person to whom you are writing, then use his/her name: "Sehr geehrter Herr XYZ" or "Sehr geehrte Frau XYZ". If you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, then you should you use the traditional business introduction "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren". You will gain plus points if you ring up or E-mail beforehand to ask the name of the person to whom you should address your application. This is especially true if you are making a speculative enquiry to see whether work is available ("eine Initiativbewerbung"). If your letter reaches the wrong person, they may well throw it away! 6) Body of the text The aim of your letter is to advertise your qualities as concisely and relevantly as possible. An employer will pose the following questions: Why is the applicant writing to me of all people? Do I need what he/she has to offer? What makes him / her stand out? So as a general principle, avoid overcomplicated sentences ("Bandwurmsätze") with too many unnecessary relative clauses ("Satzverschachtelungen"). You should firstly describe in a clear and precise form the post for which you are applying and your reasons for doing so. If you are applying for a post on the basis of a telephone call or other personal contact, you should mention this - e.g. "Sie teilten mir mit, dass Sie im Bereich der industriellen Kunden expandieren wollen. Hierbei könnte ich Sie durch meine langjährige Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet unterstützen. Daher bewerbe
ich mich." ("You told me that you were looking to expand your industrial customer-base. With my many years of experience in this area, I can help you in this goal. This is the reason for my application.) Then start a new paragraph, in which you describe the most important aspects of your academic career and work experience, so long as they are relevant to the post for which you are applying. The other stages of your career can be taken from your curriculum vitae. Bring out your strengths without exaggerating - the probationary period in your new job will clearly show if you have been lying! Make sure to emphasise any positions of responsibility and give concrete instances of when you used the skills which you have learned - e.g. "Organisatorische Fähigkeiten stellte ich bei ... unter Beweis". (I showed my organisational skills when ...)
N.B. For people who are just starting out on their career, it is not normal to suggest the salary which you would like to earn! 7) Concluding phrase ("die Schlussformulierung") Between the main text and the concluding phrase you should again leave a line. Write a short, collegial, and practical sentence expressing (say) that you would look forward to a meeting at the next possible opportunity. In many situations you are required to state the earliest possible date when you would be able to start work - this would also be a good point in your application to do so. 8) Greeting and signature ("Grußformel und Unterschrift") See vocabulary section for the various options - "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" is now the standard business greeting. Underneath your handwritten signature, you should also type your name (Christian name and surname will suffice). 9) "Enclosed" ("Anlagenvermerk") If you enclose documents with your letter of application it is essential to list them here. Leave 2/3 lines after you have typed your name, and then type the word "Anlagen". Then list beneath the various documents which you have enlcosed - e.g. Lebenslauf ("curriculum vitae"), Lichtbild ("photograph") etc. These enclosed documents should be listed one beneath the other, but be sensible - if you are running out of space on the page and have enclosed a number of documents, it makes more sense to list them all on the same line as opposed to starting a new page for one item. Which certificates should be included? Academic Certificates (= Zeugnisse) All stages of your academic and working career should ideally be backed up with
documentation (good quality copies only, never the originals!). If this isn't possible, it is advisable to provide an explanation for any absences on a separate piece of paper. If you have not yet finished your degree, you should provide a copy of your Vordiplom (= first diploma) if you have one, or if not a summary of the marks which you have already gained. As university authorities do not issue these, you should type your own, pointing out that the university may be contacted for confirmation of these marks. People starting work for the first time should also include documentation confirming periods of practical training, student jobs etc., particularly if the comments of your employers are likely to be positive! Vocabulary
the original document das Originaldokument (-e) a copy of a document die Zeugniskopie (-n); die Zeugnisabschrift (-en) an authenticated copy eine beglaubigte Kopie medical certificate
das amtsärztliche Zeugnis
eine Notenübersicht bereits abgelegter Examensprüfungen (An overview of the marks which I have already obtained) Die Noten können beim Prüfungsamt der Universität Exeter bestätigt werden. (The marks can be confirmed by the examinations office of Exeter University.) Sie sollten nie Originaldokumente verschicken, immer nur beglaubigte Kopien. (You should never send the original documents, but instead approved copies.) Model Letter of Application 1 Martina Mustermann Bahnhofstraße 15 12345 Musterstadt Tel. 0123/56789 Musterfirma GmbH Frau Inge Schmidt Industriestraße 98-102 34567 Irgendwo
Musterstadt, 1. Oktober 1998 Bewerbung um eine Ausbildungsstelle als Industriekauffrau Ihre Anzeige im "Musterstädter Tagblatt" vom 28.9.1998 Sehr geehrte Frau Schmidt, durch Ihre Anzeige im Musterstädter Tagblatt habe ich erfahren, dass Sie mehrere Auszubildende suchen. Daher bewerbe ich mich um einen Ausbildungsplatz als Industriekauffrau. Ich besuche zur Zeit noch die Hermann-Hesse-Realschule in Musterstadt, die ich im Juli nächsten Jahres mit der Mittleren Reife abschließen werde. Während eines vierwöchigen Betriebspraktikums im Juli 1998 bei der Wieauchimmer GmbH habe ich einen ersten Einblick in die Arbeit von Industriekaufleuten gewonnen. Ich habe erlebt, wie sie Kosten kalkulieren und Aufträge abrechnen. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir außerdem der Umgang mit den Kunden. Nach diesem Praktikum habe ich mich für eine Ausbildung zur Industriekauffrau entschieden und mich im Berufsinformationszentrum ausführlich über diesen Beruf informiert. Meine guten Leistungen in Mathematik und meine in der Schule erworbenen Computerund Schreibmaschinenkenntnisse kann ich sicher gut in die Arbeit einbringen. Auch auf die Beratung von Kunden freue ich mich, da ich sehr kontaktfreudig bin und in meiner Freizeit eine Jugendgruppe leite. Über eine Einladung zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch würde ich mich sehr freuen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, (handschriftlich unterschreiben)
Martina Mustermann PS: Meine Bewerbung habe ich bereits nach den neuen Rechtschreibregeln verfasst
Anlagen: Lebenslauf Versetzungszeugnis Klasse 9 Zeugnis Betriebspraktikum bei der Wieauchimmer GmbH Model Letter of Application 2
Anna Baptiste 52 Festive Road Exeter Devon EX3 5LT An Frau Dr. Anna Konder Leiterin der Personabteilung Musterfirma GmbH Johnathan-Aitken-Straße 35 D-12623 Berlin Germany Exeter, 24. März 1999 Bewerbung als Leiter der Exportabteilung Ihre Anzeige im "Dornacher Tagblatt" vom 22.3.1999 Sehr geehrte Frau Dr. Konder, hiermit möchte ich mich um die ausgeschriebene Stelle als Leiter der Exportabteilung in Ihrem Verlag bewerben. Neben Spezialkenntnissen auf dem Fachgebiet der Psychiatrie verfüge ich über Berufserfahrung in der Exportbranche. Außerdem habe ich gute deutsche Sprachkenntnisse und bin mit der internationalen Marktsituation vertraut. Ich bin kontaktfreudig und habe Freude am selbständigen Arbeiten. In der Anlage übersende ich Ihnen meine Bewerbungsunterlagen sowie meinen Lebenslauf und Kopien meiner Zeugnisse. Für weitere Auskünfte stehe ich Ihnen gerne jederzeit zur Verfügung. Ich würde mich freuen, bald von Ihnen zu hören. Mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben)
Anna Baptiste Anlagen: Lebenslauf Zeugnisse Lichtbild
Translation of Anna Baptiste's application Dear Dr. Konder, Re: Application for the post of Export Manager Ref.: Advertisement in the "Dornacher Tagblatt" of 22nd March 1999 I wish to apply for the above-mentioned post of Export Manager in your publishing house. In addition to my specialised knowledge in the field of psychiatry, I have experience of exporting. I also have a good command of written and spoken German and am well acquainted with the international market situation. I have an outgoing personality and enjoy working independently. Please find enclosed the documents in support of my application, as well as Curriculum Vitae and copies of my references. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully (Signature) Anna Baptiste Model Letter of Application 3 Rhoda Hawes 34 Ambrosia Avenue Exeter Devon EX1 1LL Firma XYZ z. Hd. Frau Anke Ranke Personalreferentin Lipschitzallee 7b D-12351 Berlin Germany Exeter, den 25. August 1999 Bewerbung um einen Ausbildungsplatz als Touristik-Informations-Assistentin Ihre Anzeige in der "Süddeutschen Zeitung" vom 22. August 1999
Sehr geehrte Frau Ranke, mit Bezug auf Ihre Anzeige in der "Süddeutschen Zeitung" bewerbe ich mich für die oben erwähnte Position. Meine Qualifikationen und Berufserfahrungen sind folgende: Ich graduierte von der Universität in Exeter in dem Fach moderne Sprachen (Deutsch und Französisch). Mein Handelsdeutsch erwarb ich am Goethe-Institut in London. Nach meiner Graduierung 1999 arbeitete ich als Korrekturleserin bei einer Werbeagentur für deren Monatsmagazin, das sich mit dem deutschen Großhandel befasste. Während dieser Zeit besuchte ich Abendkurse in Betriebswirtschaft und Datenverarbeitung. Ich bin sicher, dass ich alle mir anvertrauten Aufgaben als Touristik-InformationsAssistentin zu Ihrer vollsten Zufriedenheit ausüben würde. Ich spreche fließend Deutsch und hoffe, dass sie meine Bewerbung wohlwollend in Betracht ziehen werden. Mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben) Rhoda Hawes Anlagen: Lebenslauf Lichtbild Zeugnisabschriften Model Letter of Application 4 Laura Norder 45 Yokel Terrace Exeter Devon EX6 5EX England An Herrn Niclas Weiland Leiter der Personalabteilung Feurigstraße 16 D-10827 Berlin Germany Exeter, den 30. Oktober 1999
Bewerbung um einen Posten als Privatsekretärin Ihre Anzeige in der "Berliner Zeitung" vom 28. Oktober 1999 Sehr geehrter Herr Weiland, da ich seit drei Jahren als einzige Sekretärin in einer aufstrebenden kleinen Firma tätig bin, möchte ich mich nun auf Grund Ihrer Anzeige in der "Berliner Zeitung" vom 28.10.1999 um den Posten der Privatsekretärin bewerben. Als Privatsekretärin des Inhabers James Young plc in Exeter war ich nicht nur für den täglichen Büroablauf verantwortlich, sondern auch für die gesamte Auslandskorrespondenz, vorwiegend in Deutsch, da wir viele unserer Produkte nach Deutschland und Osteuropa exportieren. Zu meinen Aufgaben gehörte außerdem die Vereinbarung privater Termine, das Selektieren von Telefongesprächen und Besuchern und die Organisation von Mr. Youngs Korrespondenz. Durch die dadurch gewonnenen Erfahrungen bin ich mit den Aufgaben einer Chefsekretärin bestens vertraut und werde Ihren Erwartungen entsprechen. Anbei sende ich Ihnen meinen Lebenslauf und stehe Ihnen jederzeit zu einem persönlichen Vorstellungsgespräch zur Verfügung. Ich bin jederzeit über meinen Anrufbeantworter unter der Nummer 01392 - 987654 zu erreichen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben) Laura Norder
Anlagen: Lichtbild Lebenslauf Zeugniskopie Year abroad work Gordon Bennett 65 Quality Street Small Heath
Birmingham BH2 8TE Tel. (0044) 21 666 6666 Fa. Werner-Werbung Markstraße 20 D-13409 Berlin Birmingham, 14. Februar 1999 Bewerbung um eine Praktikantenstelle Sehr geeehrte Damen und Herren, als Teil meines Studiums an der Universität Exeter muss ich mein Auslandsjahr (September 1999 – Juli 2000) in einem deutschsprachigen Land verbringen. Ich möchte unbedingt in Berlin arbeiten, um meine Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern und Erfahrungen in der Werbebranche zu sammeln. Da ich Ihre Firma durch Frau Silke Jones, die im vorigen Jahr für neun Monate bei Ihnen war, kenne, erlaube ich mir, bei Ihnen anzufragen, ob Sie mir eine geeignete Praktikantenstelle anbieten könnten.. In der Anlage finden Sie meinen Lebenslauf und ein Empfehlungsschreiben. In der Hoffnung auf eine positive Antwort verbleibe ich mit freundlichen Grüßen (handschriftlich unterschrieben)
Gordon Bennett Anlagen Leaving a job Heinz Tetzner Merowingerstraße 33 50677 Köln Telefon (02 21) 9 31 24 40 Robotron GmbH Personalleitung Herrn Dr. Matthäus
Heumarkt 45 50667 Köln Köln, 24. November 1998 Kündigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses zum 31.01.1999 Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Matthäus, hiermit kündige ich form- und fristgemäß mein Arbeitsverhältnis zum 31. Januar 1999. Ich bitte um ein qualifiziertes Zeugnis und Aushändigung der Arbeitspapiere zum Dienstzeitende. Mit freundlichem Gruß Bernd Sommer
Sabine Hecht Steintorweg 17 20099 Hamburg Telefon (040) 24 63 14 Kilper Baustellenservice GmbH Herrn Kilper Oberaltenallee 12 21039 Hamburg Hamburg, 10. Februar 1999 Kündigung des Arbeitsverhältnisses zum 30.03.1997 Sehr geehrter Herr Kilper, wie mit Ihnen bereits persönlich besprochen, tritt mein Mann am 1. April 1999 eine neue Stelle als Buchhalter bei einer englischen Firma an. Dadurch bedingt werden wir in die Nähe von London ziehen und unsere Wohnung in Hamburg zum 1. Mai 1999 aufgeben. Aus den genannten Gründen kündige ich mein Arbeitsverhältnis zum 30. März 1999 und bitte daher um ein qualifiziertes Zeugnis sowie um Übergabe meiner Arbeitspapiere zum Zeitpunkt des Ausscheidens. Abschließend möchte ich mich für die vertrauensvolle Zusammenarbeit während meiner fünfjährigen Firmenzugehörigkeit recht herzlich bedanken und wünsche Ihnen, Ihrer
Familie und allen Mitarbeitern der Kilpen Baustellenservice GmbH alles erdenklich Gute und viel Erfolg. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Sabine Hecht
Booking accommodation Booking a hotel room for yourself Booking a hotel room for yourself Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich würde gerne ein Doppelzimmer für meine Frau und mich sowie ein Zweibettzimmer für unsere beiden Töchter (beide unter 12 Jahren) für den 7., 8. und 9. September reservieren. Falls nichts dazwischenkommt, werden wir am 7. September um ca. 17.00 Uhr ankommen und am 9. September vormittags wieder abreisen. Bitte betrachten Sie diese Reservierung als bindend, und halten Sie uns die Zimmer frei, auch wenn wir sehr spät am Abend ankommen sollten. Ich wäre Ihnen für eine Zimmerreservierung auf der Rückseite Ihres Hotels sehr dankbar. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Frank N. Sense Booking a hotel room for someone else Booking a hotel room for sombody else Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich möchte für unseren Export-Verkaufsleiter ein Einzelzimmer mit Bad und Vollpension für die Woche nach dem 24. September buchen. Für seine Sekretärin wird ein Einzelzimmer auf der gleichen Etage benötigt. Wir wären Ihnen sehr dankbar für die umgehende Bestätigung der Reservierung vom 24. - 30. September einschließlich. Bitte lassen sie uns auch Informationen über Ihre Preise zukommen und senden Sie die Rechnung an die obige Adresse. Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Annette Curton i.A. B. Styng Verkaufsleiter How to cancel / alter a booking Cancelling / amending a booking Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, Ich muss Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass ich aufgrund unvorhersehbarer Umstände meine Zimmerreservierung für die Woche ab dem 12. Januar stornieren muss. Leider muss ich Sie auch bitten, meine Reservierung vom 3. Februar auf den 17. Februar umzubuchen Mit freunlichen Grüßen, Stan Dan Deliver
Translation Dear Sir or Madam, Owing to unforeseen circumstances, I am afraid that I must cancel the booking made with you for the week beginning January 12th. I am afraid that I must also ask you to alter my booking from February 3rd to February 17th. Yours faithfully, Stan Dan Deliver Asking for details Julia Reich Möhnstraße 9 55130 Mainz Telefon (0 61 31) 4 00 49 Hotel Cafe Reiss Haifa-Allee 6 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Mainz, 10. April 1999 Bitte um Zusendung von Prospektmaterial Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, mit Bezug auf Ihre Annonce in der Zeitschrift "Schöne Ferien" möchte ich Sie bitten, mir Prospektmaterial über Ihr Haus - inklusive Preise - zuzusenden. Vielleicht können Sie mir auch Auskünfte über die Umgebung, die Ausflugsmöglichkeiten und die Sehenswürdigkeiten geben. Im voraus herzlichen Dank! Mit freundlichen Grüßen Julia Reich
Accommodation vocabulary accommodation
die Unterkunft
"accommodation offered"
"Fremdenzimmer"
"accommodation wanted"
"Zimmer / Wohnung gesucht"
adjacent rooms
nebeneinanderliegende Zimmer
air conditioned
klimatisiert
alarm call
der Weckruf
balcony
der Balkon
chambermaid
das Zimmermädchen
to check in
sich anmelden
to check out
abreisen
check-out time
die Abreisezeit
conference facilities
die Konferenzräumlichkeiten
conference room
das Konferenzzimmer
connecting rooms
angrenzende Zimmer
dining room
der Speisesaal
double room
das Doppelzimmer
emergency exit
der Notausgang
with en suite bathroom
mit Bad
foyer
die Empfangshalle
full board
die Vollpension
function suite
die Veranstaltungsräume
half board
die Halbpension
hotel reservation
die Hotelreservierung
laundry service
die Wäscherei
lobby
die Eingangshalle
lounge
der Gesellschaftsraum
meeting room
der Besprechungsraum
mini-bar
die Minibar
night porter
der Nachtportier
non-smoking room
das Nichtraucherzimmer
porter
der Portier
receipt
die Quittung
reception
der Empfang; die Rezeption
receptionist (male)
der Empfangschef; der Herr am Empfang
receptionist (female)
die Empfangsdame; die Dame am Empfang
room rates
die Zimmerpreise (pl.)
room service
der Zimmerservice
secretarial services
Schreibdienste (pl.)
single room
das Einzelzimmer
sleeping accommodation for six Schlafgelegenheit für 6 Personen suite
die Suite
twin beds
zwei Einzelbetten
valet service
der Reinigungsdienst
Ich möchte bei Ihnen Übernachtungen mit Frühstück buchen. (I would like to book bed-and-breakfast accommodation with you.) Ich würde gerne ein Doppelzimmer für meine Frau und mich sowie ein Zweibettzimmer für unsere beiden Söhne (beide unter 12 Jahren) reservieren. (I wish to book one double room for my wife and myself, and one twin-bedded room for
our sons, who are both under 12 years of age.) Ich hätte gerne ein Einzelzimmer mit Dusche für zwei Nächte. (I'd like a single room with shower for two nights.) Ich möchte für Herrn Namdar ein Einzelzimmer mit Bad für die Woche nach dem 23. Februar selbst. Herr Namdar bezahlt seine Rechnung selbst. (I wish to reserve a single room with bath for one week from the 23rd February, in the name of Herr Namdar. Herr Namdar will settle the bill himself.) Bitte betrachten Sie diese Reservierung als bindend, und halten Sie mir das Zimmer frei, auch wenn ich sehr spät am Abend ankommen sollte. (Please consider this a firm booking, and hold the room till I arrive, however late in the evening.) Ich hätte gerne ein Zimmer mit Blick auf .... , wenn möglich. (If possible, I would like a room with a view of ...) Ich hätte gerne ein ruhiges Zimmer. (I would like a room which isn't too noisy, please.) Was sind Ihre Preise? (What are your room rates?) Was kostet eine Übernachtung mit Frühstück? (How much is a room per night, with breakfast?) Können Sie mir bitte ein Prospekt von Ihrem Hotel schicken? (Please send me a brochure about your hotel.) Wir wollen gegen Abend eintreffen, falls nicht dazwischenkommt. (We expect to arrive in the early evening, unless something unforeseen prevents us.) Bitte senden Sie die Rechnung an die obige Adresse. (Please send the bill to the above address.) Welche Kreditkarten nehmen Sie?
(Which credit cards do you accept?) Können Sie mir vielleicht ein anderes Hotel empfehlen, das eventuell noch Zimmer frei hat? (Can you suggest another hotel that might have a vacancy?) Ich muss Ihnen leider mitteilen, dass ich aufgrund unvorhersehbarer Umstände meine Zimmerreservierung für die Woche ab dem 5. September stornieren muss. (Owing to unforeseen circumstances, I am afraid that I must cancel the booking made with you for the week beginning September 5th.) Leider muss ich Sie bitten, meine Reservierung vom 24. August auf den 3. September umzubuchen. (I am afraid I must ask you to alter my booking from 24th August to 3rd September.)
Writing to a bank Asking for a loan Marco Walker Eisenacher Straße 16 10781 Berlin Berliner Bank AG Niederlassung Schöneberg Bayerischer Platz 1 10779 Berlin Berlin, 2. März 1999 Anfrage Konditionen für einen Bankkredit Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, wegen der geplanten Neuanschaffung eines Computers bitte ich Sie, mir Ihre Konditionen für einen Kredit in Höhe von 5.500,00 DM zu nennen. Die Laufzeit sollte 2 Jahre betragen. Ich rechne mit einer monatlichen Ratenzahlung von ca. 250,00 DM. Die Kopie meiner Verdienstbescheinigung des Arbeitgebers füge ich bei. Ich freue mich auf Ihre baldige Antwort.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen Marco Walker Anlage: Verdienstbescheinigung (Kopie) Asking for an overdraft Marco Walker Eisenacher Straße 16 10781 Berlin Berliner Bank AG Niederlassung Schöneberg Bayerischer Platz 1 10779 Berlin Berlin, 3. August, 1999 Girokonto 1462859 Antrag auf Gewährung eines Dispositionskredits Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, seit dem 1. Oktober 1992 bin ich Kunde Ihrer Bank. Zahlungen von dem oben genannten Girokonto wurden bisher ausnahmslos über das Guthabensaldo ausgeführt. Aufgrund kurzfristiger Liquiditätsengpässe - meine Baufirma hat noch DM 2.000 Außenstände - bitte ich um Einrichtung eines Überziehungskredits in Höhe von 1.500,00 DM. Ich bitte um umgehende Bearbeitung meines Antrags. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Marco Walker Stating a change of address Ansgar Brinkmann Am Stadtpark 99 90499 Nürnberg Berliner Bank AG Niederlassung Nürnberg
Frankenhauser Straße 2 90456 Nürnberg Nürnberg, 30. August 1999 Girokonto 146532459: Umzug Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, am 1. September 1999 werde ich nach Pansdorf umziehen. Mein Girokonto soll von der dortigen Filiale geführt werden. Meine neue Anschrift lautet: Koloniestraße 36 51879 Pansdorf Bisher habe ich die Kontoauszüge selbst bei der Bank abgeholt. Zukünftig sollen die Auszüge per Post an meine neue Anschrift verschickt werden. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Ansgar Brinkmann When cheques have been stolen Ansgar Brinkmann Am Stadtpark 99 90499 Nürnberg Berliner Bank AG Niederlassung Nürnberg-West Frankenhauser Straße 2 90456 Nürnberg Nürnberg, 17. Juni 1999 Girokonto 1457862342 Sperrung meiner Euroschecks und meiner Euro-Scheckkarte nach Diebstahl Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, gestern wurde mir in Fürth meine Aktentasche gestohlen. In ihr befanden sich unter anderem meine Euro-Scheckkarte sowie mein Scheckbuch. Selbstverständlich habe ich den Diebstahl bei der Polizei sofort angezeigt. Dort riet man mir dringend, die Schecks und die Scheckkarte sofort sperren zu lassen.
Ich beantrage hiermit die Sperrung der Schecks und der Euro-Scheckkarte. Die Schecks tragen fortlaufend die Nummer 1123258 bis 1123265. Ich bitte um Ihre schriftliche Bestätigung. Mit freundlichem Gruß Ansgar Brinkmann Closing a bank account (1) Marco Walker Eisenacher Straße 16 10781 Berlin Berliner Bank Niederlassung Schöneberg Bayerischer Platz 1 10779 Berlin Berlin, 18. Februar 1999 Kündigung des Girokontos 136465234 Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit kündige ich das oben genannte Girokonto bei Ihrer Bank zum 1. März 1999. Aus familiären Gründen werde ich Berlin verlassen und mich in Liechtenstein als Arzt niederlassen. Daher benötige ich das Konto bei Ihrer Bank nicht länger. Bitte bestätigen Sie mir die Kündigung. Mit freundlichem Gruß Marco Walker Closing a bank account (2) Marco Walker Eisenacher Straße 16 10781 Berlin EINSCHREIBEN MIT RÜCKSCHEIN
Berliner Bank AG Niederlassung Schöneberg Bayerischer Platz 1 10779 Berlin Berlin, 17. September 1999 Auflösung des Sparkontos 147741 Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, ich bitte Sie, das beigefügte Sparbuch aufzulösen und den Betrag meinem Girokonto 112333358, Bankleitzahl 322 855 45 bei der Berliner Bank, Filiale Berlin-Lübars gutzuschreiben. Das Sparbuch unterliegt der gesetzlichen Kündigungsfrist. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Marco Walker Anlage: Sparbuch 147741 Letters of condolence Martin Bergmann Schumannstraße 21 01069 Dresden Telefon 03 51 / 4 95 10 81 Ricarda Krenz Anton-Graff-Straße 20 01309 Dresden Dresden-Laubegast, 10. Januar 1999 Liebe Frau Krenz, zum Heimgang Ihres lieben Vaters, den ich so sehr schätzte und verehrte, spreche ich Ihnen mein herzliches Beileid aus. Sie dürfen überzeugt sein, daß die Selbstlosigkeit und das politische Engagement, die Ihren Vater auszeichneten, all jenen, die ihn kannten, unvergessen bleiben werden. In aufrichtiger Anteilnahme
Martin Bergmann Registering with authorities Urs Bauer Schellingstraße 7 70177 Stuttgart Telefon 0711 / 6574500 Stadt Stuttgart Einwohnermeldeamt Fritz-Reuter-Straße 23 70255 Stuttgart Stuttgart, 7. Mai 1999 Anmeldung bei der Stadt Stuttgart nach Umzug Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, am 6. Mai 1999 bin ich von 24159 Kiel, Eichhofstraße 31a nach Stuttgart umgezogen. Ich wohne nun in der Schellingstraße 7 in 70177 Stuttgart. Bitte senden Sie mir ein entsprechendes Anmeldeformular zu. Teilen Sie mir auch bitte mit, welche weiteren Dokumente für die Anmeldung erforderlich sind. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Urs Bauer
Invitations Accepting an invitation (1) Ulrike und Jens Fiedler Innere Klosterstraße 42 09111 Chemnitz Herrn Lothar Staiger Rudolf-Marek-Straße 18 09112 Chemnitz Chemnitz, 20. Oktober 1998
Einladung zum Abendessen Hallo Lothar, für die nette Einladung zum Abendessen am nächsten Freitag danken wir recht herzlich. Wir kommen sehr gerne. Wir freuen uns, Sie und Ihre Frau wiederzusehen und verbleiben bis dahin mit herzlichen Grüßen Ulrike und Jens Fiedler Declining an invitation (1) Iris Naumann Saargemünder Straße 182 66129 Saarbrücken Frau Elke Schneider Kreuzstraße 15 66132 Saarbrücken Saarbrücken, 22. Oktober 1998 Einladung zur Geburtstagsfeier Liebe Elke, ich möchte mich ganz herzlich für deine freundliche Einladung bedanken. Bedauerlicherweise kann ich am kommenden Freitag nicht kommen, da ich für diesen Abend bereits eine Einladung von meinen Großeltern angenommen habe. Ich hoffe, daß wir vielleicht nach der Party deinen Geburtstag feiern können. Wie wäre es mit Sonntag? Bis dahin feiere schön und ganz herzliche Grüße Deine Iris Accepting an invitation (2)
Edith Herzog Moltkestraße 14 33330 Gütersloh Eheleute Nicole und Andreas Scholz Avenwedder Straße 35 33335 Gütersloh Gütersloh, 11. Dezember 1998 Einladung zur Silvesterparty Liebe Nicole, lieber Andreas, über Eure Einladung zur Silvesterparty habe ich mich riesig gefreut. Natürlich komme ich gerne an diesem Abend gegen 19.30 Uhr zu Euch nach Hause. Wir alle werden bestimmt eine Menge Spaß miteinander haben. Falls ich noch etwas mitbringen kann, ruft mich doch einfach an. Wir sehen uns spätestens am 31. Dezember. Es grüßt Euch ganz herzlich Eure Edith Declining an invitation (2) Eheleute Birgit und Robert Weber Hochbaumstraße 27a 14167 Berlin Herrn Werner Götz Stechlinstraße 8 10318 Berlin Berlin, 10. April 1999 Einladung zur Jubiläumsfeier Sehr geehrter Herr Götz
haben Sie aufrichtigen Dank für die freundliche Einladung. Leider können wir am 22. April nicht kommen, da wir in dieser Zeit verreist sind. Wir hoffen auf Ihr Verständnis und verbleiben mit den besten Wünschen auch an Ihre Frau Gemahlin Birgit und Robert Weber Invitation to a cocktail party Irene und Dirk Lottner Tönisberger Straße 39 47839 Krefeld Telefon 0 21 51 / 81 30
Eheleute Helene und Markus Spörl Friedrichstraße 25 47798 Krefeld Krefeld, 13. Juni 1999 Liebe Frau Spörl, lieber Herr Spörl, es gehört zu unseren liebgewonnenen Gewohnheiten, den Sommer mit einer CocktailParty zu begrüßen. Auch in diesem Jahr möchten wir mit guten Freunden den Sommeranfang am 25. Juni 1999 in unserem Garten feiern. Wir hoffen, das Wetter spielt mit und alle Gäste bringen gute Laune mit. Haben Sie Lust zu kommen? Sie würden uns eine große Freude machen. Ihre Irene und Dirk Lottner
Invitation to a birthday party Ute Malewski Von-Coels-Straße 232 52080 Aachen Kai Assmann Theaterstraße 63 52062 Aachen
Aachen, 5. August 1999 Geburtstagsfeier am 17. August 1999 Lieber Kai, kaum zu glauben, aber wahr: Am 16. August werde ich ganze 21. Jahr ! Ich möchte Dich aus diesem Anlaß ganz herzlich zu meiner Geburtstagsfeier um 20.00 Uhr im Pfarrzentrum Peter und Paula einladen. Bitte gib mir bis 14. August 1999 Bescheid, ob Du kommen kannst. Ich würde mich sehr freuen. Bis dahin, liebe Grüße Ute Invitation to a picnic Karin Präger Sandhofer Straße 31 68307 Mannheim Telefon 06 21 / 4 70 30 Herrn Uwe Frontzeck Käfertaler Straße 24 68167 Mannheim Mannheim, 2. Juni 1999 Hallo Uwe, das anhaltend strahlende Wetter und mein neuer Wagen haben mich auf die Idee gebracht, am kommenden Samstag, den 6. Juni 1999 irgendwo im Grünen ein Picknick zu veranstalten, zu dem ich Dich herzlich einladen möchte. Ich weiß nicht, wo es sein wird, sondern nur, wann ich Dich abhole - nämlich genau um 11.00 Uhr vormittags. Wenn Du mich telefonisch nicht erreichst, so hinterlasse mir doch bitte eine Nachricht auf meinem Anrufbeantworter, damit ich weiß, ob Du Lust hast, meine Einladung anzunehmen. Viele Grüße
Karin
Letters of apology Apologising for absence from studies Neil Downe Bodenmaiser Weg 4 10318 Berlin Telefon 0 30 / 21 56 96 Kleist-Gymnasium Herrn Oberstudienrat Eduard Knoblauch Lassaner Straße 11 12621 Berlin Berlin, 16. Februar 1999 Entschuldigung Sehr geehrter Herr Knoblauch, am Dienstag, dem 14. November 1999, konnte ich wegen einer starken Erkältung nicht am Unterricht teilnehmen. Ich bitte, mein Fernbleiben zu entschuldigen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Neil Downe Apologising due to ill health Neil Downe Bodenmaiser Weg 4 10318 Berlin Telefon 0 30 / 21 56 96 Kleist-Gymnasium Schulleitung Herrn Oberstudiendirektor Dr. Wilhelm Schadow Lassaner Straße 11 12621 Berlin Berlin, 12. Juni 1999 Entschuldigung
Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. Fleischer, in der Zeit von 4. Juni 1999 bis 10. Juni 1999 konnte ich wegen eines grippalen Infekts nicht am Unterricht teilnehmen. Ein erstes ärztliches Attest liegt Ihnen bereits vor. Die neue Bescheinigung von Herrn Dr. Staiger ist diesem Schreiben beigefügt. Ich besuche die Jahrgangsstufe 12. Mein Beratungslehrer ist Herr Wunderlich. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Neil Downe Anlage: ärztliche Bescheinigung
Letters of complaint Lost luggage (1) Friederike Wagner Spreeallee 4 24111 Kiel Telefon 0431 / 8 15 33 Deutsche Bahn AG Hauptbahnhof Kiel Gepäckausgabe Bahnhofsplatz 5-9 24312 Kiel Kiel, 25. November 1998 Verlust meines Koffers Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, am 23. November 1998 gab ich am Bahnhof meinen Koffer für eine Geschäftsreise nach Flensburg auf. Der Koffer sollte an diesen Ort vorausgeschickt und am Bahnhof von mir in Empfang genommen werden. Dort traf er aber nie ein. Bei dem vermißten Gepäckstück handelt es sich um einen grauen Koffer aus Kunstleder. Das Gepäckstück war mit meinem Namen und meiner Privatanschrift in Kiel versehen.
Ich bitte Sie, Nachforschungen über den Verbleib des Gepäcks anzustellen, das einen Wert von ca. 1.500,-- DM darstellt. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Friederike Wagner Lost luggage (2) Ansgar Brinkmann Am Stadtpark 99 90409 Nürnberg Telefon 0911/ 356377 Deutsche Bahn AG Hauptbahnhof Hannover Fundbüro Bahnhofsplatz 5-9 30451 Hannover Nürnberg, 12. April 1999 Verlust meines Reisegepäcks Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, am 9. April reiste ich mit dem ICE 1389 von München nach Hannover. Ich hatte einen Platz im Wagen 7, Sitz 11 gebucht. Der Zug fuhr um 10.25 Uhr in München ab und erreichte Düsseldorf-Hauptbahnhof um 14.08 Uhr. Da ich den D-Zug nach Wolfsburg unbedingt erreichen mußte, ließ ich in der Eile einen Koffer im Gepäcknetz liegen. Es handelt sich um einen schwarzblauen Koffer der Marke "ExtraSafe" aus echtem Leder. Am Griff sind meine Initialen "A B" aufgeklebt. Im Koffer befinden sich einige Ausweispapiere (Geburtsurkunde, Studentenausweis, etc.) mit meinem Namen. Weiterhin enthält er wichtige Vertragsdokumente sowie ein paar Geschenke für meine Nichte. Falls der Koffer bei Ihnen abgegeben wurde oder noch gebracht wird, bitte ich um schnellstmögliche Nachricht, wann und wo ich ihn in Empfang nehmen kann. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Ansgar Brinkmann
Postal delay Michael Kocak Münchener Straße 42 45145 Essen Telefon 02 01/23 21 61 Postamt Essen-West Vogelheimer Strasse 14 45326 Essen Essen, 7. Dezember 1998 Beschwerde über die Postzustellung Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit möchte ich mich über die Zustellung meiner Post beschweren. Zur Zeit bewerbe ich mich bei einigen Unternehmen und versende die Bewerbungsunterlagen per Post. Da ich als Berufseinsteiger selbstverständlich mit mehreren Rückläufern rechne, bat ich den Zusteller, Herrn Franz Beckenbauer, die zurückkommenden Umschläge nach Möglichkeit nicht zu knicken, da ich die verhältnismäßig teuren Bewerbungsmappen wiederverwenden möchte. Herr Beckenbauer versprach darauf zu achten und bei der Zustellung brauner DIN A4-Umschläge zu klingeln. Leider sind meine Wünsche nicht berücksichtigt worden. Erst vorgestern fand ich in meinem Briefkasten zwei völlig ramponierte Umschläge mit meinen kaum wiederverwendbaren Bewerbungsmappen. Ich bitte Sie darauf einzuwirken, daß die Zustellung meiner DIN A4-Umschläge künftig sorgfältiger erfolgt. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Michael Kocak Faulty goods Katja Ostwald Frankfurter Straße 181
35392 Gießen Telefon 06 41/ 2 00 30 Wilhelm Busch Elektroanlagen-Installation Bismarckstraße 11 35390 Gießen Gießen, 13. Mai 1999 Reklamation Hi-Fi-Anlage "Tower of Power TP 5000" Sehr geehrter Herr Busch, vor drei Wochen kaufte ich in Ihrem Geschäft eine Hi-Fi-Anlage "Tower of Power TP 5000" zum Preis von 1.200,-- DM. Eine Kopie der Quittung ist diesem Brief beigefügt. Leider muß ich Ihnen mitteilen, daß ich mit dem Gerät nicht zufrieden bin. Das Kassettendeck und die Lautsprecher sind defekt. Bitte schicken Sie einen Ihrer Kundendienst-Mitarbeiter, um die Stereoanlage zu prüfen oder es gegen ein anderes Modell auszutauschen. Für eine schnelle Erledigung der Angelegenheit danke ich Ihnen im voraus und verbleibe mit freundlichen Grüßen Katja Ostwald Anlage: Quittung über den Kauf der Hi-Fi-Anlage "Tower of Power TP 5000"
Letters of congratulation On the birth of a child Michael Schmidt Nachtigallenweg 10 04356 Leipzig Telefon 03 41 / 5 26 91 42 Familie Horst Gerber Buchbinderstraße 19 18055 Rostock Leipzig, 13.06.1999
Liebe Frau Gerber, lieber Herr Gerber, ich wünsche Ihnen und dem neuen Familienzuwachs alles Gute. Vor allem Ihnen, liebe Frau Gerber, wünsche ich baldige Erholung. Hoffentlich habe ich in Bälde Gelegenheit, Ihren strammen Sohn persönlich kennenzulernen. Ich bin ganz sicher, dass er seiner großen Schwester Anja viel Freude bereiten wird. Herzlichst Ihr Michael Schmidt On somebody's engagement
Richard und Franziska Kirsten 38108 Braunschweig Telefon 0 53 09 / 53 59 Herrn Michael Clement Amalienstraße 47 90763 Fürth Braunschweig, 17.08.1998 Lieber Herr Clement Ihnen und Ihrer Frau Michaela möchten wir zu Ihrer Vermählung die herzlichsten Glückwünsche aussprechen. Für Ihren gemeinsamen Lebensweg wünschen wir Ihnen zu allen Zeiten Glück, Harmonie und vor allem Gesundheit. Richard Kirsten, Franziska Kirsten
Letters to the phone company Asking for a phone to be installed Jörg Osthoff Varenholzstraße 26 44797 Bochum
Deutsche Telekom AG Bezirksstelle Bochum Postfach 10 20 30 44801 Bochum Bochum, 04.10.1999 Fernsprechanschluß Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, für meine neubezogene Wohnung in der Varenholzstraße 26 in 44797 Bochum beantrage ich einen Telefonanschluß. Bitte senden Sie mir die entsprechenden Antragsformulare schnellstmöglich zu. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Jörg Osthoff When moving house Simon Jentzsch Borchener Straße 23 33098 Paderborn Telefon (0 52 51) 6 94 25 Deutsche Telekom Niederlassung Paderborn An der Talle 46 33102 Paderborn Paderborn, 28. Mai 1999 Kündigung des Fernsprechanschlusses (0 52 51) 7 80 05 Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit kündige ich meinen Fernsprechanschluß (0 52 51) 7 80 05 fristgerecht zum 1. Juli 1999. Mein Nachmieter möchte den Anschluß gerne zum gleichen Termin übernehmen. Ich bitte, die Endabrechnung an meine neue Adresse zu senden: Wilhelm Meister Borchener Straße 23 33098 Paderborn
Mit freundlichen Grüßen Simon Jentzsch
11.15 Ein Brief an ein Hotel Below is a letter received by the Hotel Blauer Engel in Dresden from Annette Curton of the marketing department of the company E. Rösler KG in Berlin. Annette is booking a suite for the chairman of the company and another room for his secretary. Pay particular attention to the layout of the letter and the vocabulary used in a business letter such as this. The next page will explain how to set out a letter in German. Text 2: Ein Brief an ein Hotel
Firma E. Rösler KG Bozener Straße 11-15 10825 Berlin Tel: 0 30 / 21 56 96 Fax: 0 30 / 21 56 98 Hotel Blauer Engel Prinzenallee 6 01069 Dresden Berlin, den 13. Juni 2002 Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, wir möchten für unseren Vorsitzenden Herrn Erhard Rösler eine Suite mit Loggia und Halbpension in einer Nichtraucheretage für die Woche nach dem 18. August buchen. Für seine Sekretärin benötigen wir ein Einzelzimmer auf der gleichen Etage. Bitte betrachten Sie diese Reservierung als bindend, und halten Sie die Zimmer frei, auch wenn unser Vorsitzender sehr spät am Abend ankommen sollte. Bestätigen Sie uns bitte schriftlich die Reservierung und den Preis von 146 Euro pro Tag für die Suite und zusätzlich 29 Euro pro Tag für Halbpension. Bitte schicken Sie uns auch Ihren Hotelprospekt zu. Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Thomas Berger Marketing-Abteilung
Text 2: A letter to a hotel
Firma E. Rösler KG Bozener Straße 11-15 10825 Berlin Tel: 0 30 / 21 56 96 Fax: 0 30 / 21 56 98 Hotel Blauer Engel Prinzenallee 6 01069 Dresden Berlin, 13th June 2002 Dear Sir or Madam, We would like to book a suite with a balcony on a non-smoking floor and half-board for our chairman Erhard Rösler for the week commencing 18th August. We also require a single room on the same floor for his secretary. Please regard this reservation as definite and save the rooms for our chairman even if he should arrive very late in the evening. Please confirm this reservation in writing and confirm that the price of the suite will be 146 euros per day with an additional 29 euros per day for half-board. Please also send us a copy of your hotel brochure. Yours faithfully, Thomas Berger Marketing Department
Glossary der Brief (-e)
letter
ein Brief an (+ Acc.)
a letter to
KG (-s)
This means "limited partnership". It is short for "die Kommanditgesellschaft"
der Engel (-)
This means "angel". The full title of the hotel translates as "Blue Angel", which was a famous Marlene Dietrich film!
die Allee (-n)
This means not an "alley" but an "avenue".
geehrt
honoured, esteemed
die Dame (-n)
lady
der Herr (weak masc.)
gentleman
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren
This equates to the English "Dear Sir or Madam". It is the standard opening in a business letter where you do not know the name or gender of the recipient.
für unseren Vorsitzenden
This means "for our chairman". Note the accusative endings on this adjectival noun.
Herrn Rösler
Note too that the weak masculine noun "Herr" adds an "-n" here as it is also in the accusative case.
die Suite (-n)
suite
die Loggia (pl. Loggien)
balcony
buchen
to book
die Sekretärin (- secretary innen) benötigen
to require
der/die gleiche
the same
auf der gleichen Etage
on the same floor
betrachten als
to regard as
die Reservierung reservation (-en) bindend
binding; definite
freihalten (sep.)
This is a separable verb ("frei-halten") meaning "to keep or save" a hotel room for someone
auch wenn
even if
unser Vorsitzender
Once again note the mixed declension endings on the adjectival noun.
spät
late
spät am Abend
late in the evening
sollte ankommen
This means "should arrive" and is a form of the conditional tense which shall be discussed in forthcoming chapters.
bestätigen
to confirm
bestätigen Sie uns...
please confirm for us...
schriftlich
in writing
der Preis (-e)
price
zusätzlich
additionally
zuschicken (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to send". The object that you are sending is in the accusative case, and the person to whom you are sending it is in the dative case.
der hotel brochure Hotelprospekt (e) der Gruß (pl. Grüße)
greeting
mit freundlichen This literally means "with friendly greetings" Grüßen note the dative plural endings on the noun! It equates to the English "Yours..." at the end of a business letter. das Marketing
marketing
die MarketingAbteilung (-en)
marketing department
11.16 German letter layout 1. Position of the address Your own address should be the first element of the letter, and you can include your telephone number, fax number and/or E-mail address at the end of this, if you are willing to be contacted in this way. Leave a gap and then type in the address of the person or company to whom you are writing. Note that whilst telephone numbers are said in pairs, they are written in a business letter as only two numbers, the regional dialling code followed by the actual number. If you are writing from overseas, remember to add the international dialling code. Both addresses should be positioned flush left on your page and should not contain commas at the end of each line. If you know the name of the person to whom you are addressing the letter, then this should be included in their address. In such cases the first line of the address should either be "Herrn" or "Frau", depending on the gender of the addressee.
Grammar 23: Addresses with titles
Herrn Jan Walle Lehrter Pfad 34 10825 Berlin
Frau Irmgard Krznaric Halker Zeile 4c 9490 Vaduz
Herrn Doktor Armin Prill Bleicherweg 7 8002 Zürich
Frau Professor Andrea Widy Kärtnerring 6/3a 1010 Wien
Notes 1. Why is it "Herrn" and not "Herr"? Because you are writing to the man in question, and he is thus in the accusative case. As we have seen in this chapter, "Herr" is a weak masculine noun and thus adds an extra "-n" in all cases other than the nominative singular. 2. If the person to whom you are writing has a title such as "doctor" or "professor", this title is preceded on the first line of the address by either "Herrn" or "Frau" depending on the gender of the addressee. 3. In many cases, the masculine form of the title is used regardless of the gender of the person possessing this title - e.g. "Frau Doktor", "Frau Professor". With some other titles however, the feminine form is used for a female addressee - e.g. "Frau Studienrätin" (= secondary school teacher). 2. The date and its position The date should be written on the right-hand side of the page. Unlike English which has several variations (May 2, May 2nd, 2nd May etc.), dates in German are always written the same way - der 2. Mai. At the head of letters, the accusative form is used, preceded by the name of the place from where you are writing - e.g. Exeter, den 25. Dezember 2002. Dates written all in numbers are also found in German, particularly in business letters - e.g. Exeter, den 25.12.2002. 3. Dear Sir or Madam The "Dear Sir or Madam..." line is written flush left on the page. If you are writing to a firm or an institution and do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing, use "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren," which literally translates as "Very esteemed ladies and gentlemen" but equates to the English "Dear Sir or Madam". (You should only use "Sehr geehrte Herren," or "Sehr geehrte Damen," if you are sure that the people to whom you are writing are all male or all female.) The table below shows how you should start a letter when writing to someone whose name you know:
Grammar 24: Addressing the addressee
Sehr geehrter Herr Wagner, ("Dear Mr. Wagner,") Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner, ("Dear Mrs. Wagner,") Sehr geehrte Frau Wagner, sehr geehrter Herr Wagner, ("Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wagner") With titles Sehr geehrter Herr Doktor Prill, ("Dear Doctor Prill,") Sehr geehrte Frau Professor Widy, ("Dear Professor Widy,")
Notes 1. In this case the person to whom you are writing is in the nominative case. You can tell this by the adjective endings and the fact that "Herr" does not have an "-n" on the end. 2. Note again that "Herr" and "Frau" are retained when writing to someone who has a title. 3. If you are writing to somebody with a title, you should not write their Christian name. Thus the opening formula to write to Professor Andrea Widy is "Sehr geehrte Frau Professor Widy". 4. Body of the letter The first line of the body of a German letter is not indented, but is positioned flush left on the page. Note too that - unlike in English - the first word of the body of a letter does not start with a capital letter (unless it is a noun). Why? This is because this first word is only the start of a new clause, not a new sentence. Viewed from a grammatical perspective, it continues the sentence started on the previous line by "Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,". 5. Ending a letter Whereas in English we must choose between "Yours faithfully" and "Yours sincerely" when concluding a business letter, the standard ending for a German letter is "Mit freundlichen Grüßen," (= with friendly wishes). As in English letters you then sign the letter and print your name beneath it.
11.17 Hotel vocabulary (1)
Listed below is a two-page vocabulary guide to booking accommodation in Germanspeaking countries. We have also included symbols for each word or phrases that you may well find in tourist brochures or tourist offices. On this page you will find types of accommodation, stay and rooms as well as general accommodation phrases. On the next page you will find vocabulary for room facilities and hotel facilities. As ever, plurals of nouns are given in brackets. Vocabulary 2: Types of accomodation der Campingplatz (pl. plätze)
camp site
das Ferienhaus (pl. häuser)
holiday home
die Ferienwohnung (-en)
holiday flat
das Gasthaus (pl. häuser)
inn
der Gasthof (pl. -höfe)
inn
die Herberge (-n)
hostel
das Hotel (-s)
hotel
das Hotel garni (-s -s)
bed and breakfast
das Jugendgästehaus (pl. -häuser)
youth hostel
die Jugendherberge (-n)
youth hostel
die Pension (-en)
guest-house
die Unterkunft (pl. künfte)
accommodation; place to stay
das Wohnmobil (-e)
dormobile; camper van
der Wohnwagen (-)
dormobile; camper van
das Zelt (-e)
tent
Vocabulary 3: Types of stay die Halbpension
half-board
die Übernachtung (-en)
overnight stay
Übernachtung mit Frühstück
bed and breakfast
die Vollpension
full board
Vocabulary 4: Der Zimmertyp (type of room) das Businesszimmer (-)
business room D
das Doppelzimmer (-) double room
T
das Dreibettzimmer (-) room with three beds
E
das Einzelzimmer (-) single room
D
das Gästezimmer (-) guest room das Handicapzimmer (-) handicap room das Komfortzimmer (-) luxury room das Nichtraucherzimmer (-) no-smoking room die Nichtraucheretage (-n) no-smoking floor die Suite (-n) suite
V
das Vierbettzimmer (-) room with four beds
Z
das Zweibettzimmer (-) twin room
Vocabulary 5: Hotel phrases wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? how may I help you? können Sie mir Informationen über das Hotel geben? can you give me some information about the hotel? sämtliche Zimmer sind voll belegt all of the rooms are fully occupied alle Unterkünfte sind bereits ausgebucht all accommodation is already fully booked das steht unseren Gästen zur Verfügung this is available to our guests das Hotel befindet sich... the hotel is situated... in ruhiger Lage in a quiet location in 10 Gehminuten erreichbar
can be reached with a ten-minute walk in unmittelbarer Umgebung in the immediate vicinity ganzjährig geöffnet open all the year round der hauseigene Parkplatz car park belonging to the hotel um wie viel Uhr wird das Frühstück serviert? at what time is breakfast served? werden Kreditkarten akzeptiert? are credit cards accepted? bitte betrachten Sie diese Reservierung als bindend please regard this reservation as binding bitte halten Sie (uns) das Zimmer frei... please keep the room (for us)... ...auch wenn wir sehr spät am Abend ankommen sollten ...even if we should arrive very late in the evening Preise auf Anfrage prices on request inklusive Mehrwertsteuer including value added tax Kinderermäßigung ab 12 Jahren child reduction from 12 years upwards Wollen Sie mir bitte jetzt folgen? Would you like to follow me please? im Erdgeschoss on the ground floor im obersten Stock on the top floor das Zimmer verfügt über (+ Acc.) the room has... ein Zimmer mit Blick auf (+ Acc.) a room that looks out on... komplett ausgestattet fully furnished rollstuhlgerecht eingerichtet
furnished so as to be suitable for wheelchairs Vegetarier kommen zu ihrem Recht vegetarians are well-treated wie weit ist es zum Stadtzentrum? how far is it to the city centre? verkehrsgünstig gelegen conveniently situated würden Sie sich bitte eintragen? would you like to sign the hotel register? bitte füllen Sie das Anmeldeformular aus please fill out the registration form Sie müssen die Reservierung schriftlich bestätigen you must confirm the reservation in writing
11.18 Hotel vocabulary (2) Listed below is a two-page vocabulary guide to booking accommodation in Germanspeaking countries. We have also included symbols for each word or phrases that you may well find in tourist brochures or tourist offices. On this page you will find vocabulary for room facilities and hotel facilities. On the previous page you will find types of accommodation, stay and rooms as well as general accommodation phrases. As ever, plurals of nouns are given in brackets. Vocabulary 6: Hotel room facilities der Arbeitsbereich (-e) working area das Bad (pl. - Bäder) bath der Balkon (-s) balcony das Direktwahltelefon (-e) direct-dial telephone die Dusche (-n) shower der Farbfernseher (-) colour television set die Fernbedienung remote control der Fernseher (-) television set
das Hausvideo in-house video der Internetanschluss (pl. -schlüsse) internet connection das Kabelfernsehen; das Kabel-TV cable television (as a medium) der Kabelfernseher (-) cable television set das Kinderbett (-en) cot die Klimaanlage (-n) air-conditioning klimatisiert air-conditioned die Loggia (pl. - Loggien) balcony die Minibar (-s) mini-bar der PC-Anschluss (pl. -schlüsse) PC connection der Radiowecker (-) radio alarm clock das Satellitenfernsehen satellite TV der Schlafbereich (-e) sleeping area der Schlüssel (-) key der Schreibtisch (-e) desk der Telefaxanschluss (pl. -schlüsse) fax connection das Telefon (-e) telephone der WC (-s) toilet der Wohnbereich (-e) living area die Zimmernummer (-n) room number das Zusatzbett (-en) additional bed
Vocabulary 7: General hotel vocabulary
der Airport-Shuttle (-s) airport shuttle das Anmeldeformular (-e) registration form die Anzahlung (-en) deposit gegen Anzahlung if you pay a deposit der Aufenthaltsraum (pl. -räume) day room; recreation room der Bahnhof-Shuttle (-s) station shuttle die Bar (-s) hotel bar die Bedienung service die behindertengerechte Ausstattung disabled facilities der Empfang (pl. -fänge) reception die Empfangsdame (-n) receptionist das englischsprachige Personal English-speaking staff die Ermäßigung (-en) reduction die Etage (-n) floor der Etagenservice floor service fahrradfreundlich catering for cyclists familienfreundlich catering for families der Fitnessraum (pl. -räume) fitness room die Freizeitmöglichkeiten (pl.) leisure opportunities das Frühstücksbüfett (-s) breakfast buffet die Garage (-n) garage / car park der Gast (pl. - Gäste) guest gastfreundlich hospitable
das Getränk (-e) drink; beverage die Gruppenermäßigung (-en) group reduction die Hausbar (-s) house bar Haustiere erlaubt pets allowed kinderfreundlich catering for children das Kindermenü (-s) children's menu der Kinderspielplatz (pl. -plätze) children's playground der Konferenzraum (pl. -räume) conference room Kreditkarten akzeptiert credit cards accepted die (sächsische) Küche (Saxon) cuisine der Lift (-e or -s) lift; elevator der Messe-Shuttle (-s) trade fair shuttle der Nachtportier (-s) night porter der offene Kamin open fire die Parkanlage (-n) park der Parkplatz (pl. -plätze) parking space der Portier (-s) porter der Prospekt (-e) brochure der/die Reisende traveller die Reservierung (-en) reservation das Restaurant (-s) restaurant die Sauna (-s) sauna das Schwimmbecken (-) swimming pool
der Seminarraum (pl. -räume) seminar room das Solarium (pl. -rien) solarium der Stock (no pl.) floor; storey das Stockwerk (-e) floor; storey die Tagungseinrichtungen (pl.) conference equpiment der Tagungsraum (pl. -räume) conference room die Terrasse (-n) terrace die Tiefgarage (-n) underground car park das Vegetariermenü (-s) vegetarian menu die Verkehrsanbindungen (pl.) transport connections der Whirlpool (-s) whirlpool
11.19 Tourist accommodation Hotels Prices and standards in German hotels vary enormously. You can stay overnight in luxury suites, rooms in middle class hotels or very inexpensive accommodation in smaller hotels. Whilst it is true as a general principle that hotels are cheaper in rural areas and on the outskirts of cities than in city centres, a more reliable guide to what you can expect to find and pay is the German hotel classification system. This was introduced by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) in 1996. Hotels are classified based on a uniform criteria and are categorized by a certain number of stars - five stars is the best that a hotel (or other accommodation facility) can achieve. Click here for details of the mininum criteria for each of the star categories. Some of Germany's most luxurious hotels are the Accor, ArabellaSheraton, Hilton, Inter-Continental, Kempinski, Marriott, Radisson, Romantik and Steigenberger When you arrive in a German town or city, the local tourist office (das Fremdenverkehrsbüro) - will usually be able to help you find a hotel that meets your requirements. If the tourist office is not open, there may well be a list of rooms on display outside the office with prices and other details. At airports and railway stations, you will often find a counter with a sign saying Zimmernachweis (= accommodation service) where you can book a room.
It is becoming easier and easier however to book hotel rooms via the Internet. See the web links at the bottom of this page for a number of hotel reservation services and hotel search engines which can enable you you to book your ideal accommodation from the comfort of your own desk! Rooms in other types of accommodation As a general rule, prices in a German guest house (die Pension) or a bed and breakfast (das Hotel garni) will be cheaper than in a hotel, but in high season guest house prices in tourist areas can still be quite high. Look out for country inns (der Gasthof) that offer rooms. Many of them have their own butcher's and offer a wide variety of local specialities. Holiday flats (die Ferienwohnung), holiday homes (das Ferienhaus) and holiday villages (das Feriendorf) are gaining in popularity as a low-price vacation option. With environmental awareness in German-speaking countries being high, holidays on farms (Ferien auf dem Bauernhof) or in other "green" locations (such as stables or vineyards) are very popular. The German Agricultural Society (DLG) provides a comprehensive list of such approved holiday locations. Youth hostels Germany's 608 youth hostels are used not only by students, youth groups and school parties but also by hikers and tourists of all ages who seek an informal environment where you can meet people from a wide range of backgrounds. Most youth hostels are also suitable for families, offer sports facilities on their grounds and are wheelchair-accessible. The only requirement is that one must be a member of the German Youth Hostel Association (DJH). You may purchase a membership card directly from the German Youth Hostel Association or in the youth hostels themselves. So-called "Friends of Nature hostels" (das Naturfreundehaus) exist in locations of natural beauty such as mountain regions or walking areas. Many of them are youth guest houses or hiking centres, but it is possible for tourists, travellers and families to stay overnight. There are 500 such hostels in Germany alone and they range from simple boathouses and self-catering accommodation to recognised education centres. In mountainous areas you may also find a mountain hut (die Berghütte) that is willing to put up passing travellers for the night. Tourist boards Your first port of call when trying to find out more about accommodation and/or holidays in Germany should be the English homepage of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). In addition to their excellent service for tourists, the sixteen German Länder have their own tourist boards.
11.20 Dresden: Florence of the North Early history Situated in the east of modern Germany on the River Elbe, Dresden was first
mentioned in official documents in 1206. The city derives its name from "Drezdany", the name of a village inhabited by Sorbs, and which literally means "the people from the marshy forest". It quickly became the capital of Saxony (in German: Sachsen), which became a major European power in 1697 when August the Strong of Saxony converted to catholicism and gained the Polish crown. Dresden became known internationally for its elaborately-decorated china which was manufactured from 1710 onwards in nearby Meißen. In 1806 French troops occupied Dresden, and the city was the scene of Napoleon's last great military victory in August 1813 when 23,000 enemy soldiers died as French troops defeated Austrian forces under the command of General Schwarzenberg. Dresden grew quickly in size during the 19th Century and had a population of 632,710 by 1930 - by which time of course Saxony had become part of a unified Germany. The air-raid on Dresden in 1945 In 1945, during the latter stages of World War II, Dresden was perceived by the Allied forces to be a pivotal centre of communications as the Allied commander-inchief General Eisenhower was anxious to link up with the advancing Red Army in south Germany. Many factors spoke against it being a bombing target however. Dresden was a beautiful Baroque city known as the "Florence of the North". It had no war industry and little military value. The city was known to be overcrowded with some 200,000 refugees, mainly peasants from Silesia fleeing the Red Army. Despite this however, it was believed that air attacks on Dresden would sap the morale of the German populace and also provide retaliation for German attacks on London and other British cities. On the night of 13-14 February 1945, heavy and sustained air-raids were launched on Dresden by Britain's Bomber Command. 805 bombers dropped a total of 2690 tonnes of bombs on the city, followed by three more in daylight by the US 8th Air Force. A firestorm engulfing eight square miles flattened over 30,000 buildings, including many of great cultural importance such as the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The numbers of those who died in the bombing and the ensuing firestorm are still in dispute, with estimates varying from 55,000 to 250,000. Whatever the figure, it was probably greater than the 51,509 British civilians killed by the Luftwaffe during the whole of the Second World War and the 70,000 immediate deaths at Hiroshima after the dropping of the first atom bomb on 6th August 1945. 1949 to the present day After World War II, Dresden found itself in the Soviet occupation zone and thus became part of the German Democratic Republic. Saxony was dissolved as an administrational area and replaced by three regions: Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz. The city was located in what once was called the Tal der Ahnungslosen (Valley of the Clueless) - as the city is encircled by mountains and hills, the signals of the West German TV stations never seemed to reach peoples antennas, forcing them to watch the television channels of the socialist state broadcaster. German reunification in 1990 saw the reinstatement of Saxony as a German Land, with Dresden once again as its capital. In August 2002 large areas of Dresden were flooded, first by the Weißeritz river and then by the River Elbe. The Elbe, which has a normal summer level of around two
metres on its way through Dresden, reached a height of over nine metres, thus beating the all-time high of 1845. 35,000 people had to be evacuated and 100,000 people were without electricity. The basement of the 19th-century Semper Opera House (pictured below) was filled with water to a depth of almost three metres, although most of the cultural artefacts in the building were thankfully brought to safety. The biggest clear-up operation in Dresden since 1945 looks set to cost the city millions of euros. Size and architecture Dresden currently has a population of 472,350 inhabitants, which makes it the fifteenth biggest city in Germany. The city owes its reputation as the "Florence of the North" to the baroque period, when it became one of the most glamorous European royal capitals. This period witnessed the construction of many of Dresden's most beautiful buildings such as the Zwinger, the Hofkirche and the Schaumburgpalais. Dresden's highlights include the magnificent palatial buildings around the Theaterplatz and the Brühl Terraces, and the many art treasures at the state museums. The reconstruction of Dresden's elegant landmarks after the air-raids of August 1945 was largely neglected by the GDR authorities. Inner-city areas that had only been lightly damaged by the bombing were largely left as they were. Instead a series of Soviet-style concrete buildings and housing blocks were added in areas such as Johannstadt, Gorbitz and Prohlis. Until 1989 the architecture of the city constituted a harsh contrast between decaying baroque splendour and concrete functionalism. It was only after reunification in 1990 that large scale reconstruction of the city got underway. Work was started in 1994 to rebuild the Frauenkirche (see picture left), the 18th Century baroque church at the heart of Dresden which had been in ruins since the bombing raids of 1945. Restoration work should be completed by the 800th anniversary of the city in 2006 and the new Frauenkirche will not only complete Dresden's city landscape but also provide Europe with a symbol of reconciliation between nations.
Chapter 12: Accommodation (2)
12.1 Am Studentenwerk Having found a hotel room for a few days, Marko Tredup must now use his time in Dresden to find some student accommodation for when he starts at the Dresden University of Technology in October. He goes to seek advice from das Studentenwerk - the student administration of the university. Unfortunately it is Friday, the one day of the week on which the office is closed. Instead Marko meets fellow student Leon Arndt who gives him some information about the accommodation situation for students in Germany. Conversation 1: Am Studentenwerk
Marko Ach, Entschuldigung, wo finde ich das Tredup Studentenwerk? Leon Arndt
Das Studentenwerk befindet sich gleich um die Ecke im Hauptgebäude.
Marko Und wann hat das Studentenwerk geöffnet? Tredup Leon Arndt
Tja, Pech gehabt! Die Sprechzeiten während der Semesterferien sind montags und mittwochs von 09.00 Uhr bis 12.00 Uhr und dienstags und donnerstags von 09.00 Uhr bis 15.00 Uhr. Freitags bleibt das Studentenwerk leider geschlossen.
Marko So ein Pech! Was mache ich denn jetzt? Kannst Tredup du mir eine Frage beantworten? Leon Arndt
Ja, klar.
Marko Ab dem kommenden Semester werde ich hier an Tredup der Universität Jura studieren. Bekommen alle Studenten einen Platz in einem Studentenwohnheim? Leon Arndt
Nein, nicht alle. Die Wohnungssituation in Dresden ist äußerst schwierig - besonders für Studierende. Wegen der langen Wartezeiten bekommen Studienanfänger in der Regel kein Zimmer in einem Wohnheim. Du musst zumindest für das Wintersemester eine Unterkunft auf dem privaten Wohnungsmarkt oder bei Freunden finden.
Marko Aber ich habe keine Freunde oder Bekannte in Tredup Dresden! Leon Arndt
Das schwarze Brett befindet sich ganz in der Nähe der Mensa. Vielleicht wirst du da etwas finden.
Marko Das schwarze Brett? Was ist denn das? Tredup Leon Arndt
Das ist eine riesige Tafel mit bunten Anzeigen. Sie ist über und über mit Mietangeboten und Mietgesuchen beklebt.
Marko Danke für den Tipp! Ich kenne mich hier nicht Tredup aus! Welches Fach studierst du an der Uni? Leon Arndt
Ich studiere Germanistik. Übrigens: Ich suche auch eine Unterkunft. Während meines Sommerkurses habe ich ein Zimmer in einem Studentenwohnheim, aber für die Zeit danach suche ich eine möblierte Wohnung.
Conversation 1: At the student administration
Marko Oh, excuse me, where can I find the student Tredup administration? Leon Arndt
The student administration is just round the corner in the main building.
Marko And when is the student administration open? Tredup Leon Arndt
Ah, you're unlucky there! The consulting hours during the university vacation are from 09:00 to 12:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and between 09:00 and 15:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays the student administration is unfortunately closed.
Marko That's just my luck! What am I going to do now? Tredup Can you answer a question for me? Leon Arndt
Yes, of course.
Marko From the coming term onwards I'm going to be Tredup studying law here at the university. Do all students get a place in halls of residence? Leon Arndt
No, not all of them. The accommodation situation in Dresden is extremely difficult particularly for students. Due to the long waiting periods first year students don't normally get a room in halls of residence. For the winter term at least you have to find a place to stay on the private accommodation market or with friends.
Marko But I don't have any friends or acquaintances in Tredup Dresden! Leon Arndt
The notice board is very near the refectory. Perhaps you'll be able to find something there.
Marko The notice board? What's that then? Tredup Leon Arndt
It's a massive board with colourful adverts. It's completely covered in offers of accommodation and requests for accommodation.
Marko Thanks for the tip! I don't know my way around Tredup here! What subject are you studying at the university? Leon Arndt
I'm studying German. I'm also looking for a place to stay, by the way. I've got a room in halls of residence during my summer course but I'm looking for a furnished flat for the period
after that.
Glossary ach, Entschuldigung
Oh, excuse me!
das Studentenwerk (- student administration e) gleich
just
um die Ecke
(a)round the corner
das Hauptgebäude ()
main building
hat ... geöffnet
This means "is open" and is an alternative to "ist offen". The word "geöffnet" is the past participle of "öffnen", the verb meaning "to open".
das Pech
bad luck
Pech gehabt!
you're unlucky there!
die Sprechzeit (-en)
consulting time
während
This preposition means "during" and takes the genitive case.
das Semester (-)
semester; term
die Semesterferien (pl.)
university vacation
montags
on Mondays
mittwochs
on Wednesdays
dienstags
on Tuesdays
donnerstags
on Thursdays
freitags
on Fridays
geschlossen
This means "closed" and is the past participle of "schließen", the verb meaning "to close".
so ein Pech!
that's just my luck!
jetzt
now
kannst du...
Marko uses the "du" form as he is speaking to a fellow student.
beantworten
This means "to answer". The thing that you are answering (here "die Frage") is in the accusative case. The person whose question etc. you are answering (here: "mir") is in the dative case.
ab (+ Dat.)
from... onwards
kommend
coming; forthcoming
die Universität (-en)
university
an der Universität
at university
Jura
This means "law" when you are referring to it as a university subject
studieren
to study
ich werde studieren
This means "I will study" and is the future tense of the verb.
bekommen (insep.)
to get; to receive
der Platz (pl. Plätze)
This means "a place" in this context.
das Studentenwohnheim (-e)
(student) halls of residence
die Situation (-en)
situation
die Wohnungssituation
accommodation situation
schwierig
difficult
besonders
particularly
der/die Studierende
This is an adjectival noun and is another word for "a student". Thus a male student would be "der Studierende" and a female student would be "die Studierende". For the endings on adjectival nouns, see the previous chapter.
wegen
This is another preposition that takes the genitive case. It means "because of".
die Wartezeit (-en)
wait; waiting period
der Studienanfänger (-)
first year student; fresher
in der Regel
usually; as a rule
das Wohnheim (-e)
halls of residence
zumindest
at least
das Wintersemester (-)
winter term
die Unterkunft (pl. künfte)
place to stay
privat
private
der Wohnungsmarkt (pl. -märkte)
housing market
bei (+ Dat.)
In this context, "bei" means lodging "with" someone when they are the owners of the accommodation (such as your parents). If you are sharing
accommodation with someone as equal partners, you should use "mit". das schwarze Brett (- This means "notice board" and despite er) the literal translation, most of them aren't black! in der Nähe (+ Gen.)
This means "near" and is another phrase that takes the genitive case.
ganz in der Nähe
very near
die Mensa (pl. Mensen)
refectory; canteen
du wirst finden
you will find
riesig
This means "huge" or "massive" ans is used more in conversational German than written German.
die Tafel (-n)
This means "board" in this context. As we have seen, it can also mean a "bar" of chocolate!
bunt
colourful
die Anzeige (-n)
advertisement
über und über
completely
das Mietangebot (-e)
accommodation offer
das Mietgesuch (-e)
request for accommodation
beklebt
This means "covered over" and comes from the verb "bekleben" meaning "to stick something on something".
der Tipp (-s)
tip
sich auskennen
This is a separable and reflexive verb meaning "to know one's way around".
das Fach (pl. Fächer)
subject
die Uni (-s)
This is the shortened form of the German word for "university" and is used mainly in spoken German.
an der Uni
at the university
die Germanistik
This means "German" as a university subject. In schools and colleges, the subject is called "Deutsch".
übrigens
moreover
der Kurs (-e)
course
der Sommerkurs (-e)
summer course
danach
afterwards
möbliert
furnished
die Wohnung (-en)
flat; apartment
12.2 Das schwarze Brett (1) When Marko Tredup finds the university notice board by the refectory, the only thing that he can see at first are advertisements left by other students looking for accommodation! Text 1: Zimmer dringend gesucht!
Nachmieter gesucht? Suche günstige 2-Zimmer-Wohnung in Dresden. Am besten sofort! Komme am Sonntagabend nach Dresden und würde mir gerne Montag, Dienstag und Mittwoch ein paar nette ruhige Neubauwohnungen ansehen. Wenn möglich ohne Ofenheizung, ohne Kaution und bis 300 € warm. Lage egal - Loschwitz / Wachwitz jedoch optimal. Ich freue mich auf eine schnelle Nachricht von euch, also bis dahin... Bei Interesse ruft mich an: 0 36 43/52 63 39
Suche preiswertes Zimmer! Hallo, ich bin Anglistikstudent aus Nürnberg und suche dringend für sechs Monate vom 01.10.02 bis zum 01.4.03 ein helles möbliertes Zimmer zur Untermiete (WG, Wohnheim oder privat) oder ein Einzelappartement. - nur Zentralheizung oder Etagenheizung! - kein EG. - zwischen 250-350 Euro Warmmiete. Ich bin WG-erprobt, nett und umgänglich. Ich brauche wenig Platz, bringe viel gute Laune mit und freue mich über eine E-mail oder einen Anruf! Kontaktperson: Gert Wahnschaffe Telefon: 0911/457667 E-Mail-Adresse:
[email protected]
Suche nette und gemütliche Wohngemeinschaft! Auf Grund meines Umzugs nach Dresden (Hochschulwechsel) suche ich zum 01.03.2003 ein helles Zimmer, mindestens 19 Quadratmeter / Altbau. Nach
Möglichkeit ruhige Lage, möglichst zentral und gute Verkehrsanbindung! Ich bin 20 Jahre alt, studiere seit einem halben Jahr Medizin und vermisse total das WG-Leben. Ich möchte nicht mehr alleine wohnen und möchte raus aus meiner eigenen Studentenwohnung! Ich denke mal, ich bin recht gesellig und kein allzu schwieriger Charakter. Ich kann monatlich maximal 200 Euro (kalt) ausgeben. Hoffe auf baldige Antwort! MfG, Markus. Meldet euch schnell unter: (03804) 561900
Text 1: Desperately looking for a room
Looking for a follow-on tenant? I'm looking for a reasonably priced 2 room flat in Dresden. Preferably immediately! I'm coming to Dresden on Sunday evening and would like to look at a few nice and quiet newly-built flats on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. If possible without stove heating, without deposit and up to 300 € including heating. I don't mind about the location, but Loschwitz / Wachwitz would be perfect. I look forward to getting your prompt replies, so until then... If you're interested, call me: 0 36 43/52 63 39
I'm looking for a reasonably priced room! Hallo, I'm an English student from Nuremberg and I'm urgently looking for a bright furnished room where I can be a tenant (shared flat, hall of residence, private) or a one-person apartment for six months from 01.10.02 to 01.04.03. - only central heating or whole-floor heating! - not on the ground floor. - between 250-350 euros rent including heating. I have experience of living in a shared flat, and I'm friendly and easy to get on with. I won't take up much space, I'm very cheerful and I look forward to receiving an e-mail or a phone call from you!
Contact: Gert Wahnschaffe Telephone: 0911/457667 E-Mail address:
[email protected]
I'm looking for nice and friendly shared accommodation! As a result of my moving to Dresden (change of university), I'm looking for a bright room for March 1, 2003: at least 19 square metres / old building. A quite location if possible, as central as possible and good traffic connections! I'm 20 years old, have been studying medicine for half a year and really miss life in a shared flat. I don't want to live alone any more and want to get out of my own student flat! I think I'm pretty sociable and not too much of a difficult character. I can pay a maximum of 200 euros per month (without heating). I hope for a prompt response! Best wishes, Markus. Contact me soon on the number: (03804) 561900
Glossary First advert der Nachmieter (-)
This can be translated approximately as "next tenant". More accurately, it means the person who takes over a flat or room from someone else.
Nachmieter gesucht?
This would translate as "Looking for a new tenant?" or more literally "Is a follow-on tenant being looked for?" as it is the passive that is implied here - i.e. "Nachmieter wird gesucht". The word "gesucht" is the past participle of the verb "suchen".
suche...
"I'm looking for..." The pronoun "ich" is omitted here for the sake of brevity.
günstig
reasonably priced
die 2-ZimmerWohnung (-en)
This means a "two-room flat". It could also be written in full as "die Zweizimmerwohnung".
am besten
ideally; if possible
sofort
immediately
komme...
"I'm coming...". See "suche...".
am Sonntagabend
on Sunday evening
sich etwas ansehen
In this context it means "to look at something". We have already used it to describe "watching TV programmes". In both cases the thing that you are looking at is in the accusative case and the dative pronoun refers back to the person doing the "looking".
ich würde mir gerne This means "I would like to look at". Note ... ansehen that the infinitive comes at the end of the sentence. nett
nice
ruhig
quiet
die Neubauwohnung newly-built flat (-en) wenn möglich
if possible
der Ofen (pl. Öfen)
oven; heater
die Ofenheizung
This means "stove heating". This is the (unpopular!) way in which a number of flats in old buildings are still heated.
die Kaution (-en)
This means the "deposit" that you put down on a flat. It does NOT mean "caution"!
300 € warm
In this context, this means "300 € including heating". You would use "kalt" when heating costs are not included in the rent.
die Lage (-n)
location
Lage egal
I don't care about the location
jedoch
however
optimal
optimal; perfect
sich freuen auf (+ Acc.)
This means "to look forward to". The reflexive pronoun is always in the accusative case. Note that if you use "sich freuen" with a different preposition it means something different.
die Nachricht (-en)
message; piece of news
also
so
bis dahin
until then
das Interesse (-n)
interest
bei Interesse
if you are interested
anrufen (sep.)
This means "to ring somebody up". The person whom you are calling is in the accusative case.
ruft mich an!
"Ring me up!" This is the second person plural "ihr" form of the imperative. The polite "Sie" form is not used here as the advertiser is aiming his appeal at people of his own age group. Second advert
preiswert
reasonable; good value
die Anglistik
This means "English" as a university subject.
die Anglistikstudentin
English student (female)
suche...
"I'm looking for..." The pronoun "ich" is omitted here for the sake of brevity.
dringend
urgently
hell
bright
die Untermiete
subtenancy
ein Zimmer zur Untermiete
a room where I could be a tenant
die WG (-s)
This means a shared flat. It is short for "die Wohngemeinschaft".
das Appartement (s)
apartment
das Einzelappartement (-s)
one-person apartment
die Zentralheizung
central heating
die Etagenheizung
heating system that covers one floor of a building
EG
This is short for "das Erdgeschoss", meaning ground floor.
die Warmmiete (-n)
rent including heating
erprobt
experienced
WG-erprobt
experienced in living in shared flats
umgänglich
friendly; sociable
der Platz
In this context it means "space" or "room".
die Laune (-n)
mood
sich freuen über (+
If you use "sich freuen" with the
Acc.)
preposition "über (+ Acc.)", this means "to be happy about".
die E-Mail (-s)
e-mail
der Anruf (-e)
telephone call
die Kontaktperson (-en)
(person to) contact
die E-Mail-Adresse (-n)
e-mail address Third advert
gemütlich
comfortable; friendly
die Wohngemeinschaft (-en)
This means "shared flat". It usually gets abbreviated to "die WG".
auf Grund (+ Gen.)
This preposition means "because of" and takes the genitive case. It can also be written as one word - "aufgrund".
der Umzug (pl. Umzüge)
This means "a move" as in "moving house".
die Hochschule (-n)
This is another word for "university", and can also mean "college".
der Wechsel (-)
change
der change of university Hochschulwechsel () zum 01.03.2003
for March 1, 2003
mindestens
at least
das Quadratmeter (-)
This means "square metre". German accommodation adverts tend to deal in room sizes more than the number of rooms. In spoken German "Quadratmeter" may be masculine.
der Altbau (pl. Altbauten)
old building
die Möglichkeit (en)
possibility
nach Möglichkeit
if possible
zentral
central
möglichst zentral
as central as possible
die Verkehrsanbindung (-en)
transport connection
ein halbes Jahr
half a year
studiere ... seit einem halben Jahr
I have been studying for half a year.
die Medizin
medicine
vermissen (insep.)
to miss
total
This adverb means "totally" and should be used in conversational German only
das WG-Leben (-)
life in a shared flat
nicht mehr
no longer; no more
ich möchte nicht mehr...
I don't want to ... any more
alleine
This adverb means "alone" and can be written with or without an "-e" at the end of the word.
ich möchte raus...
"I want to get out". The verb of motion itself can be omitted in this construction.
eigen
own
die Studentenwohnung (-en)
student flat
denken
to think
ich denke mal
I think
recht
quite; fairly
gesellig
sociable
allzu
too; all too
schwierig
difficult
der Charakter (-)
character
monatlich
per month
maximal 200 Euro
a maximum of 200 euros
kalt
In this context this means "without heating"
ausgeben (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to spend". The money that you spend is in the accusative case.
hoffen auf (+ Acc.)
This means "to hope for". Once again the pronoun "ich" has been omitted here.
baldig
quick; early
die Antwort (-en)
answer
mfg
This is an informal abbreviation of "mit freundlichen Grüßen" (with best wishes). Don't use it in business letters!
sich melden
This is a reflexive verb meaning "to get in touch". The reflexive pronoun is always in the accusative case.
meldet euch unter..
"Contact me on the number..." The imperative is once again being used in the familiar "ihr" form of the second person plural, as Bettina's advert is aimed at her
fellow students.
12.3 Das schwarze Brett (2) Marko wonders at first if he should just place his own advertisement (die Anzeige) and leave it at that. He then however spots a number of advertisements for flats in the Dresden area. Are any of the adverts that he finds (listed below) for one person flats, or is he going to try and find some fellow students to group up with? Text 2: Wohnung zu vermieten
Wir suchen eine/n Nachmieter/in! Wir werden ausziehen und unsere Maisonettewohnung in einem ruhigen Dresdner Vorort (Übigau) wird bald frei. Neubau, 81m². Kochecke, Diele, Wohnzimmer, Badezimmer mit WC & Bidet, 2 Balkone, Parkett, Tiefgaragenstellplatz inklusive, Nachtspeicherheizung. Komplett renoviert, schöne Aussicht. Sehr hohe Decke. WG-geeignet, gute Verkehrsanbindung. Die Kaltmiete beträgt € 490 + € 210 Heiz- und Nebenkosten also insgesamt € 700 warm. Besichtigung am 28. September. Ab 30.09.02 zu beziehen. Weitere Informationen unter: Festnetz: (0371) 467856 Handy: 0160/576835 E-Mail:
[email protected]
Altbauwohnung zu vermieten! Wer möchte für die Zeit meiner Abwesenheit (20.10. bis 30.12.2002) in meiner sonnigen Dreizimmerwohnung im Hochparterre wohnen? Zentrale Wohnanlage (Dresdner Neustadt), an der Elbe gelegen, 68 qm. Wohnküche, Bad mit Duschkabine, Fußbodenheizung, modern möbliert, hochwertige Ausstattung, Kabel-TV, Holzboden, Aufzug im Haus, 295 € inklusive. Ich freue mich auf Eure Anrufe! Kontaktperson:
Jessica Däbritz Büro: 0351/2576835 Privat: 0351/345736 (Anrufbeantworter!)
Eigentumswohnung zu vermieten! Ab Anfang Oktober zu beziehen: Neubauwohnung in Dresden-Cotta. Erdgeschoss, ca. 84 m² Wohnfläche bestehend aus: 1 Wohnzimmer, 1 Schlafzimmer, 1 Kochnische, 1 Arbeitszimmer, 1 Bad, 1 WC, 1 Abstellraum in Wohnung + kleine Loggia/Terrasse + Keller. Küche, Bad und Vorzimmer eingerichtet, Schlafzimmer mit Kleiderschrank vorhanden, Wohnung wird renoviert, Heizung und Warmwasser mit Fernwärme (geringe Heizkosten im Winter). Parkplatz vor dem Haus vorhanden, Grünstreifen vor dem Balkon. Sehr verkehrsgünstig, gute Einkaufsmöglichkeiten. Monatliche Miete: EUR 375,-- (kalt), Nebenkosten 121 Euro bei 2 Personen. Besichtigung nach Vereinbarung. Rückfragen: Andreas Fricke: 0351/431824 E-Mail:
[email protected]
Text 2: Flat to let
We're looking for a follow-on tenant! We will be moving out and our maisonette flat in a quiet Dresden suburb (Übigau) will soon become free. New building, 81 square metres. Kitchen/cooking area, hall, living room, bathroom with toilet & bidet, 2 balconies, parquet flooring, space in an underground car park, night storage heating. Completely renovated, pleasant view. Very high ceiling. Suitable for a shared flat, good transport connections. The rent excluding heating costs amounts to 490 € + 210 € for heating and additional costs which makes a total of
700 € including heating. Viewing on 28th September. Can be occupied from 30.09.02. For further details, contact: Landline: (0371) 467856 Mobile phone: 0160/576835 E-Mail:
[email protected]
Flat in an old building to let! Who would like to live in my sunny three-room flat on the upper ground floor for the time of my absence (20.10. to 30.12.2002)? Central location (Dresdner Neustadt), situated by the River Elbe, 68 square metres. Combined kitchen and living room, bathroom with shower cubicle, underfloor heating, high-quality modern furnishings, cable TV, wooden floor, lift in building, 295 € inclusive. I look forward to your phone calls! Contact: Jessica Däbritz Office: 0351/2576835 Private: 0351/345736 (Answer phone!)
Owner-occupied flat to let! Ready to be occupied from the start of October: Newlybuilt flat in Dresden-Cotta. Ground floor, approximately 84 square metres living space consisting of: 1 living room, 1 bedroom, 1 kitchenette, 1 study, 1 bathroom, 1 WC, 1 store room in flat + small balcony/terrace + cellar. Kitchen, bath and anteroom furnished, bedroom with wardrobe, flat is being renovated, heating and warm water via district heating (low heating costs in the winter). Parking space available in front of the building, grass verge in front of the balcony. Very conveniently situated, good shopping facilities. Monthly rent: 375 EUR (excluding heating costs),
additional costs for 2 people 121 euros. Viewing by arrangement. Queries: Andreas Fricke: 0351/431824 E-Mail:
[email protected]
Glossary First advert eine/n Nachmieter/in
Note the different endings to show that the offer is open to both male and female applicants!
ausziehen
This means "to move out". We have encountered this verb before in the reflexive form.
die Maisonettewohnung (-en)
maisonette flat
Dresdner
This is the adjective that comes from "Dresden". It is invariable, i.e. it never changes its endings no matter which case it is in or what kind of determiner it follows.
der Vorort (-e)
suburb
der Neubau (pl. Neubauten)
new building
81m²
The total size of the flat in square metres.
die Kochecke (-n)
kitchen / cooking area
die Diele (-n)
hall
das Wohnzimmer (-)
living room
das Badezimmer (-)
bathroom
das Bidet (-s)
bidet
das Parkett (-e)
parquet flooring
der Tiefgaragenstellplatz space in an underground car park (pl. -plätze) inklusive
included
die Nachtspeicherheizung
night storage heating
komplett
completely
renovieren
to renovate
renoviert
renovated
die Aussicht (-en)
view
hoch
This means "high". When "hoch" adds adjective endings, the "-c-" is omitted. Hence "die hohe Decke".
die Decke (-n)
ceiling
WG-geeignet
suitable for a shared flat
die Kaltmiete (-n)
rent excluding heating costs
betragen (insep.)
This means "to come to" or "to amount to". It declines in the same way as the irregular verb "tragen" (see verb tables).
die Heizkosten (pl.)
heating costs
die Nebenkosten (-)
additional costs
insgesamt
in total
die Besichtigung (-en)
viewing
beziehen (insep.)
to occupy
ab ... zu beziehen
can be occupied from...
weitere Informationen (pl.)
further information
das Festnetz
landline
das Handy (-s)
mobile phone Second advert
die Altbauwohnung (en)
flat in an old building
vermieten (insep.)
to rent out
Wohnung zu vermieten
flat to let; flat for rent
wer möchte ... wohnen?
"Who would like to live...?"
für die Zeit (+ Gen.)
This means "for the time of" and is a construction that takes the genitive case.
sonnig
sunny
die Dreizimmerwohnung three-room flat (-en) das Hochparterre (-s)
upper ground floor
im Hochparterre
on the upper ground floor
die Wohnanlage (-n)
location
die Neustadt (pl. städte)
new (part of) town
an der Elbe gelegen
situated by the River Elbe
68 qm
Short for "68 Quadratmeter" (= 68 square metres)
die Wohnküche (-n)
combined kitchen and living room
das Bad
This can sometimes mean "bath" as well as "bathroom".
die Duschkabine (-n)
shower cubicle
der Fußboden (pl. böden)
floor
die Fußbodenheizung
underfloor heating
modern
modern
hochwertig
high-quality
die Ausstattung
In this context, this means "furnishings".
der Holzboden (pl. bßden)
wooden floor
der Aufzug (pl. -züge)
This is another word for a "lift"
das Haus (pl. - Häuser)
Although this normally means "house", it can also be a generally word for a "building" in which individual flats are located.
der Anrufbeantworter (- answer phone ) Third advert die Eigentumswohnung (-en)
owner-occupied flat
der Anfang (pl. Anfänge)
start; beginning
Anfang Oktober
This means "at the beginning of October". Note the absence of articles and prepositions in the German phrase!
ca.
This is short for "circa", meaning "approximately".
die Wohnfläche (-n)
living space
84m² Wohnfläche
This means "84 square metres of living space". In practice this comprises the space taken up by lving room, dining room and bedroom.
bestehend aus
This means "consisting of". It is the present participle of the verb "bestehen".
das Schlafzimmer (-)
bedroom
die Kochnische (-n)
kitchenette
das Arbeitszimmer (-)
study
der Abstellraum (pl. räume)
storeroom
die Loggia (pl. -
balcony
Loggien) die Terrasse (-n)
terrace
der Keller (-)
cellar
das Vorzimmer (-)
anteroom; hall
eingerichtet
furnished
der Kleiderschrank (pl. - wardrobe schränke) vorhanden
present; there
renovieren
to renovate
wird renoviert
This means "is being renovated". It is an example of the passive which we met in the previous chapter.
die Heizung
heating
das Warmwasser
warm water
die Fernwärme
district heating
gering (adj.)
low
der Grünstreifen (-)
grass verge
verkehrsgünstig
convenient for transport
die Einkaufsmöglichkeiten (pl.)
shopping facilities
bei 2 Personen
if there are two people
die Vereinbarung (-en)
arrangement; agreement
nach Vereinbarung
by arrangement
die Rückfrage (-n)
query; question
12.4 Das schwarze Brett (3) Having dug around amongst the mound of adverts cluttering up the notice board, Marko finally locates two advertisements offering rooms in a "Wohngemeinschaft" (or "WG" for short). This literally translates as "living community" and means "a shared house or apartment". This is much more practical for a student arriving in a new city - and much better for the bank balance too! He also finds an advertisement for a one room flat which would also suit his needs. Text 3: Zimmer zu vermieten!
Zimmer in Studenten-WG frei! Mitbewohner/in dringend gesucht! Einzelzimmer in
Dreier-WG im 2. OG. Uni-Nähe (Johannstadt). Circa 1 Minute zur Bushaltestelle. Wohnungsgröße gesamt 85m². Das Zimmer ist ca. 24 m² groß mit Doppelbett, Schrank und Sessel - Südseite, Altbau mit Stuck. Wir benutzen gemeinschaftlich eine große Wohnküche mit Backofen und Herd. Sofort Warmwasser durch Wasserboiler. Eine Waschmaschine ist da, der Kühlschrank zieht leider aus. Weiterhin: großes Badezimmer mit Badewanne, gratis Parkplatz, Garten. Miete: ca. € 170 + € 34 Strom/Gas. Die Kaution beträgt € 160. Sofort beziehbar! Bitte meldet euch bei mir ab 18 Uhr! Anna (0351) 3 53 24 26
Angebot: Vermietung auf Zeit Biete ein freies unmöbliertes Zimmer in einer 3-RaumWohnung in einem Wohnblock am Rathaus Blasewitz ab frühestens 01.11.02 bis mindestens 04/2003. Bestens renoviert, großer Südbalkon, Küche, Elektroheizung, neu gefliestes Bad, Kellerabteil. Internetanschluss vorhanden. Grillplatz im Hof. Kaltmiete: 200 Euro. Das Zimmer ist wegen meines Auslandsaufenthalts an eine Frau zu vermieten. Ausländische Studentinnen willkommen. Anfragen bitte per E-mail (
[email protected]) oder telefonisch. Ich bin unter 0351/269889 zu erreichen.
Einzimmerwohnung in Striesen (Wormser Str.) Suche Nachmieter für helle 35qm-Wohnung zum 01.10.02. Gefliestes Wannenbad, Kinderzimmer mit eingebautem Kleiderschrank, Einbauküche, Mansarde. Nahe Universität. WBS erforderlich. Preis: 195,10 Euro / Monat Einmalige Zahlung: 300,00 Euro (für Kaution) Thomas Adler (
[email protected]) Telefonnummer: 0371/2 45 94 60
Text 3: Room to let
Zimmer in Studenten-WG frei! Desperately seeking flatmate! Single room in threeperson shared flat on the second floor. Near the university (Johannstadt). Approximately 1 minute from the bus stop. Flat size in total 85 square metres. The room is approximately 24 square metres in size with a double bed, wardrobe and armchair - south side, old building with stucco. We have communal usage of a large combined kitchen and living room with oven and cooker. Warm water immediately thanks to a hot-water tank. A washing machine is there, the fridge is unfortunately moving out. Furthermore: large bathroom with a bath tub, free parking space, garden. Rent: approx. 170 € + 34 € electricity / gas. The deposit amounts to € 160. Can be moved into immediately! Please get in touch with me from 6 o'clock onwards! Anna (0351) 3 53 24 26
Offer: Fixed period lease I'm offering an available unfurnished room in a threeroom flat in a block of flats near the Blasewitz town hall from 01.11.02 at the earliest until at least April 2003. Excellently renovated, large south-facing balcony, kitchen, electric heating, recently tiled bath, cellar compartment. Internet connection available. Barbecue area in the courtyard. Rent excluding heating costs: 200 euros. The room is available due to a stay abroad and is to be rented to a woman. Overseas students are welcome. Inquiries by e-mail (
[email protected]) or telephone please. I can be reached on 0351/269889.
One-room flat in Striesen (Wormser Straße)
I'm looking for a follow-on tenant for a bright 35 sq. metre flat for 01.10.02. Tiled bath, children's bedroom with built-in wardrobe, fitted kitchen, attic room. Near the university. Permit for subsidised housing required. Price: 195.10 euros per month One-off payment: 300.00 euros (for deposit) Thomas Adler (
[email protected]) Telephone number: 0371/2 45 94 60
Glossary First advert die Studenten-WG (-s)
shared student flat
der Mitbewohner ()
housemate (male)
die Mitbewohnerin (- This means "a female housemate". Note innen) again how difficult it can be in German to show that an offer applies to both genders! dringend gesucht
This translates as "desperately looking for a housemate" or literally "housemate is desperately looked for". This is another passive construction where the word "wird" is omitted for reasons of space - it should be "Mitbewohner/in wird dringend gesucht".
das Einzelzimmer ()
single room
die Dreier-WG (-s)
three-person shared flat
im 2. OG.
This is an abbreviation of "im zweiten Obergeschoss" meaning "on the second floor".
das Obergeschoss
upper floor; top floor
Uni-Nähe
near the university
die Bushaltestelle (n)
bus stop
die Wohnungsgröße (-n)
size of flat
das Doppelbett (en)
double bed
der Schrank (pl. Schränke)
cupboard
der Sessel (-)
armchair
die Südseite
south side
der Stuck
This means "stucco" and must not be confused with "das Stück", which is the German word for "piece".
benutzen (insep.)
to use
gemeinschaftlich
communally
der Backofen (öfen)
oven
der Herd (-e)
cooker
der Wasserboiler ()
hot-water tank
die Waschmaschine (-n)
washing machine
der Kühlschrank (pl. fridge; refrigerator -schränke) ausziehen
This means "to move out". We assume that the housemate who is leaving is taking the fridge with them.
weiterhin
furthermore
die Badewanne (-n)
bathtub
gratis
This adverb means "free of charge". It cannot add adjectival endings.
der Garten (pl. Gärten)
garden
der Strom
electricity
das Gas (-e)
gas
beziehbar
ready to move to
meldet euch bei mir
get in touch with me Second advert
das Angebot (-e)
offer
die Vermietung (en)
renting out; letting out
auf Zeit
for a fixed period
bieten
to offer
Biete...
I'm offering...
unmöbliert
unfurnished
die 3-RaumWohnung (-en)
This is another word for a "three-room flat".
der Wohnblock (-s)
block of flats
das Rathaus (pl. häuser)
town hall
frühestens
at the earliest
mindestens
at least
bestens
excellently; very well
der Südbalkon (-s or south-facing balcony -e) die Elektroheizung
electric heating
neu gefliest
recently tiled
das Kellerabteil (-e)
cellar compartment
das Internet
internet
der Internetanschluss (pl. -schlüsse)
internet connection
der Grillplatz (pl. plätze)
barbecue area
der Hof (pl. Höfe)
courtyard
wegen (+ Gen.)
because of
der Aufenthalt (-e)
stay
der Auslandsaufenthalt (-e)
stay abroad
an eine Frau zu vermieten
The room "is to be let to a woman".
ausländisch
overseas; foreign
die Anfrage (-n)
inquiry; question
per E-Mail
by e-mail
telefonisch
by telephone
erreichen
to reach
ich bin ... zu erreichen
I can be reached ... Third advert
die Einzimmerwohnung (-en)
one-room flat
Wormser Str.
"Wormser" is the adjective for the German city of Worms in Rheinland-Pfalz. "Str." is short for "die Straße".
35qm
This is an abbreviation for "35 Quadratmeter", meaning "35 square metres".
zum 01.10.02
for October 1, 2002
gefliest
tiled
das Wannenbad (pl. -bäder)
bath
das Kinderzimmer (- children's bedroom
) eingebaut
built-in
der Schrank (pl. Schränke)
cupboard; wardrobe
die Einbauküche (n)
fitted kitchen
die Mansarde (-n)
attic room
WBS
This is short for "der Wohnberechtigungsschein" which is a "permit for subsidised housing".
erforderlich
necessary; required
einmalig
one-off
die Zahlung (-en)
payment
12.5 Die Mitwohnzentrale Unfortunately most of the advertisements on the university notice board in Dresden turn out to be out of date. Feeling desperate, Marko decides to go to eine Mitwohnzentrale, a professional accommodation agency that provides him with contact addresses for a commission. One of the addresses he is given is that of Silke Kitschler and Andreas Hilfiker who are offering a room in their shared flat in the Wilsdruffer Straße in the old part of Dresden. Marko rings up Silke and Andreas to see if the room is still available. Conversation 2: Die Mitwohnzentrale
Silke Kitschler
Silke Kitschler am Apparat. Guten Tag.
Marko Tredup
Guten Tag. Ich heiße Marko Tredup. Ich rufe wegen des Zimmers an. Ist das Zimmer schon vergeben?
Silke Kitschler
Nein, es ist noch nicht vergeben.
Marko Tredup
Wie groß ist das Zimmer bitte?
Silke Kitschler
Es ist circa 25 Quadratmeter groß.
Marko Tredup
Und wie ist das Zimmer?
Silke Kitschler
Es ist hell und gemütlich.
Marko Tredup
Und was für ein Haus ist das - ein Einfamilienhaus? Ein Reihenhaus?
Silke Kitschler
Hier muss ein Irrtum vorliegen. Wir wohnen in einer sanierten Altbauwohnung!
Marko Tredup
Wie viele Zimmer hat die Wohnung?
Silke Kitschler
Sie hat eine Wohnküche, ein Wohnzimmer, ein Badezimmer und zwei Schlafzimmer. Die Wohnung hat eine Wohnfläche von 82 qm.
Marko Tredup
Wie liegt die Wohnung?
Silke Kitschler
Sie liegt sehr ruhig im Seitenflügel eines Altbaus in der Altstadt. Im dritten Stock. Die Nachbarn sind alle sehr leise. Wir haben nie Probleme mit ihnen.
Marko Tredup
Ist es eine Mietwohnung oder eine Eigentumswohnung?
Silke Kitschler
Eine Mietwohnung.
Marko Tredup
Und wo liegt die Wohnung genau?
Silke Kitschler
In der Wilsdruffer Straße. Südlich der Elbe und nordöstlich des Rathauses. Von unserem Fenster aus kann man das Rathaus sehen.
Marko Tredup
Wie viele Leute wohnen in Ihrer Wohngemeinschaft?
Silke Kitschler
Drei. Ich, mein Freund Andreas, und unsere Mitbewohnerin Marlene. Aber sie wird nicht mehr hier sein.
Marko Tredup
Wann kann man einziehen?
Silke Kitschler
Marlene wird Mitte Oktober ausziehen. Sie wird heiraten und mit ihrem Verlobten in ein Zweifamilienhaus umziehen.
Marko Tredup
Wie hoch ist die Monatsmiete?
Silke Kitschler
180 Euro kalt.
Marko Tredup
180 Euro kalt? Was bedeutet das?
Silke Kitschler
Das heißt, die Miete für die Wohnung ist 180 Euro im Monat, aber ohne die Kosten für Elektrizität. Du musst also etwa 65 Euro dazurechnen.
Marko Tredup
Also, insgesamt 245 Euro im Monat? Das ist ziemlich viel. Kann ich mir das Zimmer
ansehen? Silke Kitschler
Ja, natürlich. Morgen oder übermorgen, nach 18 Uhr. Ich zeige dir die Wohnung und wir trinken einen Kaffee zusammen.
Conversation 2: The accommodation agency
Silke Kitschler
Hello, Silke Kitschler speaking.
Marko Tredup
Hello, my name is Marko Tredup. I'm ringing up about the room. Has the room already been taken?
Silke Kitschler
No, it's not yet been taken.
Marko Tredup
How big is the room please?
Silke Kitschler
It's about 25 square metres in size.
Marko Tredup
And can you describe the room?
Silke Kitschler
It's bright and comfortable.
Marko Tredup
Und what sort of house is it - a detached house? A terraced house?
Silke Kitschler
There must be some kind of mistake here. We live in a flat in an old renovated building!
Marko Tredup
How many rooms does the flat have?
Silke Kitschler
It has a combined kitchen / living room, a living room, a bathroom and two bedrooms. The flat has a living area of 82 square metres.
Marko Tredup
How is the flat situated?
Silke Kitschler
It has a very quiet location in the side wing of an old building in the old part city of the city. On the third floor. The neighbours are all very quiet. We never have any problems with them.
Marko Tredup
Is it a rented flat or an owner-occupied flat?
Silke Kitschler
A rented flat.
Marko
And where is the flat located exactly?
Tredup Silke Kitschler
In the Wilsdruffer Straße. South of the River Elbe and north-east of the town hall. You can see the town-hall from our window.
Marko Tredup
How many people live in your shared flat?
Silke Kitschler
Three. Myself, my boyfriend Andreas, and our flatmate Marlene. But she won't be here any more.
Marko Tredup
When would it possible to move in?
Silke Kitschler
Martine will be moving out in the middle of October. She's going to get married and will be moving to a semi-detached house with her fiancé.
Marko Tredup
How high is the rent each month?
Silke Kitschler
180 Euro without heating costs.
Marko Tredup
180 Euro without heating costs? What does that mean?
Silke Kitschler
That means that the rent for the flat is 180 euros per month without electricity costs. So you'll have to add on about 65 euros.
Marko Tredup
So that makes 245 euros per month in total? That's quite a lot. Can I have a look at the room?
Silke Kitschler
Yes, of course. Tomorrow or the day after, after 6 o'clock in the evening. I'll show you the flat and we'll have a cup of coffee together.
Glossary vergeben
This means "taken" or "let" when it refers to accommodation.
was für ein Haus...?
what sort of house...?
das Einfamilienhaus (pl. -häuser)
detached house
das Reihenhaus (pl. - terraced house häuser) der Irrtum (pl. Irrtümer)
error
vorliegen (sep.)
This separable verb means "to exist" or
"to be present". The meaning of this sentence thus equates to "There must be some kind of mistake". saniert (adj.)
This adjective means "renovated". It is the past participle of the verb "sanieren" (= to renovate).
wie liegt die Wohnung?
how is the flat situated?
der Seitenflügel (-)
side wing
der Nachbar (-n)
This means "neighbour". It is another weak masculine noun (see previous chapter).
leise (adj.)
quiet
die Mietwohnung (en)
rented flat
die owner-occupied flat Eigentumswohnung (en) südlich (+ Gen.)
This preposition means "south of". All such prepositions of direction take the genitive case.
nordöstlich (+ Gen.)
north-east of
das Fenster (-)
window
von unserem Fenster aus
from our window
die Leute (pl.)
This noun means "people" and is only used in the plural form.
mein Freund
In this context this means "my boyfriend".
die Mitbewohnerin (innen)
flatmate (female)
einziehen (sep.)
to move in
Mitte Oktober
This means "in the middle of October". Note the absence of articles and prepositions in the German version.
ausziehen (sep.)
This means "to move out". Remember that when this verb is reflexive (sich ausziehen), it means "to get undressed".
heiraten
This means "to get married".
der Verlobte (adj. noun)
This means "fiancé". It is an adjectival noun (see previous chapter).
das Zweifamilienhaus This means "semi-detached house". (pl. -häuser) Another word for this is "das Doppelhaus". umziehen (sep.)
This separable verb means "to move
house". Remember that when this verb is reflexive (sich umziehen), it means "to get changed". hoch
This means "high". We have already seen in this chapter that this adjective loses its "-c-" when it adds adjective endings - e.g. "die hohe Decke" (= the high ceiling).
die Monatsmiete (-n)
monthly rent
bedeuten
This means "to mean"! Like all German verbs beginning with the prefix "be-", it is inseparable.
im Monat
per month
die Kosten (pl.)
costs
die Elektrizität
electricity
dazurechnen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to add on".
morgen
In this context this means "tomorrow".
übermorgen
the day after tomorrow
12.6 Die Besichtigung Marko jots down the details of a room in a shared flat in the Wilsdruffer Straße in the old part of Dresden. He then rushes over there to see whether the room is still available. Fortunately it is, and Silke Kitschler shows him around and answers his questions. Conversation 3: Die Besichtigung
Marko Tredup
(Er klingelt.)
Silke Moment. Ich mache die Tür auf! Kitschler Marko Tredup
Hallo, ich bin der Marko. Ich komme wegen der Anzeige. Ist das Zimmer noch frei?
Silke Ja, komm herein! Herzlich willkommen bei uns! Kitschler Ich zeige dir mal die Wohnung. So, hier ist zuerst der Flur. Leg deinen Mantel an der Garderobe ab! Marko Tredup
(Er kommt herein und legt seinen Mantel ab.)
Silke Hier rechts vom Flur findest du das Kitschler Badezimmer. Es gibt eine Duschkabine, ein neu gefliestes Bad, einen WC, ein
Waschbecken und einen großen runden Spiegel. Marko Tredup
Gibt es genügend Warmwasser?
Silke Ja, dank dem Wasserboiler ist genügend Kitschler Warmwasser immer vorhanden. Hier vorne am Ende des Flurs ist die Wohnküche, siehst du, dort rechts? Es ist ein kombiniertes Zimmer wir haben kein Esszimmer. Aber der Esstisch ist ziemlich lang. Marko Tredup
Ist die Küche gut ausgestattet?
Silke Ja, sie ist sehr modern ausgestattet. Wir haben Kitschler einen Elektroherd, einen Mikrowellenherd, einen Kühlschrank, einen Gefrierschrank, einen Geschirrspüler, eine Waschmaschine, eine Kaffeemaschine und einen Toaster... Nein, das stimmt nicht, das ist Marlenes Toaster. Sie wird ihn mitnehmen. Marko Tredup
Sehr praktisch! Und das Zimmer vorne links mit dem Doppelbett?
Silke Das ist mein Schlafzimmer. Ich teile das Kitschler Zimmer mit meinem Freund Andreas. Er ist momentan nicht hier. Das ist Andreas' Stereoanlage in der Ecke. Und hier links neben der Wohnungstür ist das Wohnzimmer. Das Sofa, die Schrankwand und der Couchtisch sind altmodisch aber elegant. Wir benutzen den Farbfernseher und den Videorecorder gemeinschaftlich. Marko Tredup
Das Wohnzimmer ist wirklich hübsch!
Silke So, und links nebenan ist Marlenes Zimmer ... Kitschler äh ... das Gästezimmer. Es ist im Moment ein bisschen unordentlich. Marko Tredup
Das macht nichts! Was für Möbel gibt es im Zimmer?
Silke Es gibt zwei weiche Einzelbetten, einen Kitschler geräumigen Kleiderschrank, ein kompaktes Bücherregal und eine hohe Stehlampe. Ein bequemer Sessel steht im rechten Winkel neben dem Nachttisch und das Zimmer hat auch zwei gepolsterte Stühle. In der anderen Ecke steht ein viereckiger Schreibtisch mit einer Lampe darauf. Natürlich wird Marlene den Wecker und den Computer mitnehmen. Marko
Das Zimmer ist ein bisschen dunkel, findest du
Tredup
nicht?
Silke Trotz der dunklen Wände ist es eigentlich ganz Kitschler hell. (Sie zieht die Vorhänge auf.) Wollen wir eine Tasse Kaffee trinken? Setz dich! Ich gehe in die Küche und mache Kaffee.
Conversation 3: Die Besichtigung
Marko Tredup
(He rings the bell.)
Silke Just a moment. I'm opening the door! Kitschler Marko Tredup
Hallo, I'm Marko. I've come about the advertisement. Is the room still free?
Silke Yes, come in! A very warm welcome to our Kitschler flat! I'll just show you the flat. So, first of all this is the hall. Take your coat off and hang it on the coat-rack! Marko Tredup
(He comes in and takes off his coat.)
Silke Over here on the right of the hall you'll find the Kitschler bathroom. There's a shower cubicle, a re-tiled bath, a toilet, a wash-basin and a large round mirror. Marko Tredup
Is there enough warm water?
Silke Yes, there's always enough warm water Kitschler available thanks to the hot-water tank. Here in front of us at the end of the hall is the combined kitchen and living room, do you see, there on the right? It's a combined room - we don't have a dining room. But the dining table is fairly long. Marko Tredup
Is the kitchen well-equipped?
Silke Yes, it has very up-to-date equipment. We Kitschler have an electric cooker, a microwave oven, a fridge, a freezer, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a coffee machine and a toaster... No, that's not true, it's Marlene's toaster. She'll be taking it with her. Marko Tredup
Very practical! And the room at the front on the left with the double bed?
Silke
That's my bedroom. I share the room with my
Kitschler boyfriend Andreas. He's not hier at the moment. That's Andreas' stereo system in the corner. And here on the left by the front door is the living room. The sofa, the wall unit and the coffee table are old-fashioned but elegant. We use the colour TV and the video recorder communally. Marko Tredup
The living room is really pretty!
Silke Right, and next to it on the left is Marlene's Kitschler Zimmer ... erm ... the guest room. It's a bit untidy at the moment. Marko Tredup
That doesn't matter! What kind of furniture does the room have?
Silke There are two soft single beds, a spacious Kitschler wardrobe, a compact bookshelf and a tall standard lamp. There's a comfortable armchair in the right-hand corner by the bedside table and the room also has two upholstered chairs. In the other corner there's an oblong desk with a lamp on it. Marlene will of course take the alarm-clock and the computer with her. Marko Tredup
The room's a bit dark, don't you think?
Silke Despite the dark walls it's actually quite bright. Kitschler (She opens the curtains.) Shall we have a cup of coffee? Sit down! I'll go into the kitchen and make some coffee.
Glossary klingeln
to ring the doorbell
aufmachen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to open".
die Tür (-en)
door
hereinkommen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to come in". "Komm herein!" is the imperative form when speaking to a "du" (see earlier chapter).
komm herein!
Although Marko and Silke used "Sie" when speaking to each other on the telephone, they use "du" when they meet and recognise that they are both of student age.
zuerst
first of all
der Flur (-e)
hall; corridor
ablegen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to take off an item of item clothing". "Leg ab" is the imperative form when speaking to a "du" (see earlier chapter).
die Garderobe (-n)
coat-rack
rechts vom Flur
on the right-hand side of the hall
die Duschkabine (n)
shower cabinet
das Waschbecken (- wash-basin ) rund (adj.)
round
der Spiegel (-)
mirror
genügend
sufficient
dank (+ Dat.)
This is a preposition meaning "thanks to". It always takes the dative case.
der Wasserboiler ()
hot-water tank
das Ende (-n)
end
am Ende (+ Gen.)
at the end of
siehst du?
do you see?
kombiniert
combined
das Esszimmer (-)
dining room
der Esstisch (-e)
dining table
lang
long
gut ausgestattet
well-equipped
der Elektroherd (e)
electric cooker
der Mikrowellenherd microwave oven (-e) der Kühlschrank (pl. fridge -schränke) der Gefrierschrank (pl. -schränke)
freezer
der Geschirrspüler (-)
dishwasher
die Kaffeemaschine (-n)
coffee machine
der Toaster (-)
toaster
das stimmt (nicht)
that's (not) true
mitnehmen (sep.)
This is a separable verb meaning "to take something with you". There is no need to express "with you (etc.)" in the German
construction. praktisch
practical
das Doppelbett (en)
double bed
teilen
to share
momentan
at the moment
die Stereoanlage (n)
stereo system
die Wohnungstür (en)
front door of the flat
das Sofa (-s)
sofa
die Schrankwand (pl. -wände)
wall unit
der Couchtisch (-e)
coffee table
altmodisch
old-fashioned
elegant
elegant
der Videorecorder (- video recorder; VCR ) gemeinschaftlich
communally
hübsch
pretty
nebenan
next to it
links nebenan
next to it on the left
das Gästezimmer ()
guest room
unordentlich
untidy
das macht nichts
that doesn't matter
das Möbel (-)
piece of furniture
weich
soft
das Einzelbett (-en)
single bed
geräumig
spacious
der Kleiderschrank (pl. -schränke)
wardrobe
kompakt
compact
das Bücherregal (e)
bookshelf
die Stehlampe (-n)
standard lamp
bequem
comfortable
der Sessel (-)
armchair
der Winkel (-)
corner
der Nachttisch (-e)
This means "bedside table". Be careful not to misspell this as "der Nachtisch"
which means "dessert"! gepolstert
upholstered
der Stuhl (pl. Stühle)
chair
viereckig
This adjective can either mean "square" or "rectangular". It literally means "having four corners".
der Schreibtisch (e)
desk
die Lampe (-n)
lamp
darauf
on it
der Wecker (-)
alarm clock
der Computer (-)
computer
trotz (+ Gen.)
This preposition means "despite" and takes the genitive case.
die Wand (pl. Wände)
wall
aufziehen (sep.)
to open (curtains)
der Vorhang (pl. hänge)
carpet
sich setzen (ref.)
This is a reflexive verb meaning "to sit down". "Setz dich" is the imperative form when speaking to a "du" (see earlier chapter).
12.7 The future tense Formation of the future tense The German future tense is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb "werden" followed by the infinitive of the verb in question: Grammar 1: Future tense of "kaufen" (= to buy)
Singular ich werde kaufen
I will buy
du wirst kaufen Sie werden kaufen
You will buy (informal/formal)
er/sie/es wird kaufen
He/she/it will buy
Plural wir werden kaufen
We will buy
ihr werdet kaufen Sie werden kaufen
You will buy (informal/formal)
sie werden kaufen
They will buy
Notes on word order 1. The infinitive of the main verb in the future tense should always be placed at the end of a clause or sentence. • •
Aber sie wird nicht mehr hier sein. (But she won't be here any more.) Marlene wird Mitte Oktober ausziehen. (Marlene will be moving out in the middle of October.)
2. When a clause is "inverted" - i.e. in a question or when an adverb is the first element -, the auxiliary verb "werden" precedes the subject and the infinitive is again placed at the end of the clause. • • •
Wann wirst du einziehen? (When will you move in?) Natürlich wird Marlene den Wecker und den Computer mitnehmen. (Of course Marlene will take the alarm clock and the computer with her.) Ab dem kommenden Semester werde ich hier Jura studieren. (From this term onwards I shall be studying law here.)
3. It is not necessary to repeat the auxiliary verb "werden" when the same noun is the subject of two or more future verbs in the same sentence. •
Sie wird heiraten und dann in ein Zweifamilienhaus umziehen. (She will get married and will then move into a semi-detached house.)
The future tense and the present tense In practice, the future tense is used much less frequently in German than it is in English. As we have seen in previous chapters, the present tense is often used indicate a future action, especially when an adverb already shows that the event takes place in the future: • • • • •
Wir kommen morgen. (We will be coming tomorrow.) Übermorgen fährt er nach Hause. (He'll be going home the day after tomorrow.) Ich bin gleich fertig. (I'll be ready in a moment.) Ich gehe in die Küche und mache Kaffee. (I'll just go into the kitchen and make some coffee.) Heute Abend schreibe ich den Brief. (I'll write the letter this evening.)
The future tense is mainly used to refer to the future if the present tense could be misunderstood. •
Ich werde keine Antwort bekommen. ("I won't get an answer". The present tense might imply that you "aren't getting an answer".)
•
Kai wird wieder bei der Post arbeiten. ("Kai will be working for the post office". Using the present tense would imply that Kai "is working for the post office again".)
The future tense can also indicate probability: •
Ich bekomme keine Antwort. Sie wird wohl nicht da sein. (I'm not getting a reply. She's probably not in.)
Modal verbs and the future tense Take care to distinguish between "werden" and "wollen" when expressing the future tense - English "will" is not the same as German "will"! Whereas the auxiliary verb "werden" should be used to translate a future action, "wollen" should only be used to translate what a person "plans" or "intends" to do. • • •
Wir werden jetzt nach Italien fahren. (We are going to go to Italy now.) Wir wollen jetzt nach Italien fahren. (We intend to go to Italy now.) Wir möchten jetzt nach Italien fahren. (We would like to go to Italy now.)
In first person plural questions "wollen" has the sense of English "Shall we...?": • •
Wollen wir eine Tasse Kaffee trinken? (Shall we have a cup of coffee?) Was wollen wir heute machen? (What shall we do today?)
Distinguishing between different forms of "werden" As we have seen in the previous chapter, the auxiliary verb "werden" can be used to indicate a number of different tenses and moods in German. You should take care to distinguish between the future (= werden + Infinitive) and the passive (werden + Past Participle). • •
Wird Lutz die Wohnung sanieren? (Will Lutz renovate the flat?) Die Wohnung wird schon saniert! (The flat is already being renovated.)
Note too that when "werden" is used with an adjective it means "to become": •
Wir werden ausziehen und unsere Wohnung wird bald frei. (We will move out and our flat will soon become free.)
12.8 Formation of the genitive case Formation of the genitive case The genitive is the fourth and final German case that we shall encounter. It is used
primarily to denote possession and also after certain prepositions. The genitive endings of nouns in the singular and plural are listed below along with the genitive endings of the definite article: Grammar 2: Genitive case of nouns and definite articles
Singular
Plural
Masculine
des Mannes (of the man)
der Männer (of the men)
Feminine
der Frau (of the woman)
der Frauen (of the women)
Neuter
des Mädchens (of the girl)
der Mädchen (of the girls)
The basic rules for genitive endings 1. No endings are added to feminine singular nouns or to any plural nouns in the genitive case. The definite article in both of these cases is "der". 2. Masculine and neuter nouns in the singular add either "-s" or "-es". The definite article in both of these cases is "des". Genitive singular endings: "-s" or "-es"? How do you decide whether you should add "-s" or "-es" to the genitive singular of masculine and neuter singular nouns? "-es" should be added: • • •
with nouns ending in "-s", "-ss/-ß", "-x" or "-z" (usually) with nouns ending in "-sch", "-st" or "-zt" with neuter nouns ending in "-nis": the ending then becomes "-nisses" Grammar 3: Genitive endings involving "-es"
Nominative
Genitive
"-s"
das Haus (the house)
des Hauses (of the house)
"-ss/-ß"
das Erdgeschoss (the ground floor)
des Erdgeschosses (of the ground floor)
das Maß (the measure)
des Maßes (of the measure)
"-x"
der Reflex (the reflex)
des Reflexes (of the reflex)
"-z"
der Platz (the square)
des Platzes (of the square)
"-nis"
das Ereignis (the event)
des Ereignisses (of the event)
N.B. Foreign nouns ending in "-s" or "-x" usually have no ending in the genitive e.g. "des Organismus" (= of the organism), "des Rhythmus" (= of the rhythm), "des Index" (= of the index). However some key foreign words such as "der Bus" and "der Kongress" are now deemed to have been assimilated into the German language and thus add "-es" in the genitive - "des Busses" (= of the bus), "des Kongresses" (= of the congress). "-s" should be added: • • • • •
with nouns ending in a vowel (but not adjectival nouns and weak masculine nouns) with nouns ending in a vowel + "-h" with proper names with foreign names that do not end in "-s", "-x" or "-z" with nouns of more than one syllable ("polysyllabic nouns") where the stress is not on the final syllable Grammar 4: Genitive endings involving "-s"
Nominative
Genitive
Vowel
der Schnee (the snow)
des Schnees (of the snow)
Vowel + -h
der Schuh (the shoe)
des Schuhs (of the shoe)
Names
Goethe (Goethe)
Goethes (of Goethe)
Klinsmann (Klinsmann)
Klinsmanns (of Klinsmann)
das Hotel (the hotel)
des Hotels (of the hotels)
der Klub (the club)
des Klubs (of the club)
der Abend (the evening)
des Abends (of the evening)
Foreign nouns
Unstressed polysyllabic nouns
Other nouns There are no clearcut rules for the large number of nouns that do not fall into the groupings listed above. The choice between "-s" and "-es" is governed by such unclassifiable factors as style, rhythm and ease of pronunciation. It is thus highly likely that you will find both endings used for certain masculine and neuter nouns when they are in the genitive case. As a very rough guideline, "-es" is more likely to be found:
• • • •
in in in in
monosyllabic words words where the stress falls on the final syllable words ending with two consonants formal written German
Using the dictionary As the choice of genitive endings for masculine and neuter nouns can prove difficult for beginners, try looking up the correct ending in a dictionary. A good EnglishGerman dictionary will normally list the genitive ending after the gender and before the nominative plural ending for a noun. For example: • • •
der Biss m "-es" -e (m = masculine) (genitive = des Bisses) (plural = Bisse) das Mädchen nt "-s" (nt = neuter) (genitive = des Mädchens) (plural = Mädchen) das Kind nt "-(e)s" -er (n = neuter) (genitive = des Kinds or des Kindes) (plural = Kinder)
12.9 The genitive case - possession Usage of the genitive case The main usage of the genitive case is to link nouns or noun phrases where English would normally use "of". It often indicates possession or ownership: Grammar 5: The genitive case indicating possession
die Wohnung des Arztes ("the (male) doctor's flat") die Wohnung der Ärztin ("the (female) doctor's flat") der Keller des Hauses ("the cellar of the house") das Zimmer der Kinder ("the children's room")
The genitive can also be used in German to link nouns or noun phrases where English would normally use "of": Grammar 6: The genitive case meaning "of"
die Abfahrt des Zuges ("the departure of the train") die Farbe des Fernsehers ("the colour of the TV set") die Sanierung des Hauses ("the renovation of the house")
ein Strahl der Hoffnung ("a ray of hope") Genitive: before or after? As you will see from the above examples, the German genitive usually follows the noun on which it depends - e.g. "die Wohnung des Arztes" (= the doctor's flat). The only exception to this is that proper names and personal names in the genitive case usually come first. Unlike in English, there is no apostrophe before the genitive "-s" on personal names. Names ending in "-s", "-x" and "-z" usually add an apostrophe after the final letter of the name in the genitive case: Grammar 7: The genitive of proper names
No apostrophes das ist Marlenes Toaster ("that's Marlene's toaster") links nebenan ist Marlenes Zimmer ("Marlene's room is next to it on the left") Goethes Bücher ("Goethe's books") Deutschlands Grenzen ("Germany's borders") das ist Andreas Stereoanlage ("this is Andrea's stereo system") BUT: das ist Andreas' Stereoanlage ("this is Andreas's stereo system") das ist Fritz' Schwester ("this is Fritz's sister")
12.10 The genitive case - prepositions Prepositions taking the genitive case The following prepositions are normally written with the genitive case in formal written German: Grammar 8: Prepositions taking the genitive case
Preposition
Example
(an-)statt (instead of)
statt der Diele (instead of the hall)
auf Grund (as a result of)
auf Grund des Regens (as a result of the rain)
inklusive (including)
inklusive der Kosten (including the costs)
trotz (despite)
trotz der Wände (despite the walls)
während (during)
während der Ferien (during the holidays)
wegen (because of)
wegen des Zimmers (because of the room)
Notes 1. The preposition meaning "instead of" can either be written as "statt" or "anstatt". 2. You may also find the preposition "auf Grund" written as one word "aufgrund". 3. All of the above prepositions take the genitive in formal written German, but in conversational German you will often hear them used with the dative case. In Switzerland and Austria, "trotz" takes the dative case in formal written German as well as in conversational German. 4. The genitive of the personal pronoun is now deemed to be archaic, and the dative form of these pronouns is used after genitive prepositions in both spoken and written German - e.g. "trotz ihnen" (= despite them), "wegen ihm" (= because of him), "statt ihr" (= instead of her). Prepositions of direction The following prepositions indicating compass direction can also be followed by the genitive case: Grammar 9: Prepositions of compass direction
nördlich (north of)
nordöstlich (north-east of)
östlich (east of)
südöstlich (south-east of)
südlich (south of)
südwestlich (south-west of)
westlich (west of)
nordwestlich (north-west of)
Examples •
Die Wohnung befindet sich südlich der Elbe und nordöstlich des Rathauses. (The flat is south of the River Elbe and north-east of the town hall.)
• •
Das Hotel liegt östlich der Stadt. (The hotel is situated to the east of the city.) Wir wohnen westlich des Stadtzentrums. (We live to the west of the city centre.)
The genitive is also used after "in der Nähe" (= near) and "am Ende" (= at the end of): • • •
Das schwarze Brett befindet sich in der Nähe der Mensa. (The notice board is situated near the refectory.) In der Nähe des Ladens gibt es eine Bushaltestelle. (There is a bus stop near the shop.) Hier vorne am Ende des Flurs ist die Wohnküche. (Up here at the end of the hall is the combined kitchen and living room.)
Genitive or "von"? The use of the genitive to link nouns is more common in written and formal German. In everyday speech however, a phrase with "von" followed by the dative is often used rather than a genitive. The use of "von" should nevertheless be avoided where possible in formal and written German. Grammar 10: Genitive or "von"?
das Haus meines Vaters (= written) das Haus von meinem Vater (= spoken) ("my father's house") die Wohnung meiner Eltern (= written) die Wohnung von meinen Eltern (= spoken) ("my parents' flat") in der Nähe des Bahnhofs (= written) in der Nähe vom Bahnhof (= spoken) ("near the station") südlich der Stadt (= written) südlich von der Stadt (= spoken) ("south of the city")
Notes 1. A construction with "von" is not possible after the genitive prepositions auf Grund, inklusive, statt, trotz, während and wegen. 2. The genitive cannot be used however to translate "of" followed by the personal pronoun - i.e. "of him", "of her" etc. For these instances "von" followed by the dative case must be used: • •
jeder von uns (each of us) ein Freund von mir (a friend of mine)
3. "Von" (+ Dative) should also be used if a noun stands by itself, without an article or any other word with an ending to show the case: • • • •
nordwestlich von Dresden (north-west of Dresden) südöstlich von Luzern (south-east of Lucerne) der Preis von zwölf Eiern (the price of twelve eggs) die Sanierung von Altbauten (the renovation of old buildings)
12.11 The genitive case - articles and determiners Genitive endings on the definite article We can now construct the full case endings tables for the articles and determiners that we have encountered so far. Below are the case endings for the definite article for the three genders - masculine (masc.), feminine (fem.), neuter (neut.) - and for the plural: Grammar 11: Case endings of the definite article
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
der
die
das
die
Accusative
den
die
das
die
Genitive
des
der
des
der
Dative
dem
der
dem
den
Case endings for the indefinite article The genitive endings for the indefinite article "ein" are the same as those for the definite article. There is of course no plural form. Grammar 12: Case endings of the indefinite article
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Nominative
ein
eine
ein
Accusative
einen
eine
ein
Genitive
eines
einer
eines
Dative
einem
einer
einem
Remember that "kein" (= not a) declines in the same way as "ein": Grammar 13: Case endings of "kein"
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
kein
keine
kein
keine
Accusative
keinen
keine
kein
keine
Genitive
keines
keiner
keines
keiner
Dative
keinem
keiner
keinem
keinen
Examples Note the endings on the indefinite articles in the following sentences: • • •
Wir wohnen im Seitenflügel eines Altbaus. (We live in the side wing of an old building.) Statt einer neuen Straße gibt es hundert neue Bahnhöfe. (Instead of one new street there are a hundred new train stations.) Sport ist die Lösung keines Problems. (Sport is not the solution to any problem.)
The endings of possessive determiners When used as determiners, the possessives ("mein", "dein", "sein", "ihr", "Ihr" etc.) have the same endings as the indefinite article. The table below gives the endings for "ihr" (= her; their): Grammar 14: Case endings of "mein"
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
ihr
ihre
ihr
ihre
Accusative
ihren
ihre
ihr
ihre
Genitive
ihres
ihrer
ihres
ihrer
Dative
ihrem
ihrer
ihrem
ihren
Examples Note the endings on the possessives in the following sentences: • • •
Während meines Sommerkurses habe ich ein Zimmer im Wohnheim. (During my summer course I have a room in the halls of residence.) Das Zimmer ist wegen ihres Auslandaufenthalts zu vermieten. (The room is available due to her stay abroad.) Hier ist der Couchtisch seiner Freundin. (This is his girlfriend's coffee table.)
The "-er" of "unser" (= our) and "euer" (= your) is part of the stem and not an ending. The endings are attached to this stem as in the table below: Grammar 15: Case endings of "unser" (= our)
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
unser
unsere
unser
unsere
Accusative
unseren
unsere
unser
unsere
Genitive
unseres
unserer
unseres
unserer
Dative
unserem
unserer
unserem
unseren
When "euer", the informal version of the second person plural "you", has endings, the "-e-" of the stem is usually dropped in both spoken and written German. Grammar 16: Case endings of "unser" (= our)
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
euer
eure
euer
eure
Accusative
euren
eure
euer
eure
Genitive
eures
eurer
eures
eurer
Dative
eurem
eurer
eurem
euren
Examples Note the endings on the possessives in the following sentences: • • • •
Statt unserer Wohnung hat er ein Atelier gekauft. (He bought a studio instead of our flat.) Das ist das Schlafzimmer unseres Sohnes. (This is our son's bedroom.) Trotz eures unordentlichen Zimmers dürft ihr Fußball spielen. (You can play football despite your untidy room.) In eurer Garage gibt es im Moment kein Auto. (There isn't a car in your garage at the moment.)
"dieser" and other determiners The "-er" of "dieser" (= this) is an ending and not part of the stem and not an ending. It thus declines as in the table below: Grammar 17: Case endings of "dieser" (= this)
Masc.
Fem.
Neut.
Plural
Nominative
dieser
diese
dieses
diese
Accusative
diesen
diese
dieses
diese
Genitive
dieses
dieser
dieses
dieser
Dative
diesem
dieser
diesem
diesen
Other determiners that form endings in a similar way are jener (= that), welcher (= which?), jeder (= each) and the plural determiners alle (= all) and viele (= many):
• • • •
Wegen dieser langen Wartezeiten werde ich langsam verrückt. (I'm gradually going mad due to these long waiting times.) Trotz dieses Wetters fahren wir in den Urlaub. (We're going on holiday despite this weather.) Trotz aller Probleme freuen sie sich auf die Zukunft. (Despite all their problems they are looking forward to the future.) Wegen vieler Schwierigkeiten ist das nicht mehr möglich. (Due to a number of difficulties that is no longer possible.)
12.12 The imperative of reflexive verbs Prepositions taking the genitive case In Chapter 7, we examined how to form the imperative for normal German verbs. Reflexive verbs form the imperative in a similar way, but also require the inclusion of a reflexive pronoun: Grammar 18: Imperative of reflexive verbs
Person
Imperative
Imperative
du
setz(e) dich! (sit down!)
melde dich! (get in touch!)
ihr
setzt euch! (sit down!)
meldet euch! (get in touch!)
Sie (polite)
setzen Sie sich! (sit down!)
melden Sie sich! (get in touch!)
wir
setzen wir uns! (let's sit down!)
melden wir uns! (let's get in touch!)
Notes 1. The pronoun is included in the polite "Sie" and "wir" forms of the imperative, but not in the informal "du" and "ihr" forms. 2. As the stem of the verb "melden" ends in "-d-" it retains the "-e" ending in the "du" form of the imperative. This "-e" ending is optional with the "du" imperative of the verb "setzen". Imperative of reflexive verbs with a dative object Both "sich setzen" and "sich melden" are reflexive verbs where the reflexive pronoun is in the accusative case (see Chapter 10.8). The table below shows the imperative for reflexive verbs that take a dative reflexive pronoun using the separable verb "sich vorstellen" (see Chapter 10.10). Grammar 19: Imperative with dative reflexive pronouns
Person du
Imperative stell(e) dir vor!
(imagine!) ihr
stellt euch vor! (imagine!)
Sie (polite)
stellen Sie sich vor! (imagine!)
wir
stellen wir uns vor! (let's imagine!)
As the table above indicates, the prefix of an separable verb goes to the end of a clause in the imperative. This is true for non-reflexive verbs as well as reflexive verbs: Grammar 20: Imperative with a separable verb
Person
Imperative
du
leg(e) deinen Mantel ab! (take your coat off!)
ihr
legt euren Mantel ab (take your coat off!)
Sie legen Sie sich Ihren Mantel ab! (polite) (take your coat off!)
(Note that in the above examples "der Mantel" remains singular even when the imperative refers to more than one person. This is because in German each person is deemed to only have one coat each.) Imperative of reflexive verbs with a dative and accusative object In Chapter 10.10 we looked at reflexive verbs where the reflexive pronoun is in the dative case whilst another object is in the accusative case. The imperative of such verbs is indicated in the following table. Grammar 21: Imperative of "to listen to a CD"
Person
Imperative
du
hör(e) dir die CD an! (listen to the CD!)
ihr
hört euch die CD an! (listen to the CD!)
Sie (polite)
hören Sie sich die CD an! (listen to the CD!)
wir
hören wir uns die CD an! (let's listen to the CD!)
12.13 Unusual German adjectives Adjectives formed from towns and cities Adjectives expressing the names of German towns and cities are formed by adding "er" to the name of the place. In some instances such as Dresden and München, the final vowel in the name of the city disappears in the adjectival form. Other city adjectives such as those derived from the Eastern German cities of Halle and Jena need to be learned separately. Grammar 22: City adjectives
City
Adjective
City
Adjective
Berlin
Berliner
Köln
Kölner
Frankfurt
Frankfurter
Leipzig
Leipziger
Hamburg
Hamburger
Wien
Wiener
Dresden
Dresdner
Bremen
Bremer
München
Münch(e)ner
Halle
Hallenser
Zürich
Zürcher
Jena
Jenenser
BUT:
Notes 1. All adjectives formed from towns and cities start with a capital letter. 2. Only one country also forms an adjective in this way: the adjective "Schweizer" (= Swiss) comes from adding "-er" to "die Schweiz". A second Swiss adjective "schweizerisch" also exists - this word does not start with a capital letter (see below). The full list of adjectives of nationality can be found in Chapter 7.8. No adjective endings on city adjectives Adjectives formed from the names of cities and towns do not add adjectival endings - i.e. they always end in "-er" regardless of the gender of the noun to which it refers and the case that this noun is in. • • • •
Wir wohnen in einem ruhigen Dresdner Vorort. (We live in a quiet Dresden suburb.) Ihr werdet euch am Kölner Hauptbahnhof treffen. (You will meet each other at Cologne central station.) Die Stuttgarter Kneipen sind immer voll. (The pubs in Stuttgart are always full.) Du redest mit einem Berliner Studenten. (You are speaking to a student from Berlin.)
Care must therefore be taken when translating the adjective "Swiss" into German. Whilst the adjective "Schweizer" does not "decline" i.e. take adjective endings, the normal adjective "schweizerisch" does.
• • •
Essen Sie gerne Schweizer Käse? Essen Sie gerne schweizerischen Käse? (Do you like eating Swiss cheese?) Die Schweizer Fußballmannschaft spielt heute. Die schweizerische Fußballmannschaft spielt heute. (The Swiss football team is playing today.) Was trägt ein Schweizer Arbeiter zur Arbeit? Was trägt ein schweizerischer Arbeiter zur Arbeit? (What does a Swiss worker wear to work?)
Adjectives that ending in "-el" Adjectives that end in "-el" drop this final "-e" when they "inflect" i.e. when they add adjective endings. We have seen this with the adjective "dunkel" at the end of the conversation in Chapter 12.6 but it also affects adjectives such as eitel (= vain), übel (= bad; evil), miserabel (= miserable), sensibel (= sensitive) or flexibel (= flexible). • • • • • •
Das Zimmer ist ein bisschen dunkel, findest du nicht? (The room is a little dark, don't you think?) Trotz der dunklen Wände ist es eigentlich ganz hell. (Despite the dark walls it's actually quite bright.) Ist das Angebot akzeptabel? (Is the offer acceptable?) Ja, das ist ein akzeptables Angebot. (Yes, that is an acceptable offer.) Ist Herr Schäfer ein eitler Mensch? (Is Mister Schäfer a vain man?) Nein, er ist überhaupt nicht eitel! (No, he's not vain at all!)
Similarly the adjective "hoch" drops its "-c-" when it has adjectival endings: • • • •
Ist die Decke hoch? (Is the ceiling high?) Ja, das ist eine sehr hohe Decke. (Yes, the ceiling is very high.) Wie hoch sind die Mieten in München? (How high are the rents in Munich?) In München gibt es sehr hohe Mieten. (There are very high rents in Munich.)
12.14 New German adverbs Adverbial superlatives ending in "-stens" In the accommodation advertisements in this chapter you will have noted a number of adverbs ending in "-stens". These were originally "superlatives" (i.e. they implied that something was "the most..."), but now they mainly have an idiomatic function. The most commonly used adverbs of this type are listed below. Grammar 23: Adverbs ending in "-stens"
bestens
meistens
spätestens
(very well)
(mostly)
(at the latest)
frühestens (at the earliest)
mindestens (at least)
strengstens (strictly)
höchstens (at the most)
nächstens (shortly)
wärmstens (most warmly)
längstens (at the longest)
schnellstens (as quickly as possible)
wenigstens (at least)
Examples • • • • • • • • •
Ich suche ein helles Zimmer, mindestens 19 Quadratmeter. (I'm looking for a bright room, at least 19 square metres.) ab frühestens Dezember 2002 bis mindestens Juni 2003. (from December 2002 at the earliest until at least June 2003.) Bitte meldet euch bis spätestens 30. November 2002 (Please get in touch by 30th November 2002 at the latest.) Der Kurs wird höchstens / längstens zwanzig Tage dauern. (The course will last twenty days at the most.) Ein Student muss wenigstens achtzehn Jahre alt sein. (A student must be at least eighteen years old.) Katja steht meistens früh auf. (Katja usually gets up early.) Elektroherde sind wärmstens zu empfehlen. (Electric cookers are most warmly recommended.) Rauchen ist strengstens verboten. (Smoking is strictly forbidden.) Schnellstens zu verkaufen! (Must be sold very quickly!)
Other adverbial superlatives We have already met some other adverbial superlatives ending in "-st": • • •
Die Wohnungssituation in Dresden ist äußerst wichtig. (The accommodation situation in Dresden is extremely difficult.) Suche Zimmer in Dresden. Möglichst zentral gelegen. (I'm looking for a room in Dresden. Situated as centrally as possible.) Diese Frage ist höchst kompliziert. (This question is extremely complicated.)
"Not yet" and "no longer" In German, "not yet" is translated by "noch nicht" and "no more" by "nicht mehr". As the negative "nicht" is contained in both of these adverbial phrases, there is no need to make the verb in such sentences negative - unlike in English. • • •
Das Frühstück ist noch nicht fertig. (Breakfast isn't ready yet.) Diese Altbauten sind noch nicht saniert. (These old buildings have not been renovated yet.) Marlene wird nicht mehr hier sein. (Marlene won't be here any more.)
•
Ich kann diese Zeitung nicht mehr lesen! (I can't read this newspaper any more!)
12.15 Miscellaneous grammar points "zu" + infinitive In a number of the accommodation advertisements in this chapter you will have noted the use of "zu" followed by the infinitive to indicate the passive. In other sentences "zu" and the infinitive are used in combination with the verb "sein" to translate "can be". These are constructions commonly found in advertisements and commercial German. Grammar 24: "Zu" + infinitive
3-Zimmer-Wohnung an eine Frau zu vermieten! ("three room flat to let to a woman") Einfamilienhaus zu verkaufen! ("detached house for sale") die Wohnung ist sofort zu beziehen ("the flat can be occupied immediately") ich bin unter 65 44 23 zu erreichen ("I can be reached at telephone number 65 44 23") Prepositions with "sich freuen" The meaning of the verb "sich freuen" depends upon the preposition with which it is used. If the verb is followed by "auf" and the accusative case, it means "to look forward to". But if "sich freuen" is followed by "über" and the accusative case, then it means "to be happy about": Grammar 25: Prepositions after "sich freuen"
"auf" + Accusative Meine Kinder freuen sich schon auf das Wochenende. ("My children are already looking forward to the weekend.") Ich freue mich auf eine schnelle Nachricht von euch. ("I look forward to a prompt response from you.") "über" + Accusative Ich freue mich über eine E-Mail oder einen Anruf! ("I'll be pleased to receive any e-mails or
phone-calls.") Jutta freut sich über das Geschenk. ("Jutta is pleased about the present.") Note that "hoffen" the German verb meaning "to hope for something" also takes "auf" and the accusative case as this verb too implies "looking forward to something": • •
Ich hoffe auf baldige Antwort von Ihnen. (I look forward to receiving a prompt response from you.) Sie hoffen auf eine schöne Zukunft. (We hope for a good future.)
The usage and omission of prepositions Note the German prepositions used to the following key phrases: Grammar 26: Prepositions in key phrases
Meldet euch unter 2 14 65 39 ("Call me on the number 2 14 65 39.") Bitte meldet euch bei mir! ("Please get in contact with me!") Nebenkosten 121 Euro bei 2 Personen. ("Additional costs: 121 euros if there are two people.") Das Studentenwerk ist gleich um die Ecke. ("The student administration is just round the corner.") Besichtigung nach Vereinbarung. ("Viewing by arrangement.") Die Wohnfläche besteht aus... ("The living area consists of...") Anfragen bitte per E-Mail. ("Enquiries please by e-mail.") Was studierst du an der Uni? ("What are you studying at university?") dank dem Wasserboiler ("thanks to the water boiler")
In the following time-phrases however, note how German omits both the prepositions and the articles that are present in the English version. Grammar 27: Beginning, middle and end
Anfang Januar ("At the beginning of January")
Mitte September ("In the middle of September") Ende Februar ("At the end of February")
12.16 Accommodation vocabulary (1) Listed below for you to add to your "Vokabelheft" (= vocabulary book) is a two-page guide to words and phrases to describe the house and home. On this page you will find vocabulary for types of housing, words you might need when renting or buying a flat as well as general accommodation phrases. On the next page you will find vocabulary for parts of the house, rooms, types of heating systems as well as furniture and decorations. As ever, plurals of nouns are given in brackets. Vocabulary 1: Types of housing der Altbau (pl. - Altbauten)
old building
die Altbauwohnung (-en)
flat in an old building
das Appartement (-s)
apartment
das Atelier (-s)
studio
das Doppelhaus (pl. -häuser)
semi-detached house
die Dreizimmerwohnung (-en) der Dreiraumwohnung (-en)
three-room flat
die Eigentumswohnung (-en)
owner-occupied flat
das Einfamilienhaus (pl. -häuser)
detached house
das Einzelappartement (-s)
one-person apartment
die Einzimmerwohnung (-en) die Einraumwohnung (-en)
one-room flat
das Grundstück (-e)
plot of land
das Haus (pl. - Häuser)
house
die Maisonette (-n or -s)
maisonette
die Maisonettewohnung (-en)
maisonette flat
die Mietwohnung (-en)
rented flat
der Neubau (pl. - Neubauten)
new building
die Neubauwohnung (-en)
newly-built flat
das Reihenhaus (pl. -häuser)
terraced house
das Studentenwohnheim (-e)
student halls of residence
die Studentenwohnung (-en)
student flat
die WG (-s)
shared flat / house
der Wohnblock (-s)
block of flats
die Wohngemeinschaft (-en)
shared flat / house
das Wohnheim (-e)
halls of residence
die Wohnung (-en)
flat
das Zweifamilienhaus (pl. häuser)
semi-detached house
die Zweizimmerwohnung (-en) die Zweiraumwohnung (-en)
two-room flat
Vocabulary 2: Renting vocabulary auf Zeit
for a fixed period
bei 2 Personen
if there are two people
die Betriebskosten (pl.)
service costs
betragen
to come to; to amount
die Bleibe (-n)
somewhere to stay
circa
approximately
dazurechnen (sep.)
to add on
die Elektrizität
electricity
frühestens
at the earliest
das Gas (-e)
gas
gratis
free of charge
die Heizkosten (pl.)
heating costs
die Hypothek (-en)
mortgage
inklusive (+ Gen.)
inclusive
insgesamt
in total
kalt
excluding heating costs
die Kaltmiete (-n)
rent excluding heating costs
die Kaution (-en)
deposit
die Kosten (pl.)
costs
maximal 200 Euro
a maximum of 200 Euros
die Miete (-n)
rent
der Mietvertrag (pl. -verträge)
lease; contract
die Mietvorauszahlung (-en)
rent to be paid in advance
mindestens
at least
der Mitbewohner (-)
housemate (male)
die Mitbewohnerin (-innen)
housemate (female)
der Mitwohnzentrale (-n)
accommodation agency
monatlich / im Monat
per month
die Monatsmiete (-n)
month's rent; monthly rent
der Nachmieter (-)
follow-on tenant
die Nebenkosten (pl.)
additional costs
die Provision (-en)
commission
das Quadratmeter (-)
square metre
der Strom
electricity
die Untermiete
subtenancy
- ein Zimmer zur Untermiete
- a room to be sublet
der Untermieter (-)
subtenant (male)
die Untermieterin (-innen)
subtenant (female)
vermieten (insep.)
to rent out
- Wohnung zu vermieten
- flat to rent
- an eine Frau zu vermieten
- to be let to a woman
die Vermietung
renting out; letting out
warm
including heating costs
die Warmmiete (-n)
rent including heating costs
der Wohnberechtigungsschein (-e) der WBS
permit for subsidised housing
die Zahlung (-en)
payment
- die einmalige Zahlung
- one-off payment
zuzüglich
plus
Vocabulary 3: Accommodation phrases ich freue mich auf eine schnelle Nachricht von euch I look forward to hearing from you soon bei Interesse ruft mich an Give me a call if you are interested! am besten sofort if possible immediately ich bin WG-erprobt I have experience of living in a shared flat ich brauche wenig Platz
I don't require a great deal of space ich freue mich über eine E-Mail I am pleased to receive an E-mail die Kaltmiete beträgt € 490 rent excluding heating costs amounts to 490 euros ab 30.09.2002 zu beziehen can be occupied from 30.09.2002 an der Elbe gelegen situated on the River Elbe Wohnung zu vermieten! flat for let Besichtigung nach Vereinbarung viewing by arrangement Mitbewohner/in dringend gesucht! we're desperately looking for a flatmate wir benutzen gemeinschaftlich... we have communal usage of... bitte meldet euch bei mir please contact me... ich bin unter 298889 zu erreichen I can be reached on the telephone number 298889 wo liegt die Wohnung? where is the flat? wie liegt die Wohnung? how is the flat situated? ist das Zimmer noch frei? ist das Zimmer schon vergeben? is the room still available? ich zeige Ihnen die Wohnung I'll show you round the flat die Küche ist gut ausgestattet the kitchen is well-equipped wie ist das Zimmer? What's the room like? ich rufe wegen des Zimmers an I'm ringing up about the room wie groß ist das Zimmer? how big is the room?
das Zimmer verfügt über (+ Acc.) the room has... was für ein Haus ist das? what sort of house is it? hier muss ein Irrtum vorliegen there must be some kind of mistake wie viele Zimmer hat die Wohnung? how many rooms does the flat have? von unserem Fenster aus kann man X sehen you can see X from our window wann kann ich einziehen? when can I move in? wie viele Leute wohnen hier? how many people live here? ich ziehe in eine Wohnung um I'm moving into a flat wie hoch ist die Monatsmiete? how high is the rent each month? Sie müssen 65 Euro dazurechnen you have to add on another 65 euros kann ich mir die Wohnung ansehen? may I have a look round the flat?
12.17 Accommodation vocabulary (2) On the second page of your "Vokabelheft" on housing vocabulary, you will find vocabulary for parts of the house, rooms, types of heating systems as well as furniture and decorations. Go back to the previous page to find vocabulary for types of housing, words you might need when renting or buying a flat as well as general accommodation phrases. Vocabulary 4: Parts of the house der Abstellraum (pl. räume)
storeroom
das Arbeitszimmer (-)
study
das Bad (pl. - Bäder) das Badezimmer (-)
bathroom
der Balkon (-s or -e)
balcony
das Dachgeschoss (-e)
attic
die Decke (-n)
ceiling
die Diele (-n)
hall
die Einbauküche (-n)
fitted kitchen
das Erdgeschoss (-e)
ground floor
das Esszimmer (-)
dining room
der Fahrstuhl (pl. -stühle)
lift
das Fenster (-)
window
der Flur (-e)
hall
der Fußboden (pl. -böden)
floor
die Garage (-n)
garage
der Garten (pl. - Gärten)
garden
das Gästezimmer (-)
guest room
der Grillplatz (pl. -plätze)
barbecue area
das Hinterhaus (pl. häuser)
building behind the courtyard
der Hof (-e)
courtyard
der Holzboden (pl. -böden)
wooden floor
der Kamin (-e)
fireplace; hearth
der Keller (-)
cellar
das Kellerabteil (-e)
cellar compartment
das Kinderzimmer (-)
child's bedroom
die Kochecke (-n)
kitchen / cooking area
die Kochnische (-n)
kitchenette
die Küche (-n)
kitchen
die Loggia (pl. - Loggien)
balcony
die Mansarde (-n)
attic room
das Obergeschoss (-e)
floor (above ground level)
das Parkett (-e)
parquet flooring
der Parkettboden (pl. böden)
parquet flooring
der Raum (pl. - Räume)
room; space
das Schlafzimmer (-)
bedroom
der Seitenflügel (-)
side wing
das Souterrain (-s)
basement
die Terrasse (-n)
terrace
die Tiefgarage (-n)
underground car park
die Tür (-en)
door
das Vorderhaus (pl. häuser)
front-facing house
das Vorzimmer (-)
anteroom / hall
die Wand (pl. - Wände)
wall
die Wohnküche (-n)
combined kitchen and living room
die Wohnungstür (-en)
door to the flat
das Wohnzimmer (-)
living room
das Zimmer (-)
room
Vocabulary 5: Types of heating die Elektroheizung
electric heating
die Etagenheizung
heating system for one floor
die Fernwärme
district heating
die Fußbodenheizung
underfloor heating
die Heizung
heating
die Nachtspeicherheizung
night-storage heating
die Ofenheizung
coal oven heating
das Warmwasser
warm water
der Wasserboiler (-)
hot water tank
die Zentralheizung
central heating
Vocabulary 6: Furniture and equipment die Ausstattung
furnishings
der Backofen (pl. -öfen)
oven
das Bad (pl. - Bäder)
bath
die Badewanne (-n)
bath tub
das Bett (-en)
bed
das Bidet (-s)
bidet
das Bücherregal (-e)
bookshelf
der Couchtisch (-e)
coffee table
das Doppelbett (-en)
double bed
die Dusche (-n)
shower
die Duschkabine (-n)
shower cubicle
das Einzelbett (-en)
single bed
der Elektroherd (-e)
electric cooker
der Esstisch (-e)
dining table
die Garderobe (-n)
coat-rack; hall-stand
die Gardine (-n)
curtain
der Gefrierschrank (pl. -schränke)
freezer
der Geschirrspüler (-)
dishwasher
der Herd (-e)
cooker
die Kaffeemaschine (-n)
coffee machine
der Kleiderschrank (pl. -schränke)
wardrobe
der Kühlschrank (pl. -schränke)
fridge
die Lampe (-n)
lamp
der Mikrowellenherd (-e)
microwave oven
das Möbel (-)
(piece of) furniture
möbliert
furnished
der Nachttisch (-e)
bedside table
der Radiowecker (-)
radio alarm clock
der Rollladen (pl. -läden)
shutters
der Schrank (pl. Schränke)
cupboard; wardrobe
die Schrankwand (pl. -wände)
wall unit
der Schreibtisch (-e)
desk
der Sessel (-)
armchair
das Sofa (-s)
sofa
der Spiegel (-)
mirror
die Stehlampe (-n)
standard lamp
die Stereoanlage (-n)
stereo system
der Stuhl (pl. - Stühle)
chair
teilmöbliert
partially furnished
der Teppich (-e)
carpet
der Teppichboden
wall-to-wall carpeting
der Toaster (-)
toaster
unmöbliert
unfurnished
der Videorecorder (-)
video recorder
der Vorhang (pl. -hänge)
curtain
das Wannenbad (pl. -bäder)
bath
das Waschbecken (-)
wash-basin
die Waschmaschine (-n)
washing machine
die Wasserboiler (-)
hot-water tank
der WC (-s)
toilet
der Wecker (-)
alarm clock
12.18 Housing in Germany Inside and outside German houses and flats show a number of differences from English dwellings. For one thing, many (particularly old) German flats are located in courtyards (der Hof) (see picture left) that lie back from the main road. When reading accommodation adverts for such buildings, you must note whether the flat is located in the building that faces the road (das Vorderhaus), the building behind the courtyard (das Hinterhaus) or in one of the side wings of the building (der Seitenflügel). A large number of residences also have roll-down shutters (der Rollladen) (note the three l's in the middle of the word!) outside the windows which provide added security and also serve to insulate the property. The British fixation with wall-to-wall carpeting is not replicated in Germany. Instead parquet flooring (das Parkett; der Parkettboden) is much more common, as are wooden floors. In keeping with the Germans' pronounced environmental awareness, energy-saving measures are widely-used. Thus a number of residences employ under-floor heating and have a high standard of insulation. You may well see buildings (and even bus-stops!) with solar panels on their roof in an attempt to harness solar energy (die Solarenergie). And a major difference that you cannot "see" but definitely need to be aware of is the difference in voltage between Britain and Germany. All electrical power points in Germany are designed for 220 volts, 50 Hz. AC and two-point plugs. Any adapters you may need can be bought in electrical shops either in Britain or in Germany. To rent or to own? It is still largely the case that an Englishman's home is his castle: 60% of British people live in their own house or flat, which is only a slightly lower percentage than in the United States (64%). In Germany however, the majority of people live in rented accommodation, with only 39% living in their own house or flat. There are a number of reasons for this. With house prices remaining high, renting is often a cheaper option and one that offers greater flexibility. It can also be quite complicated to obtain a mortgage (die Hypothek) in Germany. Furnished flats are as a rule not as common as they are in Britain, and remember that unfurnished in Germany really does mean unfurnished. You'll invariably have to supply your own lights, lighting fixtures, tables, chairs, cooker etc. And furnished flats are much more expensive than unfurnished accommodation. The German housing market is also different in that a much higher percentage of Germans live in flats (die Wohnung) and appartments (das Appartement) than their
British counterparts. These can either be flats that they own (die Eigentumswohnung) or more commonly rented flats (die Mietwohnung). The housing market is changing quite quickly however. Both in the countryside and in towns and cities, Germans are buying plots of land (das Grundstück) and have their own house built on it. This explains why a single German street may have detached houses (das Einfamilienhaus) with a wide diversity of designs. Semidetached houses (das Doppelhaus; das Zweifamilienhaus) are less common in German-speaking countries than in Britain but there has recently been an increase in the number of terraced houses (das Reihenhaus). Shared accommodation Many young people choose to live in shared flats or houses - "die WG" which is short for "eine Wohngemeinschaft" (literally: "a living community"). This means that two or more flatmates share an apartment including a communal kitchen and bathroom. It is standard practice for the existing flatmates to choose the new inhabitant themselves, so a lot of vacancies are filled by word of mouth. "WGs" (note the plural!) are particularly popular with students as they provide a relatively cheap option to halls of residence where space is in any case strictly limited. Der Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) The "Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)" is a permit for subsidised housing issued by a town, city or community to any single person earning less than 12,000 euros per year or a couple earning less than 18,000 euros per year. The WBS permit is valid for one year and entitles the recipient to rent subsidised housing at a rent well below average for the free housing market. You can apply for a WBS permit at the local housing authority (Amt für Wohnungswesen).
12.19 Student accommodation Halls of residence (der Studentenwohnheim) All students in Germany soon become familiar with one piece of vocabulary - "die Wohnungsnot" or "the shortage of accommodation". For the absence of suitable student accommodation in German university towns and cities is becoming more acute each year. Places in halls of residence are strictly limited and in some places waiting lists of several semesters mean that new students (der Studienanfänger) have little or no chance of getting a room in them on their arrival. In the summer of 2002 there were only 9,700 rooms available in Munich's halls of residence for the city's 65,000 students. Of the 14,000 new students arriving for the winter term, only 700 would receive a place in a Studentenwohnheim and the waiting list was as long as four university semesters (das Semester). The problem is particularly difficult for students with children, as student residences offer only a restricted number of places for families. On the whole they offer single and double rooms with several students sharing a kitchen and possibly bathroom facilities, too. Other universities also offer short-term accommodation in university guest-houses, but this is hardly a long-term solution to the problem. In the past few years universities such as Dresden have even had to resort to placing mattresses in gyms and setting up "cities of tents" (die Zeltstadt) to accommodate
students in the first few weeks of a new term (normally in September and February). In Munich, authorities were forced to set up Big Brother-style living containers (der Wohncontainer) and even so-called living cubes (der Wohnwürfel) to house students, with women sleeping on top and men at the bottom! The private accommodation market (der private Wohnungsmarkt) Looking for accommodation on the private accommodation market is much harder is some locations than in others. Accommodation is particularly scarce in large cities in what used to be West Germany, with Munich, Stuttgart and Hamburg being severe accommodation black spots. Yet in smaller university towns (die Universitätsstadt) with large student populations such as Marburg, Göttingen and Würzburg, lack of rooms mean that students may be forced to live as far away as thirty of forty kilometres from the university itself. This is particularly true in Tübingen in BadenWürttemberg where 25,000 of the town's population of 85,000 are students. As a consequence rents are soaring, with unscrupulous landlords charging up to 250 euros a month for unfurnished and often ramshackle rooms and one-room flats (die Einzimmerwohnung). At first glance the situation may appear less drastic in the former GDR. Students in Erfurt and Leipzig have a better chance of getting a room in a hall of residence than many students in Western Germany. Yet in other cities university accommodation is strictly limited, with halls of residence is urgent need of renovation (die Sanierung). Private rooms in old buildings (der Altbau) are relatively cheap but there are not many private landlords in Eastern Germany. In Berlin, Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden, and Magdeburg blocks of apartments have now been built but they are not subject to rent control and are severely over-priced. Student administration organisations have noted that foreign students are at a particular disadvantage. Not only is Germany a comparatively expensive place to stay for many overseas students, but they can receive prejudicial treatment from landlords on racial grounds. And so whilst Germany is investing millions of euros in promoting an international exchange programmes for students, many students are forced to cancel their exchange and leave Germany without having found a room. Finding solutions In 2001, the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW), the organisation for German student affairs, demanded the creation of an additional 21,000 rooms in student halls of residence across the country - but to little effect. Protest measures including setting up student living containers in front of key public buildings may have highlighted the students' plight, but concrete improvements are thin on the ground. Local student organisations have come up with imaginative campaigns to mobilise the local population. In Freiburg, the project "Wohnen für Hilfe" (= accommodation for help) has been launched aims to encourage senior citizens to offer rooms to students in (partial) exchange for help and support. In Heidelberg, another university city in the south-west of Germany, posters have been printed bearing the legend "Student sucht Zimmer" (= student looking for a room) and depicting a student desperately clutching a house (see graphic left). Students were allowed to paste over general election posters in Heidelberg once voting had been concluded in September 2002 and the campaign logo also appears on postcards and beer mats.
Accommodation agencies for students At a number of further education institutions, student services have produced brochures with useful advice for students who are "auf der Wohnungssuche" (= looking for somewhere to stay). Some of these services have also founded student accommodation agencies. Here you will be required to put down a financial deposit and then be given three contact addresses offering accommodation. The deposit will be returned when the student returns to the agency the next day to report on the progress that has been made. Quite a few private accommodation agencies (die Mitwohnzentrale) have also sprung up in recent years. For a commission which can be quite high, they will put you in contact with individuals or companies offering accommodation. These private agencies may prove your last resort in areas where houses, flats and rooms are particularly scarce. There are a number of organisations that can assist overeas students in the search for "eine Bleibe" (= somewhere to stay). Most universities will have a Foreign Student Office that can inform overseas students about vacancies in student accommodation and advise on application procedures. Some Foreign Student Offices are able to put you in contact with private landlords if students have passed on the name and address at the end of their research period. In addition the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW) has put together a service package for overseas students to ensure that students from abroad are able to manage the essential items of their cost of living during their stay at economical prices. It also aims to help them come to terms and find their way around their host country. Advice for accommodation-seekers Should you wish to study at a German university yourself and need to find accommodation, don't despair but do allow yourself plenty of time and plan in advance! Contact the aforementioned organisations well in advance and if you do need to travel to the place itself to find somwhere to stay, time your visit wisely. A good time is at the end of the semester (i.e. in February and July) when those who have completed their studies leave town. This might mean that you might have to pay rent a couple of months in advance, but you run the risk otherwise that the accommodation market will become ever more saturated the closer it gets to the start of the following term. As we have seen in this chapter, advertisements on student notice boards (das schwarze Brett) are a common way of finding somewhere to stay. Many university web-sites also have online notice boards for accommodation. Local newspapers and listings magazines also carry useful adverts.
12.20 Advertisements for accommodation Deciphering advertisements German accommodation advertisements do not refer to the number of bedrooms in flats and houses, but to square metres of floor space (das Quadratmeter; m²). Floor
space is also the means by which most rents for rooms in "Wohngemeinschaften" are usually calculated. You might for example see a phrase such as "65m² Wohnfläche", which means "65 square metres of living space". This living space normally comprises living room, dining room and bedroom(s). Adverts may also refer to the total number of rooms in a residence - excluding the bathroom, hall and kitchen. So if you want a flat with a living room, a dining room and two bedrooms, then look for adverts with (4 Zimmer), or as the abbreviation in advertisements would have it (4Zi). Note too the distinction between between "kalt" and "warm" when referring to rent. This has nothing to do with how warm or cold the building is, but instead whether the rent includes heating bills (warm) or excludes them (kalt). Make sure that you are aware of how much rent you are patying and what your rights and responsibilities are before you sign the lease (der Mietvertrag). Advertisement abbreviations The abbreviations used in accommodation advertisements are often as confusing to Germans as they are to non-native speakers. Below is a table of the most common abbreviations: Vocabulary 7: Advertisement abbreviations AB
Altbau (old building)
Abstand
Abstand (money paid for renovation done by previous tenant)
Ap.
Appartement (apartment)
At.
Atelier (studio)
B.
Bad (bathroom)
Balk.
Balkon (balcony)
BK
Betriebskosten (service costs)
ca.
circa (approximately)
DG
Dachgeschoss (attic)
DI
Diele (hall)
3er-WG
Dreier-Wohngemeinschaft (three-person shared flat)
Du.
Dusche (shower)
EBK
Einbauküche
(fitted kitchen) EFH
Einfamilienhaus (detached house)
EG
Erdgeschoss (ground floor)
erford.
erforderlich (required)
F
Fahrstuhl (lift)
FbH
Fußbodenheizung (underfloor heating)
Ga.
Garten (garden)
Gar.
Garage (garage)
gemütl.
gemütlich (comfortable)
gepfl.
gepflegt (well looked after)
gfl.
gefliest (tiled)
HH
Hinterhaus (building behind courtyard)
Hk.
Heizkosten (heating costs)
Ka.
Kamin (fireplace)
Kab.
Kabel-TV (cable television)
kalt
Kaltmiete (excluding heating costs)
KDB
Küche, Dusche, Bad (kitchen, shower, bath)
kft.
komfortabel (comfortable)
Kl.
Keller (cellar)
KM
Kaltmiete (rent excluding heating costs)
KN
Kochnische (kitchenette)
Kt.
Kaution (deposit)
Kü.
Küche (kitchen)
m²
Quadratmeter (square metre)
max.
maximal (a maximum of)
mind.
mindestens (at least)
MM
Monatsmiete (month's rent)
Mn.
Maisonette (maisonette)
möbl.
möbliert (furnished)
mtl.
monatlich (monthly)
MVZ
Mietvorauszahlung (rent to be paid in advance)
NB
Neubau (new building)
NK
Nebenkosten (additional costs)
NR
Nichtraucher (non-smoker)
od.
oder (or)
(2.) OG.
(zweites) Obergeschoss (second) floor
OH
Ofenheizung (coal oven heating)
Öl.
Ölheizung (oil heating)
Pk.
Parkettboden (parquet flooring)
Prov.
Provision (commission)
qm.
Quadratmeter (square metre)
ren.
renoviert (renovated)
RH
Reihenhaus (terrace house)
Rm.
Raum (room)
ruh.
ruhig (quiet)
SFL
Seitenflügel (side wing of building with courtyard)
son.
sonnig (sunny)
Sou.
Souterrain (basement)
Tel.
Telefon (telephone)
Tep.
Teppichboden (wall-to-wall carpet)
Terr.
Terrasse (terrace)
TG
Tiefgarage (underground car park)
t-möb.
teilmöbliert (partially furnished)
verm.
vermieten (to let)
vg.
verkehrsgünstig (close to public transport)
VH
Vorderhaus (building with street frontage)
v-möb.
voll möbliert (fulliy furnished)
vorh.
vorhanden (present; available)
warm
Warmmiete (including heating costs)
W-B
Wannenbad (bath tub)
WBS
Wohnberichtigungsschein (permit for subsidised housing)
Wfl.
Wohnfläche (living space)
WG
Wohngemeinschaft (shared flat / house)
Whg.
Wohnung (flat)
WM
Warmmiete (rent including heating costs)
Wm.
Waschmaschine (washing machine)
ZH
Zentralheizung (central heating)
Zi.
Zimmer (room)
2 Zi.Whg.
Zweizimmerwohnung (two-room flat)
2 ZKDB
Zwei Zimmer, Küche, Diele, Bad (two rooms, kitchen, hall, bathroom)
2er-WG
Zweier-Wohngemeinschaft (two-person shared flat)
zzgl.
zuzüglich (plus)
Other advertisement vocabulary Here is a list of further words and phrases that you may encounter in reader German advertisements. Whether the accommodation itself lives up to the description is a separate matter! Vocabulary 8: General advertisement vocabulary das Angebot (-e)
offer
ausziehen (sep.)
to move out
baldig
quick; early
bequem
comfortable
die Besichtigung (-en)
viewing
bestens
excellently; very well
beziehen (insep.)
to occupy
biete...
I'm offering...
dringend
urgently
eingerichtet
furnished
einziehen (sep.)
to move in
gefliest
tiled
gelegen
situated
gemeinschaftlich
communal
gemütlich
comfortable; friendly
gepflegt
well looked after
geräumig
spacious
gesellig
sociable
gratis
free of charge
günstig
reasonably priced
hell
bright
das Hochparterre
upper ground floor
- im Hochparterre
- on the upper ground floor
hochwertig
high-quality
komfortabel
comfortable
die Kontaktperson (-en)
person to contact
die Lage (-n)
location
- Lage egal
- location unimportant
sich melden
to get in touch
möbliert
furnished
modern
modern
nach Möglichkeit
if possible
nett
nice
der Nichtraucher (-)
non-smoker
optimal
optimal; perfect
preiswert
reasonably-priced
renovieren
to renovate
renoviert
renovated
ruhig
quiet
sanieren
to renovate
saniert
renovated
sonnig
sunny
die Studentenwohnung (en)
student flat
suche...
I'm looking for...
teilen
to share
teilmöbliert
partially furnished
umgänglich
friendly; sociable
Uni-Nähe
near the university
umziehen (sep.)
to move (house)
unmöbliert
unfurnished
die Verkehrsanbindung (en)
transport connection
verkehrsgünstig
convenient for transport
vorhanden
present; available
WG-erprobt
experienced in living in a shared flat
WG-geeignet
suitable for a shared flat
die Wohnanlage (-n)
location
die Wohnfläche (-n)
living space
der Wohnungsmarkt
housing market
zentral
central
- möglichst zentral
- as central as possible
