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Cactus City, den 25. Nov. 20021
Liebe Maria,2ber deinen3 letzten Brief haben wir uns sehr gefreut! Tut mir leid, dass ich schon langenicht geantwortet habe, aber nun endlich bekommst du mal wieder ein Lebenszeichen vonuns.
Wie du schon weit, war Jim drei Wochen lang in Asien auf Geschftsreise. Da musste ichhier zu Hause fast alles machen und kam nie dazu, dir zu schreiben. Aber mittlerweile luftfast alles bei uns wieder "normal" and ich habe ein bisschen Zeit, um zur Feder zu greifen.
Am Mittwoch waren wir bei Barbara und Dan zum Abendessen. Sie lassen auch gren undhoffen dich wieder im Sommer in Berlin zu besuchen. Dan arbeitet immer noch bei...
Schne Gre, auch von Jim!
Deine SarahDear Maria,We were so glad to get your last letter! I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to reply, butnow once again you're finally getting some indication that we're still alive.
As you already know, Jim was traveling in Asia on business for three weeks, so I had to doalmost everything here at home, and never could find the time to write you. But in themeantime, almost everything here is running "normally" again, and I have a little time toset pen to paper.
On Wednesday we had dinner at Barbara and Dan's. They say hello and are hoping to visit
you again in Berlin this summer. Dan is still working at...
Best wishes - from Jim, too!
Your Sarah
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Personal Letter Writingauf Deutsch
English Deutsch
The Envelope der Umschlag
TITLES TITEL
Mr - Mrs/Ms - MissThese titles are usually not abbreviated inGerman. German uses Frau for both Mrs and Ms(any woman 18 or older).
Herrn - Frau - FruleinNote the 'n' ending on Herrn, reflecting theunderstood phrase: an Herrn XYZ (to Mr. XYZ)
ADDRESS (female) DIE ANSCHRIFT (weiblich)
Mrs (Ms) Maria SchmidtSchillerstrasse 19 (19 Schiller St.)postal code & city(D=Germany, A=Austria, CH=Switz.)
Frau Maria Schmidt (Frulein if under 18)Schillerstrae 18D-23451 KleindorfGermany (if writing from outside the country)
ADDRESS (male) DIE ANSCHRIFT (mnnlich)
Mr Karl Braun
Mozartstrasse 35 (35 Mozart St.)postal code & city(A=Austria, D=Germany, CH=Switz.)
Herrn Karl Braun (Note the n!)
Mozartstrae 35A-3451 SchndorfAustria (if writing from outside the country)
NOTE: Strae is often abbreviated Str. Other types of streets: Allee (avenue, boulevard), Gasse(lane), Weg (way, drive).
RETURN ADDRESS DER ABSENDER
Sarah Brown253 Fall LaneCactus City, NV 89101USA (if mailed from abroad)
A German return address (preceded by theabbreviation Abs.) usually goes on the back of theenvelope.
On the Envelope auf dem Umschlag
Air Mail Luftpost (Germany) - Flugpost (Austria)c/o - in care of"John Smith c/o the Meiers"
beiorc/o"John Smith bei Meier"More often: "John Smith c/o Meier"
P.O. Box 12345 Postfach 12345
Registered Mail Eingeschrieben
(postage) stamp die Briefmarke
Personal Letter PhrasesNOTE: These phrases are only appropriate for personalcorrespondence, not in formal or business situations!
English Deutsch
Salutations Anreden
Dear Maria, Liebe Maria, (female, e-ending)
Dear Hans, Lieber Hans, (male, er-ending)
Dear Maria and Hans, Liebe Maria, lieber Hans,
Dear Dad / Dear Mom, Lieber Vati, / Liebe Mutti,
Dear Friends, Liebe Freunde,
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My Dearest Karl, Mein liebster Karl,
My Dearest Maria, Meine liebste Maria,
English Deutsch
General Phrases
Thank you for your letter Vielen Dank fr deinen Brief
It was good to hear from you again Ich habe mich gefreut, wieder von dir zuhren
I'm sorry that I haven't written for so long Tut mir Leid, dass ich so lange nichtgeschrieben habe
Please don't be mad at me for... Sei mir bitte nicht bse, dass ich...
Closing Remarks
Give my regards/love to Maria and Hans Ganz liebe Gre an Maria und Hans
Tell them how much I miss them Sag ihnen, wie sehr sie mir fehlenTell her/him how much I miss her/him Sag ihr/ihm, wie sehr sie/er mir fehlt
Please write again soon! Schreib mal wieder!
Let us hear from you now and then Lasst ab und zu wieder von dir hren
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Response to an invitation
Lieber Maria,
vielen Dank fr deine Einladung.Es freut mich,dass du den ''Mann frs Leben'' gefunden hast. Ich bin schon
ganz neugierig,ihn kennen zu lernen . gerne komme ich zu eurer Hochzeit .
Wie wird denn solch eine Hochzeit bei euch gefeiert? Bei uns wird in der Regel einen Tag lang gefeiert - mit
allen verwandten und Freunden. Erst geht man aufs standesamt,danach wird in der Kirche gefeirt. getanzt wird
bis in den frhen Morgen.
Manche Freun da fhren sketsche auf , organisieren spiele oder zeigen alte Foto von Braut und Brutigam .
Ich bin schon ganz gespannt darauf, wie das bei euch sein wird.
Ich mchte euch ein schnes geschenk machen, das ihr brauchen knnt. was wnscht ihr euch denn?
Ich wei auch gar nicht, wie ich am besten zu der komme - mit dem Auto oder mit der Bahn? oder gibt es einen
Flughafen in der Nhe? Bitte antworte mir mglichst bald,damit ich meine Reise planen kann.
Viele gre
deine SonjaDear Mary,
Thank you for your invitation. I am glad that you have found the man for life''.'' I'm really curiousto get to know him. I like to come to your wedding.
How could such a wedding is celebrated with you? With us is celebrated a day usually - with allrelated and friends. Only one's on the registry office, after which gefeirt in the church. danceuntil the early morning.Some rejoice because sketsche to lead, organize, play or show old photo of bride and groom.
I'm really excited to see how it will be with you.I want to make you a beautiful gift, which you can do it. what you wish for?I do not actually know how to get the best - by car or by train? or there is an airport nearby?Please answer me as soon as possible so I can plan my trip.many greetings
your Sonja
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Response to an advertisement
Lausanne,den 2. Juli
Liebe Eliyana,
danke fr deine nette Einladung! Ich komme dich sehr gerne besuchen, um dein Landkennen zu lernen - wie du weit, war ich ja noch nie da. Wann wre die beste Zeit, dich
zu besuchen?
Ich wei noch nicht einmal, ob es bei euch im Sommer sehr hei wird - allzu groe
Hitze mag ich nmlich nicht so sehr. Und gibt es sonst noch irgendwelche Dinge, die ich
wissen sollte, bevor ich diese Reise mache? Bitte schreib mir mglichst bald, damit ich
mich gut auf die Reise vorbereiten kann.
Herzliche GreDeine Jutta
Lausanne, the second JulyLove Eliyana,
thank you for your kind invitation! I'm very happy to visit you to get to know your country- you know, I was never there. When would be the best time to visit you?I do not even know if it is very hot in the summer with you - I do not like too much heat,
namely so much. And else is there any things I should know before I do this trip? Pleasewrite me as soon as possible so that I can prepare well for the journey.
Kind regardsyour Jutta
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Letter about holiday
Lieber Alfred,
es tut mir ja so leid, dass ich dir schon so lange nicht mehr gechrieben habe.Bitte sie mir nicht
bse ,aber wie du ja weit, gibt es immer viel zu tun!
Ich mchte dir gerne erzhlen ,wie ich in den letzten zwei Wochen unternommen habe : Ich
habe mit meinen Freundinnen eine Radtour die Donau entlang bis nach Wien gemacht!
Am Freitag sind wir sehr frh von Passau losgefahren . Zwischen Passau und Wien gibt es
nmlich einen wunderschnen Donauradweg, auf den jedes Jahr etwa 120.000 Menschen
radeln!
Wir hatten vor,jeden Tag etwa 40 Kilometer zu fahren,doch das haben wir nicht geschafft. Wir
haben also etwas lnger gebraucht , doch es hat sich wirklich ausgezahlt!
berall dort, wo es uns besonders gut gefallen hat, sind wir auch mal etwas lnger stehen
geblieben und haben uns die Gegend genau angesehen.
Nun bin ich schon wieder seit mehr als drei Tagen zurck zu Hause und bin ich vom Radeln
immer noch ziemlich mde- aber auch ein bisschen stolz , wie du dich denken kannst .
Schreib mir doch bald,wie es die geht und was du so im Urlaub gemacht hast .
Bis dahin liebe Gre
Simone
Dear Alfred,I'm so sorry that I habe.Bitte you for so long they no longer gechrieben not angry with me, butas you know, there's always plenty to do!I would like to tell you, as I have done in the last two weeks: I've done with my friends a ridealong the Danube to Vienna!On Friday we left very early from Passau. Between Passau and Vienna, there are in fact abeautiful Danube cycle path, the cycle, each year about 120,000 people!We had planned to drive about 40 kilometers each day, but we have not done. So we have a bitlonger, but it really paid off!Wherever we liked it very well, we are also stopped a little longer and looked at the area closely.
Now for more than three days, I'm already back at home and I'm still pretty tired from the biking-but also a bit proud as you may think yourself.Write me soon, how is that and what you have done so on vacation.Until then, best wishesSimone
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Letter to a friend
Mnchen 15.Juli.
Lieber Richard,
ich melde mich aus meinem Urlaub in den Bergen, der leider schon bald zu Ende geht.Ich
mchte dir schreiben ,weil du mir das letzte Ma ja auch aus deinem Urlaub geschrieben hast.
Ich hatte mit dem Wetter sehr viel Glck , obwohl es im April in den Bergen sonst meistens kalt
und regnerisch ist. Aber in meinem Urlaub gab es eine Woche lang nur Sonne und wir konnten
schon am Morgen auf der Terrasse frhstcken! Du kannst dir sicher vorstellen , wie sehr ich
das genossen habe, weil ich doch sonst immer im Bro hinter meinem Copmuter sitze! Ich habe
jeden Tag eine lang Wanderung gemacht - die Landschaft ist wirklich wunderschn - oder ich
bin zum kaffeetrinken an einen der vielen kleinen seen gefahren.
Also, eins ist auf jeden Fall sicher: Im nchsten Jahr kommer ich bestimmt wieder hierher.
Es wre schn , wenn du dann auch Zeit httest mitzufahren.
Liebe Gre
GudrunMunich, July 15.Dear Richard,I log out of my vacation in the mountains, which unfortunately soon want to end geht.Ich write toyou because you've written me Ma also the last of your holiday.
I was very lucky with the weather, although it usually is in April in the mountains otherwise coldand rainy. But in my vacation there for a week just sun and in the morning we were able to havebreakfast on the terrace! You can certainly imagine how much I enjoyed this because I'm sittingin the office but otherwise always behind my Copmuter! I made a long walk every day - thescenery is really beautiful - I went for coffee or a drink at one of the many small lakes.So, one thing is certain in any case: Next year I definitely commercial back here.It would be nice if you had time then ride also.GreetingsGudrun
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Letter to a friendTokyo , den 5.6.2002
Liebe Jutta,
Vielen Dank fr dein Interesse an meinem Heiatland . In sterreich habe ich sehr schne
Erfahrungen gehabt. Dieses Mal mchte ich die Japan vorstellen. Du hast gefragt ,wann diebeste Jahrzeit fr die reise ist.Wie du schon weit,ist es sehr hei und feucht imSommer.Deshalb empfehle in die nicht, dass du im Sommer Japan besuchst.
Meiner Meinung nach ist der Frhling sehr gut fr die Reise,weil das Klimasehr angenehm istund es ganz schne Blumen gibt, insbesondere sind die Kirschblten phantastisch. Im April istes schon warm,deswegen brauchst du keine WInterjacke in Tokyo.Du solltest nir einen Pullovermitbringen.
Wie lange kannst du in Japan bleiben?Wenn du genug Zeit und Lust hast,mchte ich mit dirnach Kyoto fahren.
Von Tokyo nach Kyoko dauert es ungefhr drei Stunden mit dem Shinkamsen.
Kyoko ist eine ganz schne traditionelle Stadt. Es gibt viele historische Gebude. Z.B denKinkaku-Schrein usw.Wnn man unbedingt einmal Kyoko besicht igen ,glaube ich.
Und wenn du vor der Reise Zeit hast, empfehle ich dir , dass du ein bisschen Japanischlernst,weil die meisten Japaner weder Englisch noch Deutsch sprechen knnen . Wenn du aufJapanisch gren kannst,wirst du Vergngen an dieser finden.
Also , ich hoffe , dass wir uns im nchst Frhling in Tokyo treffen knnen.
Mit herzlichen Gren
Deine ChiekTokyo, 5.6.2002
Dear Jutta,
Thank you for your interest in my Heiatland. In Austria I have had very nice experience. Thistime I'll introduce Japan. You asked, when is the best year for the travel ist.Wie you alreadyknow, it is very hot and humid in the Sommer.Deshalb recommend not want you to visit Japanin summer.
I think the spring is very good for travel because the climate is very pleasant and there are very
beautiful flowers, especially the cherry blossoms are fantastic. In April, it's already warm, so youdo not need winter jacket in Tokyo.Du nir should bring a sweater.
How long can you stay in Japan? If you have enough time and desire, I want to ride with you toKyoto.
From Tokyo to Kyoko, it takes about three hours by Shinkamsen.
Kyoko is a very beautiful traditional city. There are many historical buildings. For example, the
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Kinkaku Shrine is absolutely usw.Wnn once owned besicht Kyoko, I think.
And if you have time before the trip, I recommend that you learn a bit of Japanese, becausemost Japanese people can speak neither English nor German. If you can say hello in Japanese,you'll find at this pleasure.
So, I hope that we can meet the next spring in Tokyo.
Sincerely,
your Chiek
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Liebe Daniela,
ich habe schon ein ganz schlechtes Gewissen, denn eigentlich wollte ich dir schon vor zweiMonaten schreiben. Aber du weit ja, wie das ist: Wenn man sich auf eine Prfung vorbereitet,hat, man berhaupt keine Zeit mehr fr irgendetwas anderes als lernen, lernen, lernen.
Nun habe ich es aber geschafft: Gestern war die Prfung und ich bin zuversichtlich, dass ich siebestanden habe. Mein Freund, mit dessen Hilfe es mir berhaupt nur mglich war, diese ganzeZeit zu berstehen hat mich fr heute Abend in ein tolles Restaurant eingeladen. Danach gehenwir auch noch tanzen.
In deinem letzten Brief hast du mich gefragt, ob ich Lust htte, mit dir zusammen einWochenende in London zu verbringen. Natrlich habe ich Lust! Nach dem ganzen Stress derletzten Wochen fnde ich es super, mal ein paar Tage lang mit einer Freundin etwas Tolles zuunternehmen London ist eine wunderbare Stadt, ich habe schon viele Berichte darber gelesen.Ich wrde mich ganz besonders fr die Tate Gallery und das Filmmuseum interessieren.
Mach doch einfach ein paar Vorschlge, wann du Zeit hast. Ich bin sicher, dass wir uns auf einWochenende einigen knnen. In der Zwischenzeit drucke ich schon mal ein paar Angebote ausdem Internet aus:
Wann es preiswerte Flge gibt, ob es ein schnes und gnstiges Hotel fr uns gibt usw. Ichfreue mich schon auf deinen nchsten Brief.
Herzliche Gre
deine Andrea
Dear Daniela,I have a very bad conscience, because I really wanted to write to you two months ago. But youknow how it is: if you are prepared for an exam has one for anything other than learn any moretime, learn, learn.
Now I got it done: Yesterday was the exam and I am confident that I passed it. My friend, withwhich it only ever was able to survive all this time has invited me for tonight at a greatrestaurant. Then we go to dance.
In your last letter you asked me if I would like to spend a weekend with you in London. Ofcourse I would like! After all the stress of the last few weeks, I think it would be great, even afew days to do something great with a girlfriend London is a wonderful city, I have read manyreports about it. I would be interested especially for the Tate Gallery and the Film Museum.
Just make a few suggestions when you have time. I'm sure we can agree on a weekend. In themeantime I print miss a few deals on the Internet from:
When there are inexpensive flights if there is a nice cheap hotel for us so I am looking forwardto your next letter.Kind regards
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Letter about travel
Liebe Sania
jetzt bin ich schon ber ein Jahr in sterreich und fi nde es ganz toll hier. Nur in der Schule wares am Anfang nicht so leicht. Der Unterricht war natrlich auf Deutsch, und ich habe gar nichtsverstanden! Zum Glck habe ich sofort Freunde gefunden, die mir sehr geholfen haben.
Eigentlich ist mein Lieblingsfach Chemie. Und vielleicht noch Mathe, weil wir da eine netteLehrerin haben. Chemie interessiert mich einfach, und ich kann so richtig zeigen, was ich kann!Und was gibt es bei dir Neues? Ich habe lange nichts mehr von dir gehrt. Was hast du allesgemacht? Was macht dein Deutsch? Also, schreib mir bald mal.
Bis dann
Maria
love Sania
now I'm hands for over a year in Austria and fi really great here. Only in school, it was not soeasy at the beginning. The classes were in German of course, and I understood nothing!Luckily, I immediately found friends who have helped me.
Actually, my favorite subject is chemistry. And maybe math, since we have a nice teacher.Chemistry just interested me, and I can really show what I can do! And what's new with you? Ihave not heard from you. What did you do anything? How's your German? So, write mesometime soon.
until then
Maria
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Response to an informal letter
den 27. Juli 1990
Lieber .... ,
vielen Dank fr Deinen letzten Brief. Es freut mich, da Du wieder ganz gesund bist. LetztesWochenende habe ich ... und ... besucht. Erinnerst Du Dich noch an sie? Die beiden haben einHaus in ........ studiert Physik und steht kurz vor ihrem Examen. B arbeitet noch immer bei derBank, aber er sucht eine andere Stelle, denn die Arbeit gefllt ihm nicht mehr. Die beiden habenein kleines Tchterchen, das fast ein halbes Jahr alt ist. Die Kleine heit... und ist sehr s.
Aber sie kann auch ganz schn schreien, so da man gute Nerven braucht.
Es war ein schner Tag, und ich soll Dich herzlich gren. brigens, ich habe ein neues Hobby:Ich habe mir ein gebrauchtes Surfbrett gekauft und lerne jetzt Windsurfen. Das macht viel Spa,ist aber nicht ganz einfach, weil der Wind am Meer oft sehr stark weht.
Ich hoffe, ich sehe Dich sehr bald wieder in meiner Heimat. Dann kannst Du wieder viel essen
und trinken, denn schlielich schmeckt es dir hier immer so gut.
Viele liebe Gre
Dein(e) ...the 27 July 1990
Dear .... ,
Thank you for your last letter. I am glad that you are fully recovered. Last weekend I ... and ...visited. Do you remember them? The two have a home in ........ studied physics and is nearingher graduation. B is still working at the bank, but he is looking for another location, because the
work does not like him. The two have a little daughter, who is almost six months old. Her name... and is very sweet. But they can also be quite nice scream, so you need good nerves.
It was a beautiful day, and I will greet you cordially. By the way, I have a new hobby: I bought aused surfboard and now learn windsurfing. That's a lot of fun, but is not very easy because thewind often blows very strongly by the sea.
I hope I see you again very soon in my home. Then you can eat a lot and drink again, becauseafter all, it tastes so good you always here.
Lots of love
Your (s) ...
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Personal Letter Writingauf Deutsch
English Deutsch
The Envelope der Umschlag
TITLES TITEL
Mr - Mrs/Ms - MissThese titles are usually not abbreviated inGerman. German uses Frau for both Mrs and Ms(any woman 18 or older).
Herrn - Frau - FruleinNote the 'n' ending on Herrn, reflecting theunderstood phrase: an Herrn XYZ (to Mr. XYZ)
ADDRESS (female) DIE ANSCHRIFT (weiblich)
Mrs (Ms) Maria SchmidtSchillerstrasse 19 (19 Schiller St.)postal code & city(D=Germany, A=Austria, CH=Switz.)
Frau Maria Schmidt (Frulein if under 18)Schillerstrae 18D-23451 KleindorfGermany (if writing from outside the country)
ADDRESS (male) DIE ANSCHRIFT (mnnlich)
Mr Karl Braun
Mozartstrasse 35 (35 Mozart St.)postal code & city(A=Austria, D=Germany, CH=Switz.)
Herrn Karl Braun (Note the n!)
Mozartstrae 35A-3451 SchndorfAustria (if writing from outside the country)
NOTE: Strae is often abbreviated Str. Other types of streets: Allee (avenue, boulevard), Gasse(lane), Weg (way, drive).
RETURN ADDRESS DER ABSENDER
Sarah Brown253 Fall LaneCactus City, NV 89101USA (if mailed from abroad)
A German return address (preceded by theabbreviation Abs.) usually goes on the back of theenvelope.
On the Envelope auf dem Umschlag
Air Mail Luftpost (Germany) - Flugpost (Austria)c/o - in care of"John Smith c/o the Meiers"
beiorc/o"John Smith bei Meier"More often: "John Smith c/o Meier"
P.O. Box 12345 Postfach 12345
Registered Mail Eingeschrieben
(postage) stamp die Briefmarke
MORE >Postal Phrasebookfor envelopes and at the post office
Personal Letter PhrasesNOTE: These phrases are only appropriate for personal
correspondence, not in formal or business situations!English Deutsch
Salutations Anreden
Dear Maria, Liebe Maria, (female, e-ending)
Dear Hans, Lieber Hans, (male, er-ending)
Dear Maria and Hans, Liebe Maria, lieber Hans,
http://german.about.com/library/blpostal01.htmhttp://german.about.com/library/blpostal01.htmhttp://german.about.com/library/blpostal01.htmhttp://german.about.com/library/blpostal01.htm7/23/2019 Excellent Letter Writing Samples in German
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Dear Dad / Dear Mom, Lieber Vati, / Liebe Mutti,
Dear Friends, Liebe Freunde,
My Dearest Karl, Mein liebster Karl,
My Dearest Maria, Meine liebste Maria,
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General Expressions of Good Wishes(Suitable on Most Occasions)
Congratulations! Gratulation! Ich gratuliere! Wir gratulieren! All the best! Alles Gute Best wishes! Herzlichen Glckwunsch! Good luck! Viel Glck!
We are so happy for you! Wir freuen uns sehr/ Wir sind hocherfreut! I wish you success! Viel Erfolg! A big congratulations on yourIch gratuliere Ihnen herzlich zu... I wish you health and happiness! Ich wnsche Ihnen Gesundheit und Freude! Best wishes for the future! Die besten Wnsche fr die Zukunft!
Birthday (Geburtstag)
Happy birthday! Herzlichen Glckwunsch zum Geburtstag. Many happy returns/ All the best on your birthday! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag. Congratulations on your 40th/50th/60th birthday etc. Ich gratuliere Ihnen zu Ihrem
40/50/60 usw
Engagement/Wedding/ Anniversary (Verlobung, Hochzeit, Hochzeitstag)
Best wishes on your engagement! Herzlichen Glckwunsch zu deiner/ Ihrer Verlobung! Best wishes.... Herzlichen Glckwunsch...
on your anniversary! zu eurem Hochzeitstag!thirtieth/ fortieth anniversary! dreiigster/vierzigster etc. Hochzeitstag!golden anniversary! zur goldenen Hochzeit!
Best wedding wishes from (your name)! Die besten Hochzeitswnsche von (your name)! We wish you all the best on your wedding day! Wir wnschen euch zur Hochzeit alles
Gute! We wish you a happy marriage! Wir wnschen Euch eine glckliche Ehe!
Get well soon! Gute Besserung!
Speedy recovery! Werde schnell gesund! Get well! Gute Erholung I wish you a speedy recovery! Ich wnsch dir baldiges Genesen! Eine schnelle Genesung
wnsche ich dir! Hope you get back on your feet soon! Komm bald wieder auf die Beine!
Job Promotion (Berufliche Befrderung)
Congratulations on your promotion! Gratulation zur Befrderung! Congratulations on your appointment as...! Herzlichen Glckwunsch zu Ihrer Ernennung
als...! Congratulations on your new job! Ich gratuliere zum neuen Beruf! Congratulations on your advancement! Wir gratulieren Ihnen zu diesem Schritt nach
vorn! All the best on your retirement! Alles Gute zur Pensionierung! / zum Ruhestand!
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Graduation (Schulabschluss)
Best wishes on your begin of elementary school! Liebe Glckwnsche zur Einschulung! Much success and fun in your studies! Viel Erfolg und Spa beim Studium! Congratulations on graduating from high school! Ich gratuliere zum bestandenen Abitur/
zur Matura!(in Germany/ in Austria, Switzerland) Congratulations on receiving your diploma! Glckwnsche zum bestandenen Diplom! Congratulations on graduating with a bachelor's/master's degree! Glckwnsche zur
bestandenen Bachelorprfung, Master/Magisterprfung! Congratulations on receiving your Master's! Glckwnsche zur Sponsion!(Austria) Congratulations on your Ph.D! Gratulation zur bestandenen Doktorprfung/ zum
Doktortitel/ zur Promotion!
Condolences/ Sympathies
Our deepest condolences and sympathies. Unser tiefstes Beileid und Mitgefhl. May you find the strength to overcome this pain. Wir wnschen euch viel Kraft,diesen
Schmerz zu berwinden. We all grieve along with you in your great loss. Wir alle trauern in tiefer Anteilnahme mit
Dir um Deinen groen Verlust. Our deepest condolences/sympathy. Unser tiefstes Beileid. Our heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts are with you. Unser herzlichstes Beileid. Unsere
Gedanken sind bei Euch.
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Tourist Office Enquiry
Johann Mustermann 1Goethestrae 1554321 Entenheim 2
25. Mai 2003
Verkehrsverein3 Kirchdorf e.V.Hauptstr. 4523451 Kirchdorf
Betreff: Hotels und Pensionen in Kirchdorf4
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,wrden Sie mir freundlicherweise5 eine Liste der Hotels und Pensionen (der mittlerenKategorie) am Ort zusenden?
Daneben6 bin ich an Informationen ber Busfahrten zu den Sehenswrdigkeiten7 derUmgebung im Juli interessiert.
Vielen Dank im Voraus!8
Mit freundlichen Gren[signature]Johann Mustermann
1Your name and returnaddress
2If writing from outsideGermany, you would addyour country on the next
line.3tourist office
4 Betreffre: (regarding)5kindly
6in addition7attractions
8thanking you in advance
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Business letters
Betreff: Hotels und Pensionen in Kirchdorf
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
wrden Sie mir freundlicherweise eine Liste der Hotels und Pensionen (der mittleren Kategorie)am Ort zusenden?
Daneben bin ich an Informationen ber Busfahrten zu den Sehenswrdigkeiten der Umgebungim Juli interessiert.
Vielen Dank im Voraus!
Mit freundlichen Gren
Re: Hotels and and Inns Kirchdorf
Ladies and Gentlemen,
would you kindly provided a list of hotels (the middle class) send at the site?
I am also interested in information on bus trips to area attractions in July.
Thanks in advance!
Sincerely yours
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Deutsch
bank/at, in a bank die Bank/bei der Bank, in einer Bank
factory/in a factory die Fabrik/in einer Fabrik
highrise/in a highrise das Hochhaus/in einem Hochhaus
office/in an office das Bro/im Bro, in einem Broskyscraper/in a skyscraper der Wolkenkratzer/in einem Wolkenkratzer
Useful Phrases
English Deutsch
Do you have an appointment? Sind Sie angemeldet?
I have an appointment at 3 o'clock with... Ich habe einen Termin um 3 Uhr mit...
I need to see... Ich mchte zu...
On the PhoneAm Telefon
I'd like to speak with Mr./Mrs. Smith Ich mchte Herrn/Frau Smith sprechen.
Would you like to leave a message? Mchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen?
Can I leave a message? Kann ich eine Nachricht hinterlassen?
I'll connect you. Ich verbinde.
He/She is not in today. Er/Sie ist heute nicht im Haus.
Business Letter Phrases
English Deutsch
Salutations Anreden
Dear Madame: (no name) Sehr geehrte gndige Frau,
Dear Mr. Maier: Sehr geehrter Herr Maier,Lieber Herr Maier, (less formal)
Dear Ms./Mrs. Maier: Sehr geehrte Frau Maier,Liebe Frau Maier, (less formal)
Note: German uses Frau for Ms./Miss/Mrs. Any woman over the age of about 18 should always be
addressed as Frau in German.
Dear Sir: (no name) Sehr geehrter Herr,
Dear Sirs: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Opening Phrases Startphrasen
Enclosed please find... In der Anlage sende ich Ihnen...
Thank you for your letter of the 15th of May Vielen Dank fr Ihr Schreiben vom 15. Mai
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I'm writing to ask if... Ich mchte Sie bitten, mir mitzuteilen, ob...
Would you please send me... Schicken Sie mir bitte...
Closing Phrases Schlussphrasen
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Ich wrde mich sehr freuen, bald von Ihnenzu hren.
Thanking you in advance... Mit vielen Dank im Voraus...
Berufe - Professions
Englisch Deutsch
architect der Architekt
auto mechanic der Automechaniker
baker der Bcker
bank teller der Bankangestellte, die Bankangestellte
bricklayer, stone mason der Maurer
brokerstock broker
real estate agent/broker
der Maklerder Brsenmakler
der Immobilienmakler
bus driver der Busfahrer
computer programer der Programmierer, die Programmiererin
cook, chef der Koch, der Chefkochdie Kchin, die Chefkchin
doctor, physician der Arzt, die rztin
employee, white-collar worker der Angestellte, die Angestellte
employee, blue-collar worker der Arbeiter, die Arbeiterin
IT worker Angestellte/Angestellter in der Informatik
joiner, cabinetmaker der Tischler
journalist der Journalist
musician der Musiker
nurse der Krankenpfleger, die Krankenschwester
photographer der Fotograf, die Fotografin
secretary der Sekretr, die Sekretrin
student, pupil (K-12) der Schler, die Schlerin
student (college, univ.) der Student, die Studentin
Student: Note that German makes a distinction between a school student/pupil and a college-levelstudent.
taxi driver der Taxifahrer
teacher der Lehrer, die Lehrerin
truck/lorry driver der Lkw-Fahrerder Fernfahrer/Brummifahrer
waiter - waitress der Kellner - die Kellnerin
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worker, laborer der Arbeiter
Q & A - Fragen und AntwortenQuestions and Answers
Q: What's your occupation?Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I'm a...
F: Was sind Sie von Beruf?F: Was machen Sie beruflich?
A: Ich bin...Q: What's your occupation?
A: I'm in insurance.A: I work at a bank.
A: I work at a bookstore.
F: Was machen Sie beruflich?A: Ich bin in der Versicherungbranche.
A: Ich arbeite bei einer Bank.A: Ich arbeite bei einer Buchhandlung.
Q: What does he/she do for a living?A: He/She runs a small business.
F: Was macht er/sie beruflich?A: Er/Sie fhrt einen kleinen Betrieb.
Q: What does an auto mechanic do?A: He repairs cars.
F: Was macht ein Automechaniker?A: Er repariert Autos.
Q: Where do you work?A: At McDonald's.
F: Wo arbeiten Sie?A: Bei McDonald's.
Q: Where does a nurse work?A: In a hospital.
F: Wo arbeitet eine Krankenschwester?A: Im Krankenhaus/im Spital.
Q: At which company does he work?A: He's with DaimlerChrysler.
F: Bei welcher Firma arbeitet er?A: Er ist bei DaimlerChrysler.
Wo arbeiten Sie?Where do you work?
at Deutsche Bank bei der Deutschen Bank
at home zu Hause
at McDonald's bei McDonald's
at the office im Bro
in a garage, auto repair shop in einer/in der Autowerkstatt
in a hospital in einem/im Krankenhaus/Spital
with a big/small company bei einem groen/kleinen Unternehmen
Also see:German Stores and Businesses- English-German glossary
sich um eine Stelle bewerbenApplying for a Position
company, firm die Firma
employer der Arbeitgeber
employment office das Arbeitsamt(Web link)
interview das Interview
job application die Bewerbung
I'm applying for a job. Ich bewerbe mich um eine Stelle/einen Job.
resume, CV der Lebenslauf
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Directions: How do I get there?Wie komme ich dorthin?
Wann? Adverbs of Time
In this lesson you'll learn vocabulary and grammar related togoing places, asking for simple directions and receiving directions.You'll learn words and phrases that will let you talk about goingplaces, as well as understand what someone else says whengiving simple directions.
How do I get there?Wie komme ich dorthin?What directions is this clusterof signs in Berlin giving us?Foto: Hyde Flippo
One word of caution before we begin. Asking for directions iseasy. Understanding the torrent of German you may get back is
another story! Most German textbooks/courses teach you how toask the questions, but fail to deal adequately with theunderstanding aspect. That's why we will also teach you somecoping skills in this lesson to help in such situations. One exampleis to ask your question in such a way that it will elicit a simplejaor nein, or a simple "left," "straight ahead" or "right" answer. Anddon't forget those ever reliable hand signals that work in anylanguage!
WO vs. WOHINGerman has two question words for asking "where." One (wo?) is for asking the location of someone
or something. The other (wohin?) is for asking about motion or direction ("where to").
For instance, in English you would use "where" to ask both "Where are the keys?" (location) and"Where are you going?" (motion/direction). In German these two questions require two different formsof "where":
Wo sind die Schlssel? ("Where are the keys?")
Wohin gehen Sie? ("Where are you going?")
In English this can be compared to the difference between the location question "where's it at?" (poor
English, but it gets the idea across) and the direction question "where to?" But in German you canonly use wo? for "where's it at?" (location) and wohin? for "where to?" (direction). Sometimeswohin gets split in two, as in: "Wo gehen Sie hin?" But you can't use wo without hin to ask aboutmotion or direction in German. - You must always use the correct form of "where" for location (wo?)or motion/direction (wohin?).
We'll cover this in more detail inPart 3, and test your understanding of this grammatical concept laterin theexercisesfor this lesson.
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Now let's look at some common words and expressions related to directions and places we might goto. You need to memorize this vocabulary.
DIRECTIONS - RICHTUNGEN
Notice that in some of the phrases below, the gender (der/die/das) may affect the article, as in "in dieKirche" or "an den See". Notice that der sometimes changes to den, and so on. You'll learn more
about the grammar for this in a future lesson. For now, just notice what's going on related to gender!Englisch Deutsch
along/downGo along/down this street.
entlangGehen Sie diese Strae entlang!
backGo back.
zurckGehen Sie zurck!
in the direction of/towards...the train stationthe churchthe hotel
in Richtung auf...den Bahnhofdie Kirchedas Hotel
left - to the left links - nach links
right - to the right rechts - nach rechts
straight aheadKeep going straight ahead.
geradeaus (guh-RAH-duh-ouse)Gehen Sie immer geradeaus!
up to, until
up to the traffic lightup to the cinema
bis zum (masc./neut.)bis zur (fem.)bis zur Ampelbis zum Kino
COMPASS DIRECTIONSHIMMELSRICHTUNGEN
north - to the northnorth of (Leipzig)
der Nord(en) - nach Nordennrdlich von (Leipzig)
south - to the southsouth of (Munich)
der Sd(en) - nach Sdensdlich von (Mnchen)
east - to the easteast of (Frankfurt)
der Ost(en) - nach Ostenstlich von (Frankfurt)
west - to the westwest of (Cologne)
der West(en) - nach Westenwestlich von (Kln)
Note: More compass directions can be formed in German just as in English by combining more thanone element. Northwest - Nordwesten, Northeast - Nordosten, Southwest - Sdwesten, etc.
German for Beginners
Lektion 10 - Wie komme ich dorthin?Part 2 - Places to GoWann? Adverbs of time
LEKTION 10 >Part 1| Part 2 |Part 3|Exercises
In English we can say we're going to the bank, to Boston, or to
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Switzerland, but in German there is more than one way to say "to"and each one of these "to"phrases would use a different German preposition! However, there are some rules and guidelines youcan learn for these situations.
Most geographic place names (countries, states, cities, etc.) use nach for "to." Only a few countriesthat are feminine, masculine or plural (rather than the normal neuter das) use in for "to." Notice the
exceptions listed below. For more about countries, see the specialGlossary of NationsandLektion 6.
When going to a location in town, such as to the bakery or a restaurant, the most commonprepositions for "to" are in and zu (usually in a compound such as zum or zur).
If you'd like more information about nach vs zu, seeHow to Say "to" in German. For now, observethe examples in the chart below.
PLACES TO GO - 1Town & Country
Englisch Deutsch
IN DER STADT - IN TOWN
to the bakery zur Bckerei
to the restaurant ins Restaurant
to the supermarket zum Supermarkt
from (the bank) to (the hotel)from (the hotel) to (the bank)
von (der Bank) bis (zum Hotel)von (dem Hotel) bis (zur Bank)
More places to go in the city inPart 3.
LNDER/STDTE - COUNTRIES/CITIES
from (Frankfurt) to (Berlin) von (Frankfurt) nach (Berlin)
to... (countries/cities)
GermanyFranceAustraliaMunichBerlin
nach... (Nationen/Stdte)
DeutschlandFrankreichAustralienMnchenBerlin
to Switzerland in die Schweiz
to the US in die USA
to Iran(Iran and Irak can be der or das)
in den Iran (der) / nach Iran (das)
More countries and cities inCountry Glossary.
Now here are some adverbs that tell us when we're going someplacealong with sample sentences.
WANN? - WHEN?
GRAMMATIK: Notice that in German, TIME comes before PLACE! In English, it's the other wayaround. See the sample sentences below.
Englisch Deutsch
yesterday - today - tomorrowWe're going to the cinema tomorrow.
gestern - heute - morgenWir gehen morgen ins Kino.
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(the) day before yesterday(the) day after tomorrowWe're driving to Vienna (the) day after tomorrow.
vorgesternbermorgenWir fahren bermorgen nach Wien.
this morning/afternoonHe's traveling to Hamburgthis morning.
heute Morgen/NachmittagEr fhrt heute Morgennach Hamburg.
now - laterI'm going to work later.
jetzt - spterIch gehe spter zur Arbeit.
at eight o'clockI'm going to the station at eight.
um acht UhrIch gehe um acht zum Bahnhof.
Also seeDay by Day: Day Expressions in German.HOW-TO: For more about TELLING TIME (die Uhrzeit) in German, see our step-by-stepHow To TellTime in German. To review the numbers in German seeLektion 7andLektion 8.
PLACES TO GO - 2In der Stadt / In Town
This section is vocabulary for places in town. Both the basic word and the "to" phrase are given foreach item. For example, die Bckerei is the bakery, but if we want to say "to the bakery," it's zurBckerei (the short form ofzu der Bckerei).Some of the phrases below may have more than one way to say "to." We have listed the mostcommon way. Note the following contractions: ins = in das, zum = zu dem, zur = zu der
Englisch Deutsch
bakery - to the bakery die Bckerei - zur Bckerei
bank - to the bank die Bank - zur Bank
bar/pub - to the bar/pub die Kneipe - in die Kneipe
butcherto the butcher
der Fleischer/der Metzgerzum Fleischer/zum Metzger
hotel - to the hotel das Hotel - zum Hotel
market/fleamarketto the market
der Markt/der Flohmarktzum Markt/zum Flohmarkt
cinema - to the movies/cinema das Kino - ins/zum Kino
the post office - to the post office die Post - zur Post
restaurant - to the restaurant das Restaurant - ins/zum Restaurant
to a/the Chinese restaurant zum Chinesen
to an/the Italian restaurant zum Italiener
to a/the Greek restaurant zum Griechen
school - to school die Schule - zur Schulethe shopping centerto the shopping center
das Einkaufszentrumzum Einkaufszentrum
the traffic light/signal(up) to the signal
die Ampelbis zur Ampel
the train station - to the station der Bahnhof- zum Bahnhof
work - to work die Arbeit - zur Arbeit
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the youth hostelto the youth hostel
die Jugendherbergein die Jugendherberge
ANDERSWO - ELSEWHERE
the lake - to the lake der See - an den See
the sea - to the sea die See/das Meer - ans Meer
the toilet/restroomto the toilet/restroom
die Toilette/das Klo/das WCzur Toilette/zum Klo/zum WC
Here are some sample questions and answers related to asking and giving directions.
FRAGEN und ANTWORTENQuestions and Answers in German and English
In the sentences below, the TO-phrases are in bold type both in German and English. There issome grammar here that we will ignore until a later lesson. For now, learn the patterns for the variousarticles (der/die/das) for each gender (masc./fem./neuter). NOTE: The sentences below are answersto the question in red (rot).
Wohin fahren Sie? / Wohin fhrst du?Where are you going? (driving/traveling)
Ich fahre morgen an den See.I'm going to the lake tomorrow.
Ich fahre morgen nach Dresden.I'm going to Dresden tomorrow.
Wie komme ich...How do I get...
...zur Bank? - Gehen Sie zwei Straen und dann rechts.
...to the bank? - Go two blocks (streets) and then right.
...zum Hotel? - Fahren Sie diese Strae entlang.
...to the hotel? - Drive down/along this street.
...zur Post? - Gehen Sie bis zur Ampel und dann links.
...to the post office? - Go up to the traffic light and then left.
NOTE: For the items above, if you are walking, you use gehen; if you are driving, you use fahren.
Extra-AusdrckeExtra Expressions
an der Kirche vorbei past the churcham Kino vorbei past the cinema
rechts/links an der Ampelright/left at the traffic light
am Marktplatz at the market square
an der Ecke at the corner
die nchste Strae the next streetber die Strae across/over the streetber den Marktplatz across the market square
vor dem Bahnhofin front of the train stationvor der Kirchein front of the church
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Tage der WocheDays of the Week
DEUTSCH ENGLISCH
Montag (Mo)(Mond-Tag) Monday"moon day"
Dienstag (Di)(Zies-Tag)
Tuesday
Mittwoch (Mi)(mid-week)
Wednesday(Wodan's day)
Donnerstag (Do)"thunder-day"
Thursday(Thor's day)
Freitag (Fr)
(Freya-Tag)
Friday
(Freya's day)Samstag (Sa)
Sonnabend (Sa)(used in No. Germany)
Saturday(Saturn's day)
Sonntag (So)(Sonne-Tag)
Sunday"sun day"
The seven days of the week are masculine gender (der) since they usually end in -tag. (The twoexceptions, Mittwoch and Sonnabend, are also masculine.) Note that there are two words forSaturday. Samstag is used in most of Germany, in Austria and in German Switzerland. Sonnabend("Sunday eve") is used in eastern Germany and roughly north of the city of Mnster in northernGermany. So, in Hamburg, Rostock, Leipzig or Berlin, it's Sonnabend; in Cologne, Frankfurt, Munichor Vienna "Saturday" is Samstag. Both words for "Saturday" are understood all over the German-speaking world, but you should try to use the one most common in the region you're in. Note the two-letter abbreviation for each of the days (Mo, Di, Mi, etc.). These are used on calendars, schedulesand German/Swiss watches that indicate the day and date.
To say "on Monday" or "on Friday" you use the prepositional phrase am Montag or am Freitag. (Theword am is actually a contraction ofan and dem, the dative form ofder. We'll explain more aboutthat below.) Here are some commonly used phrases for the days of the week:
Day Phrases
Englisch Deutschon Monday(on Tuesday, Wednesday,etc.)
am Montag(am Dienstag, Mittwoch,usw.)
(on) Mondays(on Tuesdays,Wednesdays, etc.)
montags(dienstags, mittwochs,usw.)
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every Monday, Mondays(every Tuesday,Wednesday, etc.)
jeden Montag(jeden Dienstag,Mittwoch, usw.)
this Tuesday (am) kommendenDienstag
last Wednesday letzten Mittwoch
the Thursday after next bernchstenDonnerstag
every other Friday jeden zweiten Freitag
Today is Tuesday. Heute ist Dienstag.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. Morgen ist Mittwoch.
Yesterday was Monday. Gestern war Montag.
A few words about the DATIVE case. In Lesson 11 we looked at the accusative (direct object) case.Below is a chart of what happens to the articles (der, die, das) in the three main cases (only thegenitive is yet to come). The dative case is used as the object of certain prepositions (as with dates)and as the indirect object of a verb. Here we are concentrating on the use of the accusative and dativein expressing dates. Here is a chart of those changes. (Items in the darker boxes do not change.)
NOMINATIV-AKKUSATIV-DATIV
GENDER Nominativ Akkusativ Dativ
MASC. der/jeder den/jeden dem
NEUT. das das dem
FEM. die die der
NOTE: The masculine (der) and neuter (das) make the same changes (lookthe same) in the DATIV case. Adjectives or numbers used in the dative willhave an -en ending: am sechsten April.
Now we want to apply the information in the chart above. When we use the prepositions an (on) andin (in) with days, months or dates, they take the dative case. Days and months are masculine, so weend up with a combination ofan or in plus dem, which equals am or im. Additionally, some dateexpressions that do not use prepositions (jeden Dienstag, letzten Mittwoch) are in the accusativecase.
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Give and Take - The Accusative CaseCommand Forms
geben - nehmen
geben (give)/es gibt (there is/are)nehmen (take)/er nimmt (he takes)
In this lesson you'll learn how to express in German the concepts of giving (geben) and taking(nehmen). This involves the grammatical elements known as the accusative case (the direct objectcase in German), irregular stem-changing verbs and the command forms (imperative). If that sortof grammar terminology scares you, don't worry. We'll introduce it all in such a way that you'll hardlyfeel a thing.
The important thing is that after studying this lesson, you'll be able to express the important anduseful concepts of giving and taking.
geben (give) - nehmen (take)
These two German verbs have something in common. See if you can find what it is by observing thefollowing:
gebenich gebe (I give), du gibst (you give)er gibt (he gives), sie gibt (she gives)wir geben (we give), sie geben (they give)
nehmenich nehme (I take), du nimmst (you take)er nimmt (he takes), sie nimmt (she takes)wir nehmen (we take), sie nehmen (they take)
Now can you tell what essential change these two verbs have in common?
If you said that they both change from e to i in the same situations, then you're right! (The verbnehmen also changes its spelling slightly, but the e-to-i change is what these two verbs have incommon.) Both of these verbs belong to a class of German verbs known as "stem-changing" verbs. Inthe infinitive form (ending in -en) they have an e in their stem, or base form. But when they areconjugated (used with a pronoun or noun in a sentence), the stem vowel changes under certainconditions from e to i: nehmen (infinitive) --> er nimmt (conjugated, 3rd person sing.); geben
(infinitive) --> er gibt (conjugated, 3rd person sing.)
All stem-changing verbs only change their stem vowel in the singular. Most only change when usedwith er, sie, es (3rd person) and du (2nd person, familiar). Other e-to-i stem-changing verbsinclude: helfen/hilft (help), treffen/trifft (meet) and sprechen/spricht (speak). (For a detailedlook at all the German irregular verbs, including geben and nehmen, see ourStrong Verbschart.)
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Now study the chart below. It shows all the forms of the two verbs in the present tensein Englishand German. In the example sentences, observe also how direct objects (the things you give or take)that are masculine (der) change to den or einen when they function as direct objects (rather thanthe subject). In the accusative (direct object) case, der is the only gender that has this change.Neuter (das), feminine (die) and plural nouns are unaffected.
The STEM-CHANGING Verbsgeben - nehmen
The words me, us, them (mir, uns, ihnen) and so on in the sentences with geben are indirectobjects in the dative case. You will learn more about the dative in a future lesson. For now, just learnthese words as vocabulary.
Englisch Deutsch
geben
there is/there areToday there are no apples.
es gibtHeute gibt es keine pfel.
The expression es gibt (there is/are) always takes the accusative case: "Heute gibt es keinen Wind."= "There is no wind today."
I giveI give her the new ball. ich gebeIch gebe ihr den neuen Ball.
you (fam.) giveAre you giving him the money?
du gibstGibst du ihm das Geld?
he givesHe gives me the green book.
er gibtEr gibt mir das grne Buch.
she givesShe gives us a book.
sie gibtSie gibt uns ein Buch.
we giveWe aren't giving them any money.
wir gebenWir geben ihnen kein Geld.
you (pl.) giveYou (guys) give me a key.
ihr gebtIhr gebt mir einen Schlssel.
they giveThey give him no opportunity.
sie gebenSie geben ihm keine Gelegenheit.
you (formal) giveAre you giving me the pencil?
Sie gebenGeben Sie mir den Bleistift?
nehmen
I takeI take the ball.
ich nehmeIch nehme den Ball.
you (fam.) takeAre you taking the money?
du nimmstNimmst du das Geld?
he takes
He's taking the green book.
er nimmt
Er nimmt das grne Buch.she takesShe takes a book.
sie nimmtSie nimmt ein Buch.
we takeWe aren't taking any money.
wir nehmenWir nehmen kein Geld.
you (pl.) takeYou (guys) take a key.
ihr nehmtIhr nehmt einen Schlssel.
they take sie nehmen
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They take everything. Sie nehmen alles.
you (formal) takeAre you taking the pencil?
Sie nehmenNehmen Sie den Bleistift?
By their nature, these two verbs are often used in the imperative (command) form. Below you'll find
how to say things like "Give me the pen!" or "Take the money!" If you are talking to one person, thecommand will be different than if you are addressing two or more people. Note that, as usual, Germanmakes a distinction between a formal Sie (sing. & pl.) command and a familiar du (sing.) or ihr (pl.)command. If you tell a child to give you something, the command will not be the same as when youare addressing an adult formally (Sie). If you are telling more than one child (ihr) to do something,that will also be a different command than if you are only addressing one child (du). The du commandform of most verbs is almost always the normal du form of the verb minus the -st ending. (Dunimmst das Buch. - Nimm das Buch!) Study the chart below.
IMPERATIVECommand Forms for
geben - nehmen
The German imperative verb forms vary according to whom you are commanding or telling to do
something. Each form of YOU in German (du, ihr, Sie) has its own command form. Note that only theSie command includes the pronoun in the command! The du and ihr commands do not usuallyinclude du or ihr.
Englisch Deutsch
geben
Give me the (ballpoint) pen! (Sie) Geben Sie mir den Kuli!
Give me the (ballpoint) pen! (du) Gib mir den Kuli!
Give me the (ballpoint) pen! (ihr) Gebt mir den Kuli!
nehmen
Take the (ballpoint) pen! (Sie) Nehmen Sie den Kuli!
Take the (ballpoint) pen! (du) Nimm den Kuli!
Take the (ballpoint) pen! (ihr)
Die Monate - The Months
DEUTSCH ENGLISCH
JanuarYAHN-oo-ahr
January
Februar February
MrzMEHRZ
March
April April
MaiMYE
May
JuniYOO-nee
June
JuliYOO-lee
July
August August
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ow-GOOST
September September
Oktober October
November November
Dezember DecemberMonths: Latin-Deutsch-EnglishTime and Calendar GlossaryEnglish-German Glossaries
The months are all masculine gender (der). There are two words used for July. Juli (YOO-LEE) is thestandard form, but German-speakers often say Julei (YOO-LYE) to avoid confusion with Juni - inmuch the same way that zwo is used for zwei.
Before we talk more about the months, let's also look at the four seasons, die vier Jahreszeiten.
Die Jahreszeiten - The Seasons
Jahreszeit Monate
der Frhlingdas Frhjahr
(Adj.) frhlingshaft
Mrz, April, Maiim Frhling - in the spring
der Sommer(Adj.) sommerlich
Juni, Juli, Augustim Sommer - in the summer
der Herbst(Adj.) herbstlich
Sept., Okt., Nov.im Herbst - in the fall/autumn
der Winter(Adj.) winterlich
Dez., Jan., Feb.im Winter - in the winter
The seasons are all masculine gender (except for das Frhjahr, another word for spring). Themonths for each season above are, of course, for the northern hemisphere where Germany and theother German-speaking countries lie.
When speaking of a season in general ("Autumn is my favorite season."), in German you almostalways use the article: "Der Herbst ist meine Lieblingsjahreszeit." The adjectival forms shownabove translate as "springlike, springy," "summerlike" or "autumnal, falllike" (sommerlicheTemperaturen = "summerlike/summery temperatures"). In some cases, the noun form is used as aprefix, as in die Winterkleidung = "winter clothing" or die Sommermonate = "the summermonths." The prepositional phrase im (in dem) is used for all the seasons when you want to say, forinstance, "in (the) spring" (im Frhling). This is the same as for the months.
Lebensmittel - Groceries
This lesson introduces: (1) food words and vocabulary for eating, drinking and grocery shopping,(2) expressions related to those topics and (3) related German grammar. A very importantsupplement to this lesson is ourGerman-English Menu and Dining Guide.
Read and study the following dialog. If you need help with the vocabulary or grammar, see theGerman-English versionand the short glossary below. LERNTIPP: You will comprehend and learn thisdialog better if you use this German-only version as much as possible, only turning to the dual-
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language version when you need to. You can easily switch between the two. Also see the glossary atthe bottom of the dialog.
Your goal is to get to the point where you can read this German dialog with full comprehension (nodictionary/help needed).
Dialog 1: In der Kche - In the Kitchen
Also see theDual-Language Versionof this dialog (German and English)
Katrin: Mutti, was machst du denn da? Ist das Wienerschnitzel?
Mutter: Ja, dein Lieblingsessen natrlich.
Katrin: Toll!
Mutti: Aber Katrin, ich hab' gerade entdeckt, dass wir keine Kartoffeln fr die Pommes frites haben.Kannst du mir schnell Kartoffeln bei EDEKA holen?
An der Kassebei EDEKA.
At the check-outat EDEKA.
Katrin: Ja, das kann ich. Brauchst du sonst noch etwas?
Mutter: Wenn es ein paar schne Gurken gibt, wre das auch gut.
Katrin: Und Brtchen?
Mutter: Nee, das haben wir schon.
Katrin: OK, dann bin ich gleich wieder da.
Mutter: Hast du etwas Geld?
Katrin: Ja, genug, um ein paar Kartoffeln und Gurken zu kaufen.
Mutter: Natrlich bekommst du das Geld von mir zurck.
Katrin: Es geht schon, Mutti. Tschs!
Also see theDual-Language Versionof this dialog (German and English)
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GLOSSARY: wre would be, nee nein, e Gurke cucumber, genug enough
CULTURAL NOTE: EDEKA is a German co-op chain of over 10,000 neighborhood, independently-owned grocery stores that offer a wide variety of items, sometimes including a small bakery. By usinga centralized distribution system from 12 regional centers in Germany, they are better able tocompete with larger supermarkets. For more information, see theEDEKA Web site(in German).
Where else can you buy groceries? Below is a chart of various shopping possibilities. Althoughsupermarkets are popular, many Germans still prefer to shop for meat, bread, pastry, fruit andvegetables in specialty shops: the butcher, the baker, the green grocer and other specialized types ofstores.
Wo kaufe ich das?Useful words and expressions
in English and GermanLebensmittel - Groceries
WO (where) WAS (what)
der Supermarkt the supermarketim Supermarkt at the supermarket
fast alles almost everythingdie Lebensmittel groceriesdas Gemse vegetablesdas Obst fruitdie Milch milkder Kse cheese
der Bcker the bakerbeim Bcker at the baker'sdie Bckerei bakery
das Brot breaddas Brtchen rolldie Semmeln rolls
(So. Germany, Austria)die Torte cakeder Kuchen cake
der Fleischer the butcher*die Fleischerei butcher shopbeim Fleischer at the butcher'sder Metzger the butcherdie Metzgerei the butcher shopbeim Metzger at the butcher's
der Fisch fishdas Fleisch meatdas Rindfleisch beefdas Geflgel fowldas Kalbfleisch vealder Schinken hamdas Schweinefleisch porkdie Wurst sausage
*The German terms for "butcher" and "butcher shop" are regional. Metzger tends to be used more insouthern Germany, while Fleischer is more common in the north. The official term for the trade isFleischer. Older, rarely used terms are Fleischhacker, Fleischhauer and Schlachter.
der Getrnkemarkt beverage shopHere you buy beverages (beer, cola, mineralwater, etc.) by the case. Supermarkets nowusually have a similar department.
Getrnke beveragesdas Getrnk beverage, drinkdas Bier beerder Wein winedie Limonade soda, soft drinkdie Cola cola drinkdas Mineralwasser mineral water
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der Markt the marketder Tante-Emma-Laden corner marketdie Tankstelle gas station (market)
A growing trend in Germany is the gas stationmini-mart, selling everything from groceries tovideos and CDs. It offers shoppers an alternativeto regular stores that by law are closed onSundays and after 8pm, if not earlier.
Also see:
Menu and Dining GuideA German-English guide to
vocabulary having to do with dining out
Der gedeckte Tisch
The Table Setting: Plates, cups, cutlery, etc.
What do we find on a table set for dining? Below is an English-German chart of various items thatmight be found on a typical dining table.
Der gedeckte TischUseful words and expressions
in English and GermanENGLISH DEUTSCH
CUTLERY, TABLEWARE DAS BESTECK
fork die Gabel
knife das Messer
spoon der Lffel
teaspoon der Teelffel
tablespoon der Esslffel
knife das Messer
cake knife, slicer der TortenheberWhen you're ready,
don't forget to try thePhoto Exercise for This Page
DINNERWARE, CHINA, DISHES DAS GESCHIRR
bowl die Schale, die Schssel
cup/mug die Tasse/der Becher
saucer die Untertasse
plate, salad plate der Teller, der Salatteller
CONTAINERS BEHLTER
can - beer can, cola can die Dose - Bierdose, Coladose
a can of beer/cola eine Dose Bier/Cola
glass - beer glass, wine glass das Glas - Bierglas, Weinglas
a glass of beer/wine/milk ein Glas Bier/Wein/Milch
bottle - beer bottle, wine bottle die Flasche - Bierflasche, Weinflasche
a bottle of beer/wine/milk eine Flasche Bier/Wein/Milch
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a cup of coffee/tea eine Tasse Kaffee/Tee
a cup/dish of ice cream ein(en) Becher Eis
dish, (serving) bowl die Schale, die Schssel
pitcher, jug der Krug
tea pot (small)tea pot (large)coffee pot (small)coffee pot (large)
das Teeknnchendie Teekannedas Kaffeeknnchendie Kaffeekanne
(cooking) pot der Topf
OTHER THINGS ANDERE SACHEN
coaster, beer coaster/mat der Untersetzer, der Bierdeckel
napkin, serviette die Serviette
place setting das Gedeck
place mat das Set
salt/pepper shaker der Salzstreuer/PfefferstreuerDer gedeckte Tisch
Useful words and expressionsin English and German
ENGLISH DEUTSCH
CUTLERY, TABLEWARE DAS BESTECK
fork die Gabel
knife das Messer
spoon der Lffel
teaspoon der Teelffel
tablespoon der Esslffelknife das Messer
cake knife, slicer der Tortenheber
When you're ready,don't forget to try the
Photo Exercise for This Page
DINNERWARE, CHINA, DISHES DAS GESCHIRR
bowl die Schale, die Schssel
cup/mug die Tasse/der Becher
saucer die Untertasse
plate, salad plate der Teller, der Salatteller
CONTAINERS BEHLTER
can - beer can, cola can die Dose - Bierdose, Coladose
a can of beer/cola eine Dose Bier/Cola
glass - beer glass, wine glass das Glas - Bierglas, Weinglas
a glass of beer/wine/milk ein Glas Bier/Wein/Milch
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bottle - beer bottle, wine bottle die Flasche - Bierflasche, Weinflasche
a bottle of beer/wine/milk eine Flasche Bier/Wein/Milch
a cup of coffee/tea eine Tasse Kaffee/Tee
a cup/dish of ice cream ein(en) Becher Eis
dish, (serving) bowl die Schale, die Schsselpitcher, jug der Krug
tea pot (small)tea pot (large)coffee pot (small)coffee pot (large)
das Teeknnchendie Teekannedas Kaffeeknnchendie Kaffeekanne
(cooking) pot der Topf
OTHER THINGS ANDERE SACHEN
coaster, beer coaster/mat der Untersetzer, der Bierdeckel
napkin, serviette die Serviette
place setting das Gedeckplace mat das Set
salt/pepper shaker der Salzstreuer/Pfefferstreuer
Accusative Prepositions
Prpositionen Beispiele - Examples
durch through, by durch die Stadt through the citydurch den Wald through the forestdurch den Wind (caused) by the wind
entlang along, down die Strae entlang down the streetden Fluss entlang along the river
Gehen Sie diesen Weg entlang. Go down this
path.NOTE: The accusative preposition entlang, unlike the others, usually goes after its object, as shown
above.
fr for fr das Buch for the bookfr ihn for himfr mich for me
gegen against, for gegen alle Erwartungen against all expectationsgegen die Mauer against the wall
gegen Kopfschmerzen (medicine) for aheadache
gegen mich against me
ohne without ohne den Wagen without the car
ohne ihn without himohne mich without me (count me out)
um around, for, at um den See around the lakeum eine Stelle (apply) for a job
Er bewirbt sich um eine Stelle. He's applyingfor a position.
um zehn Uhr at ten o'clock
NOTE: The German preposition bis (until, to, by) is technically an accusative preposition, but since it's
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almost always used with a second preposition (bis zu, bis auf, etc.) in a different case, or without anarticle (bis April, bis Montag), it's not listed above.
PERSONAL PRONOUNSin the ACCUSATIVE
NOMINATIVE ACCUSATIVE
ich I mich me
du you (fam.) dich you
er hesie she
es it
ihn himsie heres it
wir we uns us
ihr you (guys) euch you (guys)
sie they sie them
Sie you (formal) Sie you (formal)
da- Compounds
All of the accusative prepositions except "entlang," "ohne" and "bis" form what are called "da-compounds" to express what would be a prepositional phrase in English. Da-compounds are not usedfor people (personal pronouns). Prepositions beginning with a vowel add a connecting r. See theexamples below.
THING PERSON
dadurch through it, by it durch ihn/sie through him/her
dafr for it fr ihn/sie for him/her
dagegen against it gegen ihn/sie against him/her
darum for that reason um ihn/sie around him/her
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