Archive for 'Language'
German music and lyrics: Die Toten Hosen – Tage wie diese Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jul 18, 2012
On May 4 Die Toten Hosen (lit. The dead pants) released their latest studio album Ballast der Republik (The burden of the Republic), which is a kind of pun, referring to the Palast der Republik (Palace of the Republic) which was a building in Berlin in the former German Democratic Republic. Tage wie diese (Days…
Telling the time in German: The quarters of an hour Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jul 16, 2012
In my last post I discussed how to ask for the time and how to tell the time when it comes to full hours. Now I’d like to continue with the times between the hours. First you should know that there are regional differences how to tell the time in German. And the awkward thing…
Telling the time in German: Full hours Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jul 11, 2012
One stereotype of Germans is that we are punctual. Indeed, it is considered to be impolite in German culture to be late when you have an appointment with somebody. So whenever you are late it is always advisable to call or text the person you will meet and let him or her know that you…
German vocabulary: das Auto – car Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jul 4, 2012
When you are on a visit in Germany you may want to take a trip around the countryside. The best way to do so is to rent a car. The following phrases are useful. Ich möchte ein Auto mieten. iH möH-tuh ayn ou-toh mee-tuhn I would like to rent a car. Wieviel kostet…
German vocabulary: Family Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jul 2, 2012
The German Kernfamilie (nuclear family) consists of Eltern (parents) and their Kinder (children). But there are also a variety of other people in a family, both young and old, who affect family life to some degree, namely the extended family. Let’s have a look at the German vocabulary that describe typical family members. First, we’ll…
Giving directions in German Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jun 28, 2012
If you have read my two last post you know that how to ask for directions. Now it’s time to learn how to give directions or understand these instructions. Very useful words you need to know are the following: geradeaus gehen – to keep straight on geradeaus weitergehen – to go straight on nach…
Asking for Directions in German: Street names and places/squares Posted by Sandra Rösner on Jun 26, 2012
In my post from yesterday, I told you how to ask for directions to particular buildings (e.g. a church or museum) or cultural gathering places (e.g. cinema and theatre). Today, I would like to teach you how to ask for addresses in German, that is, street names and places. In German culture the main part…