Needs and opinions in German (polite requests)
Exercises
- Translate these expressions of needs and wishes into German Score -/-
- Assign the correct German translation of expressing opinions to the correct translations! Score -/-
- Fill in the correct German word to complete these needs Score -/-
- Complete this debate by filling in the correct German word! Score -/-
In this chapter you will learn how to make polite requests in German, as well as how to agree and disagree in a discussion.
Lesson Outline
HideMaking polite requests in German
Here are some key-phrases you need to know to be polite while making requests in German. Notice, that often times the Subjunctive is used, in order to make the phrase sound nicer.
| Phrase | Translation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kannst du bitte...? | Can you please...? |
Kannst du mir das bitte nochmal erklären? (Can you please explain that to me again?) |
|
Könntest du bitte...? (The same as the one before, only in Subjunctive) |
Could you pease...? |
Könntest du bitte deutlicher reden? (Could you please talk more clearly?) |
| Würdest du bitte...? | Would you please...? |
Würdest du bitte den Müll rausbringen? (Would you please bring out the trash?) |
| Ich wäre dir sehr dankbar, wenn.... | Ich would be very gratefule to you, when... |
Ich wäre dir sehr dankbar, wenn du mich morgen wecken könntest (I would be very grateful to you, if you could wake me up tomorrow) |
| Ich hätte eine bitte.... | I would have one request.... |
Ich hätte eine bitte, kannst du mich morgen zum Flughafen fahren? (I would have one request, could you drive me to the airport tomorrow?) |
|
Was...? (whether or not this sounds polite is dependent on the rest of the sentence) |
What...? |
Was war nochmal das Wort dafür? (What was the word for this again?) |
Excuse me in German
To get the attention of the person you are making the request to, there are several German equivalents in German
- Entschuldigung (literally: Apologies)
- Entschuldigen Sie (most literal to 'excuse me' - note that the German form of politeness 'Sie' is used to address the person)
- Verzeihung (literally: forgiveness)
- Pardon (in the French pronunciation - however these days not so common anymore)
- Wie bitte? (used when you didn't understand, what a person said - equivalent to 'come again?')
Expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing
When having a discussion in German these are a few important phrases, that you might need
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Ich sehe das genauso | I see it the same way |
| Ich stimme dir zu | I agree |
| Ich kann dir nicht zustimmen | I can't agree with you |
| Im Gegenteil | In the contrary |
| Wenn du mich fragst | If you ask me |
| Meiner Meinung nach | In my opinion |
| Entweder...oder... | Either...or... |
| Was bedeutet das? | What is the meaning of this? |
| Was denkst du über...? | What do you think about...? |
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
German lessons with learning materials
I teach: German
Hallo!I'm a German language teacher, with a BA and MA degree in German studies and a degree as German court interpreter, who... was born and lived in Switzerland; so I can teach you also Swiss-German :)I offer lessons for:A1 + A2 (grammar + vocabulary)B1 - B2 (grammar + vocabulary)C1 - C2 (only vocabulary) - for people who want to improve their language and communication skills through conversations and speaking exercises.I can prepare you also for a new job and life in German speaking countries or expand your business vocabulary. My teaching methods vary according to the learner's language level and needs!First lesson is free!All learning materials will be provided!One lesson takes usually: 60 minutes. Please also take a look at my availability, I´m only available as indicated! Read more
German and English lessons
I teach: English, German
Hello, my name is Allison! I have two years' teaching experience in German and one year experience in English. I work to fit my lessons my... students' needs as well as trying to make them enjoyable.In terms of specialized lessons, I have experience giving lessons in German pronunciation. Also, in addition to my BA in German Studies, I also have an undergraduate degree in music.Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting you! Read more
German lessons and learning materials included
I teach: German, English, French
My name is Christina and I provide fun German and French language lesson for children and adult beginners or intermediate who want to... strengthen their language skills, improve the grammar knowledge, enrich the vocabulary and get into the German culture! I can teach in English or French!I had experince in teaching German, English and French to foreign people so I do have a lot of useful learning material I can provide you to make it easier! Read more
