
Basic phrases for learners: Basic Phrases
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Key Phrases
Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Do you speak English?
Ich verstehe nicht
I do not understand
Können Sie das wiederholen?
Can you repeat that?
Skills You'll Learn
Asking if someone speaks English
Fragen, ob jemand Englisch spricht
Expressing lack of understanding
Unverständnis ausdrücken
Requesting repetition
Um eine Wiederholung bitten
Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases
Englisch
ENG-lish
English
💬 Pronounce it like 'En-g-lisch', just like how you would say the beginning of 'English'.
🇩🇪 English is widely spoken in Germany, especially in urban areas and tourist spots.
See breakdown →Deutsch
DOY-tsh
German
💬 Pronounce it like 'Doy-ch'. The 'ch' sound is a bit like a cat hissing.
🇩🇪 Learning German is appreciated by locals and opens doors to understanding rich traditions and literature.
See breakdown →Sprechen Sie Englisch?
SHPRAY-khen zee ENG-lish
Do you speak English?
💬 Notice how 'sprechen' (to speak) is used in formal situations with 'Sie'.
🇩🇪 Many Germans know English, especially the younger generation, so don't hesitate to ask.
See breakdown →Deutsch lernen
DOY-tsh LAYR-nen
Learning German
💬 'Lernen' is the verb for learning or studying, pronounced 'ler-nen'.
🇩🇪 Germans value education highly, and learning German can be a respected endeavor.
See breakdown →Ich lerne Deutsch.
ikh LAYR-nuh DOY-tsh
I'm learning German
💬 This is a simple and useful phrase to indicate your learning status.
🇩🇪 Locals often warm up to foreigners who try to speak German, even if it's just a bit.
See breakdown →Ich verstehe nicht
ikh fer-SHTAY-uh nikht
I do not understand
💬 A polite way to indicate confusion. 'Verstehe' is pronounced 'fir-shtay-uh'.
🇩🇪 Germans appreciate directness and will often be happy to help clarify things for you.
See breakdown →Wiederholen
vee-der-HO-len
Repeat
💬 The 'w' is pronounced like a 'v' in English, so it's 'vee-der-ho-len'.
🇩🇪 Repetition is key in any language learning, and Germans are patient teachers.
See breakdown →Können Sie das wiederholen?
KERN-nen zee dahs vee-der-HO-len
Can you repeat that?
💬 A handy phrase to use when you didn't catch something. The formal 'Sie' makes it polite.
🇩🇪 Politeness is crucial in German interactions, especially in formal settings.
See breakdown →Sprechen Sie langsam
SHPRAY-khen zee LANG-zam
Speak slowly
💬 Perfect for when words are flying past you too quickly. Use with 'Sie' for politeness.
🇩🇪 Germans are efficient speakers, so don't be shy to ask them to slow down.
See breakdown →Learn this vocabulary list the easy way
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