Writing to the landlord about a leaking tap | Learn German in English

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Use Writing to the landlord about a leaking tap to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Der Wasserhahn im Badezimmer ist wieder undicht, obwohl ich ihn gestern festgezogen habe.

dair VAH-ser-hahn im BAH-deh-tsim-mer ist VEE-der OON-dikht, ohp-VOHL ikh een GES-tairn FEST-tsuh-GOH-gen HAH-buh. The bathroom tap is leaking again, even after I tightened it yesterday.

Da das immer wieder passiert, sollten wir wahrscheinlich den Vermieter kontaktieren.

dah dahs IM-mer VEE-der pah-SSEERT, ZHOL-ten veer vah-SHYNE-likh dane fer-MEE-ter kon-tak-TEE-ren. Since it keeps happening, we should probably contact the landlord.

Ich kann ein Foto schicken und erklären, dass eine vorübergehende Reparatur nicht funktioniert hat.

ikh kahn ayn FOH-toh SHIK-en oont air-KLair-en, dahs EYE-nuh for-OOO-ber-GAY-en-duh ray-pah-rah-TOOR nikht foonk-tsyo-NEERT haht. I can send a photo and explain that a temporary repair did not work.

Schreib dazu, dass Wasser verschwendet wird und die Arbeitsfläche nass wird.

shryp dah-TSOO, dahs VAH-ser fer-SHVEN-det veert oont dee AR-bites-FLEH-khuh nahs veert. Mention that water is being wasted and the counter is getting wet.

Sollen wir sagen, dass wir das Problem nicht selbst verursacht haben?

ZHOL-en veer ZAH-gen, dahs veer dahs proh-BLAYM nikht zelbst fer-OOOR-zakht HAH-ben? Should we say that we did not cause the problem ourselves?

Schreib das deutlich dazu, aber halte den Ton ruhig.

shryp dahs DOYT-likh dah-TSOO, AH-ber HAL-tuh dane tohn ROO-ikh. Include that clearly, but keep the tone calm.

Die Nachricht sollte höflich, aber genau sein, damit es keine Missverständnisse gibt.

dee NAHKH-rikht ZHOL-tuh HURF-likh, AH-ber guh-NOW zine, dah-MIT es KYE-nuh MISS-fer-SHTEND-nis-suh gipt. The message should be polite but specific, so there is no confusion.

Frag, wann ein Klempner kommen könnte, weil die Vormittage an Werktagen für uns schwierig sind.

frahk, vahn ayn KLEMP-ner KOM-en KURR-tuh, vile dee FOR-mit-TAH-guh ahn VAIRK-tah-gen fyoor oons SHVEE-rikh zint. Ask when a plumber could visit, because weekday mornings are difficult for us.

Wir können ein flexibles Zeitfenster vorschlagen, in dem jemand zu Hause sein kann.

veer KURN-en ayn FLEKS-ee-bles TSYTE-fen-ster FOR-shlah-gen, in dame YAY-mant tsoo HOW-zuh zine kahn. We can suggest a flexible time window when someone can be home.

Das sollte es dem Vermieter erleichtern, die Reparatur zu organisieren.

dahs ZHOL-tuh es dame fer-MEE-ter air-LYKH-tern, dee ray-pah-rah-TOOR tsoo or-gah-nee-ZEE-ren. That should make it easier for the landlord to arrange the repair.

Word by Word

Der “Der” means “the” here and introduces “Wasserhahn” in “Der Wasserhahn”. It is reusable before a matching masculine singular noun, such as “Der Vermieter” in a new example.

Wasserhahn “Wasserhahn” means “tap” or “faucet” here, specifically the bathroom fixture that is leaking. Use it for the object from which water flows, as in “Der Wasserhahn ist undicht” in a new example.

im “Im” means “in the” in “im Badezimmer”. It is a common shortened form used before a place, as in “im Haus” in a new example.

Badezimmer “Badezimmer” means “bathroom” here and identifies the location of the tap. Use it with location phrases such as “im Badezimmer” when describing something in that room.

ist “Ist” means “is” in “ist wieder undicht” and states the tap’s current condition. It is the form used with “Der Wasserhahn” in this sentence; a new example is “Der Raum ist ruhig.”

wieder “Wieder” means “again” here, showing that the tap has become leaky once more. Use it before or near the repeated event or condition, as in “Es passiert wieder” in a new example.

undicht “Undicht” means “leaking” or “not sealed” here and describes the condition of the tap. Use it with “sein” for a leaking object, as in “Das Fenster ist undicht” in a new example.

obwohl “Obwohl” means “although” or “even though” and introduces the fact that the tap is still leaking despite the earlier action. It introduces a subordinate clause, as in “obwohl ich geholfen habe” in a new example.

ich “Ich” means “I” here and identifies the person who tightened the tap. Use it as the subject when speaking about yourself, as in “Ich kann helfen” in a new example.

ihn “Ihn” refers to the tap in “ich ihn gestern festgezogen habe”. It is used for the direct object represented by the masculine noun “Wasserhahn”; a new example is “Ich sehe ihn.”

gestern “Gestern” means “yesterday” and places the tightening in the previous day. Use it with a completed past event, as in “Ich habe gestern angerufen” in a new example.

festgezogen “Festgezogen” means “tightened” here, describing the action done to the tap. It appears with “habe” in “ich ihn gestern festgezogen habe”; use the same combination when reporting a completed tightening in a new example.

habe “Habe” means “have” in the completed-action expression “festgezogen habe”. Here it is the form used with “ich” and helps place the completed action at the end of the subordinate clause.

Da “Da” means “since” or “because” at the beginning of “Da das immer wieder passiert”. It introduces the reason for contacting the landlord and is useful when the reason comes first in a sentence.

das “Das” refers to the recurring problem or event in “das immer wieder passiert”. Here it acts as the subject of “passiert”; a new example is “Ich weiß, dass das hilft.”

immer “Immer” means “always” in “immer wieder passiert” and emphasizes repeated occurrence. Together with “wieder”, it describes something that keeps happening, as in “Das passiert immer wieder” in a new example.

passiert “Passiert” means “happens” here and describes the recurring leak or problem. Use it with an event or situation as the subject, as in “Was passiert?” in a new example.

sollten “Sollten” means “should” in “sollten wir wahrscheinlich den Vermieter kontaktieren” and presents a recommendation. It is followed by the subject and an infinitive, as in “Wir sollten warten” in a new example.

wir “Wir” means “we” and refers to the two adults planning the message together. Use it as the subject for a shared action, as in “Wir können schreiben” in a new example.

wahrscheinlich “Wahrscheinlich” means “probably” and makes the recommendation less absolute. It can modify a suggested action, as in “Wir kommen wahrscheinlich morgen” in a new example.

den “Den” means “the” in “den Vermieter” and introduces the person being contacted. It appears before this masculine direct object; a new example is “Ich sehe den Arzt.”

Vermieter “Vermieter” means “landlord” here, the person the speakers plan to contact. Use it for the person responsible for renting out the home, as in “Wir schreiben dem Vermieter” in a new example.

kontaktieren “Kontaktieren” means “to contact” and names the planned action toward the landlord. Use it with the person or organization being contacted, as in “Wir kontaktieren den Vermieter” in a new example.

kann “Kann” means “can” in “Ich kann ein Foto schicken” and expresses ability or possibility. It is followed by an infinitive, as in “Ich kann helfen” in a new example.

ein “Ein” means “a” in “ein Foto” and introduces one unspecified photo. Use it before a singular noun when introducing an item, as in “ein Problem” in a new example.

Foto “Foto” means “photo” here, referring to an image that can be sent to the landlord. Use it with verbs such as “schicken” or “machen”, as in “Ich schicke ein Foto” in a new example.

schicken “Schicken” means “send” in “ein Foto schicken”. It follows “kann” as the action that the speaker can perform; use it with the item being sent, as in “eine Nachricht schicken” in a new example.

und “Und” means “and” and connects the actions “schicken” and “erklären”. Use it to join two related actions or pieces of information, as in “lesen und schreiben” in a new example.

erklären “Erklären” means “explain” here, referring to the information the speaker will give the landlord. It can be followed by a clause introduced by “dass”, as in “Ich erkläre, dass ich komme” in a new example.

dass “Dass” means “that” and introduces the content of what will be explained. It begins a subordinate clause, as in “Ich weiß, dass es stimmt” in a new example.

eine “Eine” means “a” in “eine vorübergehende Reparatur” and introduces one temporary repair. Use it before a singular noun in a phrase such as “eine neue Nachricht” in a new example.

vorübergehende “Vorübergehende” means “temporary” here and describes a repair intended to last only for a limited time. Use it directly before the noun it describes, as in “eine vorübergehende Lösung” in a new example.

Reparatur “Reparatur” means “repair” here and refers to the earlier attempt to fix the tap. Use it for work done to correct a damaged or faulty object, as in “Die Reparatur war nötig” in a new example.

nicht “Nicht” means “not” and negates the statement that the temporary repair worked. Place it with the verb or phrase being negated, as in “Das funktioniert nicht” in a new example.

funktioniert “Funktioniert” means “works” or “functions” here and evaluates whether the temporary repair was successful. Use it for an object, solution, or method, as in “Der Plan funktioniert” in a new example.

hat “Hat” means “has” in “nicht funktioniert hat” and helps report the completed result of the repair. Here it is used with the singular subject “eine vorübergehende Reparatur” in the subordinate clause.

Schreib “Schreib” means “write” here and is a direct instruction to add information to the message. It is used at the start of the command “Schreib dazu”; a new example is “Schreib eine Nachricht.”

dazu “Dazu” means “to that” or “in addition” in “Schreib dazu” and tells the listener to add the following information to the message. Use it when attaching another point to something already being written or discussed.

Wasser “Wasser” means “water” here, the substance being wasted by the leaking tap. Use it when describing water as a resource or material, as in “Das Wasser läuft” in a new example.

verschwendet “Verschwendet” means “wasted” in “Wasser verschwendet wird”. It describes water being used without benefit; use it with a resource, as in “Zeit wird verschwendet” in a new example.

wird “Wird” means “is being” in “Wasser verschwendet wird” and presents the wasting as an ongoing process. It appears with “verschwendet” in this passive construction; a new example is “Das Essen wird bezahlt.”

die “Die” means “the” in “die Arbeitsfläche” and introduces the counter or work surface. It is also used with feminine singular nouns such as “die Nachricht” in a new example.

Arbeitsfläche “Arbeitsfläche” means “counter” or “work surface” here, specifically the surface that is getting wet. Use it for a surface used for work or preparation, as in “Die Arbeitsfläche ist sauber” in a new example.

nass “Nass” means “wet” and describes the condition of the counter as water reaches it. Use it with “werden” to describe something becoming wet, as in “Der Boden wird nass” in a new example.

Sollen “Sollen” means “should we” in the question “Sollen wir sagen”. It asks for advice or agreement about a possible action; use it with “wir” and an infinitive, as in “Sollen wir warten?” in a new example.

sagen “Sagen” means “say” here and refers to including a particular statement in the message. It can introduce the content with “dass”, as in “Wir sagen, dass wir kommen” in a new example.

Problem “Problem” means “problem” here and refers to the leaking-tap issue. Use it with verbs such as “verursachen” or “lösen”, as in “Wir lösen das Problem” in a new example.

selbst “Selbst” means “ourselves” or “personally” in “wir ... nicht selbst verursacht haben”. It emphasizes that the speakers did not cause the problem; use it after the subject or near the action being emphasized.

verursacht “Verursacht” means “caused” here and describes who created the problem. It appears with “haben” in the completed statement “nicht selbst verursacht haben”; a new example is “Der Fehler hat das Problem verursacht.”

deutlich “Deutlich” means “clearly” in “Schreib das deutlich dazu” and asks for the point to be expressed in an unmistakable way. Use it to describe clear writing or speech, as in “Bitte sprich deutlich” in a new example.

aber “Aber” means “but” and contrasts stating the information clearly with keeping a calm tone. Use it to connect two contrasting instructions, as in “Es ist schwierig, aber möglich” in a new example.

halte “Halte” means “keep” in the instruction “halte den Ton ruhig”. It tells the listener to maintain a certain quality; use “halte” with an object and an adjective, as in “Halte die Tür offen” in a new example.

Ton “Ton” means “tone” here and refers to the manner or emotional quality of the message. Use it with adjectives such as “ruhig” when discussing how a message sounds, as in “Der Ton ist freundlich” in a new example.

ruhig “Ruhig” means “calm” in “halte den Ton ruhig”. Here it describes the desired tone of the message; use it for a calm person, voice, or style, as in “Sie bleibt ruhig” in a new example.

Nachricht “Nachricht” means “message” here, the written communication intended for the landlord. Use it with verbs such as “schreiben” or “schicken”, as in “Ich schicke eine Nachricht” in a new example.

sollte “Sollte” means “should” in “Die Nachricht sollte ... sein” and expresses a recommended quality of the message. Use it before an infinitive or adjective phrase, as in “Die Antwort sollte klar sein” in a new example.

höflich “Höflich” means “polite” and describes the respectful style the message should have. Use it for a message, request, or manner of speaking, as in “Die Bitte ist höflich” in a new example.

genau “Genau” means “specific” or “precise” here and asks the message to contain clear details. Use it when information must be exact, as in “Bitte sei genau” in a new example.

sein “Sein” means “be” in “sollte höflich, aber genau sein” and links the message with its recommended qualities. It follows “sollte” as the infinitive; a new example is “Die Antwort sollte kurz sein.”

damit “Damit” means “so that” and introduces the intended result of making the message polite and specific. It connects an action or quality with its purpose, as in “Schreib es klar, damit alle es verstehen” in a new example.

es “Es” means “it” in “damit es keine Missverständnisse gibt” and refers to the situation in which misunderstandings might occur. It is used with “gibt” in this expression to introduce what exists or does not exist.

keine “Keine” means “no” or “none” in “keine Missverständnisse” and negates the existence of any misunderstandings. Use it before a noun when saying that there are none, as in “keine Fragen” in a new example.

Missverständnisse “Missverständnisse” means “misunderstandings” here, the confusion the speakers want to avoid. Use it when information is interpreted incorrectly, as in “Es gab Missverständnisse” in a new example.

gibt “Gibt” means “there is” or “there are” in “es gibt keine Missverständnisse”. This common construction states whether something exists, as in “Es gibt ein Problem” in a new example.

Frag “Frag” means “ask” here and is a direct instruction to request information from the landlord. It is followed by the question word “wann” in the dialogue; a new example is “Frag ihn bitte.”

wann “Wann” means “when” and introduces the requested time of the plumber’s visit. Use it in a question or an embedded question, as in “Ich weiß nicht, wann er kommt” in a new example.

Klempner “Klempner” means “plumber” here, the person who might visit to repair the tap. Use it for the tradesperson who works on water pipes or fixtures, as in “Der Klempner kommt morgen” in a new example.

kommen “Kommen” means “come” here and refers to the plumber visiting the home. It follows “könnte” as the infinitive; a new example is “Er kann morgen kommen.”

könnte “Könnte” means “could” in “wann ein Klempner kommen könnte” and presents a possible visit in a polite, non-certain way. It is followed by the infinitive “kommen”, as in “Er könnte später kommen” in a new example.

weil “Weil” means “because” and introduces the reason weekday mornings are difficult. It begins a subordinate clause explaining a reason, as in “Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin” in a new example.

Vormittage “Vormittage” means “mornings” here, referring to the morning periods on workdays. Use it with a time expression such as “an Werktagen” when discussing availability.

an “An” means “on” or “during” in “an Werktagen” and identifies the days on which the mornings are difficult. Use it with days or recurring calendar periods, as in “an Feiertagen” in a new example.

Werktagen “Werktagen” means “workdays” or “weekdays” here and limits the difficult mornings to working days. Use it after “an” in the time expression “an Werktagen”.

für “Für” means “for” in “für uns” and identifies who finds the mornings difficult. Use it before the person or group affected, as in “Das ist schwierig für mich” in a new example.

uns “Uns” means “us” in “für uns” and refers to the two speakers as the people affected. It is used after “für” in this phrase; a new example is “Das passt für uns.”

schwierig “Schwierig” means “difficult” here and describes the weekday mornings as inconvenient for the speakers. Use it with “sein” and the affected person or group, as in “Der Termin ist schwierig für uns” in a new example.

sind “Sind” means “are” in “die Vormittage ... sind schwierig” and links the mornings with their quality. It is the form used with the plural subject “die Vormittage”; a new example is “Die Zeiten sind flexibel.”

können “Können” means “can” in “Wir können ein flexibles Zeitfenster vorschlagen” and expresses the speakers’ ability or option. It is followed by an infinitive, as in “Wir können helfen” in a new example.

flexibles “Flexibles” means “flexible” here and describes a time window that can adapt to availability. It appears directly before “Zeitfenster”; use the same pattern with a suitable noun, as in “ein flexibles Angebot” in a new example.

Zeitfenster “Zeitfenster” means “time window” and refers to a period during which someone can be at home. Use it with verbs such as “vorschlagen” or “vereinbaren”, as in “Wir vereinbaren ein Zeitfenster” in a new example.

vorschlagen “Vorschlagen” means “suggest” here and refers to offering a suitable time window to the landlord. Use it with the thing being proposed, as in “Wir schlagen einen Termin vor” in a new example.

in “In” means “in” in “in dem jemand zu Hause sein kann” and introduces the time window’s relation to the person’s availability. It is followed by “dem” in this relative construction; a new example is “in dem Raum.”

dem “Dem” means “in which” in the relative phrase “in dem jemand zu Hause sein kann”. Together with “in”, it links the time window to the period when someone can be home.

jemand “Jemand” means “someone” here and refers to an unspecified person who can be at home. Use it when the person is not identified or does not matter, as in “Jemand wartet draußen” in a new example.

zu Hause “Zu Hause” means “at home” in “jemand zu Hause sein kann”. The whole expression describes being in one’s home; “zu” and “Hause” work together here, so do not shorten the expression to only one component.

erleichtern “Erleichtern” means “make easier” in “es dem Vermieter erleichtern”. It is used with the thing made easier and the person who benefits, as in “Das erleichtert mir die Arbeit” in a new example.

organisieren “Organisieren” means “organize” or “arrange” here and refers to arranging the repair visit. It follows “die Reparatur” as the action being organized; a new example is “Wir organisieren einen Termin.”

Grammar Points

obwohl + Nebensatz (Verb am Ende)

Obwohl der Wasserhahn undicht ist, verschwendet er immer wieder Wasser.

ohp-VOHL dair VAH-ser-hahn OON-dikht ist, fer-SHVEN-det air IM-mer VEE-der VAH-ser.

Although the tap is leaking, it wastes water again and again.

After obwohl, the conjugated verb moves to the end of the subordinate clause.

vorschlagen, ... zu + Infinitiv

Der Vermieter schlägt vor, den Wasserhahn festzuziehen.

dair fer-MEE-ter shlaykt for, dane VAH-ser-hahn FEST-tsee-en.

The landlord suggests tightening the tap.

After vorschlagen, use zu with the infinitive. In separable verbs, zu comes between the prefix and the verb.

German Vocabulary

Badezimmer noun

BAH-deh-tsim-mer bathroom

Der Wasserhahn im Badezimmer ist wieder undicht.

erklären verb

air-KLair-en to explain

ein Foto schicken und erklären

festziehen verb

FEST-tsee-en to tighten festgezogen

obwohl ich ihn gestern festgezogen habe

Foto noun

FOH-toh photo

Ich kann ein Foto schicken

immer wieder phrase

IM-mer VEE-der again and again; repeatedly

Da das immer wieder passiert

kontaktieren verb

kon-tak-TEE-ren to contact

den Vermieter kontaktieren

obwohl conj

ohp-VOHL although; even though

obwohl ich ihn gestern festgezogen habe

passieren verb

pah-SSEER-en to happen passiert

Da das immer wieder passiert

schicken verb

SHIK-en to send

Ich kann ein Foto schicken

undicht adj

OON-dikht leaking; not watertight

Der Wasserhahn im Badezimmer ist wieder undicht.

Vermieter noun

fer-MEE-ter landlord

den Vermieter kontaktieren

Wasserhahn noun

VAH-ser-hahn tap

Der Wasserhahn im Badezimmer ist wieder undicht.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

leaking; not watertight

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undicht

tap

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Wasserhahn

landlord

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Vermieter

although; even though

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obwohl