Talking calmly with neighbors about loud music | Learn German in English

About This Lesson

Use Talking calmly with neighbors about loud music to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Die Musik nebenan hat mich in letzter Zeit mehrere Nächte wach gehalten.

dee moo-ZEEK NAY-bən-AHN hhat mikh in LETS-ter tsight MAYR-uh-ruh NEKH-tuh vakh guh-HAL-ten. The music next door has kept me up several nights lately.

Dann sollten wir mit der Person nebenan sprechen, bevor daraus ein größerer Konflikt wird.

dahn ZOLL-ten veer mitt dair pair-ZOHN NAY-bən-AHN SHPREKH-en, beh-FOHR dah-ROWSS ine GRUR-ser kohn-FLIKT veert. Then we should talk to them before it becomes a bigger conflict.

Ich möchte nicht übertrieben klingen, weil die Person nebenan vielleicht nicht merkt, wie laut es ist.

ikh MERKH-tuh nikht OO-ber-TREE-ben KLING-en, vile dee pair-ZOHN NAY-bən-AHN fay-LYKHt nikht MAYRKT, vee lowt ess ist. I do not want to sound dramatic, because they may not realize it is loud.

Sag zuerst, dass die Wände dünn sind und du früh schlafen musst.

zahk tsoo-AIRST, dahss dee VEN-duh doon zint oont doo froo SHLAH-fen moost. Start by saying the walls are thin and you need to sleep early.

Sollen wir die Hausordnung und die Ruhezeiten erwähnen?

ZOLL-en veer dee HOWS-ord-noong oont dee ROO-uh-tsight-en air-VAY-nen? Should we mention the building rules about quiet hours?

Nur wenn die Person nebenan nicht mitmachen will. Am Anfang ist eine freundliche Erinnerung vernünftiger.

noor venn dee pair-ZOHN NAY-bən-AHN nikht MIT-makh-en vil. ahm AHN-fahng ist EYE-nuh FROYNT-likh-uh air-IN-uh-roong fair-NOONF-tih-gair. Only if they refuse to cooperate. A friendly reminder is more reasonable at first.

Vielleicht können wir vorschlagen, dass die Person später am Abend Kopfhörer benutzt, wenn wir am nächsten Tag arbeiten müssen.

fay-LYKHt KUR-nen veer FOR-shlah-gen, dahss dee pair-ZOHN SHPAY-ter ahm AH-bent KOPF-hur-er beh-NOOTST, venn veer ahm NAYKH-sten tahk AR-bye-ten MURSS-en. Maybe we can suggest that they use headphones later in the evening when we have work the next day.

Das wäre ein praktischer Kompromiss und würde die Person nicht direkt beschuldigen.

dahss VAIR-uh ine PRAK-tish-er kom-proh-MISS oont VUR-duh dee pair-ZOHN nikht dee-REKT beh-SHOOL-dih-gen. That would be a practical compromise, and it does not accuse them directly.

Ich kann heute Abend einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt wählen, um mit der Person nebenan zu sprechen.

ikh kahn HOY-tuh AH-bent EYE-nen ROO-ih-gen TSIGHT-poonkt VAY-len, oom mitt dair pair-ZOHN NAY-bən-AHN tsoo SHPREKH-en. I can choose a calm moment this evening to talk to them.

Der richtige ruhige Zeitpunkt verhindert normalerweise, dass ein kleines Problem persönlich wird.

dair RIKH-tih-guh ROO-ih-guh TSIGHT-poonkt fair-HIN-dert nohr-mah-LAIR-vy-zuh, dahss ine KLY-nəs proh-BLAYM PUR-zurn-likh veert. Calm timing usually prevents a small problem from becoming personal.

Word by Word

Die In "Die Musik" this is the definite article meaning “the” before the noun "Musik". Reuse the pattern "Die + noun" when referring to a specific thing.

Musik "Musik" means music, specifically the music coming from next door here. Its citation form is also "Musik". It commonly appears with verbs such as "hören" or "machen" when discussing music.

nebenan "nebenan" means next door and identifies where the music or person is located. It is used in "Die Musik nebenan" and "die Person nebenan". Use it when referring to a nearby neighboring place without naming it.

hat In "hat mich in letzter Zeit mehrere Nächte wach gehalten", "hat" contributes “has” to the meaning that the music has kept someone awake. The citation form is "haben", and this form commonly appears with a completed verb form such as "gehalten".

mich "mich" means me as the person affected by the music in "hat mich ... wach gehalten". Its citation form is "ich", and the form "mich" is used after an action that affects the speaker.

in In "in letzter Zeit", "in" means in and introduces a period of recent time. This expression is used to say that something has happened lately. A common reuse pattern is "in + time period".

letzter In "in letzter Zeit", "letzter" contributes the idea of recent or last time. The citation form of the adjective is "letzt". The complete expression "in letzter Zeit" is a common way to talk about recent events.

Zeit "Zeit" means time in the expression "in letzter Zeit", referring to the recent period. Its citation form is also "Zeit". Use it with a time expression to describe when something has been happening.

mehrere "mehrere" means several and indicates more than one but not a specific number of nights. It appears in "mehrere Nächte" before the noun. Use it with a plural noun when describing an unspecified number of items or occasions.

Nächte "Nächte" means nights in "mehrere Nächte", the nights during which the speaker stayed awake. Its citation form is "Nacht". It is useful when describing repeated nighttime events.

wach "wach" means awake in "wach gehalten", describing the state the music caused. Its citation form is also "wach". The reusable expression "jemanden wach halten" means to keep someone awake.

gehalten In "wach gehalten", "gehalten" completes the meaning “kept” in the expression “kept awake”. Its citation form is "halten", and the complete pattern "jemanden wach halten" describes something preventing a person from sleeping.

Dann "Dann" means then and connects the noise problem with the suggested next action. It appears at the beginning of "Dann sollten wir ...". Use it to introduce a consequence or next step in a conversation.

sollten "sollten" means should in "Dann sollten wir ...", presenting talking to the neighbor as sensible advice. Its citation form is "sollen". The reusable pattern "Wir sollten + infinitive" is used to suggest an action.

wir "wir" means we, referring to the two people planning how to approach the neighbor. Its citation form is also "wir". Use it as the subject when the speaker includes another person in the proposed action.

mit In "mit der Person nebenan sprechen", "mit" means with and identifies the person one should speak to. It is commonly used in the pattern "mit jemandem sprechen". Use this pattern when describing a conversation with another person.

der In "mit der Person nebenan", "der" means the before "Person". The same article appears capitalized in "Der richtige ruhige Zeitpunkt". Its form depends on the noun and construction, so reuse it with the complete expressions from the dialogue.

Person "Person" means person, referring here to the neighbor without specifying a name or gender. Its citation form is also "Person". The phrase "mit der Person sprechen" is useful when discussing a conversation with someone.

sprechen "sprechen" means speak or talk in "mit der Person nebenan sprechen". Its citation form is also "sprechen". The reusable pattern "mit jemandem sprechen" describes talking with a person about an issue.

bevor "bevor" means before and introduces the point that the conversation should happen before the situation worsens. It appears in "bevor daraus ein größerer Konflikt wird". Use "bevor" before a clause describing an earlier action or deadline.

daraus "daraus" means from that or as a result of that, referring to the noise situation becoming a conflict. It appears in "bevor daraus ein größerer Konflikt wird". Use it when describing a result that develops from a previously mentioned situation.

ein In "ein größerer Konflikt", "ein" means a and introduces one unspecified conflict. It is used directly before the noun phrase. The reusable pattern is "ein + singular noun" when mentioning something for the first time.

größerer "größerer" means bigger or greater in "ein größerer Konflikt", describing a conflict more serious than the current problem. Its citation form is "groß". Use it before a noun when comparing the possible scale of a problem.

Konflikt "Konflikt" means conflict, referring to a more serious dispute that could develop from the noise issue. Its citation form is also "Konflikt". It is useful in discussions about disagreements between people or groups.

wird In "daraus ein größerer Konflikt wird", "wird" means becomes and describes a possible change into a conflict. Its citation form is "werden". A common reuse pattern is "etwas wird + description" when something develops into a new state.

Ich "Ich" means I and identifies the speaker in statements about personal wishes or actions. Its citation form is also "ich". Use it at the start of a sentence when describing what you want or can do.

möchte "möchte" means would like or want in "Ich möchte nicht übertrieben klingen", expressing the speaker’s wish not to sound exaggerated. It is related to the citation form "mögen" and is commonly used to state a polite personal intention.

nicht "nicht" means not and negates the wish in "Ich möchte nicht übertrieben klingen". It also appears in "nicht direkt beschuldigen". Place it with the expression being denied when explaining what should not happen.

übertrieben "übertrieben" means exaggerated or overly dramatic in "übertrieben klingen", describing how the speaker does not want to sound. Its citation form is "übertreiben". The reusable expression "übertrieben klingen" describes speech that seems too strong.

klingen "klingen" means sound in "übertrieben klingen", referring to how the speaker’s words may come across. Its citation form is also "klingen". Use it with a description when evaluating the impression made by a statement or voice.

weil "weil" means because and introduces the reason for not wanting to sound exaggerated. It appears in "weil die Person nebenan vielleicht nicht merkt ...". Use "weil" to give the reason for the statement before it.

vielleicht "vielleicht" means perhaps or maybe and shows that the speaker is uncertain whether the neighbor realizes the noise is loud. It appears in "vielleicht nicht merkt". Use it to soften a possibility or avoid presenting an assumption as certain.

merkt "merkt" means notices or realizes in "die Person nebenan vielleicht nicht merkt, wie laut es ist". Its citation form is "merken". The pattern "merken, wie ..." is used when someone becomes aware of a quality or degree.

wie In "wie laut es ist", "wie" means how and introduces the degree of loudness being noticed. It forms a clause that explains what the person may not realize. Use "wie + adjective" to describe how strongly a quality applies.

laut "laut" means loud in "wie laut es ist", describing the volume of the music. Its citation form is also "laut". It can be used with "sein" to describe how noisy something is.

es "es" means it and refers here to the music or its volume in "wie laut es ist". Its citation form is also "es". Use it when the thing being discussed is already clear from the context.

ist "ist" means is in "wie laut es ist", linking the subject with the description "laut". Its citation form is "sein". It is used with an adjective to describe a current state or quality.

Sag "Sag" means say or tell in the direct advice "Sag zuerst ...". Its citation form is "sagen", and this exact form addresses one person directly. Use "Sag + clause" when telling someone what to say.

zuerst "zuerst" means first and tells the listener which part of the conversation should come before the others. It appears in "Sag zuerst, dass ...". Use it to organize advice or a sequence of actions.

dass "dass" means that and introduces the content of what should be said in "Sag zuerst, dass die Wände dünn sind ...". It connects a statement with the information being reported. Use "dass" before a clause that gives the content of a belief, statement, or report.

Wände "Wände" means walls, referring to the walls between the homes. Its citation form is "Wand". It appears in the statement "die Wände dünn sind", which explains why sound travels easily.

dünn "dünn" means thin and describes the walls in "die Wände dünn sind". Its citation form is also "dünn". Use it with a noun to describe something with little thickness.

sind "sind" means are in "die Wände dünn sind", stating the condition of the walls. Its citation form is "sein". It is used with a plural subject to connect it with a description.

und "und" means and and joins the two reasons in "die Wände dünn sind und du früh schlafen musst". It connects related words or clauses. Use it to add another piece of information without creating a contrast.

du "du" means you and refers to the person who needs to sleep early. Its citation form is also "du". Use it when addressing one familiar person directly.

früh "früh" means early in "früh schlafen", describing the time at which the person needs to sleep. Its citation form is also "früh". It can be placed with an activity to explain that it happens earlier than usual.

schlafen "schlafen" means sleep in "du früh schlafen musst". Its citation form is also "schlafen". The pattern "früh schlafen" is useful when explaining a need for quiet at night.

musst "musst" means must or have to in "du früh schlafen musst", expressing necessity for the person addressed. Its citation form is "müssen". Use it with an infinitive to state what someone needs to do.

Sollen "Sollen" means should or shall in the question "Sollen wir die Hausordnung ... erwähnen?". Its citation form is "sollen". The pattern "Sollen wir + infinitive?" is used to ask whether a group should take an action.

Hausordnung "Hausordnung" means building rules, referring to the rules that apply in the building. Its citation form is also "Hausordnung". It is useful when discussing shared rules in an apartment building or other residence.

Ruhezeiten "Ruhezeiten" means quiet hours, referring to designated periods when residents are expected to keep quiet. Its citation form is "Ruhezeit". It commonly appears with words about building rules or respecting neighbors.

erwähnen "erwähnen" means mention in "die Hausordnung und die Ruhezeiten erwähnen". Its citation form is also "erwähnen". Use it when deciding whether to bring a particular fact or rule into a conversation.

Nur "Nur" means only and limits the advice in "Nur wenn die Person nebenan nicht mitmachen will". It appears before the condition that must apply. Use it to restrict an action to a particular situation.

wenn "wenn" means if here, introducing the condition that the neighbor refuses to cooperate. It appears in "Nur wenn die Person nebenan nicht mitmachen will". Use "wenn" to describe a condition for an action or result.

mitmachen "mitmachen" means cooperate or participate in the shared solution in "nicht mitmachen will". Its citation form is also "mitmachen". The pattern "bei etwas mitmachen" or "mitmachen wollen" is useful when discussing participation in a plan.

will "will" means wants to in "nicht mitmachen will", describing the neighbor’s unwillingness to cooperate. Its citation form is "wollen". Use it with an infinitive to describe someone’s intention or willingness.

Am In "Am Anfang", "Am" means at the beginning and is the contracted form of "an dem". The same word appears as "am" in "später am Abend". Use it in time expressions such as "Am Anfang" or "am Abend".

Anfang "Anfang" means beginning in "Am Anfang", which means at first in this context. Its citation form is also "Anfang". Use "am Anfang" to describe the first stage of a process or conversation.

eine In "eine freundliche Erinnerung", "eine" means a and introduces one unspecified reminder. It appears before the noun phrase. The reusable pattern is "eine + singular noun" when referring to an unspecified feminine noun.

freundliche "freundliche" means friendly and describes the reminder in "eine freundliche Erinnerung". Its citation form is "freundlich". Use it before a noun when describing a kind or non-aggressive approach.

Erinnerung "Erinnerung" means reminder here, referring to a polite reminder about the quiet issue. Its citation form is also "Erinnerung". The phrase "eine freundliche Erinnerung" is useful when asking someone to follow a rule without sounding hostile.

vernünftiger "vernünftiger" means more reasonable in "eine freundliche Erinnerung ist vernünftiger", evaluating the reminder as the better first approach. Its citation form is "vernünftig". Use it when comparing which response is sensible in a situation.

können "können" contributes the idea of can or being able to in "Vielleicht können wir vorschlagen ...", presenting a possible suggestion. Its citation form is also "können". The pattern "Wir können + infinitive" is useful for proposing an action.

vorschlagen "vorschlagen" means suggest in "können wir vorschlagen, dass ...". Its citation form is also "vorschlagen". The reusable pattern "vorschlagen, dass ..." introduces a possible solution or action.

später "später" means later in "später am Abend", referring to a time later in the evening. Its citation form is also "später". Use it to postpone an action or describe a later point in time.

Abend "Abend" means evening in "später am Abend". Its citation form is also "Abend". Use it with a time expression when referring to the part of the day after afternoon and before night.

Kopfhörer "Kopfhörer" means headphones, the suggested way for the neighbor to listen without disturbing others. Its citation form is also "Kopfhörer". The phrase "Kopfhörer benutzen" is useful when discussing private listening.

benutzt "benutzt" means uses in "Kopfhörer benutzt", describing what the neighbor could do with the headphones. Its citation form is "benutzen". Use it when stating that someone makes use of an object.

nächsten "nächsten" means next in "am nächsten Tag", referring to the day after the evening being discussed. Its citation form is "nächst". The expression "am nächsten Tag" is a common way to refer to the following day.

Tag "Tag" means day in "am nächsten Tag", referring to the day after the conversation. Its citation form is also "Tag". Use it in time expressions that locate an event on a particular day.

arbeiten "arbeiten" means work in "wir am nächsten Tag arbeiten müssen", explaining why quiet is needed. Its citation form is also "arbeiten". The pattern "arbeiten müssen" expresses the necessity of working.

müssen "müssen" means must or have to in "wir ... arbeiten müssen", expressing a necessary obligation. Its citation form is also "müssen". Use it with an infinitive to state what someone is required to do.

Das In "Das wäre ein praktischer Kompromiss", "Das" means that and refers to the suggested use of headphones. Its citation form is also "das". Use it to refer back to an idea, suggestion, or situation just mentioned.

wäre "wäre" means would be in "Das wäre ein praktischer Kompromiss", giving a hypothetical evaluation of the suggestion. Its citation form is "sein". The pattern "Das wäre + noun or description" is useful for assessing a possible solution.

praktischer "praktischer" means practical in "ein praktischer Kompromiss", describing the suggested solution as workable. Its citation form is "praktisch". Use it before a noun when evaluating whether a solution can work in real life.

Kompromiss "Kompromiss" means compromise, referring to a solution that considers both the neighbor’s music and the need for quiet. Its citation form is also "Kompromiss". It is useful when each side makes an adjustment to resolve a disagreement.

würde "würde" contributes the meaning would in "würde die Person nicht direkt beschuldigen", describing the likely effect of the compromise. Its citation form is "werden". The pattern "würde + infinitive" is used to describe a hypothetical result.

direkt "direkt" means directly in "die Person nicht direkt beschuldigen", emphasizing that the neighbor would not be openly blamed. Its citation form is also "direkt". Use it to describe an action carried out openly or without an intermediate step.

beschuldigen "beschuldigen" means accuse or blame in "die Person nicht direkt beschuldigen". Its citation form is also "beschuldigen". The reusable pattern "jemanden beschuldigen" describes saying that a person is responsible for a problem.

kann "kann" means can in "Ich kann heute Abend einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt wählen", expressing the speaker’s ability or opportunity to choose a time. Its citation form is "können". Use "Ich kann + infinitive" to state what you are able or ready to do.

heute "heute" means today in "heute Abend", locating the planned conversation on the current day. Its citation form is also "heute". Use it with a time of day to specify when something will happen.

einen In "einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt", "einen" means a and introduces one unspecified time. It appears before the noun phrase describing what can be chosen. The reusable pattern is "einen + singular noun" when selecting one item or option.

ruhigen "ruhigen" means calm or quiet in "einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt", describing a suitable moment for the conversation. Its citation form is "ruhig". Use it before a noun when emphasizing a peaceful atmosphere or low level of disturbance.

Zeitpunkt "Zeitpunkt" means a specific moment or point in time, not a general period. Its citation form is also "Zeitpunkt". The phrase "einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt wählen" is useful when choosing an appropriate moment for a conversation.

wählen "wählen" means choose in "einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt wählen". Its citation form is also "wählen". Use the pattern "etwas wählen" when selecting one option from several possibilities.

um In "um mit der Person nebenan zu sprechen", "um" introduces the purpose of choosing a time: to speak with the neighbor. The construction "um ... zu + infinitive" explains why an action is done. Use it when stating the purpose of an action.

richtige "richtige" means right or appropriate in "Der richtige ruhige Zeitpunkt", describing the moment that is suitable for the conversation. Its citation form is "richtig". Use it before a noun when identifying the suitable choice among possible options.

verhindert "verhindert" means prevents in "verhindert normalerweise, dass ein kleines Problem persönlich wird". Its citation form is "verhindern". The pattern "etwas verhindert, dass ..." explains what stops a result from happening.

normalerweise "normalerweise" means usually or normally and presents the statement as a general tendency rather than a certainty. It appears in "verhindert normalerweise ...". Use it when describing what commonly happens in a situation.

kleines "kleines" means small in "ein kleines Problem", describing the issue as limited at the present stage. Its citation form is "klein". Use it before a noun when describing something of limited size or seriousness.

Problem "Problem" means problem, referring to the noise issue between the neighbors. Its citation form is also "Problem". It is commonly used when discussing an issue that needs a solution.

persönlich "persönlich" means personal in "ein kleines Problem persönlich wird", describing a situation that turns into a personal dispute. Its citation form is also "persönlich". Use it when distinguishing an issue itself from a conflict taken personally.

Grammar Points

mitmachen → ich mache mit

Ich mache mit.

ikh MAKH-uh mitt.

I participate.

mitmachen is a separable verb: the prefix mit moves to the end in a main clause.

vernünftig → vernünftiger

Das ist vernünftiger.

dahss ist fair-NOONF-tih-gair.

That is more reasonable.

The ending -er forms the comparative of many adjectives: vernünftig becomes vernünftiger.

German Vocabulary

dünn adj

doon thin

Sag zuerst, dass die Wände dünn sind.

früh adv

froo early

Du musst früh schlafen.

Hausordnung noun

HOWS-ord-noong building rules; house rules

Sollen wir die Hausordnung und die Ruhezeiten erwähnen?

klingen verb

KLING-en to sound

Ich möchte nicht übertrieben klingen.

Konflikt noun

kohn-FLIKT conflict

Dann sollten wir mit der Person nebenan sprechen, bevor daraus ein größerer Konflikt wird.

laut adj

lowt loud

Die Person nebenan merkt vielleicht nicht, wie laut es ist.

merken verb

MAYR-ken to realize; notice merkt

Die Person nebenan merkt vielleicht nicht, wie laut es ist.

Musik noun

moo-ZEEK music

Die Musik nebenan hat mich in letzter Zeit mehrere Nächte wach gehalten.

nebenan adv

NAY-bən-AHN next door

Die Musik nebenan hat mich in letzter Zeit mehrere Nächte wach gehalten.

übertrieben adj

OO-ber-TREE-ben exaggerated; dramatic

Ich möchte nicht übertrieben klingen.

wach halten phrase

vakh HAL-ten to keep awake wach gehalten

Die Musik nebenan hat mich in letzter Zeit mehrere Nächte wach gehalten.

Wand noun

vahnt wall Wände

Sag zuerst, dass die Wände dünn sind.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

music

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Musik

conflict

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Konflikt

loud

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laut

to sound

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klingen