Understanding tablet warranty coverage | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: In a shop, a customer asks staff what a tablet warranty covers before deciding whether the purchase is sensible..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Understanding tablet warranty coverage to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Bevor ich dieses Tablet kaufe, möchte ich die Garantie verstehen.

beh-FOHR ikh DEE-zess TAH-blet KOW-fuh, MURKH-tuh ikh dee guh-RAHN-tsee fer-SHTEH-en. Before I buy this tablet, I want to understand the warranty.
B

Die Garantie deckt technische Probleme bei normaler Nutzung ab.

dee guh-RAHN-tsee dekt TEKH-nee-shuh proh-BLAY-muh bye nor-MAH-ler NOOT-soong ahp. The warranty covers technical problems from normal use.
A

Deckt die Garantie auch versehentliche Schäden wie einen gesprungenen Bildschirm ab?

dekt dee guh-RAHN-tsee owkh fer-ZAYNT-li-khuh SHAY-den vee EYE-nen guh-SHPROONG-uh-nen BILT-shirm ahp? Does the coverage include accidental damage, like a cracked screen?
B

Versehentliche Schäden werden durch einen separaten Schutzplan abgedeckt.

fer-ZAYNT-li-khuh SHAY-den VAIR-den doorKH EYE-nen zay-pah-RAH-ten SHOOTS-plahn ahp-guh-DEKT. Accidental damage is handled by a separate protection plan.
A

Wenn der Akku ausfällt, soll ich das Tablet hierher bringen oder den Hersteller kontaktieren?

ven dare AH-koo OWS-felt, zohl ikh das TAH-blet HEER-hair BRING-en OH-der den HARE-shtel-er kon-tak-TEE-ren? If the battery fails, would I bring the tablet here or contact the manufacturer?
B

Sie können den Anspruch hier anmelden, und wir erklären Ihnen, wie es weitergeht.

zee KURN-en den AHN-shprook heer AHN-mel-den, oont veer air-KLAIR-en EE-nen, vee ess VY-ter-gayt. You can start the claim here, and we will explain what happens next.
A

Woher weiß ich, ob eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz besser ist?

VOH-hair vice ikh, op EYE-nuh ray-pah-rah-TOOR OH-der eye-n AIR-zahts BESS-er ist? How would I know whether repair or replacement is better?
B

Wir prüfen zuerst das Problem und erklären dann die verfügbaren Möglichkeiten.

veer PROO-fen tsoo-AIRST das proh-BLAYM oont air-KLAIR-en dann dee fer-FYOOG-bah-ren MURR-glikh-kite-en. We check the problem first, then explain the available options.
A

Das hilft mir zu entscheiden, ob dieses Tablet eine sinnvolle Wahl ist.

das hilft meer tsoo ent-SHYE-den, op DEE-zess TAH-blet EYE-nuh ZINN-fohl-uh VAHL ist. That helps me decide whether this tablet is a sensible choice.
B

Garantiedetails sind wichtiger, wenn Sie das Tablet jeden Tag benutzen möchten.

guh-RAHN-tee-deh-TYE-uls zint VIKH-tikh-er, ven zee das TAH-blet YAY-den tahk beh-NOOT-sen MURKH-ten. Warranty details matter more when you plan to use it every day.

Word by Word

Bevor “Bevor” means “before” and introduces the time condition for buying the tablet. Here it begins “Bevor ich dieses Tablet kaufe”; use it before a clause describing an earlier action.
ich “ich” means “I” and is the person who wants to understand the warranty and will buy the tablet. It is used as the subject in “ich dieses Tablet kaufe” and “möchte ich”.
dieses “dieses” means “this” and points to the specific tablet being considered. In “dieses Tablet”, it comes directly before the noun; use the same pattern for a specific item.
Tablet “Tablet” means “tablet” and refers to the device being considered for purchase. It appears in “dieses Tablet”; use it with a determiner when referring to a particular tablet.
kaufe “kaufe” means “buy” in “Bevor ich dieses Tablet kaufe”. It is the first-person form related to “kaufen”, and it stands at the end of this subordinate clause; use “ich kaufe” for saying that you buy something.
möchte “möchte” expresses a polite wish or intention: the speaker would like to understand the warranty. It is the form related to “mögen” used with the infinitive “verstehen”; use “möchte ich ... verstehen” to state what you would like to understand.
die “die” introduces the specific warranty as the object in “die Garantie verstehen”. It is used before a known feminine noun here; reuse “die” before a specific noun such as “die Garantie”.
Garantie “Garantie” means “warranty” and refers to the seller’s or manufacturer’s coverage for the tablet. In “die Garantie verstehen”, it is the thing the speaker wants to understand; use it when asking about coverage or warranty conditions.
verstehen “verstehen” means “understand” and describes what the speaker wants to do with the warranty information. It is the infinitive after “möchte”; use “etwas verstehen” when saying that you understand something.
deckt “deckt” means “covers” as part of the expression “deckt ... ab”. It is the third-person form related to “decken”, and together with “ab” it describes what the warranty covers; use “Die Garantie deckt ... ab” for coverage.
technische “technische” means “technical” and describes the problems covered by the warranty. It modifies the plural noun “Probleme” in “technische Probleme”; use “technische” before a plural noun when describing technical matters.
Probleme “Probleme” means “problems” and refers here to technical faults in the tablet. It appears in “technische Probleme”; use it with an adjective or determiner when describing several problems.
bei “bei” means “with” or “during” in “bei normaler Nutzung”, referring to conditions of normal use. It introduces the situation in which the technical problems occur; use “bei” with a noun phrase to describe circumstances.
normaler “normaler” means “normal” in the phrase “bei normaler Nutzung”. Its form agrees with “Nutzung” after “bei”; use it in a phrase describing ordinary or usual conditions.
Nutzung “Nutzung” means “use” and refers to using the tablet in the ordinary way. In “bei normaler Nutzung”, it names the circumstances covered by the warranty; use “bei ... Nutzung” to describe use conditions.
ab “ab” is the separable part of “deckt ... ab” and completes the meaning “covers”. It appears at the end of “Die Garantie deckt technische Probleme bei normaler Nutzung ab”; keep it at the end when using this verb in a main clause.
auch “auch” means “also” and asks whether accidental damage is included in addition to the previously mentioned problems. In “Deckt die Garantie auch ... ab?”, it adds another possible type of coverage; use it to include an additional item.
versehentliche “versehentliche” means “accidental” and describes damage that happens unintentionally. It appears in “versehentliche Schäden”; at the start of the next sentence the same word is capitalized as “Versehentliche” because of sentence position.
Schäden “Schäden” means “damage” and refers to harmful effects such as a cracked screen. It is the plural form related to “Schaden” and appears in “versehentliche Schäden”; use it when discussing types or instances of damage.
wie “wie” means “like” or “such as” in “wie einen gesprungenen Bildschirm”. It introduces a specific example of accidental damage; use “wie” before an example that illustrates a broader category.
einen “einen” means “a” and introduces the example “einen gesprungenen Bildschirm”. Its form is used before this masculine object phrase; reuse “einen” before a single masculine object in a similar construction.
gesprungenen “gesprungenen” means “cracked” in “einen gesprungenen Bildschirm”, describing the condition of the screen. It is the inflected form related to “gesprungen”; use it before a noun when describing a cracked object.
Bildschirm “Bildschirm” means “screen” and refers here to the tablet’s screen. In “einen gesprungenen Bildschirm”, it is the example of accidental damage; use it when discussing a device display.
werden “werden” helps form the passive statement that accidental damage is covered by a separate plan. Here it is used with “abgedeckt” in “Schäden werden durch einen separaten Schutzplan abgedeckt”; reuse “werden + past participle” when describing what is done to plural items.
durch “durch” means “through” or “by” in “durch einen separaten Schutzplan”. It identifies the plan through which the damage is covered; use “durch” to name the means or agency involved in an action.
separaten “separaten” means “separate” and describes a protection plan distinct from the warranty. It modifies “Schutzplan” in “einen separaten Schutzplan”; use it before a noun when distinguishing one plan or item from another.
Schutzplan “Schutzplan” means “protection plan” and refers to the separate plan that covers accidental damage. It appears after “einen separaten”; use it when naming an additional plan designed to provide protection.
abgedeckt “abgedeckt” means “covered” in the passive expression “werden ... abgedeckt”. It is the past participle related to “abdecken”; use it with “werden” when stating that something is covered.
Wenn “Wenn” means “if” in “Wenn der Akku ausfällt” and introduces the possible battery failure. It can also introduce a time condition; here it sets the condition for asking what to do next.
der “der” introduces the specific battery in “der Akku”. It is the definite article used with this masculine noun; reuse “der” before a known masculine noun.
Akku “Akku” means “battery” and refers to the tablet’s rechargeable battery. In “Wenn der Akku ausfällt”, it is the subject of the possible failure; use it when discussing a device battery.
ausfällt “ausfällt” means “fails” in the context of a battery no longer working. It is the third-person form related to “ausfallen” and stands at the end of the clause after “Wenn”; use “der Akku fällt aus” or the subordinate-clause form “der Akku ausfällt” according to sentence structure.
soll “soll” asks what the speaker is expected or advised to do if the battery fails. It is used with the infinitives “bringen” and “kontaktieren” in “soll ich ... bringen oder ... kontaktieren?”; use this pattern when asking what action is required.
das “das” has two functions in the dialogue: “das Tablet” means “the tablet”, while “Das hilft mir” means “That helps me”. In the first phrase it introduces a specific neuter noun, and in the second it refers back to the information just given.
hierher “hierher” means “to here” and indicates movement toward the shop or speaker’s location. In “das Tablet hierher bringen”, it gives the destination; use it when bringing something to the place where the speaker is.
bringen “bringen” means “bring” and describes taking the tablet to the shop. It is the infinitive after “soll” in “soll ich das Tablet hierher bringen”; use “etwas hierher bringen” for bringing something to this place.
oder “oder” means “or” and connects the two possible actions: bringing the tablet here or contacting the manufacturer. Use it to present alternatives, as in “... bringen oder ... kontaktieren”.
den “den” introduces “den Hersteller”, the specific manufacturer whom the speaker may contact. It is the form used before this masculine object; reuse “den” before a specific masculine object in a similar sentence.
Hersteller “Hersteller” means “manufacturer” and refers to the company that made the tablet. In “den Hersteller kontaktieren”, it is the person or organization to contact; use it when discussing product support or responsibility.
kontaktieren “kontaktieren” means “contact” and describes getting in touch with the manufacturer. It is the infinitive after “soll” in “soll ich ... den Hersteller kontaktieren?”; use “jemanden kontaktieren” when naming the person or organization contacted.
Sie “Sie” means formal “you” in “Sie können den Anspruch hier anmelden”. It is written with a capital letter for formal address; use it when speaking politely to shop staff, customers, or other people you address formally.
können “können” means “can” and gives the customer permission or ability to start the claim. In “Sie können ... anmelden”, it is used with the infinitive “anmelden”; reuse “Sie können ...” when offering a formal customer an option.
Anspruch “Anspruch” means “claim” in the warranty context and refers to the customer’s request for coverage or service. In “den Anspruch hier anmelden”, it is the object of “anmelden”; use this expression when submitting a claim.
hier “hier” means “here” and identifies the shop as the place where the claim can be started. In “den Anspruch hier anmelden”, it marks the location of the action; use it to refer to the speaker’s current place.
anmelden “anmelden” means “register” or “submit” in “den Anspruch hier anmelden”. It is the infinitive after “können” and describes formally starting the claim; use “einen Anspruch anmelden” for submitting a claim.
und “und” means “and” and links the promise to accept the claim with the explanation of the next steps. It connects the clauses “Sie können ... anmelden” and “wir erklären ...”; use it to join related information.
wir “wir” means “we” and refers to the shop staff who will explain the next steps. It is the subject in “wir erklären Ihnen”; use it when a group speaks or acts together.
erklären “erklären” means “explain” and describes what the staff will do about the next steps. With “Ihnen”, it takes the person receiving the explanation; use “jemandem etwas erklären” when explaining something to someone.
Ihnen “Ihnen” means “to you” in the formal address used by the shop staff. It identifies the person receiving the explanation in “wir erklären Ihnen”; use it with verbs such as “erklären” when addressing someone formally.
es “es” means “it” in the expression “wie es weitergeht”. Here it refers generally to how the claim process continues, rather than to a specific object; use it in similar expressions about what happens next.
weitergeht “weitergeht” means “continues” or, in “wie es weitergeht”, “what happens next”. It is the form related to “weitergehen” and appears at the end of the embedded clause; use “wie es weitergeht” when asking about the next stage of a process.
Woher “Woher” literally asks “from where”, but in “Woher weiß ich ...?” it asks how the speaker can know something. It is useful when asking about the basis or source of knowledge, especially before “weiß ich”.
weiß “weiß” means “know” in “Woher weiß ich, ob ...?”. It is the first-person form related to “wissen” and is used with “ich”; use “ich weiß” to state that you know something.
ob “ob” means “whether” and introduces the embedded question about repair or replacement. In “ob eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz besser ist”, it begins a clause whose finite verb comes at the end; use it for an indirect yes-or-no question.
eine “eine” means “a” and introduces “eine Reparatur” as one possible solution. It appears before the feminine noun “Reparatur”; use “eine” when presenting one possible feminine option.
Reparatur “Reparatur” means “repair” and refers to fixing the existing tablet. In “eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz”, it is contrasted with replacement as a possible solution; use it when discussing repair services.
ein “ein” means “a” and introduces “ein Ersatz” as another possible solution. It appears before the masculine noun “Ersatz” in this phrase; use it when presenting one possible replacement option.
Ersatz “Ersatz” means “replacement” and refers to replacing the tablet rather than repairing it. In “eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz”, it names the alternative to repair; use it when discussing a substitute product or item.
besser “besser” means “better” and compares the two possible solutions. In “ob eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz besser ist”, it asks which option is more suitable; use it when choosing between alternatives.
ist “ist” means “is” and completes the embedded question “ob eine Reparatur oder ein Ersatz besser ist”. It is the third-person form related to “sein” and stands at the end of this subordinate clause; use it after a subject and description.
prüfen “prüfen” means “check” and describes the staff’s first action when assessing the tablet problem. Here it is the first-person plural form used with “wir”, and it is also identical to the infinitive; use “Wir prüfen zuerst ...” to state that a group checks something first.
zuerst “zuerst” means “first” and shows that checking the problem happens before explaining the options. In “Wir prüfen zuerst das Problem”, it marks the first step; use it to order actions in a process.
Problem “Problem” means “problem” and refers to the tablet fault that the staff will inspect. In “das Problem prüfen”, it is the object of the checking; use it when naming an issue that needs assessment.
dann “dann” means “then” and marks the action that follows the initial check. In “und erklären dann ...”, it orders the explanation after the inspection; use it to connect sequential steps.
verfügbaren “verfügbaren” means “available” and describes the options that can be offered after the problem is checked. It modifies “Möglichkeiten” in “die verfügbaren Möglichkeiten”; use it before a noun when referring to currently available choices.
Möglichkeiten “Möglichkeiten” means “options” or “possibilities” and refers to the repair or replacement choices available to the customer. It is the plural form related to “Möglichkeit” and appears in “die verfügbaren Möglichkeiten”; use it when presenting several possible courses of action.
hilft “hilft” means “helps” in “Das hilft mir zu entscheiden”. It is the third-person form related to “helfen” and takes “mir” for the person receiving the help; use “etwas hilft mir, ... zu ...” when something makes an action easier.
mir “mir” means “to me” and identifies the person who is helped in “Das hilft mir zu entscheiden”. It is used with “hilft” to show the recipient of the help; reuse “Das hilft mir ...” when explaining that information assists you.
zu “zu” marks the infinitive construction “zu entscheiden”, meaning “to decide”. Here it follows “hilft mir” and introduces the action made easier by the information; use “helfen, etwas zu ...” for this pattern.
entscheiden “entscheiden” means “decide” and describes choosing whether the tablet is a sensible purchase. It is the infinitive after “zu” in “hilft mir zu entscheiden”; use “zu entscheiden, ob ...” when stating what decision must be made.
sinnvolle “sinnvolle” means “sensible” or “reasonable” and describes the tablet as a reasonable choice. It modifies “Wahl” in “eine sinnvolle Wahl”; use it before a noun when evaluating an option positively as practical or sensible.
Wahl “Wahl” means “choice” and refers to the decision to buy this tablet. In “eine sinnvolle Wahl”, it names the option being evaluated; use it when discussing whether a decision is sensible.
Garantiedetails “Garantiedetails” means “warranty details” and refers to specific information about the warranty’s coverage and conditions. It is a plural compound used as the subject in “Garantiedetails sind wichtiger”; use it when discussing the individual points of a warranty.
sind “sind” means “are” and links “Garantiedetails” with the description “wichtiger”. It is the plural form related to “sein”; use it with a plural subject such as “Garantiedetails”.
wichtiger “wichtiger” means “more important” and says that warranty details matter more when the tablet will be used every day. It is the comparative form related to “wichtig”; use it to compare the importance of one factor with another.
jeden “jeden” means “every” in the time expression “jeden Tag”. It comes before the masculine noun “Tag” to express repeated daily use; reuse “jeden” in similar expressions for every day or other masculine time periods.
Tag “Tag” means “day” and appears in “jeden Tag”, meaning “every day”. Together with “jeden”, it expresses how often the tablet is used; use this phrase for a daily routine.
benutzen “benutzen” means “use” and refers to using the tablet every day. It is the infinitive after “möchten” in “das Tablet jeden Tag benutzen möchten”; use “etwas benutzen” when naming the device or object being used.
möchten “möchten” expresses a polite wish or intention in “Sie ... benutzen möchten”, meaning that the formal customer would like or plans to use the tablet. It is the polite form related to “mögen” and is used with the infinitive “benutzen”; use it to describe a formal person’s desired action.

Grammar Points

Trennbare Verben: ab- + Verb

Der Schutzplan deckt technische Probleme ab.

dare SHOOTS-plahn dekt TEKH-nee-shuh proh-BLAY-muh ahp.

The protection plan covers technical problems.

Bei trennbaren Verben steht der Präfix im Hauptsatz am Satzende: deckt ... ab.

zu + Infinitiv nach „sinnvoll“

Es ist sinnvoll, die Möglichkeiten zu prüfen.

ess ist ZINN-fohl, dee MURR-glikh-kite-en tsoo PROO-fen.

It is sensible to check the options.

Nach „Es ist sinnvoll“ folgt häufig ein Infinitiv mit zu: zu prüfen.

German Vocabulary

abdecken verb
AHP-dek-en to cover deckt ... ab
Bildschirm noun
BILT-shirm screen
Garantie noun
guh-RAHN-tsee warranty
gesprungen adj
guh-SHPROONG-en cracked gesprungenen
kaufen verb
KOW-fen to buy kaufe
Nutzung noun
NOOT-soong use
Problem noun
proh-BLAYM problem Probleme
Schaden noun
SHAH-den damage Schäden
separat adj
zay-pah-RAHT separate separaten
technisch adj
TEKH-nish technical technische
versehentlich adj
fer-ZAYNT-li-kh accidental versehentliche
verstehen verb
fer-SHTEH-en to understand

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

problem

Show AnswerProbleme

warranty

Show AnswerGarantie

to buy

Show Answerkaufe

technical

Show Answertechnische