About This Lesson
Use Resolving a shelf-label mismatch to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an.
dee KAS-uh tsaykt DEE-zun ar-TEE-kul ahls EYE-nun AHN-duh-run ar-TEE-kul ahn. The register shows this as a different item.
A
Aber das Preisschild war unter diesem Produkt.
AH-bur dahs PRYSH-shilt vahr OON-tur DEE-zum proh-DOOKT. But the shelf label was under this product.
B
Ich prüfe das Preisschild, bevor ich an der Kasse etwas ändere.
ikh PROO-fuh dahs PRYSH-shilt, buh-FOHR ikh ahn dair KAS-uh ET-vahs EN-duh-ruh. I'll check the shelf label before changing anything at the register.
A
Es war direkt unter dieser Größe.
es vahr dee-REKT OON-tur DEE-zur GRUR-suh. It was directly below this size.
B
Das Preisschild stimmt nicht mit dem Artikel in unserem System überein.
dahs PRYSH-shilt shtimt nikht mit daym ar-TEE-kul in OON-zuh-rum zys-TAYM oo-buh-RINE. The label doesn't match the item in our system.
A
Könnten Sie das korrigieren, bevor ich bezahle?
KURN-tun zee dahs ko-ree-GEE-run, buh-FOHR ikh buh-TSAH-luh. Could you correct it before I pay?
B
Ich brauche die Zustimmung eines Vorgesetzten für die Korrektur.
ikh BROW-khuh dee TSOO-shtim-moong EYE-nus FOHR-guh-ZETS-tun fyoor dee ko-REK-toor. I need a supervisor to approve the correction.
A
Ich kann warten, während Sie das prüfen.
ikh kahn VAHR-tun, VAY-runt zee dahs PROO-fun. I can wait while you check.
B
Wir korrigieren das an der Kasse und aktualisieren das Preisschild.
veer ko-ree-GEE-run dahs ahn dair KAS-uh oont ahk-too-ah-lee-ZEE-run dahs PRYSH-shilt. We'll fix it at the register and update the shelf label.
A
Ich würde das lieber jetzt klären, als später wiederzukommen.
ikh VUR-duh dahs LEE-bur yetst KLAIR-un, ahls SHPAY-tur VEE-dur-tsoo-KOM-un. I'd rather settle it now than come back later.Word by Word
Die
In 'Die Kasse', this is the definite article meaning “the” before the register or checkout. Its lowercase form is 'die'; the capital letter here is because it begins the sentence. Use it with the noun in a phrase such as 'Die Kasse'.
Kasse
In 'Die Kasse', 'Kasse' means the shop checkout or register. The same noun appears in 'an der Kasse' for the place where the payment is handled. Use it when talking about paying or checking an item in a shop.
zeigt
In 'Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an', 'zeigt' means “shows” or “displays.” Together with the particle 'an', it comes from 'anzeigen'; the verb is split because the particle appears at the end. This pattern is useful when a system displays an item or result.
diesen
In 'diesen Artikel', this form means “this” and points to the item being discussed. It appears directly before 'Artikel' as part of the object phrase. Use 'diesen Artikel' when identifying a particular item nearby.
Artikel
In 'diesen Artikel' and 'einen anderen Artikel', 'Artikel' means an item or product for sale. The dialogue uses it both for the product being scanned and for the different item shown by the register. Use it when discussing a specific shop product.
als
In 'zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an', 'als' introduces how the register classifies or displays the item: “as a different item.” Here it means “as,” not “than.” A useful pattern is to describe something as being shown or treated as something else.
einen
In 'einen anderen Artikel', 'einen' means “a” or “an” before the item being shown as different. It belongs to the complete phrase 'einen anderen Artikel'. Use it when introducing one particular item in this type of object phrase.
anderen
In 'einen anderen Artikel', 'anderen' means “different” or “another.” It distinguishes the item shown by the register from the item the customer has. The reusable pattern is 'einen anderen Artikel' when referring to a different product.
an
This form has two roles in the dialogue. In 'Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an', it is the separable particle completing the display verb; in 'an der Kasse', it means “at the checkout.” Use the first pattern for displaying something and the second for the checkout location.
Aber
At the start of 'Aber das Preisschild war unter diesem Produkt', 'Aber' means “but” and introduces information that contrasts with the register’s display. It connects the customer’s explanation to the previous statement. Use it when correcting or qualifying what someone has just said.
das
In 'Das Preisschild', 'das' means “the” before the price label. In 'korrigieren das', it refers back to the mismatch or problem as “it” or “that.” Use the exact form according to whether it accompanies a noun or refers back to something already mentioned.
Preisschild
In 'das Preisschild', this compound noun means “price label” or “price tag.” It refers to the label placed under the product and appears again in 'aktualisieren das Preisschild'. Use it when discussing the displayed price of a shop item.
war
In 'Das Preisschild war unter diesem Produkt', 'war' means “was” and describes where the label was located. It is the past form related to 'sein'. The pattern 'Es war direkt unter ...' is useful for describing a previous position.
unter
In 'unter diesem Produkt', 'unter' means “under” or “below” and describes the label’s position. It combines with the location phrase 'diesem Produkt'. Use 'unter' when saying that one object is positioned below another.
diesem
In 'unter diesem Produkt', 'diesem' means “this” and identifies the particular product below which the label was located. It appears directly before 'Produkt'. Use the phrase 'unter diesem Produkt' when pointing out the product involved.
Produkt
In 'unter diesem Produkt', 'Produkt' means “product.” It identifies the item whose shelf position is being used to explain where the label was found. Use it for a commercial product, especially when discussing its label or price.
Ich
'Ich' means “I” and marks the speaker as the person checking, needing approval, waiting, or expressing a preference. It appears in phrases such as 'Ich prüfe das Preisschild' and 'Ich kann warten'. Use it as the subject when talking about your own action or situation.
prüfe
In 'Ich prüfe das Preisschild', 'prüfe' means “check” or “examine.” It is the first-person form related to 'prüfen'. Use it with an object such as 'das Preisschild' when inspecting information before taking action.
bevor
In 'bevor ich an der Kasse etwas ändere', 'bevor' means “before” and introduces the action that must happen first. The subordinate clause places the verb 'ändere' at the end. Use 'bevor' to set a condition or sequence before another action.
der
In 'an der Kasse', 'der' means “the” as part of the phrase for being at the checkout. It belongs to the location expression rather than standing alone. Use 'an der Kasse' when describing where payment or checkout activity takes place.
etwas
In 'etwas ändere', 'etwas' means “something” or, in this context, “anything” that might be changed at the register. It is the object of the action 'ändere'. The reusable pattern is 'etwas ändern' for changing something.
ändere
In 'bevor ich an der Kasse etwas ändere', 'ändere' means “change.” It is the first-person form related to 'ändern' and appears at the end of the subordinate clause after 'bevor'. Use it with an object such as 'etwas' when describing a change you may make.
Es
In 'Es war direkt unter dieser Größe', 'Es' means “it” and refers to the price label mentioned previously. It is the subject of the sentence describing the label’s former position. Use 'Es war ...' when referring back to an already identified thing.
direkt
In 'direkt unter dieser Größe', 'direkt' means “directly” and emphasizes that the label was immediately below the size. It strengthens the location phrase 'unter dieser Größe'. Use it when a position is exact or immediately adjacent.
dieser
In 'dieser Größe', 'dieser' means “this” and identifies the particular size being referred to. It appears directly before 'Größe'. Use the phrase 'unter dieser Größe' when locating something below a specific size.
Größe
In 'dieser Größe', 'Größe' means “size.” It refers to the size information on the shelf or product display. Use it when explaining which size a label or item was positioned under.
stimmt
In 'Das Preisschild stimmt nicht mit dem Artikel in unserem System überein', 'stimmt' contributes the meaning “matches” or “corresponds.” Together with 'überein', it forms the expression for matching or agreeing. Use it when comparing two pieces of information.
nicht
In 'stimmt nicht mit dem Artikel in unserem System überein', 'nicht' negates the match. It shows that the price label and the system item do not correspond. Use it in a comparison when stating that something does not match.
mit
In 'mit dem Artikel in unserem System', 'mit' means “with” and introduces the item used for comparison. It is part of the matching expression with 'stimmt ... überein'. Use it when saying what another thing is being compared with.
dem
In 'mit dem Artikel', 'dem' means “the” before the item being used for comparison. It forms the phrase 'mit dem Artikel in unserem System'. Use this exact phrase when referring to the item recorded in the system.
in
In 'in unserem System', 'in' means “in” and locates the article within the shop’s system. It introduces the context where the article is recorded. Use it with a system or database when referring to information stored there.
unserem
In 'in unserem System', 'unserem' means “our” and describes the system belonging to the shop or staff. It appears directly before 'System'. Use it when speaking from the organization’s perspective about its own system.
System
In 'unserem System', 'System' means the shop’s information or register system. The article in this system is being compared with the shelf label. Use it when discussing the recorded item information.
überein
In 'Das Preisschild stimmt nicht mit dem Artikel in unserem System überein', 'überein' completes the expression meaning “matches” or “corresponds.” It is the separable part related to 'übereinstimmen', while 'stimmt' appears earlier in the sentence. Use this expression when two records, descriptions, or details agree.
Könnten
In 'Könnten Sie das korrigieren', 'Könnten' helps form a polite request meaning “could you.” It is the polite form related to 'können' and is followed by 'Sie' and the infinitive 'korrigieren'. Use this pattern when asking staff or another person to do something courteously.
Sie
In 'Könnten Sie das korrigieren', 'Sie' means formal “you.” Its capital letter marks the polite form of address used with the staff member. Use it in formal requests to a customer, employee, or other person you address respectfully.
korrigieren
In 'Könnten Sie das korrigieren', 'korrigieren' means “correct” or “fix” and follows the polite request form. It is the infinitive related to the action being requested. Use 'das korrigieren' when asking someone to fix an identified problem.
bezahle
In 'bevor ich bezahle', 'bezahle' means “pay.” It is the first-person form related to 'bezahlen' and describes the customer’s payment. Use it after 'ich' when saying that you will pay or are about to pay.
brauche
In 'Ich brauche die Zustimmung eines Vorgesetzten', 'brauche' means “need.” It is the first-person form related to 'brauchen' and introduces what is required before the correction can be made. Use 'Ich brauche ...' to state a necessary person, thing, or approval.
Zustimmung
In 'die Zustimmung eines Vorgesetzten', 'Zustimmung' means “approval” or “consent.” It identifies the permission needed for the correction. Use it when an action requires someone’s agreement or authorization.
eines
In 'eines Vorgesetzten', 'eines' means “a” or “an” within the phrase meaning “of a supervisor.” It introduces the supervisor whose approval is needed. Use it as part of this complete phrase when identifying whose approval is required.
Vorgesetzten
In 'eines Vorgesetzten', 'Vorgesetzten' means “supervisor” or “manager.” The exact form appears inside the phrase for a supervisor’s approval. Use it when referring to the person who has authority to approve a correction.
für
In 'für die Korrektur', 'für' means “for” and introduces the correction that the approval concerns. It links the required approval to its purpose. Use 'für' when identifying what an approval, request, or action is intended for.
Korrektur
In 'für die Korrektur', 'Korrektur' means “correction.” It refers to fixing the incorrect item or price information. Use it when discussing a change made to correct an error.
kann
In 'Ich kann warten', 'kann' means “can” and expresses the speaker’s ability or willingness to wait. It is related to 'können' and is followed by the infinitive 'warten'. Use 'Ich kann ...' to say that you are able or willing to do something.
warten
In 'Ich kann warten', 'warten' means “wait.” It follows 'kann' as the action the speaker is able or willing to perform. Use this phrase when telling someone that you can remain available while they check something.
während
In 'während Sie das prüfen', 'während' means “while” and introduces an action happening at the same time as waiting. The verb 'prüfen' appears at the end of the subordinate clause. Use it to connect a waiting action with an ongoing check or task.
prüfen
In 'während Sie das prüfen', 'prüfen' means “check” or “examine.” This is the form used with formal 'Sie' in the subordinate clause, where the verb comes at the end. Use it when asking or describing a formal addressee checking something.
Wir
In 'Wir korrigieren das an der Kasse', 'Wir' means “we” and refers to the staff or shop team carrying out the correction. It marks the group as the subject of the action. Use it when speaking for yourself together with colleagues or another person.
und
In 'Wir korrigieren das an der Kasse und aktualisieren das Preisschild', 'und' means “and.” It joins the correction at the register with the updating of the shelf label. Use it to connect two related actions performed in sequence or as part of one solution.
aktualisieren
In 'aktualisieren das Preisschild', 'aktualisieren' means “update.” It is used with 'Wir' in the coordinated phrase, so the staff will update the price label. Use it with an object such as 'das Preisschild' when bringing information up to date.
würde
In 'Ich würde das lieber jetzt klären', 'würde' supplies the “would” form for the speaker’s preferred course of action. It is related to 'werden' and works with the infinitive 'klären'. Use this frame to express what you would prefer to do in a situation.
lieber
In 'Ich würde das lieber jetzt klären, als später wiederzukommen', 'lieber' means “rather” and marks the preferred option. The preference is expressed together with 'würde' and the comparison introduced by 'als'. Use 'lieber ... als ...' to choose one action over another.
jetzt
In 'das lieber jetzt klären', 'jetzt' means “now.” It contrasts the immediate settlement with coming back later. Use it when emphasizing that an action should happen at the present time.
klären
In 'Ich würde das lieber jetzt klären', 'klären' means “clarify” or “settle” the problem. It is the infinitive after 'würde', and 'das' refers to the mismatch being discussed. Use 'das klären' when resolving an unclear or incorrect matter.
später
In 'später wiederzukommen', 'später' means “later.” It refers to a future time when the customer might otherwise return. Use it when contrasting an action now with the same action at a later time.
wiederzukommen
In 'als später wiederzukommen', 'wiederzukommen' means “to come back” or “to return.” It is the infinitive of the separable verb related to 'wiederkommen', with 'zu' placed inside the form. Use 'später wiederzukommen' when describing a later return to the shop or another place.
Grammar Points
anzeigen: zeigt ... an
Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel an.
dee KAS-uh tsaykt DEE-zun ar-TEE-kul ahn.The register displays this item.
The prefix an is separated from anzeigen in a main clause and moves to the end.
bevor + Nebensatz
Bevor ich bezahle, prüfe ich das Preisschild.
buh-FOHR ikh buh-TSAH-luh, PROO-fuh ikh dahs PRYSH-shilt.Before I pay, I check the price label.
After bevor, the conjugated verb goes to the end of the subordinate clause.
German Vocabulary
ändern
verb
EN-durn
to change
ändere
bevor ich an der Kasse etwas ändere
anders
adj
AHN-durs
different; differently
anderen
einen anderen Artikel
anzeigen
verb
AHN-tsye-gun
to show; to display
zeigt ... an
Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an.
bevor
conj
buh-FOHR
before
bevor ich an der Kasse etwas ändere
das Preisschild
noun
dahs PRYSH-shilt
price label; shelf label
Das Preisschild stimmt nicht mit dem Artikel überein.
das Produkt
noun
dahs proh-DOOKT
product
diesem Produkt
Das Preisschild war unter diesem Produkt.
der Artikel
noun
dair ar-TEE-kul
item; article
diesen Artikel
Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel als einen anderen Artikel an.
die Größe
noun
dee GRUR-suh
size
dieser Größe
Es war direkt unter dieser Größe.
die Kasse
noun
dee KAS-uh
register; checkout
Die Kasse
Die Kasse zeigt diesen Artikel an.
direkt
adv
dee-REKT
directly
Es war direkt unter dieser Größe.
prüfen
verb
PROO-fun
to check; to inspect
prüfe
Ich prüfe das Preisschild.
unter
prep
OON-tur
under; below
unter diesem Produkt
Quiz
Word Order
Arrange the words in the correct order.
It was directly below this size.
Show Answer
Es war direkt unter dieser Größe.Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to change
Show Answer
ändereto check; to inspect
Show Answer
prüfebefore
Show Answer
bevordifferent; differently