Clarifying vague feedback on a proposal | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: At work, two colleagues discuss how to ask for clearer feedback on a proposal revision without sounding defensive..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Clarifying vague feedback on a proposal to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Das Feedback sagt, dass der Vorschlag stärker sein sollte, aber das klingt vage.

duhss FEET-bek zahkt, duhss dair FOR-shlahk SHTAIR-ker zine SHOL-tuh, AH-ber duhss klinkt VAH-guh. The feedback says the proposal should be stronger, but that feels vague.
B

Frag, welcher Teil überarbeitet werden muss: die Belege, der Ton oder die Struktur.

frahk, VEL-kher tile oo-ber-AR-bye-tet VAIR-den mooss: dee beh-LAY-guh, dair tohn OH-der dee shtrook-TOOR. Ask which part needs revision: the evidence, tone, or structure.
A

Ich glaube, dass die Einleitung das Problem vielleicht nicht klar genug erklärt.

ikh GLOW-buh, duhss dee EYE-n-lie-toong duhss proh-BLAYM fee-LIEKHT nikht klahr guh-NOOK air-KLAIRT. I think the introduction may not explain the problem clearly enough.
B

Dann frag nach einem konkreten Beispiel dafür, was sie geändert haben möchten.

dahn frahk nahkh EYE-nem kon-KRAY-ten BYE-shpeel dah-FYOOR, vahs zee guh-EN-dert HAH-ben MERKH-ten. Then ask for a specific example of what they want changed.
A

Würde das defensiv klingen?

VUR-duh duhss day-fen-ZEEF KLING-en? Would that sound defensive?
B

Nicht, wenn du sagst, dass du ihre Erwartungen erfüllen möchtest.

nikht, ven doo zahkst, duhss doo EE-ruh air-VAR-toong-en er-FULL-en MERKH-test. Not if you say you want to match their expectations.
A

Ich kann fragen, ob sie mehr Daten oder einen selbstbewussteren Ton wollen.

ikh kahn FRAH-gen, ohp zee mair DAH-ten OH-der EYE-nen ZELPST-buh-VOOS-ter-en tohn VOL-len. I can ask whether they want more data or a more confident tone.
B

Damit gibst du ihnen zwei klare Richtungen zur Auswahl.

dah-MIT gipst doo EE-nen tsvye KLAH-ruh RIKH-toong-en tsoor OWS-vahl. That gives them two clear directions to choose from.
A

Sobald ich die Richtung kenne, kann ich den Vorschlag schnell überarbeiten.

zoh-BAHLT ikh dee RIKH-toong KEN-uh, kahn ikh den FOR-shlahk shnel oo-ber-AR-bye-ten. Once I know the direction, I can revise it quickly.
B

Klare Vorgaben können unnötige Überarbeitungen vermeiden.

KLAH-ruh FOR-gah-ben KURN-en oon-NUR-tih-guh oo-ber-AR-bye-toong-en fair-MY-den. Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Word by Word

Das 'Das' means 'the' in 'Das Feedback' and identifies the specific feedback being discussed. It is used directly before the noun in a workplace discussion about known comments or advice.
Feedback 'Feedback' means feedback in 'Das Feedback' and refers to comments about the proposal. It is commonly used when discussing reactions, advice, or evaluation of someone’s work.
sagt 'sagt' means says in 'Das Feedback sagt, dass ...' and introduces the information given by the feedback. The pattern 'sagt, dass' is useful when reporting what a person, document, or comment communicates.
dass 'dass' introduces the clause 'dass der Vorschlag stärker sein sollte' and connects it to what the feedback says. It is useful for stating the content of an opinion, statement, or message.
der 'der' means 'the' before 'Vorschlag' in 'der Vorschlag stärker sein sollte'. It identifies the proposal as the subject of the clause, which is useful when discussing a specific proposal.
Vorschlag 'Vorschlag' means proposal in 'der Vorschlag' and refers to the work document being revised. It is useful when discussing an idea or document that someone has presented for consideration.
stärker 'stärker' means stronger in 'stärker sein sollte' and describes the desired quality of the proposal. It is used with 'sein' to say what the proposal should be like.
sein 'sein' means be in 'stärker sein sollte' and completes the description of the proposal’s desired state. It follows 'sollte' in this clause and helps describe a required or recommended quality.
sollte 'sollte' expresses should in 'stärker sein sollte' and presents stronger wording as the expected improvement. It is useful when discussing a recommendation or expectation about a document.
aber 'aber' means but in 'aber das klingt vage' and contrasts the requested improvement with the speaker’s concern that the feedback is unclear. It is useful for linking two opposing points in the same discussion.
klingt 'klingt' means sounds in 'das klingt vage' and evaluates the impression created by the feedback. The pattern 'klingt' plus a description is useful when commenting on how a statement or request comes across.
vage 'vage' means vague in 'klingt vage' and says that the feedback is not specific enough. It is useful when a comment does not give a clear direction for improving work.
Frag 'Frag' means ask in the informal singular instruction 'Frag, welcher Teil ...'. It is used to give direct advice to one colleague about how to clarify the feedback.
welcher 'welcher' means which in 'welcher Teil' and asks the listener to select one part from the possible parts of the proposal. It is useful when requesting a specific choice or identification.
Teil 'Teil' means part in 'welcher Teil' and refers to one section or aspect of the proposal. It is useful when asking which specific area of a larger piece of work needs attention.
überarbeitet 'überarbeitet' means revised in 'überarbeitet werden muss' and describes the work that needs to be done to the part. Together with 'werden', it expresses that the part needs revision.
werden 'werden' helps form the passive construction 'überarbeitet werden muss', meaning that the part must be revised. It is useful when focusing on the work that needs to happen rather than on who will do it.
muss 'muss' expresses necessity in 'überarbeitet werden muss' and says that revision is required. It is useful when identifying a required change or task.
die 'die' means 'the' before the plural noun 'Belege' in 'die Belege'. It identifies the evidence as one specific item in the list of possible parts to revise.
Belege 'Belege' means evidence in 'die Belege' and refers to supporting information in the proposal. It is useful when discussing whether a proposal has enough support for its claims.
Ton 'Ton' means tone in the list 'der Ton oder die Struktur' and refers to the style or manner of the proposal’s language. It is useful when feedback concerns how confident or formal writing sounds.
oder 'oder' means or in 'der Ton oder die Struktur' and presents alternatives among the possible areas for revision. It is useful when offering two or more choices.
Struktur 'Struktur' means structure in 'die Struktur' and refers to how the proposal is organized. It is useful when discussing the arrangement and flow of a document.
Ich 'Ich' means I at the beginning of 'Ich glaube' and marks the speaker’s personal assessment. It is used when a colleague gives an opinion about a draft or its introduction.
glaube 'glaube' means think or believe in 'Ich glaube, dass ...' and introduces the speaker’s view without presenting it as certain. The pattern 'glaube, dass' is useful when giving a cautious personal assessment.
Einleitung 'Einleitung' means introduction and refers to the opening section of the proposal in 'die Einleitung'. It is useful when discussing the part that first presents the problem or topic.
Problem 'Problem' means problem in 'das Problem' and refers to the issue that the introduction is supposed to explain. It is useful when discussing the central issue addressed by a proposal.
vielleicht 'vielleicht' means perhaps or maybe in 'vielleicht nicht klar genug erklärt' and makes the criticism less definite. It is useful when presenting a possible weakness without claiming complete certainty.
nicht 'nicht' means not in 'vielleicht nicht klar genug erklärt' and negates the claim that the problem is explained clearly enough. It is useful for expressing that a standard or expectation has not been met.
klar 'klar' means clearly in 'klar genug erklärt' and describes the clarity of the explanation. It is useful when evaluating whether information is understandable.
genug 'genug' means enough in 'klar genug erklärt' and says that the required level of clarity may not have been reached. The pattern adjective plus 'genug' is useful for judging whether a quality is sufficient.
erklärt 'erklärt' means explains in 'die Einleitung ... erklärt' and describes what the introduction does with the problem. It is useful when discussing whether a document makes an issue understandable.
Dann 'Dann' means then in 'Dann frag ...' and signals the next step in the advice. It is useful for sequencing a recommendation after an earlier observation.
nach 'nach' is used for requesting something in 'nach einem konkreten Beispiel fragen'. With 'fragen', it marks the information or example being requested, which is useful when asking for clarification.
einem 'einem' means 'a' before 'Beispiel' in 'nach einem konkreten Beispiel'. It appears in this request because 'nach' is followed by this form of the article.
konkreten 'konkreten' means specific or concrete in 'einem konkreten Beispiel' and makes clear that the speaker wants an identifiable example rather than a general comment. It is useful when asking someone to make vague feedback more precise.
Beispiel 'Beispiel' means example in 'einem konkreten Beispiel' and refers to one instance that shows what should be changed. It is useful when requesting evidence or clarification through a specific case.
dafür 'dafür' means for that or of what in 'ein konkretes Beispiel dafür, was sie geändert haben möchten'. It points forward to the following clause, which specifies what the example should concern.
was 'was' introduces the clause 'was sie geändert haben möchten' and specifies the changes being discussed. It is useful for referring to the content of an unspecified thing or request.
sie 'sie' means they in 'was sie geändert haben möchten' and refers to the people who gave the feedback. It is useful when discussing the wishes or requests of several colleagues or reviewers.
geändert 'geändert' means changed in 'geändert haben möchten' and refers to the requested modification. It is useful when identifying what part of a document someone wants to alter.
haben 'haben' works with 'geändert' in 'geändert haben möchten' to form the expression for the change the reviewers want. This combination is useful when referring to something they would like to have changed.
möchten 'möchten' expresses would like or want in 'geändert haben möchten' and presents the reviewers’ desired change in a polite way. It is useful for describing someone’s preferred result without making the wording sound forceful.
Würde 'Würde' means would in 'Würde das defensiv klingen?' and frames the question as a possible impression of the proposed wording. It is useful when asking how a statement might sound in a particular situation.
defensiv 'defensiv' means defensive in 'defensiv klingen' and describes the possible impression created by the request. It is useful when checking whether feedback or a question may sound like a reaction against criticism.
klingen 'klingen' means sound in 'Würde das defensiv klingen?' and refers to how the proposed question might be perceived. It follows 'würde' and is useful for asking about the tone or impression of wording.
wenn 'wenn' means if in 'wenn du sagst ...' and introduces the condition for the reassurance. It is useful when explaining what must be true for a result or impression to apply.
du 'du' means you for one person in the informal workplace exchange. It is used here because the colleagues address each other informally.
sagst 'sagst' means say in 'wenn du sagst, dass ...' and describes what the colleague should communicate. The pattern 'du sagst, dass' is useful when reporting the content of a direct explanation.
ihre 'ihre' means their in 'ihre Erwartungen' and refers to the expectations of the people giving the feedback. It is useful when discussing what another group wants or expects.
Erwartungen 'Erwartungen' means expectations in 'ihre Erwartungen erfüllen'. It refers to the standard the reviewers have for the proposal and is useful when discussing whether work meets someone’s requirements.
erfüllen 'erfüllen' means fulfill or meet in 'ihre Erwartungen erfüllen' and describes achieving the reviewers’ expected standard. It is useful for talking about satisfying requirements or expectations.
möchtest 'möchtest' means would like or want in 'du ... erfüllen möchtest' and expresses the colleague’s intention politely. It is useful when explaining what someone wants to achieve in a work situation.
kann 'kann' means can in 'Ich kann fragen' and expresses that the speaker is able or prepared to ask for clarification. It is useful when describing a possible next action.
fragen 'fragen' means ask in 'Ich kann fragen, ob ...' and describes requesting information from the reviewers. The pattern 'fragen, ob' is useful for introducing an indirect yes-or-no question.
ob 'ob' means whether in 'fragen, ob sie ... wollen' and introduces the indirect question about the reviewers’ preference. It is useful when asking indirectly about two possible answers or choices.
mehr 'mehr' means more in 'mehr Daten' and indicates a greater amount of data. It is useful when proposing an increase in supporting information.
Daten 'Daten' means data in 'mehr Daten' and refers to information that could strengthen the proposal. It is useful when discussing additional evidence or factual support.
einen 'einen' means 'a' before 'Ton' in 'einen selbstbewussteren Ton'. It introduces one possible tone that the reviewers might want.
selbstbewussteren 'selbstbewussteren' means more confident in 'einen selbstbewussteren Ton' and describes the proposed change in style. It is useful when comparing the current tone with a stronger or more assured alternative.
wollen 'wollen' means want in 'mehr Daten oder einen selbstbewussteren Ton wollen' and describes what the reviewers may prefer. It is useful when asking someone to choose between possible changes.
Damit 'Damit' means thereby or with that in 'Damit gibst du ihnen ...' and connects the suggested question with its consequence. It is useful for explaining what an action achieves.
gibst 'gibst' means give in 'gibst du ihnen zwei klare Richtungen' and describes providing the reviewers with clear options. It is used with 'du' when giving advice to one informal colleague.
ihnen 'ihnen' means to them in 'gibst du ihnen' and identifies the reviewers as the recipients of the choices. It is useful when explaining who receives information, options, or guidance.
zwei 'zwei' means two in 'zwei klare Richtungen' and counts the alternatives offered to the reviewers. It is useful when presenting a small, clearly limited number of choices.
klare 'klare' means clear in 'zwei klare Richtungen' and describes the alternatives as easy to understand. It is useful when emphasizing that a request gives someone definite options.
Richtungen 'Richtungen' means directions in 'zwei klare Richtungen' and refers here to two possible paths for revising the proposal, not physical directions. It is useful when describing different ways to proceed with work.
zur 'zur' is the contracted form used in 'zur Auswahl' and connects the directions with the act of choosing. It is useful in expressions that describe something being available for selection.
Auswahl 'Auswahl' means choice or selection in 'zur Auswahl' and says that the two directions are options from which the reviewers can choose. It is useful when presenting alternatives.
Sobald 'Sobald' means once or as soon as in 'Sobald ich die Richtung kenne' and introduces the point at which the speaker can act. It is useful for linking one completed condition to the next action.
kenne 'kenne' means know in 'die Richtung kenne' and refers to knowing which revision direction to follow. It is useful when saying that a decision or required course of action is clear.
den 'den' means 'the' before 'Vorschlag' in 'den Vorschlag schnell überarbeiten'. It identifies the proposal as the specific document that the speaker will revise.
schnell 'schnell' means quickly in 'schnell überarbeiten' and describes the speed of the planned revision. It is useful when saying that clear information will allow work to proceed without delay.
überarbeiten 'überarbeiten' means revise in 'kann ich den Vorschlag schnell überarbeiten' and names the action the speaker can take after receiving clear guidance. It is useful when discussing changes to a draft or proposal.
Vorgaben 'Vorgaben' means guidelines or specifications in 'Klare Vorgaben'. It refers to clear requirements that direct how the proposal should be revised and is useful when discussing instructions for a task.
können 'können' means can in 'können unnötige Überarbeitungen vermeiden' and expresses the possible effect of clear guidelines. It is useful for explaining what a condition or action can make possible.
unnötige 'unnötige' means unnecessary in 'unnötige Überarbeitungen' and describes revisions that would not be needed if the guidance were clear. It is useful when identifying avoidable work.
Überarbeitungen 'Überarbeitungen' means revisions or rewrites in 'unnötige Überarbeitungen' and refers to additional changes to the proposal. It is useful when discussing repeated editing of a document.
vermeiden 'vermeiden' means avoid in 'unnötige Überarbeitungen vermeiden' and describes preventing needless revision work. It is useful when explaining how clear requirements can save time.

Grammar Points

Komparativ: stärker

Der Ton klingt stärker.

dair tohn klinkt SHTAIR-ker.

The tone sounds stronger.

The comparative of stark is stärker. It compares the tone with another tone or an earlier version.

Adjektivendung: eine unnötige Überarbeitung

Eine unnötige Überarbeitung kostet Zeit.

EYE-nuh oon-NUR-tih-guh oo-ber-AR-bye-toong KOS-tet TSITE.

An unnecessary revision takes time.

After eine in the feminine nominative, the adjective ends in -e: eine unnötige Überarbeitung.

German Vocabulary

Beleg noun
beh-LAYK piece of evidence
Feedback noun
FEET-bek feedback
fragen verb
FRAH-gen to ask Frag
klingen verb
KLING-en to sound klingt
sagen verb
ZAH-gen to say sagt
stark adj
SHTARK strong stärker
Teil noun
TILE part
Ton noun
TOHN tone
überarbeiten verb
oo-ber-AR-bye-ten to revise überarbeitet
vage adj
VAH-guh vague
Vorschlag noun
FOR-shlahk proposal
welcher det
VEL-kher which

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Would that sound defensive?

Show AnswerWürde das defensiv klingen?

Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Show AnswerKlare Vorgaben können unnötige Überarbeitungen vermeiden.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

feedback

Show AnswerFeedback

part

Show AnswerTeil

vague

Show Answervage

to say

Show Answersagt