Resolving a Small Work Disagreement | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: At work, two teammates compare assumptions, check project notes, and agree on a focused compromise for a client task..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Resolving a Small Work Disagreement to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ich glaube, wir sind uns uneinig, weil wir von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgegangen sind.

ikh GLOW-buh, veer zint oons oon-EY-nikh, vyle veer fon OON-ter-SHEET-likh-en AHN-nah-men OWS-guh-GAHN-gen zint. I think we disagree because we made different assumptions.
B

Ich dachte, der Kunde wollte zuerst eine einfache Version.

ikh DAHK-tuh, dair KUN-duh VOL-tuh tsoo-AIRST EYE-nuh EYN-fakh-uh vair-ZYOHN. I thought the client wanted a simple version first.
A

Ich dachte, der Kunde erwartete eine vollständige Version mit allen Funktionen.

ikh DAHK-tuh, dair KUN-duh air-VAR-tuh-tuh EYE-nuh FOLL-shten-dig-uh vair-ZYOHN mit AH-len FOONK-tsee-OH-nen. I thought they expected a complete version with every feature.
B

Lass uns die Notizen prüfen, statt aus dem Gedächtnis zu diskutieren.

lahss oons dee noh-TEET-sen PRUU-fen, shtat ows daym guh-DEKH-tneess tsoo dee-skoo-TEE-ren. Let's check the notes instead of arguing from memory.
A

In den Notizen steht, dass Schnelligkeit am wichtigsten ist, aber eine fortgeschrittene Funktion trotzdem nötig ist.

in dayn noh-TEET-sen shtayt, dahss SHNELL-ikh-kite ahm VIKH-tikh-sten ist, AH-ber EYE-nuh FORT-guh-SHRIH-tuh-nuh FOONK-tsee-OHN TROTS-daym NUH-tikh ist. The notes say speed matters most, but one advanced feature is still required.
B

Eine einfachere Version mit dieser Funktion klingt nach dem richtigen Kompromiss.

EYE-nuh EYN-fakh-uh-ruh vair-ZYOHN mit DEE-zuh FOONK-tsee-OHN klinkt nahkh daym RIKH-tikh-en kom-proh-MISS. A simpler version that includes that feature sounds like the right compromise.
A

Damit kann ich leben, wenn wir diesen Kompromiss klar erklären.

dah-MIT kahn ikh LAY-ben, venn veer DEE-zen kom-proh-MISS klahr air-KLAIR-en. I can accept that if we explain the trade-off clearly.
B

Wir können es an den Prioritäten des Kunden ausrichten.

veer KURN-en ess an dayn pree-oh-ree-TAY-ten dess KUN-den OWS-rikh-ten. We can frame it around the client's priorities.
A

Ich aktualisiere die Aufgabenbeschreibung entsprechend unserer Entscheidung.

ikh ak-too-ah-lee-ZEE-ruh dee OWF-gah-ben-buh-SHREE-boong ent-SHPREKH-ent OON-zuh-ruh ent-SHYE-doong. I'll update the task description to match the decision.
B

Dann sollte die Meinungsverschiedenheit das Projekt nicht verlangsamen.

dahn SHOLL-tuh dee MY-noongs-fair-SHEET-en-kite dahss proh-YEKT nikht fair-LAHNG-zah-men. Then the disagreement should not slow the project down.

Word by Word

Ich 'Ich' means 'I' and identifies the speaker in the dialogue. It is used as the subject in patterns such as 'Ich glaube' and 'Ich dachte', for stating a personal view or belief.
glaube 'glaube' means 'believe' or 'think' here, so 'Ich glaube' introduces the speaker's opinion. The pattern 'Ich glaube, ...' is useful when giving an assessment without presenting it as certain.
wir 'wir' means 'we' and refers to the two teammates together. It is the subject in 'wir sind uns uneinig' and can be reused when describing a shared situation or action.
sind 'sind' means 'are' here and links 'wir' with the state 'uns uneinig'. The pattern 'wir sind ...' describes a current situation involving the speaker and others.
uns 'uns' refers to the two teammates in the expression 'wir sind uns uneinig', meaning that they disagree with each other. It is part of this reciprocal expression and should be kept with 'wir sind ... uneinig' when describing a disagreement between people.
uneinig 'uneinig' means 'in disagreement' in 'wir sind uns uneinig'. The expression is useful at work when people hold different views about a decision, assumption, or plan.
weil 'weil' means 'because' and introduces the reason for the disagreement. In the clause beginning with 'weil', the conjugated verb comes at the end, as in 'weil wir von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgegangen sind'.
von 'von' presents the assumptions as the basis from which the team proceeded in 'von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgegangen'. The reusable pattern 'von etwas ausgehen' means to proceed from or assume something.
unterschiedlichen 'unterschiedlichen' means 'different' and describes 'Annahmen' in 'von unterschiedlichen Annahmen'. The ending fits the plural phrase after 'von'; the phrase is useful when explaining that people started with different assumptions.
Annahmen 'Annahmen' means 'assumptions' in this dialogue and names the ideas the teammates initially used as a basis. The phrase 'von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgehen' is useful for explaining why people reached different conclusions.
ausgegangen 'ausgegangen' means 'proceeded from' or 'assumed' in 'von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgegangen sind'. It is used with 'von' to identify the basis of an analysis, plan, or decision.
dachte 'dachte' means 'thought' in 'Ich dachte, ...' and reports what the speaker believed earlier. The pattern 'Ich dachte, ...' is useful for explaining a previous assumption or expectation.
der 'der' is the definite article in 'der Kunde', referring to the specific client being discussed. The phrase 'der Kunde' can be used when the listener already knows which client is meant.
Kunde 'Kunde' means 'client' in 'der Kunde'. It identifies the person or organization whose requested version is being discussed, and 'der Kunde wollte ...' is a useful pattern for reporting the client's wishes.
wollte 'wollte' means 'wanted' in 'der Kunde wollte zuerst ...' and reports the client's earlier preference. It is useful after a subject when describing what someone wanted to receive or do.
zuerst 'zuerst' means 'first' and places the simple version at the beginning of the planned sequence. It can be reused to order steps, for example when saying what should happen before a later stage.
eine 'eine' means 'a' or 'an' in 'eine einfache Version' and introduces one non-specific version. It belongs with the noun phrase 'eine einfache Version' when referring to one possible item.
einfache 'einfache' means 'simple' and describes the version the client supposedly wanted first. It is useful before a noun when presenting a solution as uncomplicated or limited in scope.
Version 'Version' means 'version' and refers to a form of the product or task output. The dialogue contrasts 'eine einfache Version' with 'eine vollständige Version', so the noun is useful when comparing different scopes of the same product.
erwartete 'erwartete' means 'expected' in 'der Kunde erwartete eine vollständige Version'. It reports the client's earlier expectation and can be reused to describe what someone believed would be delivered.
vollständige 'vollständige' means 'complete' and describes the version expected to contain all the features. It is useful before a noun when contrasting a full solution with a simpler initial version.
mit 'mit' means 'with' and adds the features included in 'eine vollständige Version mit allen Funktionen'. It is commonly used to specify what a product, document, or solution contains.
allen 'allen' means 'all' in 'mit allen Funktionen' and indicates that the version includes every feature under discussion. The pattern 'mit allen ...' is useful when describing something that includes the complete set of relevant items.
Funktionen 'Funktionen' means 'features' or 'functions' and refers to the capabilities of the version. In 'mit allen Funktionen', it names the items that are included in the complete version.
Lass 'Lass' means 'let' in the suggestion 'Lass uns die Notizen prüfen'. With 'uns' and an infinitive, it invites the other person to do something together, which is useful for proposing a cooperative action.
die 'die' is the definite article in 'die Notizen', referring to the specific notes relevant to the project. The phrase 'die Notizen prüfen' is useful when checking known written information.
Notizen 'Notizen' means 'notes' and refers to the project's written records. In 'Lass uns die Notizen prüfen', it is the information source used to resolve the disagreement.
prüfen 'prüfen' means 'check' or 'review' in 'die Notizen prüfen'. It is the infinitive after 'Lass uns' and can be reused with an object when proposing that something be examined carefully.
statt 'statt' means 'instead of' and contrasts checking the notes with arguing from memory. The pattern 'statt ... zu diskutieren' presents an alternative action that should be chosen instead.
aus 'aus' means 'from' in 'aus dem Gedächtnis' and describes the source of the information used for the discussion. The phrase is useful when someone relies on memory rather than written records.
dem 'dem' is the article in 'aus dem Gedächtnis', referring to the specific noun 'Gedächtnis' after 'aus'. Together with 'aus', it forms the phrase meaning 'from memory'.
Gedächtnis 'Gedächtnis' means 'memory' in 'aus dem Gedächtnis'. The phrase 'aus dem Gedächtnis diskutieren' describes discussing something without checking the written source.
zu 'zu' marks the infinitive in 'zu diskutieren' after 'statt'. The pattern 'statt ... zu diskutieren' is useful for saying that one action should replace another.
diskutieren 'diskutieren' means 'discuss' or 'argue' here, specifically discussing the issue from memory. The infinitive phrase 'aus dem Gedächtnis zu diskutieren' names the action that is being rejected.
In 'In' means 'in' and locates the information in 'den Notizen'. The phrase 'In den Notizen steht, dass ...' is useful for reporting what written notes or documents say.
den 'den' is the article in 'In den Notizen' and refers to the specific notes containing the project information. Together with 'In', it forms the location phrase 'In den Notizen'.
steht 'steht' literally relates to standing, but in 'In den Notizen steht' it means that something is written or stated in the notes. This pattern is useful when reporting information from a document.
dass 'dass' means 'that' and introduces the content of what the notes state. In the clause after 'dass', the conjugated verb appears at the end, as in 'dass Schnelligkeit am wichtigsten ist'.
Schnelligkeit 'Schnelligkeit' means 'speed' and names the quality that the notes rank highest. It is useful when discussing how quickly a task, system, or process should work.
am 'am' is part of the superlative expression 'am wichtigsten', meaning 'most important'. The expression 'am ...sten' is used here to rank one quality above the others.
wichtigsten 'wichtigsten' means 'most important' in 'am wichtigsten'. It expresses the highest priority in the notes, and the pattern 'X ist am wichtigsten' can be reused when ranking priorities.
ist 'ist' means 'is' and links 'Schnelligkeit' with the description 'am wichtigsten'. The pattern 'etwas ist ...' is used here to state the priority of something.
aber 'aber' means 'but' and introduces an exception to the priority of speed. It is useful for contrasting a main preference with an additional requirement.
fortgeschrittene 'fortgeschrittene' means 'advanced' and describes the required feature in 'eine fortgeschrittene Funktion'. It is useful when distinguishing a more sophisticated capability from a basic one.
Funktion 'Funktion' means 'feature' or 'function' and refers to the one advanced capability that must still be included. The phrase 'eine fortgeschrittene Funktion' is useful when specifying a particular product requirement.
trotzdem 'trotzdem' means 'nevertheless' or 'still' and shows that the feature remains necessary despite speed being the top priority. It is useful for keeping an additional condition after acknowledging a contrast.
nötig 'nötig' means 'necessary' or 'required' in 'eine fortgeschrittene Funktion trotzdem nötig ist'. It states that the feature cannot be left out, and the pattern 'etwas ist nötig' is useful for describing requirements.
einfachere 'einfachere' means 'simpler' and compares the proposed version with the more complete version. It is useful before a noun when presenting a less complex alternative.
dieser 'dieser' means 'this' in 'mit dieser Funktion' and points back to the advanced feature just mentioned. The phrase is useful when referring to a specific item already identified in the conversation.
klingt 'klingt' means 'sounds' in 'klingt nach dem richtigen Kompromiss'. Here it presents the proposed version as seeming suitable, rather than stating that suitability as an absolute fact.
nach 'nach' is part of 'klingt nach', which means 'sounds like' or 'seems like' in this sentence. The pattern 'etwas klingt nach ...' is useful when evaluating a suggestion cautiously.
richtigen 'richtigen' means 'right' or 'appropriate' in 'dem richtigen Kompromiss'. It describes the compromise as suitable for the competing priorities in the discussion.
Kompromiss 'Kompromiss' means 'compromise' and refers to the solution combining a simpler version with the required feature. It is useful when each side gives up part of its original position to reach an acceptable plan.
Damit 'Damit' means 'with that' and refers to the proposed compromise in 'Damit kann ich leben'. The whole expression is useful for saying that a solution is acceptable even if it is not perfect.
kann 'kann' means 'can' in 'Damit kann ich leben' and expresses the speaker's ability or willingness to accept the compromise. The pattern 'Ich kann ...' is useful for stating what the speaker is able or willing to do.
leben 'leben' literally means 'live', but in 'Damit kann ich leben' it contributes to the idiomatic meaning 'I can accept that'. The infinitive follows 'kann', and the expression is useful when accepting an imperfect but workable arrangement.
wenn 'wenn' means 'if' here and introduces the condition for accepting the compromise. The pattern 'wenn wir ...' is useful for linking an agreement to a required action or condition.
diesen 'diesen' means 'this' in 'diesen Kompromiss' and points to the specific compromise being discussed. It is useful when referring to one concrete agreement that has just been proposed.
klar 'klar' means 'clearly' in 'klar erklären' and describes how the compromise should be explained. The pattern 'etwas klar erklären' is useful when communicating a decision so that its consequences are understood.
können 'können' means 'can' or 'are able to' with the subject 'wir'. In 'Wir können es ... ausrichten', it is followed by the infinitive 'ausrichten' and expresses a possible team action.
es 'es' means 'it' and refers to the solution or version being framed around the client's priorities. It functions as the object of 'ausrichten' in 'Wir können es an den Prioritäten des Kunden ausrichten'.
an 'an' is part of the pattern 'etwas an etwas ausrichten', meaning to align something with a reference point. In this dialogue, it connects the proposed solution with the client's priorities.
Prioritäten 'Prioritäten' means 'priorities' and names the client's main concerns, especially speed and the required feature. The phrase 'an den Prioritäten des Kunden ausrichten' is useful when shaping a plan around what matters most to a client.
des 'des' means 'of the' in 'des Kunden' and introduces the client as the person associated with the priorities. Together with 'Kunden', it forms the phrase meaning 'the client's'.
Kunden 'Kunden' means 'client's' in 'des Kunden' and identifies whose priorities are being used as the reference. It is the form of 'Kunde' used in this possessive phrase, as also seen in 'der Kunde'.
ausrichten 'ausrichten' means 'align' or 'frame' in 'es an den Prioritäten des Kunden ausrichten'. The reusable pattern 'etwas an etwas ausrichten' keeps both the item being shaped and the priorities or standards it follows.
aktualisiere 'aktualisiere' means 'update' in 'Ich aktualisiere die Aufgabenbeschreibung'. It states the speaker's committed action, and the pattern 'Ich aktualisiere ...' is useful when taking responsibility for revising a document or task.
Aufgabenbeschreibung 'Aufgabenbeschreibung' means 'task description' and refers to the written description of what needs to be done. It is the direct object of 'aktualisiere', so the speaker will revise this document to reflect the decision.
entsprechend 'entsprechend' means 'accordingly' or 'in accordance with' in 'entsprechend unserer Entscheidung'. It connects the update to the decision, and the phrase is useful when changing something so that it matches an agreed result.
unserer 'unserer' means 'our' and shows that the decision belongs to the speaker and the other teammate. In 'unserer Entscheidung', it identifies the decision as jointly made.
Entscheidung 'Entscheidung' means 'decision' and refers to the compromise the teammates have agreed on. The phrase 'entsprechend unserer Entscheidung' is useful when updating plans or documents after reaching an agreement.
Dann 'Dann' means 'then' and marks the expected consequence of updating the task description. It is useful for connecting an action with what should happen afterward.
sollte 'sollte' means 'should' and expresses the expected result that the disagreement will no longer delay the project. The pattern 'etwas sollte ...' is useful for describing a likely or intended outcome without making an absolute prediction.
das 'das' is the definite article in 'das Projekt', referring to the specific project the teammates are working on. The phrase 'das Projekt' is used as the object of 'verlangsamen'.
Projekt 'Projekt' means 'project' and refers to the ongoing client-related work. In 'das Projekt nicht verlangsamen', it is the thing that should not be slowed down.
nicht 'nicht' means 'not' and negates the effect of slowing down the project. It is placed before 'verlangsamen' here to show that the disagreement should have no delaying effect.
verlangsamen 'verlangsamen' means 'slow down' and describes delaying the project's progress. It is the infinitive after 'sollte', and the pattern 'etwas verlangsamen' is useful when explaining what causes progress to become slower.

Grammar Points

statt + Genitiv

statt einer einfachen Version

shtat EYE-nuh EYN-fakh-en vair-ZYOHN

instead of a simple version

„statt“ steht häufig mit dem Genitiv. Bei femininen Nomen lautet die Form hier „einer einfachen Version“.

trotzdem + Verb an zweiter Stelle

Trotzdem klingt der Kompromiss einfacher.

TROTS-daym klinkt dair kom-proh-MISS EYN-fakh-uh

Nevertheless, the compromise sounds simpler.

Beginnt „trotzdem“ den Hauptsatz, steht das konjugierte Verb direkt danach an zweiter Stelle.

German Vocabulary

Annahmen noun
AHN-nah-men assumptions

von unterschiedlichen Annahmen

ausgegangen verb
OWS-guh-GAHN-gen assumed; proceeded on the basis of

wir sind von unterschiedlichen Annahmen ausgegangen

einfache adj
EYN-fakh-uh simple

eine einfache Version

erwartete verb
air-VAR-tuh-tuh expected

der Kunde erwartete

Funktionen noun
FOONK-tsee-OH-nen features; functions

mit allen Funktionen

Kunde noun
KUN-duh client; customer

der Kunde

Notizen noun
noh-TEET-sen notes

In den Notizen

prüfen verb
PRUU-fen to check; to examine

die Notizen prüfen

uneinig adj
oon-EY-nikh disagreeing; not in agreement

wir sind uns uneinig

Version noun
vair-ZYOHN version

eine einfache Version

vollständige adj
FOLL-shten-dig-uh complete

eine vollständige Version

zuerst adv
tsoo-AIRST first

wollte zuerst eine einfache Version

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

assumptions

Show AnswerAnnahmen

disagreeing; not in agreement

Show Answeruneinig

expected

Show Answererwartete

assumed; proceeded on the basis of

Show Answerausgegangen