Managing Baggage Weight Before a Flight | Learn German in English

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Use Managing Baggage Weight Before a Flight to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Mein Koffer fühlt sich schwer an, und die Gepäckgrenze ist wirklich streng.

mine KAW-fer fewlts zikh shvair ahn, oont dee geh-PEK-gren-tsuh ist VEERK-likh shtreng. My suitcase feels heavy, and the baggage allowance is really strict.

Wiege ihn, bevor wir losgehen, damit du ihn jetzt neu packen kannst, falls es nötig ist.

VEE-guh een beh-FOHR veer LOHS-gay-en, dah-MIT doo een yetst noy PAK-ken kahnst, fahls ess NUR-tikh ist. Weigh it before we leave so you can repack it now if needed.

Er ist zu schwer, also muss ich etwas herausnehmen.

air ist tsoo shvair, AHL-zoh mooss ikh ET-vahs heh-RAWS-nay-men. It's over the limit, so I need to take something out.

Lege schwere Sachen in deinen Rucksack, wenn sein Gewichtslimit das erlaubt.

LAY-guh SHVAIR-uh ZAKH-en in DYE-nen ROOK-zak, venn zine geh-VIKHTS-lee-meet dahs er-LOWBT. Move heavy items to your backpack if its weight allowance permits.

Die Bücher sind wahrscheinlich das Hauptproblem.

dee BYOO-kher zint vah-SHINE-likh dahs HOWPT-proh-blehm. The books are probably the main problem.

Nimm nur das Buch mit, das du für den Flug brauchst.

nim noor dahs bookh mit, dahs doo fewr den floog browkhst. Bring only the one you need for the flight.

Lass den Rest zu Hause.

lahss den rest tsoo HOW-zuh. Leave the rest at home.

Ich kann die Jacke anziehen, statt sie einzupacken.

ikh kahn dee YAK-uh AHN-tsee-en, shtat zee IN-tsu-pah-ken. I can wear the jacket instead of packing it.

Das sollte helfen, ohne dass du alles neu packen musst.

dahs ZOHL-tuh HEL-fen, OH-nuh dahss doo AH-les noy PAK-ken moost. That should help without making you repack everything.

Jetzt ist er unter dem Limit.

yetst ist air OON-ter daym LEE-meet. Now it's under the limit.

Dann können wir los, ohne den Koffer am Schalter öffnen zu müssen.

dahn KUR-nen veer lohs, OH-nuh den KAW-fer ahm SHAL-ter URF-nen tsoo MUR-sen. Then we can leave without opening the suitcase at the counter.

Word by Word

Mein “Mein” means “my” here and shows that the suitcase belongs to the speaker. In “Mein Koffer”, it comes directly before the thing owned. You can use this form when identifying something as yours in a conversation.

Koffer “Koffer” means “suitcase” here, the piece of baggage being weighed and repacked. In “Mein Koffer”, it is the item whose weight is being discussed. Use it when talking about a suitcase while travelling.

fühlt “fühlt” contributes the idea of feeling in “fühlt sich schwer an”. Together with “sich” and “an”, it describes how the suitcase seems to the speaker. This form is useful when describing how something feels.

sich “sich” refers back to the suitcase in “fühlt sich schwer an”. It is part of the expression used to say that something feels or seems a certain way. Use this construction when describing a thing’s apparent condition.

schwer “schwer” means “heavy” here and describes the perceived weight of the suitcase. In “fühlt sich schwer an”, it follows the description of how the suitcase feels. You can use it to describe an object that has a lot of weight.

an “an” is the separable part that completes the verb used in “fühlt sich schwer an”. At the end of the clause, it helps express that the suitcase feels heavy. This particle appears at the end when the verb is used in this sentence pattern.

und “und” means “and” and connects the statement about the suitcase with the statement about the baggage limit. It joins two related pieces of information in the same sentence. Use it to add another fact or idea.

die “die” means “the” in “die Gepäckgrenze”, while “Die” begins “Die Bücher” and also means “the”. It introduces a specific baggage limit and specific books already relevant to the conversation. Use it before these definite noun phrases when referring to known things.

Gepäckgrenze “Gepäckgrenze” means “baggage limit” here, the maximum weight allowed for the luggage. In “die Gepäckgrenze”, it is the rule that is described as strict. Use it when discussing an airline or travel limit for baggage.

ist “ist” means “is” and links “die Gepäckgrenze” with the description “wirklich streng”. It states the condition or quality of the baggage limit. Use it in a pattern such as “X ist Y” to describe something.

wirklich “wirklich” means “really” and strengthens the description of the baggage limit as strict. In “ist wirklich streng”, it emphasizes that the rule is strict in practice. Use it before a description when you want to add emphasis.

streng “streng” means “strict” here and describes the baggage limit. It says that the rule allows little flexibility about the weight. Use it for rules or requirements that are enforced firmly.

Wiege “Wiege” is a direct instruction to weigh the suitcase. In “Wiege ihn”, it addresses the other person and asks them to check its weight. Use this form when telling someone to weigh an item before leaving.

ihn “ihn” means “it” here and refers to the masculine noun “Koffer”. In “Wiege ihn”, it is the thing that should be weighed. Use it to refer back to this suitcase when it is the object of an action.

bevor “bevor” means “before” and introduces the time condition “bevor wir losgehen”. It shows that the weighing should happen prior to setting off. Use it before a clause to order one action earlier than another.

wir “wir” means “we” and identifies the group that will set off in “wir losgehen”. It includes the speaker and the other person. Use it when referring to an action done by both people together.

losgehen “losgehen” means “to leave” or “to set off” here. In “bevor wir losgehen”, it describes the moment when the two people begin their journey. Use it when talking about departing from a place.

damit “damit” means “so that” and introduces the purpose of weighing the suitcase. In “damit du ihn jetzt neu packen kannst”, it connects the weighing with the possibility of repacking. Use it to introduce an intended result or purpose.

du “du” means “you” and refers to the person who can repack the suitcase. In “damit du ... kannst”, it identifies the person performing that action. Use it when addressing one person directly.

jetzt “jetzt” means “now” and says that the suitcase can be repacked at this moment, before leaving. In “ihn jetzt neu packen”, it places the action in the present situation. Use it to point to the current time.

neu “neu” contributes the idea of doing the packing again or anew. In “neu packen”, it shows that the suitcase will be packed differently after checking its weight. Use it with an action when something is done again in a new arrangement.

packen “packen” means “to pack” here and refers to arranging things inside the suitcase again. In “neu packen”, it is the action made possible after weighing. Use it when talking about putting travel items into luggage.

kannst “kannst” means “can” here and expresses that the other person has the possibility to repack the suitcase. In “du ... packen kannst”, it comes with the action being possible. Use this form when telling one person what they are able or allowed to do.

falls “falls” means “if” or “in case” and introduces the condition “falls es nötig ist”. It leaves open whether repacking will actually be necessary. Use it to mention a possible condition before an action.

es “es” is the impersonal “it” in “falls es nötig ist”. Here it refers to the situation or action being necessary, rather than to a particular suitcase item. Use it in similar expressions that describe whether something is necessary.

nötig “nötig” means “necessary” in “es nötig ist”. It describes whether repacking is required in the current situation. Use it when deciding whether an action needs to be done.

er “Er” and “er” mean “it” here and refer back to the masculine noun “Koffer”. In “Er ist zu schwer” and “Jetzt ist er unter dem Limit”, the pronoun keeps the suitcase as the topic. Use this form when referring back to the suitcase in a later statement.

zu “zu” means “too” in “zu schwer”, showing that the suitcase exceeds the acceptable weight. It comes before the adjective and marks an excessive degree. Use this pattern when something has more of a quality than is acceptable.

also “also” means “so” or “therefore” and introduces the consequence of the suitcase being too heavy. In “also muss ich etwas herausnehmen”, it connects the problem with the necessary action. Use it to state a result or conclusion.

muss “muss” means “must” or “has to” and expresses the speaker’s necessity to remove something. In “muss ich etwas herausnehmen”, it comes before the action that is required. Use it when a situation makes an action necessary.

ich “ich” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who needs to remove something. In “muss ich etwas herausnehmen”, it is the person responsible for the action. Use it when speaking about your own action or obligation.

etwas “etwas” means “something” and refers to an unspecified item that will be removed from the suitcase. In “etwas herausnehmen”, the exact item has not yet been identified. Use it when the object is known to exist but is not specified.

herausnehmen “herausnehmen” means “to take out” here, referring to removing an item from the suitcase. In “etwas herausnehmen”, it takes the unspecified item as its object. Use this pattern when removing something from inside a container.

Lege “Lege” is a direct instruction to put or place something somewhere. In “Lege schwere Sachen in deinen Rucksack”, it tells the other person to move heavy items into the backpack. Use it when directing someone to place an object in a particular location.

schwere “schwere” means “heavy” and describes the items that should be moved. In “schwere Sachen”, it directly characterizes the things being placed in the backpack. Use it when identifying items by their weight.

Sachen “Sachen” means “things” or “items” here and refers to objects in the suitcase. In “schwere Sachen”, the word keeps the exact items unspecified. Use it for ordinary personal belongings or objects when a more specific noun is unnecessary.

in “in” means “into” here because the items are being moved to the inside of the backpack. In “in deinen Rucksack”, it marks the destination of the movement. Use it with a place or container that something is entering.

deinen “deinen” means “your” and identifies the backpack as belonging to the person being addressed. In “deinen Rucksack”, it comes before the noun it describes. Use it when referring to one person’s backpack or another possession.

Rucksack “Rucksack” means “backpack” here, the alternative place for carrying some heavy items. In “deinen Rucksack”, it is the destination for the things moved from the suitcase. Use it when talking about a backpack used for travel or carrying belongings.

wenn “wenn” means “if” here and introduces the condition that the backpack’s weight limit allows the move. In “wenn sein Gewichtslimit das erlaubt”, it makes the suggestion dependent on that condition. Use it to introduce a condition that may determine what happens.

sein “sein” means “its” here and shows that the weight limit belongs to the backpack. In “sein Gewichtslimit”, it comes before the noun describing what the backpack permits. Use it when referring to something belonging to a previously mentioned masculine or neuter thing.

Gewichtslimit “Gewichtslimit” means “weight limit” here, specifically the maximum weight allowed for the backpack. In “sein Gewichtslimit”, it is the condition that must allow the items to be moved. Use it when discussing an allowed weight for luggage or another object.

das “das” means “it” in “sein Gewichtslimit das erlaubt”, referring to the weight limit. In “das Buch” and “Das sollte helfen”, it is the definite article “the” before “Buch” or at the beginning of the sentence. Its meaning depends on whether it refers back to something or introduces a noun.

erlaubt “erlaubt” means “allows” or “permits” here. In “sein Gewichtslimit das erlaubt”, the weight limit determines whether moving the items is acceptable. Use it when a rule, limit, or condition makes an action possible.

Bücher “Bücher” means “books” here and identifies the likely source of the excess weight. In “Die Bücher sind wahrscheinlich das Hauptproblem”, it refers to several books. Use it when discussing multiple books as a group.

sind “sind” means “are” and links “Die Bücher” with the description “das Hauptproblem”. It states what role the books have in the baggage problem. Use it to describe or identify more than one thing.

wahrscheinlich “wahrscheinlich” means “probably” and shows that the speaker is making a likely but not certain judgment about the books. In “sind wahrscheinlich das Hauptproblem”, it softens the conclusion. Use it when something seems likely based on the available information.

Hauptproblem “Hauptproblem” means “main problem” here and identifies the books as the most important cause of the excess weight. In “das Hauptproblem”, it names the central difficulty. Use it when distinguishing the primary problem from other possible issues.

Nimm “Nimm” is a direct instruction to take something. In “Nimm nur das Buch mit”, it tells the other person to bring one book along rather than all the books. Use it when telling someone to take a particular item.

nur “nur” means “only” and limits what should be taken to one book. In “nur das Buch”, it excludes the other books from the travel luggage. Use it directly before the limited item or action.

Buch “Buch” means “book” here and refers to the single book needed for the flight. In “das Buch, das du für den Flug brauchst”, it is the item being taken along. Use it when referring to one book.

mit “mit” contributes the idea of taking something along in “Nimm ... mit”. It completes the separable verb meaning “take along” and appears at the end of the instruction. Use it when an item is going with someone to another place.

für “für” means “for” and connects the book with its purpose, the flight. In “für den Flug”, it shows when or why the book is needed. Use it before a noun that identifies the purpose of an item or action.

den “den” means “the” in “den Flug” and “den Koffer”. It introduces the specific flight and suitcase already known in the conversation. Use it before these definite noun phrases when referring to those particular things.

Flug “Flug” means “flight” here, the journey for which the book is needed. In “für den Flug”, it identifies the travel event connected with the book. Use it when discussing a flight as part of a travel plan.

brauchst “brauchst” means “need” here and says that the person addressed needs the book for the flight. In “das du für den Flug brauchst”, it describes the book selected for that purpose. Use it when saying that someone requires an item.

Lass “Lass” is a direct instruction to leave or keep something somewhere. In “Lass den Rest zu Hause”, it tells the other person not to bring the remaining items. Use it when directing someone to leave an object in a place.

Rest “Rest” means “the rest” or “the remainder” here and refers to the books that are not being taken. In “den Rest”, it identifies everything remaining after the selected book. Use it when referring to what is left of a group.

Hause “Hause” contributes the meaning “home” in the fixed expression “zu Hause”. In “den Rest zu Hause”, it identifies the place where the remaining items should stay. Use this expression when saying that someone or something is at home.

kann “kann” means “can” and expresses the speaker’s available option to wear the jacket. In “Ich kann die Jacke anziehen”, it introduces the action that is possible. Use it when describing what you are able or permitted to do.

Jacke “Jacke” means “jacket” here, the heavy item that can be worn instead of packed. In “die Jacke anziehen”, it is the clothing being put on. Use it when talking about a jacket as part of clothing or travel wear.

anziehen “anziehen” means “to put on” or “to wear” here, referring to putting on the jacket before travelling. In “die Jacke anziehen”, it is the alternative to packing the jacket. Use it when talking about putting on a piece of clothing.

statt “statt” means “instead of” and introduces the alternative action “sie einzupacken”. It contrasts wearing the jacket with putting it inside the suitcase. Use it to present one action as a replacement for another.

sie “sie” means “it” here and refers to the jacket in “statt sie einzupacken”. It is the item that would otherwise be packed. Use it to refer back to the jacket when it is the object of an action.

einzupacken “einzupacken” means “to pack” here, specifically to put the jacket into the suitcase. In “statt sie einzupacken”, it names the action that is avoided by wearing the jacket. Use this form after “statt” when describing an alternative action.

sollte “sollte” means “should” here and expresses an expectation that the change will help. In “Das sollte helfen”, it presents the result as likely rather than certain. Use it when predicting or suggesting a probable helpful result.

helfen “helfen” means “to help” here and refers to reducing the packing problem. In “Das sollte helfen”, the subject is the solution of wearing the jacket. Use it when an action or solution is expected to improve a situation.

ohne “ohne” means “without” and introduces the condition that the suitcase does not need to be opened. In “ohne dass du alles neu packen musst”, it describes avoiding an additional action. Use it to say that something happens in the absence of another action.

dass “dass” means “that” and introduces the clause “dass du alles neu packen musst”. It connects the idea of avoiding something with the action that is not required. Use it to introduce a subordinate statement about an action or situation.

alles “alles” means “everything” here and refers to the entire suitcase contents that would otherwise need repacking. In “alles neu packen”, it makes the scope of the action total. Use it when referring to a complete set of things.

musst “musst” means “must” or “have to” and expresses the obligation to repack everything. In “du alles neu packen musst”, it says that this obligation is avoided. Use it when describing something one person is required to do.

unter “unter” means “under” or “below” in “unter dem Limit”. It shows that the suitcase’s weight is now lower than the permitted limit. Use it when comparing a quantity with a limit or threshold.

dem “dem” means “the” in “unter dem Limit” and introduces the specific limit being discussed. It forms the noun phrase referring to the baggage threshold. Use it here as part of the expression for being below that limit.

Limit “Limit” means “limit” here and refers to the maximum allowed baggage weight. In “unter dem Limit”, it is the threshold that the suitcase is now below. Use it when discussing a permitted maximum.

Dann “Dann” means “then” and connects the suitcase being under the limit with the next consequence. It indicates what can happen after the weight problem is solved. Use it to introduce a result that follows from a previous situation.

können “können” means “can” or “are able to” here and expresses that both people are now free to leave. In “können wir los”, it introduces the possibility of setting off. Use it when describing what a group is able to do.

los “los” contributes the idea of going away or setting off in “können wir los”. Together, the expression says that they can leave. Use it in this short expression when it is time to depart.

am “am” means “at the” in “am Schalter”. It identifies the location where the suitcase might otherwise be opened. Use it before a place or service point when referring to being at that location.

Schalter “Schalter” means “counter” or “desk” here, specifically the airport counter. In “am Schalter”, it is the place where the luggage might be checked. Use it when talking about a service or check-in counter.

öffnen “öffnen” means “to open” here and refers to opening the suitcase at the counter. In “den Koffer ... öffnen zu müssen”, it is the action that they hope to avoid. Use it when talking about opening a container, door, or other closed object.

müssen “müssen” contributes the meaning “have to” in “öffnen zu müssen”. With “ohne”, the complete phrase means “without having to open the suitcase”. Use it in a pattern describing an action that is required, including in the construction “etwas öffnen zu müssen”.

Grammar Points

sich anfühlen: sich ... anfühlen

Der Koffer fühlt sich schwer an.

dair KAW-fer fewlt zikh shvair ahn.

The suitcase feels heavy.

The separable verb splits: the reflexive pronoun comes after the subject, and an moves to the end.

mitnehmen: Nimm ... mit

Nimm den Rucksack mit.

nim den ROOK-zak mit.

Take the backpack along.

This separable verb splits in a command: the verb comes first and mit comes at the end.

German Vocabulary

etwas pron

ET-vahs something

Gepäckgrenze noun

geh-PEK-gren-tsuh baggage limit

herausnehmen verb

heh-RAWS-nay-men to take out

Koffer noun

KAW-fer suitcase

losgehen verb

LOHS-gay-en to leave; to set off

neu packen phrase

noy PAK-ken to repack

nötig adj

NUR-tikh necessary

Sache noun

ZAKH-uh thing; item Sachen

schwer adj

shvair heavy

sich anfühlen verb

zikh AHN-few-len to feel fühlt sich ... an

streng adj

shtreng strict

wiegen verb

VEE-gen to weigh Wiege

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

The books are probably the main problem.

Show Answer

Die Bücher sind wahrscheinlich das Hauptproblem.

Leave the rest at home.

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Lass den Rest zu Hause.

Now it's under the limit.

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Jetzt ist er unter dem Limit.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

necessary

Show Answer

nötig

to weigh

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Wiege

to leave; to set off

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losgehen

heavy

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schwer