Researching local history | Learn German in English

About This Lesson

Use Researching local history to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ich recherchiere zur lokalen Geschichte und brauche bessere Quellen.

ikh reh-kher-SHEE-ruh tsoor loh-KAH-len geh-SHIKH-tuh oont BROW-khuh BEH-suh-ruh KVEL-len. I'm researching local history and need stronger sources.

Grenzen wir das Thema zuerst ein, damit die Datenbanksuche nützliche Einträge liefert.

GREN-tsen veer das TAY-mah tsoo-AIRST ine, dah-MIT dee DAH-ten-bahnk-SOO-khuh NOOTZ-likh-uh IN-tray-guh LEEF-ert. Let's narrow the topic first so the database search returns useful records.

Ich habe es mit allgemeinen Suchbegriffen versucht, aber die Ergebnisse waren völlig unübersichtlich.

ikh HAH-buh ess mit al-guh-MY-nen SOOKH-beh-GRIF-en fer-ZOOKHT, AH-ber dee er-GEB-nis-suh VAH-ren FUR-likh oon-OO-buh-ZIKHT-likh. I tried broad keywords, and the results were all over the place.

Verwenden Sie den Namen des Viertels, einen Zeitraum und die Quellenart als Filter.

fer-VEN-den zee den NAH-men dess FEER-tels, EYE-nen TSYTE-rowm oont dee KVEL-len-art als FIL-ter. Use the neighborhood name, a date range, and the source type as filters.

Könnten Sie mir zeigen, wie ich auf die Zeitungsarchive zugreifen kann?

KURNT-en zee meer TSOY-gen, vee ikh owf dee TSYTE-oongs-ar-KHEE-vuh tsoo-GRY-fen kahn? Could you show me how to access the newspaper archives?

Einige Archive lassen sich nur im Bibliotheksnetz öffnen.

EYE-ni-guh ar-KHEE-vuh LAHS-sen zikh noor im bee-blee-oh-TEHKS-nets URF-nen. Some archives open only on the library network.

Beginnen Sie also auf dieser Katalogseite.

beh-GIN-en zee AL-zoh owf DEE-zer kah-tah-LOHK-zYTE-uh. So start from this catalogue page.

Das erklärt, warum sie von zu Hause aus nicht geladen werden konnten.

dass erk-LAIRT, vah-ROOM zee fon tsoo HOW-zuh ows nikht geh-LAH-den VAIR-den KUN-ten. That explains why they would not load from home.

Verwenden Sie jetzt diesen Computer.

fer-VEN-den zee yetst DEE-zen kom-POO-ter. Use this computer now.

Oder melden Sie sich über den Archivlink mit Ihrem Bibliotheksausweis an.

OH-der MEL-den zee zikh OO-ber den ar-KHEEF-link mit EE-rem bee-blee-oh-TEHKS-ows-vाइस ahn. Or sign in with your library card from the archive link.

Das sollte mir viel Zeit sparen.

dass ZOLL-tuh meer feel TSYTE SHPAH-ren. That should save me a lot of time.

Dadurch sollten Sie auch Quellen bekommen, die sich leichter zitieren lassen.

DAH-doorkh ZOLL-ten zee owkh KVEL-len beh-KOM-en, dee zikh LYTE-er tsih-TEE-ren LAHS-sen. It should also give you sources that are easier to cite.

Word by Word

Ich “Ich” means “I” and is the person doing the research in “Ich recherchiere”. It is used as the subject before a first-person verb. Use “Ich” when introducing your own action, opinion, or need.

recherchiere “recherchiere” means “am researching” in this dialogue. It describes the speaker’s current research activity and follows the subject “Ich”. A useful pattern is “Ich recherchiere zu …” when saying what you are researching.

zur “zur” means “about” or “concerning” in “zur lokalen Geschichte”. It is the contracted form used before “lokalen Geschichte” in this topic expression. Use “zur” in a phrase such as “zur Geschichte” when referring to a subject or field.

lokalen “lokalen” means “local” in “zur lokalen Geschichte”. It describes the kind of history being researched and stands directly before “Geschichte”. Use an adjective in the same position when specifying the type of subject or source.

Geschichte “Geschichte” means “history” in this research topic. It is the subject of the phrase “zur lokalen Geschichte”. Use “Geschichte” when discussing the past of a place, community, or country.

und “und” means “and” and joins “Ich recherchiere …” with “brauche bessere Quellen”. It connects two actions or statements by the same speaker. Use “und” to add another related action or need.

brauche “brauche” means “need” in “brauche bessere Quellen”. It states that the speaker requires stronger sources for the research. A useful pattern is “Ich brauche …” followed by the thing that is needed.

bessere “bessere” means “better” or “stronger” in “bessere Quellen”. It compares the needed sources with the sources the speaker currently has or has tried. Use “bessere” before a noun when asking for or describing improved options.

Quellen “Quellen” means “sources” in “bessere Quellen”. These are the materials used to support the local-history research. Use “Quellen” when discussing documents, records, or other research materials.

Grenzen “Grenzen” means “narrow” or “limit” in the instruction “Grenzen wir das Thema zuerst ein”. It contributes the action of reducing the topic’s scope. Use “Grenzen … ein” with a topic, search, or area that needs to become more focused.

wir “wir” means “we” in “Grenzen wir das Thema zuerst ein”. Here it includes the speaker and the researcher in a suggested joint action. Use “wir” when proposing that several people do something together.

das “das” means “the” in “das Thema” and points to the specific topic being discussed. It comes directly before the noun “Thema”. Use “das” before a neuter noun when referring to a particular thing.

Thema “Thema” means “topic” in the instruction to narrow the research subject. It is the object of the action in “Grenzen wir das Thema zuerst ein”. Use “Thema” when discussing the subject of a search, discussion, or project.

zuerst “zuerst” means “first” and shows that narrowing the topic should happen before the database search. It marks the order of actions. Use “zuerst” to state what should be done before something else.

ein “ein” is the separable particle that completes “Grenzen … ein” in “Grenzen wir das Thema zuerst ein”. Together, the construction means to narrow or limit something. In a main-clause command or suggestion, the particle appears at the end after the object and other sentence elements.

damit “damit” means “so that” and introduces the intended result of narrowing the topic. The clause after “damit” explains the purpose of the action. Use “damit” to connect an action with the result it is meant to achieve.

die “die” means “the” in “die Datenbanksuche”. It identifies the specific database search that should return useful records. Use “die” before a feminine noun when referring to a particular thing.

Datenbanksuche “Datenbanksuche” means “database search” in this library-research context. It is the search process expected to produce useful records. Use this compound when referring to a search carried out in a database.

nützliche “nützliche” means “useful” in “nützliche Einträge”. It describes records that help with the researcher’s purpose. Use “nützliche” before a noun to identify something practically helpful.

Einträge “Einträge” means “records” or “entries” returned by the database search. It refers to the individual results found in the database. Use “Einträge” when talking about listed records or database entries.

liefert “liefert” means “returns” or “provides” in “die Datenbanksuche … liefert”. It describes what the database search produces. A useful pattern is “Die Suche liefert …” followed by the results.

habe “habe” means “have” in “Ich habe es mit allgemeinen Suchbegriffen versucht”. Here it helps form the statement that the speaker tried something. Use “Ich habe … versucht” to describe an attempted method or action.

es “es” means “it” in “Ich habe es mit allgemeinen Suchbegriffen versucht”. It refers to the attempted approach rather than naming that approach again. Use “es mit … versuchen” when saying that you tried something using a particular method or resource.

mit “mit” means “with” in “es mit allgemeinen Suchbegriffen versucht”. It introduces the means or material used for the attempt. Use “mit” before a tool, method, or type of input used to do something.

allgemeinen “allgemeinen” means “general” or “broad” in “allgemeinen Suchbegriffen”. It describes search terms that are not narrowly focused. Use this adjective before a noun when describing something broad or nonspecific.

Suchbegriffen “Suchbegriffen” means “search terms” or “keywords” in the attempted database search. These are the words entered to look for information. Use “mit Suchbegriffen” when explaining what terms you used for a search.

versucht “versucht” means “tried” in “Ich habe es mit allgemeinen Suchbegriffen versucht”. It states that the speaker tested a particular search method. Use “etwas versuchen” to describe trying an action or approach.

aber “aber” means “but” and contrasts the attempted broad search with its poor results. It introduces the unexpected or opposing statement. Use “aber” to connect an action or expectation with a contrasting result.

Ergebnisse “Ergebnisse” means “results” in “die Ergebnisse waren völlig unübersichtlich”. It refers to what the broad search produced. Use “Ergebnisse” when discussing the outcomes of a search, test, or investigation.

waren “waren” means “were” in “die Ergebnisse waren völlig unübersichtlich”. It links the plural subject “die Ergebnisse” with its description. Use “waren” to describe a past state of more than one thing.

völlig “völlig” means “completely” in “völlig unübersichtlich”. It strengthens the description of the results as confusing or disorganized. Use “völlig” before an adjective when describing something as total or complete.

unübersichtlich “unübersichtlich” means “confusing” or “difficult to organize or follow” in the description of the search results. It explains why the broad search was not useful. Use it for results, information, or layouts that are hard to navigate because they lack clear organization.

Verwenden “Verwenden” means “use” in the formal instruction “Verwenden Sie den Namen des Viertels …”. It tells the researcher which information to apply as filters. Use “Verwenden Sie …” when giving a formal instruction about a tool, method, or resource.

Sie “Sie” means formal “you” in the librarian’s instructions. It addresses the researcher politely and is used as the subject of the formal commands. Use “Sie” when speaking respectfully to one person or more than one person in a formal context.

den “den” means “the” in “den Namen des Viertels”. It introduces the specific neighborhood name to be used as a filter. Use “den” before a masculine noun in this object position.

Namen “Namen” means “name” in “den Namen des Viertels”. It refers to the identifying name of the neighborhood. Use “den Namen von …” or “den Namen des …” when specifying the name of a person, place, or thing.

des “des” means “of the” in “des Viertels”. It links the name to the neighborhood it belongs to. Use “des” in a phrase that identifies what a masculine or neuter noun is associated with.

Viertels “Viertels” means “neighborhood” or “district” in “den Namen des Viertels”. It identifies the local area whose name should be used in the search. Use “Viertel” when referring to a district within a town or city.

einen “einen” means “a” or “one” in “einen Zeitraum”. It introduces a date period to be used as another search filter. Use “einen” before a masculine noun in this kind of object phrase.

Zeitraum “Zeitraum” means “period” or “date range” in the list of search filters. It narrows the research by specifying when something happened. Use “Zeitraum” when referring to a defined span of time.

Quellenart “Quellenart” means “source type” in “die Quellenart als Filter”. It identifies the category of source to select in the search. Use this compound when distinguishing types of research material.

als “als” means “as” in “als Filter”. It states the role in which the neighborhood name, period, and source type should be used. Use “als” to describe something’s function or use in a particular role.

Filter “Filter” means “filters” in the search instructions. The listed details are used to reduce the number of database results. Use “Filter” when referring to settings or criteria that narrow a search.

Könnten “Könnten” means “could” in the polite request “Könnten Sie mir zeigen …?”. It makes the request courteous rather than direct. Use “Könnten Sie …?” when asking someone formally for help or an explanation.

mir “mir” means “to me” in “Könnten Sie mir zeigen …?”. It identifies the person who should receive the demonstration. Use “mir zeigen” when asking someone to show something to you.

zeigen “zeigen” means “show” in “Könnten Sie mir zeigen, wie …?”. It introduces the requested demonstration. A useful pattern is “Könnten Sie mir zeigen, wie …?” when asking someone to explain a procedure by showing it.

wie “wie” means “how” in “wie ich auf die Zeitungsarchive zugreifen kann”. It introduces the method the researcher wants to learn. Use “wie” before a clause that explains how an action is done.

auf “auf” belongs to the expression “auf die Zeitungsarchive zugreifen” and introduces what is accessed. In this expression, it is used with the archives as the target of access. Use “auf … zugreifen” when referring to accessing a digital resource, system, or archive.

Zeitungsarchive “Zeitungsarchive” means “newspaper archives”. It refers to the archived newspaper material the researcher wants to access. Use this compound when discussing collections of historical newspapers.

zugreifen “zugreifen” means “access” in “auf die Zeitungsarchive zugreifen”. It describes reaching or using a digital archive. Use the pattern “auf … zugreifen” and keep the accessed resource after “auf”.

kann “kann” means “can” in “wie ich auf die Zeitungsarchive zugreifen kann”. It expresses that the researcher is asking how access is possible. In this subordinate clause, “kann” appears at the end after the infinitive “zugreifen”.

Einige “Einige” means “some” in “Einige Archive”. It indicates that the statement applies to part of the archives, not necessarily all of them. Use “Einige” before a plural noun when referring to an unspecified subset.

Archive “Archive” means “archives” in “Einige Archive”. These are the collections that can only be opened through the library network. Use “Archive” for organized collections of stored documents or digital material.

lassen “lassen” contributes to the construction “lassen sich … öffnen”, which says that the archives can be opened under the stated conditions. It is used with “sich” and an infinitive to describe whether something can undergo an action. A useful pattern is “Das lässt sich …” when describing whether something can be done.

sich “sich” is the reflexive element in “lassen sich … öffnen”. Together with “lassen” and “öffnen”, it presents the archives as capable of being opened. Keep “sich” in this construction when describing whether a thing can be opened, changed, or used.

nur “nur” means “only” in “nur im Bibliotheksnetz”. It limits the place or network where the archives can be opened. Use “nur” directly before the restricted condition, place, or option.

im “im” means “in the” in “im Bibliotheksnetz”. It identifies the network in which access is possible. It is commonly used before a place or environment when saying that something happens inside it.

Bibliotheksnetz “Bibliotheksnetz” means “library network”. It is the network condition required for opening some archives. Use this compound when referring to the digital network provided by a library.

öffnen “öffnen” means “open” in “lassen sich … öffnen”. It describes opening the archive resources. The infinitive follows the construction with “lassen sich”.

Beginnen “Beginnen” means “start” or “begin” in the formal instruction “Beginnen Sie also auf dieser Katalogseite”. It tells the researcher where to start the access process. Use “Beginnen Sie …” to give a formal instruction about the starting point.

also “also” means “so” or “therefore” in “Beginnen Sie also …”. It connects the previous access condition with the librarian’s resulting advice. Use “also” to introduce a conclusion or practical next step.

dieser “dieser” means “this” in “dieser Katalogseite”. It points to the specific catalogue page being indicated. Use a form of “dies-” before a noun when referring to a particular nearby or identified item.

Katalogseite “Katalogseite” means “catalogue page”. It is the page from which the librarian tells the researcher to begin. Use this compound when referring to a page in a library catalogue.

erklärt “erklärt” means “explains” in “Das erklärt, warum …”. It introduces the reason that makes the earlier problem understandable. Use “Das erklärt, warum …” when a fact accounts for a result or situation.

warum “warum” means “why” in “warum sie von zu Hause aus nicht geladen werden konnten”. It introduces the reason for the failed loading. Use “warum” to ask for or state the cause of something.

von “von” means “from” in the expression “von zu Hause aus”. It marks home as the starting location of the attempted access. Use “von … aus” when describing an action performed from a particular place.

zu “zu” is part of the fixed expression “zu Hause”, meaning “at home”. Together with “von” and “aus”, it forms “von zu Hause aus”, meaning “from home”. Use “zu Hause” when referring to being at home.

Hause “Hause” appears in the fixed expression “zu Hause” and means “home” in this context. The full phrase “von zu Hause aus” identifies home as the place from which access was attempted. Use the complete expression when describing something done from home.

aus “aus” completes “von zu Hause aus”, meaning “from home”. It emphasizes the place from which the attempted loading took place. Use “von … aus” to express the starting point of an action or connection.

nicht “nicht” means “not” and negates the statement that the archives could be loaded. It appears before the participle phrase “geladen werden konnten”. Use “nicht” to deny or negate an action, state, or possibility.

geladen “geladen” means “loaded” in “nicht geladen werden konnten”. It describes the result that did not happen for the archives. With “werden”, it forms the passive part of the clause describing whether the archives could be loaded.

werden “werden” is used with “geladen” to form the passive expression “geladen werden”. It presents the archives as the resources receiving the loading action. In this clause, it appears before the modal form “konnten”.

konnten “konnten” means “could” or “were able to” in “nicht geladen werden konnten”. With “nicht”, it says that loading the archives was not possible from home. Use this form to describe a past inability or unavailable possibility.

jetzt “jetzt” means “now” in “Verwenden Sie jetzt diesen Computer”. It marks the current moment as the time to use the computer. Use “jetzt” to tell someone that an action should happen at this time.

diesen “diesen” means “this” in “diesen Computer”. It points to the particular computer available for immediate use. Use a form of “dies-” before a noun when directing attention to a specific item.

Computer “Computer” means “computer” in the librarian’s instruction. It identifies the device the researcher can use to access the archives. Use “Computer” when referring to a computer as a device or workstation.

Oder “Oder” means “or” and introduces an alternative to using the library computer. It connects two possible ways to access the archive. Use “oder” when offering another option.

melden “melden” is the verb used in “melden Sie sich … an”, meaning “sign in” when combined with the reflexive pronoun and separable particle. It describes logging into the archive. Use the pattern “sich … anmelden” for signing in to a service or system.

über “über” means “via” or “through” in “über den Archivlink”. It identifies the route used to begin the sign-in process. Use “über” before a link, website, channel, or route through which an action is carried out.

Archivlink “Archivlink” means “archive link”. It is the link through which the researcher can start signing in. Use this compound when referring to a link leading to an archive.

Ihrem “Ihrem” means “your” in the formal phrase “mit Ihrem Bibliotheksausweis”. It refers respectfully to the researcher’s library card. Use this formal possessive form after “mit” when addressing someone politely.

Bibliotheksausweis “Bibliotheksausweis” means “library card”. It is the identification or access card used for signing in to the archive. Use this compound when referring to a card issued by a library.

an “an” is the separable particle in “melden Sie sich … an”. Together with “melden” and “sich”, it forms the expression for signing in. In a main-clause instruction, the particle appears at the end of the sentence.

sollte “sollte” means “should” in “Das sollte mir viel Zeit sparen”. It expresses the librarian’s expectation that the suggested method will save time. Use “Das sollte …” when predicting an expected or intended result.

viel “viel” means “a lot of” or “much” in “viel Zeit”. It describes a large amount of time. Use “viel” before an uncounted quantity such as time.

Zeit “Zeit” means “time” in “mir viel Zeit sparen”. It is the resource the researcher expects not to waste. Use “Zeit sparen” when describing an action that makes a task take less time.

sparen “sparen” means “save” in “viel Zeit sparen”. It describes avoiding unnecessary time spent on the research process. Use the pattern “Zeit sparen” when saying that a method makes something quicker.

Dadurch “Dadurch” means “through that” or “as a result” in “Dadurch sollten Sie auch Quellen bekommen …”. It refers to the access method just described and introduces its consequence. Use “Dadurch” to link an earlier action or condition with a resulting benefit.

auch “auch” means “also” in “sollten Sie auch Quellen bekommen”. It adds another expected benefit besides saving time. Use “auch” when adding one more result, person, or item to what has already been mentioned.

sollten “sollten” means “should” in “Dadurch sollten Sie … Quellen bekommen”. It expresses the librarian’s expectation about the result for the researcher. Use “sollten” with a formal plural or “Sie” subject when describing an expected outcome.

bekommen “bekommen” means “get” or “receive” in “Quellen bekommen”. It describes obtaining sources through the improved access method. Use “bekommen” when saying that someone receives or obtains something.

leichter “leichter” means “more easily” in “die sich leichter zitieren lassen”. It compares the effort needed to cite these sources with the effort for other sources. Use “leichter” before an infinitive when describing an action that becomes easier to perform.

zitieren “zitieren” means “cite” in “Quellen, die sich leichter zitieren lassen”. It refers to using the sources as references in research writing. Use “Quellen zitieren” when describing the practice of referring to research sources.

Grammar Points

Trennbares Verb: eingrenzen → ... grenzen ... ein

Grenzen ... ein

GREN-tsen ... EYE-n

narrow down

Bei trennbaren Verben steht die Vorsilbe im Satz oft am Ende: ein.

Trennbares reflexives Verb: sich anmelden → ... melden Sie sich ... an

Melden Sie sich ... an

MEL-den zee zikh ... AHN

Bei der höflichen Aufforderung stehen Verb, Reflexivpronomen und Vorsilbe getrennt.

German Vocabulary

allgemein adj

al-guh-MYNE general; broad allgemeinen

Datenbanksuche noun

DAH-ten-bahnk-SOO-khuh database search

eingrenzen verb

EYE-n-GREN-tsen to narrow down Grenzen ... ein

Eintrag noun

EYE-n-trahk record; entry Einträge

lokale Geschichte phrase

loh-KAH-luh geh-SHIKH-tuh local history lokalen Geschichte

Quelle noun

KVEL-luh source Quellen

recherchieren verb

reh-kher-SHEE-ren to research recherchiere

Suchbegriff noun

SOOKH-beh-GRIF search term; keyword Suchbegriffen

Thema noun

TAY-mah topic

unübersichtlich adj

oon-OO-buh-ZIKHT-likh confusing; unclear

Viertel noun

FEER-tel neighborhood Viertels

Zeitraum noun

TSYTE-rowm date range; period

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

So start from this catalogue page.

Show Answer

Beginnen Sie also auf dieser Katalogseite.

Use this computer now.

Show Answer

Verwenden Sie jetzt diesen Computer.

That should save me a lot of time.

Show Answer

Das sollte mir viel Zeit sparen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

source

Show Answer

Quellen

topic

Show Answer

Thema

to research

Show Answer

recherchiere

general; broad

Show Answer

allgemeinen