Responding politely to noise in a quiet library area | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: In a library silent area, two adults decide how to politely respond when nearby people are talking..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Responding politely to noise in a quiet library area to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Die Leute hinter uns reden im Ruhebereich.

dee LOY-tuh HIN-ter oons RAY-den im ROO-uh-buh-RYEKH. The people behind us are talking in the silent area.
B

Das lenkt ab, aber wir können höflich damit umgehen.

dahss lenkt ahp, AH-ber veer KURN-en HURF-likh dah-MIT OOM-gay-en. It's distracting, but we can handle it politely.
A

Soll ich mit ihnen sprechen oder die Bibliothekarin fragen?

zohl ikh mit EE-nen SHPREKH-en OH-der dee bee-blee-oh-tay-KAH-rin FRAH-gen? Should I speak to them or ask the librarian?
B

Versuch es zuerst mit einer leisen Erinnerung, es sei denn, das ist dir unangenehm.

fer-ZOOKH ess tsoo-AIRST mit EYE-ner LYE-zen eh-IN-uh-roong, ess zye denn, dahss ist deer oon-AHN-guh-NAYM. Try a quiet reminder first, unless that feels uncomfortable.
A

Ich könnte sie bitten, das Gespräch nach draußen zu verlegen.

ikh KURN-tuh zee BIT-en, dahss guh-SHPREKH nahkh DROUW-sen tsoo fer-LAY-gen. I could ask them to take the conversation outside.
B

So ist es klar, ohne unhöflich zu klingen.

zoh ist ess klahr, OH-nuh oon-HURF-likh tsoo KLEENG-en. That keeps it clear without sounding rude.
A

Wenn sie weiterreden, können wir die Bibliothekarin bitten, einzugreifen.

ven zee VY-ter-RAY-den, KURN-en veer dee bee-blee-oh-tay-KAH-rin BIT-en, EYE-n-tsoo-GRY-fen. If they keep talking, we can ask the librarian to step in.
B

So wird daraus keine Szene.

zoh veert dah-ROWSS KYE-nuh TSAY-nuh. That way, it doesn't turn into a scene.
A

Ich würde das lieber tun, als mich laut zu beschweren.

ikh VUR-duh dahss LEE-ber toon, ahls mikh lowt tsoo buh-SHVAIR-en. I'd rather do that than complain loudly.
B

Lass uns leise fragen und dann weiterlernen.

lahss oons LYE-zuh FRAH-gen oont dahn VY-ter-LAIR-nen. Let's ask quietly, then get back to studying.

Word by Word

Die In "Die Leute" and "die Bibliothekarin", "Die" is the definite article meaning “the.” It identifies specific people or a specific librarian already relevant in the situation. A reusable pattern is "die" plus a noun for a specific feminine noun or a plural noun.
Leute "Leute" means “people” here, referring to the nearby people who are talking. It is commonly used for people in general or a particular group, as in "die Leute". The form is normally used as a plural noun.
hinter In "hinter uns", "hinter" means “behind” and describes the people’s position relative to the speakers. It is reusable with a person or place, such as "hinter dem Gebäude" in a new example.
uns In "hinter uns", "uns" means “us,” the speakers. It follows "hinter" in this location expression and identifies the reference point. A reusable pattern is "hinter uns" for something located behind the speakers.
reden "Reden" means “talk” in "Die Leute hinter uns reden". It describes the people’s current talking in the quiet area. A reusable pattern is "jemand redet" when someone is talking.
im "Im Ruhebereich" means “in the silent area”; "im" is the contracted form used before "Ruhebereich". It introduces the place where the talking happens. A reusable pattern is "im" plus a place noun, as in "im Büro" in a new example.
Ruhebereich "Ruhebereich" means “silent area” or “quiet area” in the library. It names the designated place where people are expected to remain quiet. The compound combines the idea of quiet with an area or section.
Das In "Das lenkt ab", "Das" means “that” or “it” and refers to the talking just mentioned. It functions as the subject of the sentence. A reusable pattern is "Das" referring back to a situation or action already known.
lenkt In "Das lenkt ab", "lenkt" contributes the meaning “distracts” as part of the expression "lenkt ... ab". The form agrees with the singular subject "Das". Use the pattern "etwas lenkt mich ab" when something distracts you in a new example.
ab In "Das lenkt ab", "ab" completes the separable expression "lenkt ... ab", meaning “distracts.” It is separated from "lenkt" because the verb appears in this main clause. In a reusable sentence, the verb parts can surround the object, as in "Der Lärm lenkt mich ab" in a new example.
aber "Aber" means “but” and connects the distraction with the more positive response that follows. It marks a contrast between the problem and handling it politely. A reusable pattern is "..., aber ..." to connect two contrasting statements.
wir "Wir" means “we” and refers to both speakers together. It is the subject of "wir können höflich damit umgehen". Use "wir" when describing an action done by the speaker and at least one other person.
können "Können" means “can” in "wir können höflich damit umgehen", expressing ability or a possible way to respond. It is followed by the infinitive "umgehen" at the end of the clause. A reusable pattern is "Wir können ..." plus an infinitive.
höflich "Höflich" means “politely” here and describes the intended manner of dealing with the noise. It emphasizes a respectful response rather than an aggressive one. It can describe how someone acts, as in "höflich fragen" in a new example.
damit In "damit umgehen", "damit" means “with it” and refers to the distracting talking or situation. Together with "umgehen", it forms the reusable expression "mit etwas umgehen" or "damit umgehen" for dealing with something. Here, the speakers say they can handle the situation politely.
umgehen In "damit umgehen", "umgehen" means “deal with” or “handle,” not simply “go around.” It combines with "mit" or the pronoun "damit" to describe handling a situation. The reusable pattern is "mit etwas umgehen".
Soll At the start of "Soll ich mit ihnen sprechen ...?", "Soll" asks whether the speaker ought to take the proposed action. It forms a question about what would be appropriate. A reusable pattern is "Soll ich ...?" plus an infinitive for asking what to do.
ich "Ich" means “I” and refers to the speaker who is considering speaking to the people or asking the librarian. It is the subject of the question with "Soll". A reusable pattern is "Soll ich ...?" when asking about your own next action.
mit In "mit ihnen sprechen", "mit" means “with” and introduces the people the speaker may talk to. It is part of the expression "mit jemandem sprechen". Use this pattern when naming the person or group involved in a conversation.
ihnen In "mit ihnen sprechen", "ihnen" means “them” and refers to the people who are talking. It follows "mit" in this expression for speaking with someone. The reusable pattern is "mit ihnen sprechen" when the people have already been mentioned.
sprechen "Sprechen" means “speak” or “talk” in "mit ihnen sprechen". It appears after the modal verb "Soll" in the infinitive form. A reusable pattern is "mit jemandem sprechen" for speaking with someone.
oder "Oder" means “or” and presents the second option: asking the librarian. It connects two possible actions in the question. A reusable pattern is "A oder B" when choosing between alternatives.
Bibliothekarin "Bibliothekarin" means “librarian” and refers to the female library employee whom the speakers might ask for help. In "die Bibliothekarin", it is used as the noun after the definite article. A reusable pattern is "die Bibliothekarin fragen" when asking this person for assistance.
fragen "Fragen" means “ask” in "die Bibliothekarin fragen". It names the possible action of asking the librarian for help. A reusable pattern is "jemanden fragen" when addressing a person with a question or request.
Versuch "Versuch" means “try” in "Versuch es zuerst ..." and directly tells one person to try something. It is an informal imperative addressed to "du". A reusable pattern is "Versuch es mit ..." when suggesting an initial method.
zuerst "Zuerst" means “first” and places the quiet reminder before any later step. It shows the recommended order of actions. A reusable pattern is "zuerst ..., dann ..." for describing a sequence.
einer In "mit einer leisen Erinnerung", "einer" means “a” and introduces one possible quiet reminder. It belongs to the noun phrase "einer leisen Erinnerung" after "mit". A reusable pattern is "mit einer ..." followed by a suitable feminine noun in a new example.
leisen "Leisen" means “quiet” in "einer leisen Erinnerung" and describes the reminder as calm and not loud. Its ending matches the surrounding noun phrase. The reusable pattern is "eine leise Erinnerung" for a gentle reminder in a new example.
Erinnerung "Erinnerung" means “reminder” here: a brief prompt for the people to remember the quiet-area rule. It is used in the phrase "mit einer leisen Erinnerung". A reusable pattern is "eine Erinnerung geben" for giving someone a reminder in a new example.
es sei denn "Es sei denn" means “unless” and introduces an exception to trying the quiet reminder first. In "es sei denn, das ist dir unangenehm", "es" belongs to the expression, "sei" is the form used in this expression, and "denn" completes it. Use "es sei denn" before the condition that makes the previous suggestion unsuitable.
ist In "das ist dir unangenehm", "ist" means “is” and links the situation to how it feels for the person addressed. It describes the reminder as uncomfortable for that person. A reusable pattern is "etwas ist mir unangenehm" for saying that something makes you uncomfortable.
dir In "ist dir unangenehm", "dir" means “to you” and identifies the person who experiences the situation as uncomfortable. It is part of the pattern "etwas ist jemandem unangenehm". The sentence addresses one person informally.
unangenehm "Unangenehm" means “uncomfortable” or “unpleasant” in "das ist dir unangenehm". It describes how the proposed action feels to the person addressed. A reusable pattern is "Das ist mir unangenehm" when saying that something is uncomfortable for you.
könnte "Könnte" means “could” in "Ich könnte sie bitten ..." and presents a possible or more tentative action. It makes the suggestion less direct than a firm statement. A reusable pattern is "Ich könnte ..." plus an infinitive when proposing a possible course of action.
sie In "sie bitten", "sie" means “them” and refers to the people who are talking. It is the people being asked to move their conversation outside. A reusable pattern is "jemanden bitten" with the person or people receiving the request.
bitten "Bitten" means “ask” or “request” in "sie bitten, das Gespräch ... zu verlegen". It introduces a polite request for another person to do something. A reusable pattern is "jemanden bitten, etwas zu tun".
Gespräch "Gespräch" means “conversation” and refers to the talking that is disturbing the quiet area. In "das Gespräch", it names the conversation as something that can be moved. A reusable pattern is "ein Gespräch führen" for having a conversation in a new example.
nach In "nach draußen", "nach" indicates movement toward the outside. It is used with the direction word "draußen" in the suggestion to move the conversation out of the quiet area. The reusable pattern is "nach draußen gehen" for going outside.
draußen "Draußen" means “outside” in "nach draußen". It identifies the destination away from the silent area. A reusable pattern is "draußen" for describing a place outside, as in "Wir warten draußen" in a new example.
zu In "zu verlegen", "zu" marks the infinitive used after the request construction "bitten, ...". It connects the request with the action the other people are being asked to perform. A reusable pattern is "jemanden bitten, etwas zu ..." followed by an infinitive.
verlegen In "das Gespräch nach draußen zu verlegen", "verlegen" means “move” or “relocate” the conversation. It refers to changing where the conversation takes place, not to losing an object. A reusable pattern is "etwas nach draußen verlegen" when moving an activity outside.
So At the start of "So ist es klar", "So" means “that way” and refers to the suggested polite request. It presents the result of handling the situation in that manner. A reusable pattern is "So ..." when explaining the result of a proposed action.
es In "So ist es klar", "es" refers to the proposed wording or approach rather than to a specific physical object. It is described as clear in the situation. A reusable pattern is "So ist es ..." when evaluating a way of doing something.
klar "Klar" means “clear” in "So ist es klar" and describes the request as understandable and direct. Here, the clarity is contrasted with sounding rude. A reusable pattern is "etwas klar sagen" for expressing something clearly in a new example.
ohne In "ohne unhöflich zu klingen", "ohne" means “without” and introduces something that does not happen. The whole construction means that the request remains clear without sounding rude. A reusable pattern is "ohne ... zu" plus an infinitive.
unhöflich "Unhöflich" means “rude” in "unhöflich zu klingen". It describes the impression the request should avoid giving. A reusable pattern is "nicht unhöflich klingen" when checking whether words sound rude in a new example.
klingen In "unhöflich zu klingen", "klingen" means “sound” or “come across.” It describes how the request may be perceived by the people hearing it. A reusable pattern is "... klingt höflich" or "... klingt unhöflich" when evaluating wording.
Wenn "Wenn" means “if” in "Wenn sie weiterreden" and introduces the condition for taking the next step. It links continued talking with asking the librarian to intervene. A reusable pattern is "Wenn ..., ..." for stating a condition and its result.
weiterreden "Weiterreden" means “keep talking” in "Wenn sie weiterreden". The prefix "weiter-" adds the idea that the talking continues after the initial complaint or reminder. A reusable pattern is "Wenn sie weiterreden, ..." when describing what to do if talking continues.
einzugreifen "Einzugreifen" means “to step in” or “to intervene” in "die Bibliothekarin bitten, einzugreifen". It describes asking the librarian to become involved and help resolve the noise. The form is the infinitive with "zu" of the verb "eingreifen".
wird In "So wird daraus keine Szene", "wird" means “becomes” or “turns into.” It describes the result that the situation does not develop into a public disturbance. A reusable pattern is "Daraus wird ..." for describing what a situation develops into.
daraus "Daraus" means “out of that” or “from that” in "So wird daraus keine Szene". It refers to the situation described in the previous sentence. The pattern "Daraus wird ..." describes a result that develops from something.
keine In "keine Szene", "keine" means “no” or “not a” and negates the noun "Szene". It shows that the situation will not become a scene. A reusable pattern is "keine" plus a noun when saying that there is no such thing.
Szene "Szene" means “scene” here, referring to a noticeable public disturbance or confrontation. The phrase "keine Szene" means that the situation should not become such a disturbance. A reusable pattern is "eine Szene machen" for creating a public disturbance in a new example.
würde In "Ich würde das lieber tun", "würde" helps express a hypothetical or preferred action: “I would rather do that.” It presents the speaker’s preference in a relatively tentative way. A reusable pattern is "Ich würde lieber ..." when stating what you prefer to do.
lieber "Lieber" means “rather” in "Ich würde das lieber tun, als ..." and marks the preferred option. It is used together with "als" to compare two possible actions. A reusable pattern is "lieber A als B" for preferring one action over another.
tun "Tun" means “do” in "das lieber tun" and refers back to asking the librarian to step in. It appears as an infinitive after "würde". A reusable pattern is "Ich würde das tun" when referring back to an action already discussed.
als In "lieber tun, als mich laut zu beschweren", "als" means “than” and introduces the less preferred alternative. It completes the comparison with "lieber". A reusable pattern is "lieber ... als ..." when comparing preferences.
mich In "mich laut zu beschweren", "mich" means “myself” and belongs with the verb "sich beschweren". It shows that the speaker would be complaining personally. A reusable pattern is "sich über etwas beschweren" when complaining about something.
laut "Laut" means “loudly” in "mich laut zu beschweren" and describes the manner of complaining. It emphasizes that the speaker does not want to complain in a loud way. A reusable pattern is "laut sprechen" or "laut fragen" when describing loud speech.
beschweren In "mich laut zu beschweren", "beschweren" means “complain” and is used with the reflexive pronoun "mich". The speaker is comparing this action with asking the librarian. A reusable pattern is "sich über etwas beschweren".
Lass At the start of "Lass uns leise fragen", "Lass" means “let” and forms an informal suggestion with "uns": “let’s.” It invites both speakers to do the following action together. A reusable pattern is "Lass uns ..." plus an infinitive for making a joint suggestion.
leise "Leise" means “quietly” in "leise fragen" and describes how the speakers intend to ask. It fits the quiet library setting and the polite approach. A reusable pattern is "leise sprechen" or "leise fragen" when keeping one’s voice low.
und "Und" means “and” and joins the two planned actions: asking quietly and then studying again. It connects actions in the same suggestion. A reusable pattern is "A und B" when listing actions that belong together.
dann "Dann" means “then” and shows that getting back to studying follows the quiet question. It marks the next step in the sequence. A reusable pattern is "erst ..., dann ..." for ordering actions.
weiterlernen "Weiterlernen" means “continue studying” in "dann weiterlernen". The prefix "weiter-" adds the meaning of resuming or continuing an activity already underway. A reusable pattern is "weiterlernen" when returning to studying after an interruption.

Grammar Points

ablenken → lenkt ... ab

Das lenkt die Leute ab.

dahss lenkt dee LOY-tuh ahp.

That distracts the people.

The separable prefix ab moves to the end of the clause when the verb is conjugated.

bitten, ... zu + Infinitiv

Die Bibliothekarin bittet, leise zu sprechen.

dee bee-blee-oh-tay-KAH-rin BIT-et, LYE-zuh tsoo SHPREKH-en.

The librarian asks people to speak quietly.

After bitten, use zu before the infinitive to express a request.

German Vocabulary

ablenken verb
AH-blen-ken to distract lenkt ab

Das lenkt ab

Bibliothekarin noun
bee-blee-oh-tay-KAH-rin librarian die Bibliothekarin

die Bibliothekarin fragen

Erinnerung noun
eh-IN-uh-roong reminder einer leisen Erinnerung

mit einer leisen Erinnerung

fragen verb
FRAH-gen to ask

die Bibliothekarin fragen

hinter prep
HIN-ter behind

hinter uns

höflich adj
HURF-likh polite

höflich damit umgehen

leise adj
LYE-zuh quiet; quietly leisen

mit einer leisen Erinnerung

Leute noun
LOY-tuh people

Die Leute hinter uns

reden verb
RAY-den to talk

Die Leute hinter uns reden

Ruhebereich noun
ROO-uh-buh-RYEKH silent area im Ruhebereich

im Ruhebereich

sprechen verb
SHPREKH-en to speak

mit ihnen sprechen

umgehen verb
OOM-gay-en to handle; to deal with

damit umgehen

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

That way, it doesn't turn into a scene.

Show AnswerSo wird daraus keine Szene.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to speak

Show Answersprechen

to talk

Show Answerreden

behind

Show Answerhinter

people

Show AnswerLeute