Making a plan after being locked out | Learn German in English

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Use Making a plan after being locked out to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ich bin ausgesperrt, und mein Ersatzschlüssel liegt in der Wohnung.

ikh bin OWS-guh-SHPAIRRT, oont mine air-ZAHTS-shloo-suhl leekt in dair VOH-noong. I am locked out, and my spare key is inside the apartment.

Versuch es zuerst beim Vermieter.

ver-ZOOKH ess tsoo-AIRST bym FAIR-mee-ter. Try the landlord first.

Dann ruf einen Schlüsseldienst, wenn du nicht bald Hilfe bekommst.

dahn roof EYE-nen SHLOO-suhl-deenst, venn doo nikht bahlt HIL-fuh buh-KOMST. Then call a locksmith if you cannot get help soon.

Ich habe eine Nachricht hinterlassen, aber der Vermieter hat noch nicht geantwortet.

ikh HAH-buh EYE-nuh NAHKH-rikht, AH-ber dair FAIR-mee-ter haht nokh nikht guh-ANT-vor-tet. I left a message, but the landlord has not replied yet.

Warte noch etwas länger, außer du musst sofort hinein.

VAR-tuh nokh ET-vahs LENG-er, OWS-er doo moest zoh-FORT hin-EYE-n. Wait a little longer unless you need to get in right away.

Ich muss vielleicht nachweisen, dass ich hier wohne, falls jemand kommt, um zu helfen.

ikh moest fee-LYKHT NAKH-vy-zən, dahss ikh heer VOH-nuh, fahls YAY-mahnt kohmt, oom tsoo HEL-fen. I may need to prove I live here if someone comes to help.

Halte deinen Ausweis bereit und warte an einem warmen Ort.

HAL-tuh DYE-nen OWS-vाइस buh-RYT oont VAR-tuh an EYE-nem VAR-men ORT. Keep your identification ready and wait in a warm place.

Ich möchte keinen Schlüsseldienst rufen, außer es ist nötig.

ikh MURKH-tuh KYE-nen SHLOO-suhl-deenst ROO-fen, OWS-er ess ist NUHR-tikh. I do not want to call a locksmith unless it is necessary.

Wenn der Vermieter immer noch nicht antwortet, ruf einen und erklär die Situation.

venn dair FAIR-mee-ter IM-er nokh nikht ANT-vor-tet, roof EYE-nen oont air-KLAIR dee zee-too-ah-TSYOHN. If the landlord still does not reply, call one and explain the situation.

Ich kann in der Eingangshalle sitzen und mein Handy eingeschaltet lassen.

ikh kahn in dair EYE-ngahngs-HAL-uh ZIT-sen oont mine HEN-dee EYE-nguh-shahl-tet LAH-sen. I can sit in the lobby and keep my phone on.

Dort kannst du dich warm halten, während du dem Vermieter noch etwas Zeit gibst.

DORT kahnst doo dikh varm HAL-ten, VAIR-ent doo daym FAIR-mee-ter nokh ET-vahs tsайт gipst. You can stay warm there while you give the landlord a little more time.

Word by Word

Ich “Ich” means “I” and is the speaker referring to themself in “Ich bin ausgesperrt”. It is used as the subject when describing your own situation, such as being locked out.

bin “bin” means “am” in “Ich bin ausgesperrt”, describing the speaker’s current state. It is the first-person form used with “Ich” and can be reused to describe a present condition.

ausgesperrt “ausgesperrt” means “locked out” in “Ich bin ausgesperrt”. Together with “bin”, it describes being unable to enter, and the expression is useful when explaining an access problem to someone who may help.

und “und” means “and” and connects the two pieces of information in “Ich bin ausgesperrt, und mein Ersatzschlüssel liegt in der Wohnung”. Use it to join related statements or facts.

mein “mein” means “my” before “Ersatzschlüssel” in “mein Ersatzschlüssel”. It shows that the spare key belongs to the speaker and is used before a related noun when identifying possession.

Ersatzschlüssel “Ersatzschlüssel” means “spare key” in “mein Ersatzschlüssel”. It identifies the additional key that is inside the apartment, so it is useful when explaining which key could solve an access problem.

liegt “liegt” means “lies” or “is located” in “mein Ersatzschlüssel liegt in der Wohnung”. Here it describes the key’s location, and it is useful for stating where an object is situated.

in “in” means “in” or “inside” in “in der Wohnung”. It marks the interior location of the spare key and can be used with a place to say where something is.

der “der” means “the” in “der Wohnung”. Together with “in der Wohnung”, it identifies the specific apartment as the location, and this phrase is useful when stating where something is.

Wohnung “Wohnung” means “apartment” in “in der Wohnung”. It names the place the speaker needs to enter, so it is useful in conversations about living arrangements or access.

Versuch “Versuch” means “try” in the instruction “Versuch es zuerst”. It tells one person to make an attempt, and this informal singular command is useful when suggesting the first step in a problem.

es “es” means “it” in “Versuch es zuerst”, referring to the suggested action or option rather than naming it again. The pattern “Versuch es” is useful when telling someone to try something already understood from the context.

zuerst “zuerst” means “first” in “Versuch es zuerst beim Vermieter”. It sets the order of the plan and is useful when recommending an initial step before another action.

beim “beim” means “with” or “at the” in “beim Vermieter”, referring to contacting or seeking help from the landlord. It is the compact form used here before “Vermieter”, and the phrase is useful for naming the person contacted first.

Vermieter “Vermieter” means “landlord” in “beim Vermieter”. It identifies the person responsible for the rental property, so it is useful when reporting a housing or access problem.

Dann “Dann” means “then” in “Dann ruf einen Schlüsseldienst”. It introduces the next step after the first option and is useful for laying out actions in sequence.

ruf “ruf” means “call” in the informal instruction “ruf einen Schlüsseldienst”. It is directed to one person and is useful when giving direct advice about contacting a service.

einen “einen” means “a” or “one” before “Schlüsseldienst” in “ruf einen Schlüsseldienst”. It marks the locksmith service as the thing to call, and this pattern is useful when directing someone to contact a service.

Schlüsseldienst “Schlüsseldienst” means “locksmith service” in “einen Schlüsseldienst”. It names the service that can help with the locked door, so it is useful when discussing entry problems.

wenn “wenn” means “if” in “wenn du nicht bald Hilfe bekommst”. It introduces the condition under which the next action should happen, and it is useful for making a plan that depends on a result.

du “du” means “you” in “wenn du nicht bald Hilfe bekommst”. It addresses one person informally and is used as the subject of the conditional clause.

nicht “nicht” means “not” in “nicht bald Hilfe bekommst”. It negates receiving help soon, creating the condition for calling the locksmith, and it is useful when stating that something does not happen.

bald “bald” means “soon” in “nicht bald Hilfe bekommst”. It limits the expected time for receiving help and is useful when setting a short waiting period.

Hilfe “Hilfe” means “help” in “Hilfe bekommst”. It refers to assistance from the landlord or another person, so it is useful when asking for or discussing support.

bekommst “bekommst” means “get” or “receive” in “du nicht bald Hilfe bekommst”. It describes whether the person receives assistance, and the pattern is useful with something being received, such as help.

habe “habe” means “have” in “Ich habe eine Nachricht hinterlassen”. Here it helps report that the speaker left a message, and it is useful when describing a completed action involving “Ich”.

eine “eine” means “a” in “eine Nachricht”. It introduces one unspecified message, and this pattern is useful when mentioning a single item or action without identifying a particular one.

Nachricht “Nachricht” means “message” in “eine Nachricht hinterlassen”. It refers to the information left for the landlord, so it is useful when explaining how someone was contacted.

hinterlassen “hinterlassen” means “leave” in “eine Nachricht hinterlassen”. With “habe”, it reports that the speaker left a message, and the pattern is useful for saying that a message was left for another person.

aber “aber” means “but” in “aber der Vermieter hat noch nicht geantwortet”. It introduces information that contrasts with having left a message and is useful for showing that the expected response has not happened.

hat “hat” means “has” in “der Vermieter hat noch nicht geantwortet”. Together with “geantwortet”, it reports the landlord’s response status, and it is useful when describing a completed or not-yet-completed action by someone else.

noch “noch” means “yet” in “noch nicht geantwortet”. Together with “nicht”, it shows that the reply has not happened up to now, and this pattern is useful for reporting a missing response.

geantwortet “geantwortet” means “replied” in “hat noch nicht geantwortet”. It describes the landlord’s expected response, and the pattern is useful when saying whether someone has responded to a message.

Warte “Warte” means “wait” in the instruction “Warte noch etwas länger”. It tells one person to remain waiting, and this informal singular command is useful when asking someone not to act immediately.

etwas “etwas” means “a little” in “noch etwas länger”. It softens the amount of additional waiting and is useful when referring to a small, unspecified amount.

länger “länger” means “longer” in “Warte noch etwas länger”. It asks the person to extend the waiting time, and it is useful when comparing the requested duration with the time already spent waiting.

außer “außer” means “unless” in “außer du musst sofort hinein”. It introduces the exception to waiting longer, and it is useful when giving advice that changes if an urgent need applies.

musst “musst” means “must” or “need to” in “du musst sofort hinein”. It expresses necessity for the person addressed, and it is useful for explaining when immediate action is required.

sofort “sofort” means “immediately” or “right away” in “sofort hinein”. It emphasizes that entering cannot be delayed, and it is useful when describing an urgent need.

hinein “hinein” means “in” or “inside” in “sofort hinein”. It indicates movement toward the inside, here entering the apartment, and it is useful when emphasizing going into a place.

vielleicht “vielleicht” means “perhaps” or “maybe” in “Ich muss vielleicht nachweisen”. It makes the need to prove residence uncertain, and it is useful when discussing a possible requirement without presenting it as certain.

nachweisen “nachweisen” means “prove” or “demonstrate” in “nachweisen, dass ich hier wohne”. It refers to providing evidence of residence, and the pattern is useful when explaining that a fact may need to be verified.

dass “dass” means “that” in “dass ich hier wohne”. It introduces the information the speaker may need to prove, and it is useful for connecting a statement to what someone must demonstrate.

hier “hier” means “here” in “dass ich hier wohne”. It points to the place where the speaker is currently dealing with the problem, and it is useful when referring to the present location.

wohne “wohne” means “live” in “dass ich hier wohne”. With “ich”, it states that the speaker resides here, and the pattern is useful when explaining one’s connection to a home or place.

falls “falls” means “if” or “in case” in “falls jemand kommt, um zu helfen”. It introduces a possible situation rather than a guaranteed one, and it is useful when preparing for something that may happen.

jemand “jemand” means “someone” in “falls jemand kommt”. It refers to an unspecified person who may arrive to help, and it is useful when the person’s identity is not known or not important.

kommt “kommt” means “comes” in “falls jemand kommt”. It describes the possible arrival of someone, and the pattern is useful for discussing whether a person will arrive.

um “um” contributes to the purpose expression “um zu helfen”, meaning “in order to”. It introduces the reason for someone coming, and the pattern is useful when explaining the purpose of an action.

zu “zu” is the infinitive marker in “um zu helfen”, which means “in order to help”. It connects the purpose expression with “helfen”, and this pattern is useful for stating why someone does something.

helfen “helfen” means “help” in “um zu helfen”. It names the purpose of the possible visitor’s arrival, and the pattern is useful when explaining that an action is intended to provide assistance.

Halte “Halte” means “keep” or “hold” in the instruction “Halte deinen Ausweis bereit”. It tells one person to keep an item available, and this informal singular command is useful when preparing something needed for assistance.

deinen “deinen” means “your” before “Ausweis” in “deinen Ausweis”. It shows that the identification belongs to the person being addressed, and it is useful when telling someone to prepare their own item.

Ausweis “Ausweis” means “identification” or “ID” in “deinen Ausweis”. It refers to the document that may prove who the speaker is, so it is useful when identity or residence may need to be checked.

bereit “bereit” means “ready” in “deinen Ausweis bereit”. It describes the identification as available for immediate use, and the pattern is useful when telling someone to prepare an item before it is needed.

an “an” means “at” in “an einem warmen Ort”. It introduces the place where the person should wait, and this phrase is useful for specifying where someone should remain.

einem “einem” means “a” or “an” in “an einem warmen Ort”. It introduces one unspecified place as the waiting location, and the pattern is useful when referring to a suitable but unspecified place.

warmen “warmen” means “warm” in “einem warmen Ort”. It describes the place as providing warmth, and it is useful when choosing a location for comfort or protection from cold.

Ort “Ort” means “place” in “an einem warmen Ort”. It names the location where the person should wait, so it is useful when directing someone to a particular kind of place.

möchte “möchte” means “would like” or “want” in “Ich möchte keinen Schlüsseldienst rufen”. It expresses the speaker’s preference not to make that call, and it is useful for stating a polite desire or intention.

keinen “keinen” means “no” or “not a” before “Schlüsseldienst” in “keinen Schlüsseldienst rufen”. It negates the intention to call a locksmith service, and the pattern is useful when saying that someone does not want to use a particular service.

rufen “rufen” means “call” in “keinen Schlüsseldienst rufen”. It names the action the speaker does not want to take, and the pattern is useful for discussing whether to contact a person or service by phone.

ist “ist” means “is” in “es ist nötig”. It links the situation with the judgment that something is necessary, and it is useful when describing a present condition.

nötig “nötig” means “necessary” in “außer es ist nötig”. It describes calling the locksmith as required only in the relevant situation, and it is useful when deciding whether an action is needed.

immer “immer” contributes to the meaning “still” in “immer noch nicht antwortet”. Together with “noch”, it emphasizes that the landlord continues not to reply, and this pattern is useful for describing an ongoing lack of response.

antwortet “antwortet” means “replies” in “der Vermieter immer noch nicht antwortet”. It describes the landlord’s expected response to the message, and it is useful when stating whether someone is responding.

erklär “erklär” means “explain” in the informal instruction “erklär die Situation”. It tells one person to describe what is happening, and this command is useful when contacting a service that needs the relevant details.

die “die” means “the” in “die Situation”. It identifies the specific situation being discussed, and it is useful before a known noun when referring to a particular matter.

Situation “Situation” means “situation” in “die Situation”. It refers to the circumstances of being locked out, so it is useful when summarizing a problem for someone who may help.

kann “kann” means “can” in “Ich kann in der Eingangshalle sitzen”. It expresses the speaker’s available option, and it is useful for saying what someone is able or willing to do.

Eingangshalle “Eingangshalle” means “lobby” or “entrance hall” in “in der Eingangshalle”. It identifies the shared indoor place where the speaker can wait, so it is useful when describing a building’s entrance area.

sitzen “sitzen” means “sit” in “kann in der Eingangshalle sitzen”. It describes how the speaker can wait in the lobby, and it is useful when stating where someone can remain while waiting.

Handy “Handy” means “mobile phone” in “mein Handy eingeschaltet lassen”. It refers to the phone through which the landlord or locksmith may contact the speaker, so it is useful when discussing phone availability.

eingeschaltet “eingeschaltet” means “switched on” in “mein Handy eingeschaltet lassen”. It describes the phone’s required state so incoming contact can be received, and it is useful when telling someone to keep a device active.

lassen “lassen” means “leave” or “keep” in “mein Handy eingeschaltet lassen”. Together with “eingeschaltet”, it means to leave the phone switched on, and this pattern is useful when maintaining an item in a particular state.

Dort “Dort” means “there” in “Dort kannst du dich warm halten”. It refers back to the lobby, and it is useful for pointing to a place already mentioned without repeating its name.

kannst “kannst” means “can” in “kannst du dich warm halten”. It expresses what the person addressed is able to do, and this second-person form is useful when offering or describing an option for one person.

dich “dich” means “yourself” in “dich warm halten”. It refers back to the person being addressed as the one who stays warm, and it is part of the pattern used for describing an effect on oneself.

warm “warm” means “warm” in “dich warm halten”. It describes the condition the person should maintain while waiting, and the pattern is useful when talking about staying comfortable in cold surroundings.

halten “halten” means “keep” or “stay” in “dich warm halten”. Together with “dich” and “warm”, it means to keep yourself warm, and this pattern is useful when advising someone how to remain comfortable.

während “während” means “while” in “während du dem Vermieter noch etwas Zeit gibst”. It connects the waiting activity with giving the landlord more time, and it is useful for describing two actions happening during the same period.

dem “dem” means “the” in “dem Vermieter”. It identifies the landlord as the person receiving more time, and it appears in the phrase used when giving something to that person.

Zeit “Zeit” means “time” in “dem Vermieter noch etwas Zeit gibst”. It refers to an additional period allowed for the landlord to respond, and the pattern is useful when giving someone more time to act.

gibst “gibst” means “give” in “du dem Vermieter noch etwas Zeit gibst”. It describes allowing the landlord additional time, and the pattern is useful when saying that someone gives another person time or an opportunity.

Grammar Points

falls + Nebensatz: Das Verb steht am Ende.

Falls jemand wartet, gibst du sofort Hilfe.

fahls YAY-mahnt VAR-tet, gipst doo zoh-FORT HIL-fuh.

If someone is waiting, you give help right away.

Nach „falls“ steht das konjugierte Verb am Ende des Nebensatzes.

während + Nebensatz: Das Verb steht am Ende.

Während du wartest, hinterlasse ich eine Nachricht.

VAIR-ent doo VAR-test, HIN-ter-LAH-suh ikh EYE-nuh NAHKH-rikht.

While you wait, I leave a message.

„Während“ verbindet zwei gleichzeitige Handlungen; im Nebensatz steht das Verb am Ende.

German Vocabulary

antworten verb

ANT-vor-ten to reply geantwortet

hat noch nicht geantwortet

ausgesperrt adj

OWS-guh-SHPAIRRT locked out

Ich bin ausgesperrt.

bald adv

bahlt soon

wenn du nicht bald Hilfe bekommst

Ersatzschlüssel noun

air-ZAHTS-shloo-suhl spare key

mein Ersatzschlüssel

Hilfe noun

HIL-fuh help

Hilfe bekommst

hinterlassen verb

HIN-ter-LAH-sen to leave behind; to leave a message

Ich habe eine Nachricht hinterlassen.

Nachricht noun

NAHKH-rikht message

eine Nachricht

Schlüsseldienst noun

SHLOO-suhl-deenst locksmith

einen Schlüsseldienst

Vermieter noun

fair-MEE-ter landlord

beim Vermieter

versuchen verb

fer-ZOOKH-en to try Versuch

Versuch es zuerst

Wohnung noun

VOH-noong apartment

in der Wohnung

zuerst adv

tsoo-AIRST first

Versuch es zuerst beim Vermieter.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Try the landlord first.

Show Answer

Versuch es zuerst beim Vermieter.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to try

Show Answer

Versuch

soon

Show Answer

bald

locked out

Show Answer

ausgesperrt

help

Show Answer

Hilfe