Preparing for a Stormy Commute | Learn German in English

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Use Preparing for a Stormy Commute to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Während meines Arbeitswegs kann ein Sturm aufziehen.

VAIR-uhnt MY-nuhs AR-bites-vayks kahn ayn SHTOORM OWF-tsee-uhn. A storm may hit during my commute.

Wenn du unterwegs sein musst, mach dich früher auf den Weg und bleib bei deiner Route flexibel.

ven doo oon-ter-VAYKS zine moost, mahkh dikh FROO-uh owf den vayk oont blype bye DYE-nuh ROO-tuh flex-EE-buhl. If you have to travel, leave earlier and keep your route flexible.

Ich muss ins Büro.

ikh moos ins byoo-ROH. I need to go to the office.

Aber ich kann zurückkommen, bevor der Sturm stärker wird.

AH-buh ikh kahn tsoo-ROOK-kom-uhn, beh-FOHR dair SHTOORM SHTAIR-kuh virt. But I can come back before it gets stronger.

Trag wasserdichte Schuhe und meide Straßen, die normalerweise überflutet werden.

trahk VAH-suh-dikh-tuh SHOO-uh oont MY-duh SHTRAH-suhn, dee nor-mah-LEE-zuh-vy-zuh oo-buh-FLOO-tet VAIR-duhn. Wear waterproof shoes and avoid any streets that usually flood.

Die Unterführung in der Nähe des Bahnhofs steht bei starkem Regen oft unter Wasser.

dee OON-tuh-FOO-roong in dair NAY-uh dess BAHN-hohfs shtayt bye SHTAR-kuhm RAY-guhn oft OON-tuh VAH-suh. The underpass near the station often floods in heavy rain.

Nimm stattdessen die Hauptstraße, auch wenn das etwas länger dauert.

nim SHTAHT-dess-uhn dee HOWPT-shtrah-suh, owkh ven dahs ET-vahs LANG-uh DOW-uht. Take the main road instead, even if it adds a little time.

Würde eine wasserdichte Hülle helfen, meinen Laptop zu schützen?

VOOR-duh EYE-nuh VAH-suh-dikh-tuh HOO-luh HEL-fuhn, MY-nuhn LAP-top tsoo SHUUT-suhn? Would a waterproof sleeve help protect my laptop?

Benutze eine, denn Verspätungen sind frustrierend, aber beschädigte Geräte sind noch schlimmer.

beh-NOOT-suh EYE-nuh, den fer-SHPAY-toong-uhn zint froos-TEER-uhnt, AH-buh beh-SHAY-dik-tuh guh-RAY-tuh zint nokh SHLIM-uh. Use one, because delays are frustrating, but damaged equipment is worse.

Bevor ich losgehe, werde ich sicherstellen, dass der Akku meines Handys voll ist.

beh-FOHR ikh LOHS-gay-uh, VAIR-duh ikh ZIKH-uh-SHTEL-uhn, dahs dair AH-koo MY-nuhs HEN-dees fol ist. Before I leave, I will make sure my phone battery is full.

Dann kannst du nach Updates schauen, wenn sich die Route ändert.

dahn kahnts doo nahkh UP-dayts SHOW-uhn, ven zikh dee ROO-tuh EN-duht. Then you can check updates if the route changes.

Word by Word

Während “Während” means “during” here and introduces the time period of the commute. It is used with a noun phrase such as “Während meines Arbeitswegs”. A new example is “Während des Meetings” for “during the meeting”.

meines “meines” means “my” in “Während meines Arbeitswegs”. It shows possession in this phrase and agrees with the following noun form. A reusable pattern is “meines + noun”, as in “meines Bruders”.

Arbeitswegs “Arbeitswegs” means “commute” or “journey to work” in “meines Arbeitswegs”. It is the possessive form used after “meines”. A useful pattern is “während meines Arbeitswegs” when describing something that happens during the trip to work.

kann “kann” expresses possibility in “kann ein Sturm aufziehen”: a storm may move in. It is followed by the infinitive “aufziehen”, which appears at the end of the sentence. A new example is “Es kann regnen” for “It may rain”.

ein “ein” means “a” before “Sturm” in “ein Sturm”. It introduces one non-specific storm as the subject of the sentence. A reusable pattern is “ein + noun”, as in “ein Problem”.

Sturm “Sturm” means “storm” in “ein Sturm”. It is the weather event that may move in during the commute. A common pattern is “ein Sturm kommt” when saying that a storm is coming.

aufziehen “aufziehen” means “to move in” or “to develop” when used of a storm. In “kann ein Sturm aufziehen”, it appears as the infinitive after “kann”. A new example is “Am Horizont zieht ein Gewitter auf” for “A thunderstorm is moving in on the horizon”.

Wenn “Wenn” introduces the condition “if you have to travel” in “Wenn du unterwegs sein musst”. It starts a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb comes at the end. A reusable pattern is “Wenn + clause, ...” for conditions.

du “du” means “you” in the informal singular form in “Wenn du unterwegs sein musst”. It is the person who has to travel and receives the advice. A common pattern is “du musst ...” when telling someone informally that they have to do something.

unterwegs “unterwegs” means “on the way” or “traveling” in “unterwegs sein”. It describes being away from home or in the process of traveling. A new example is “Ich bin noch unterwegs” for “I am still on the way”.

sein “sein” means “to be” in the expression “unterwegs sein”. It remains in the infinitive because it follows “musst”. A reusable pattern is “müssen + sein”, as in “Du musst dort sein” for “You have to be there”.

musst “musst” expresses obligation in “du ... sein musst”: you have to be traveling or on the way. It is the form used with “du” and appears at the end of the subordinate clause. A common pattern is “Du musst ...” for informal advice or necessity.

mach “mach” means “make” in the expression “mach dich ... auf den Weg”, which tells someone to set off. Here it is an informal command to one person. A new example is “Mach die Tür zu” for “Close the door”.

dich “dich” refers to the person being told to set off in “mach dich ... auf den Weg”. It is the reflexive component of this expression. The reusable pattern is “sich auf den Weg machen”, meaning to set off.

früher “früher” means “earlier” and modifies when the person should set off. In “mach dich früher auf den Weg”, it compares the suggested departure time with the usual one. A new example is “Komm früher” for “Come earlier”.

auf “auf” is part of the expression “sich auf den Weg machen”. Together with “den Weg”, it contributes the idea of setting off onto one’s route. A reusable pattern is “sich auf den Weg machen” for leaving for somewhere.

den “den” means “the” before “Weg” in “auf den Weg”. It belongs to the fixed expression “sich auf den Weg machen”. A reusable pattern is “auf den Weg” when referring to setting off or being on a route.

Weg “Weg” means “way” or “route” in “auf den Weg”. In the full expression, it refers to the path someone takes when setting off. A new example is “Der Weg ist lang” for “The route is long”.

und “und” means “and” and joins the advice to leave earlier with the advice to stay flexible. It connects two coordinated instructions in the sentence. A common pattern is “..., und ...” for adding another action.

bleib “bleib” means “stay” or “remain” in the instruction “bleib bei deiner Route flexibel”. It is an informal command to one person. A new example is “Bleib ruhig” for “Stay calm”.

bei “bei” means “with” or “in relation to” in “bei deiner Route flexibel”. It links the advice about staying flexible to the person’s route. A reusable pattern is “bei etwas flexibel bleiben” for remaining adaptable about something.

deiner “deiner” means “your” before “Route” in “bei deiner Route”. It identifies the route as belonging to or being used by the person addressed. A common pattern is “deiner + noun” when addressing one person informally.

Route “Route” means “route” in “deiner Route”. It refers to the path the traveler plans to take. A new example is “Ich ändere meine Route” for “I am changing my route”.

flexibel “flexibel” means “flexible” in “bei deiner Route flexibel”. It describes being ready to change the route if conditions require it. A reusable pattern is “bei etwas flexibel bleiben”.

Ich “Ich” means “I” at the beginning of “Ich muss ins Büro”. It identifies the speaker as the person who needs to go to the office. A new example is “Ich komme später” for “I am coming later”.

muss “muss” expresses necessity in “Ich muss ins Büro”: the speaker needs to go to the office. It is used with “Ich” and is followed by the destination phrase. A common pattern is “Ich muss + destination” for saying where one has to go.

ins “ins” means “to the” or “into the” and is the contracted form used in “ins Büro”. It combines “in” with “das”. A reusable pattern is “ins + place”, as in “ins Kino”.

Büro “Büro” means “office” in “ins Büro”. It is the destination of the speaker’s trip. A common pattern is “ins Büro gehen” for going to the office.

Aber “Aber” means “but” and introduces a qualification to the need to go to the office. It contrasts that necessity with the possibility of returning before the storm becomes stronger. A new example is “Aber ich habe keine Zeit” for “But I have no time”.

zurückkommen “zurückkommen” means “to come back” or “to return” in “kann zurückkommen”. It is the infinitive used after “kann”. A new example is “Ich komme morgen zurück” for “I will come back tomorrow”.

bevor “bevor” means “before” and introduces the event that should happen later: the storm getting stronger. It begins a subordinate clause, as in “bevor der Sturm stärker wird”. A reusable pattern is “bevor + clause” for ordering two events.

der “der” means “the” before “Sturm” in “der Sturm”. It identifies the storm already being discussed. A reusable pattern is “der + noun” when referring to a specific masculine noun.

stärker “stärker” means “stronger” in “stärker wird”. It describes the storm increasing in strength. A common pattern is “stärker werden” for something becoming stronger.

wird “wird” means “becomes” or “gets” in “stärker wird”. Together with “stärker”, it describes a change in the storm’s strength. A reusable pattern is “Adjective + wird” in a subordinate clause, as in “wenn es kälter wird”.

Trag “Trag” means “wear” in the instruction “Trag wasserdichte Schuhe”. It is an informal command to one person. A new example is “Trag eine Jacke” for “Wear a jacket”.

wasserdichte “wasserdichte” means “waterproof” in “wasserdichte Schuhe”. It describes shoes that help keep water out. A reusable pattern is “wasserdichte + noun”, as in “wasserdichte Kleidung”.

Schuhe “Schuhe” means “shoes” in “wasserdichte Schuhe”. They are the clothing item being recommended for wet conditions. A new example is “Meine Schuhe sind nass” for “My shoes are wet”.

meide “meide” means “avoid” in the instruction “meide Straßen”. It tells one person not to use certain streets. A common pattern is “etwas meiden” when advising someone to avoid a place or situation.

Straßen “Straßen” means “streets” or “roads” in “meide Straßen”. These are the routes that may become flooded. A reusable pattern is “Straßen meiden” for avoiding particular roads.

die “die” means “that” or “which” in “Straßen, die normalerweise überflutet werden”. It introduces information describing which streets should be avoided. A reusable pattern is “noun, die ...” for adding a relative clause about plural nouns.

normalerweise “normalerweise” means “usually” or “normally” in “normalerweise überflutet werden”. It says that the flooding happens as a usual pattern, not necessarily at every moment. A new example is “Normalerweise fahre ich mit dem Bus” for “I normally take the bus”.

überflutet “überflutet” means “flooded” in “überflutet werden”. It describes streets that are covered by floodwater. A reusable pattern is “von Wasser überflutet” when describing something flooded by water.

werden “werden” helps form the passive expression “überflutet werden”, meaning “be flooded”. It appears at the end of the relative clause. A common pattern is “werden + past participle” when describing what happens to something.

Unterführung “Unterführung” means “underpass” in “Die Unterführung”. It refers to the passage near the station that often fills with water. A new example is “Die Unterführung ist geschlossen” for “The underpass is closed”.

in “in” means “in” in “in der Nähe des Bahnhofs”. Together with “der Nähe”, it introduces the location of the underpass. A reusable pattern is “in der Nähe von ...” for saying that something is nearby.

Nähe “Nähe” means “vicinity” or “nearby area” in “in der Nähe des Bahnhofs”. It describes the underpass’s location relative to the station. A common pattern is “in der Nähe + place” for giving a nearby location.

des “des” means “of the” in “des Bahnhofs”. It links the station to the phrase “in der Nähe”. A reusable pattern is “in der Nähe des + noun” for referring to something near a specific place.

Bahnhofs “Bahnhofs” means “station” in “in der Nähe des Bahnhofs”. It identifies the reference point for locating the underpass. A new example is “Der Eingang des Bahnhofs” for “the station’s entrance”.

steht “steht” means “stands” or “is” in “steht ... unter Wasser”. Here it helps describe the underpass’s state when it is flooded. A reusable pattern is “etwas steht unter Wasser” for saying that something is covered by water.

starkem “starkem” means “heavy” in “bei starkem Regen”. It describes the rain as intense. A common pattern is “bei starkem + weather noun” when describing conditions during heavy weather.

Regen “Regen” means “rain” in “bei starkem Regen”. It is the weather condition associated with the underpass flooding. A new example is “Der Regen hört auf” for “The rain stops”.

oft “oft” means “often” in “steht ... oft unter Wasser”. It says that the underpass is flooded frequently in the stated conditions. A reusable pattern is “oft + verb” for describing repeated events.

unter “unter” means “under” in the expression “unter Wasser”. Together with “Wasser”, it describes something being covered by water. A common pattern is “unter Wasser stehen” for being flooded.

Wasser “Wasser” means “water” in “unter Wasser”. It is the substance covering the underpass. A new example is “Das Wasser steigt” for “The water is rising”.

Nimm “Nimm” means “take” in the instruction “Nimm stattdessen die Hauptstraße”. It is an informal command to choose or use the main road. A new example is “Nimm den Bus” for “Take the bus”.

stattdessen “stattdessen” means “instead” and signals a replacement: use the main road rather than the flooded route. It usually refers back to an earlier option. A reusable pattern is “stattdessen + verb” for introducing the alternative action.

Hauptstraße “Hauptstraße” means “main road” in “die Hauptstraße”. It is the alternative route recommended in the storm. A new example is “Die Hauptstraße ist offen” for “The main road is open”.

auch “auch” contributes the meaning “even” in “auch wenn das etwas länger dauert”. It emphasizes that the recommendation still applies despite taking more time. A common pattern is “auch wenn + clause” for “even if” conditions.

das “das” means “that” or “it” in “auch wenn das etwas länger dauert”. It refers to taking the main road as the situation that may take longer. A reusable pattern is “auch wenn das ...” when commenting on the consequence of an action.

etwas “etwas” means “a little” in “etwas länger”. It softens the comparison and indicates a small additional amount of time. A common pattern is “etwas + comparative adjective”, as in “etwas schneller”.

länger “länger” means “longer” in “etwas länger dauert”. It compares the duration of the main-road route with another route. A reusable pattern is “länger dauern” for saying that something takes more time.

dauert “dauert” means “takes” or “lasts” in “das etwas länger dauert”. It describes the amount of time needed for the route. A new example is “Die Fahrt dauert eine Stunde” for “The journey takes an hour”.

Würde “Würde” means “would” in the polite question “Würde ... helfen?”. It presents the question about the sleeve’s usefulness in a tentative way. A reusable pattern is “Würde + subject + infinitive?” for asking whether something would help.

eine “eine” means “a” in “eine wasserdichte Hülle”. It introduces one non-specific waterproof cover. A reusable pattern is “eine + feminine noun”, as in “eine Tasche”.

Hülle “Hülle” means “sleeve” or “cover” in “eine wasserdichte Hülle”. It is the protective item being considered for the laptop. A new example is “Die Hülle schützt das Gerät” for “The cover protects the device”.

helfen “helfen” means “help” in “helfen, meinen Laptop zu schützen”. It describes whether the sleeve can contribute to protecting the laptop. A reusable pattern is “helfen, etwas zu tun”, as in “helfen, Zeit zu sparen”.

meinen “meinen” means “my” in “meinen Laptop”. It identifies the laptop as belonging to the speaker. A common pattern is “meinen + masculine noun” when referring to a personal object.

Laptop “Laptop” means “laptop” in “meinen Laptop zu schützen”. It is the equipment that needs protection from the storm. A new example is “Mein Laptop ist im Büro” for “My laptop is in the office”.

zu “zu” marks the infinitive in “zu schützen”. It connects the action of protecting the laptop to “helfen”. A reusable pattern is “helfen, etwas zu + infinitive” for saying that something helps achieve an action.

schützen “schützen” means “protect” in “meinen Laptop zu schützen”. It describes the purpose of using the waterproof sleeve. A new example is “Wir müssen die Geräte schützen” for “We have to protect the devices”.

Benutze “Benutze” means “use” in the instruction “Benutze eine”. It tells one person to use the previously mentioned sleeve. A new example is “Benutze diesen Weg” for “Use this route”.

denn “denn” means “because” and introduces the reason for using the sleeve. It connects the reason to the main statement without changing the usual position of the conjugated verb in the following clause. A reusable pattern is “..., denn ...” for giving a direct explanation.

Verspätungen “Verspätungen” means “delays” in “Verspätungen sind frustrierend”. It refers to late arrivals or departures during the journey. A new example is “Der Zug hat Verspätung” for “The train is delayed”.

sind “sind” means “are” in “Verspätungen sind frustrierend”. It links the subject “Verspätungen” with the description “frustrierend”. A common pattern is “Plural subject + sind + description”.

frustrierend “frustrierend” means “frustrating” in “Verspätungen sind frustrierend”. It describes the negative experience caused by delays. A new example is “Das Warten ist frustrierend” for “Waiting is frustrating”.

beschädigte “beschädigte” means “damaged” in “beschädigte Geräte”. It describes equipment that has been harmed, for example by water. A reusable pattern is “beschädigte + plural noun” when describing damaged objects.

Geräte “Geräte” means “equipment” or “devices” in “beschädigte Geräte”. It refers to work equipment that could be damaged. A new example is “Die Geräte sind sicher” for “The devices are safe”.

noch “noch” contributes the meaning “even” in “noch schlimmer”. It intensifies the comparison, saying that damaged equipment is worse than delays. A common pattern is “noch + comparative adjective”, as in “noch schneller”.

schlimmer “schlimmer” means “worse” in “noch schlimmer”. It compares damaged equipment with the already negative problem of delays. A reusable pattern is “noch schlimmer” for emphasizing a more serious consequence.

losgehe “losgehe” means “leave” or “set off” in “Bevor ich losgehe”. It describes the speaker starting the journey. A reusable pattern is “bevor ich losgehe” for saying what happens before departure.

werde “werde” means “will” in “werde ich sicherstellen”. It forms the future statement about making sure the battery is full. A common pattern is “werde ich + infinitive” for saying what I will do.

sicherstellen “sicherstellen” means “make sure” or “ensure” in “werde ich sicherstellen, dass ...”. It introduces the result that the speaker intends to guarantee. A reusable pattern is “sicherstellen, dass + clause” for making sure that something is true.

dass “dass” means “that” and introduces the content of what the speaker will make sure of. It starts the subordinate clause “dass der Akku meines Handys voll ist”, where the conjugated verb comes at the end. A common pattern is “sicherstellen, dass ...”.

Akku “Akku” means “battery” in “der Akku meines Handys”. It refers to the rechargeable battery of the phone. A new example is “Der Akku ist leer” for “The battery is empty”.

Handys “Handys” means “phone” in “meines Handys”. It identifies which battery is being discussed: the speaker’s phone battery. A reusable pattern is “der Akku meines Handys” for “my phone’s battery”.

voll “voll” means “full” in “der Akku ... voll ist”. With “Akku”, it means fully charged. A new example is “Mein Akku ist voll” for “My battery is fully charged”.

ist “ist” means “is” in “der Akku ... voll ist”. It links the battery to its state, “voll”, at the end of the subordinate clause. A common pattern is “etwas ist + adjective” for describing a state.

Dann “Dann” means “then” and connects the full battery with the next possible action. It places the action of checking updates after the battery has been charged. A reusable pattern is “Dann kannst du ...” for describing what someone can do next.

kannst “kannst” means “can” in “kannst du nach Updates schauen”. It expresses the possibility or ability to check updates. It is the form used with “du”. A common pattern is “Du kannst + infinitive” for suggesting an available action.

nach “nach” is part of the expression “nach Updates schauen”. Together with “schauen”, it means to look for or check updates. A reusable pattern is “nach etwas schauen” when checking for something.

Updates “Updates” means “updates” in “nach Updates schauen”. It refers to new travel or route information. A new example is “Ich prüfe die Updates” for “I check the updates”.

schauen “schauen” means “look” or “check” in “nach Updates schauen”. With “nach”, it describes checking whether new information is available. A reusable pattern is “nach etwas schauen” for checking something.

sich “sich” is the reflexive component of “sich ändern” in “wenn sich die Route ändert”. It shows that the route changes itself or undergoes a change. A common pattern is “etwas ändert sich” for saying that something changes.

ändert “ändert” means “changes” in “sich die Route ändert”. Together with “sich”, it describes the route becoming different. A new example is “Der Plan ändert sich” for “The plan changes”.

Grammar Points

sich auf den Weg machen (Imperativ)

Mach dich früher auf den Weg.

mahkh dikh FROO-uh owf den vayk.

Set off earlier.

The imperative uses mach, while the reflexive pronoun dich refers to the person being told to set off.

sich ändern

Die Route ändert sich.

dee ROO-tuh EN-duht zikh.

The route is changing.

With this reflexive verb, sich shows that the route itself undergoes the change.

German Vocabulary

Arbeitsweg noun

AR-bites-vayk commute Arbeitswegs

aufziehen verb

OWF-tsee-uhn to approach; to develop

Büro noun

byoo-ROH office

flexibel adj

flex-EE-buhl flexible

meiden verb

MY-duh to avoid meide

sich auf den Weg machen phrase

zikh owf den vayk MAKH-uhn to set off mach dich früher auf den Weg

stark adj

SHTARK strong stärker

Straße noun

SHTRAH-suh street Straßen

Sturm noun

SHTOORM storm

unterwegs adv

oon-ter-VAYKS on the way; out and about

wasserdicht adj

VAH-suh-dikht waterproof wasserdichte

zurückkommen verb

tsoo-ROOK-kom-uhn to come back

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I need to go to the office.

Show Answer

Ich muss ins Büro.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

strong

Show Answer

stärker

to approach; to develop

Show Answer

aufziehen

to come back

Show Answer

zurückkommen

office

Show Answer

Büro