Flexible plans during a heatwave | Learn German in English

About This Lesson

Use Flexible plans during a heatwave to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Die Hitzewelle wird voraussichtlich anhalten.

dee HIT-seh-VEH-leh virt foh-ROWSS-zikht-likh AHN-hahl-ten. The heatwave is expected to continue.

Dann sollten wir alles, was wir draußen machen, für die kühlere Tageszeit planen.

dahn ZOL-ten veer AH-les, vass veer DROW-sen MAKH-en, fyoor dee KYOOL-eh-reh TAH-gess-tsайт PLAH-nen. Then we should plan anything outside for the cooler part of the day.

Ich wollte den Markt besuchen, aber die Menschenmengen könnten es schwieriger machen.

ikh VOL-teh den MARKT beh-ZOO-khen, AH-ber dee MEN-shen-men-gen KERN-ten ess SHVEE-rih-ger MAKH-en. I wanted to visit the market, but the crowds might make it harder.

In dieser Hitze sollten wir eine ruhigere Zeit wählen und vermeiden, herumzustehen.

in DEE-zer HIT-seh ZOL-ten veer EYE-neh ROO-ih-guh-reh tsайт VAY-len oont fehr-MY-den, heh-ROOM-tsoo-SHTAY-en. In that heat, we should choose a quieter time and avoid standing around.

Wir können durch schattige Straßen gehen und uns bei Bedarf drinnen ausruhen.

veer KERN-en doorKH shat-TEE-guh SHTRAH-sen GAY-en oont oons bye beh-DARF DRIN-en OWS-roo-en. We can take shaded streets and rest indoors when needed.

Das gibt uns mehr Flexibilität, falls die Hitze schlimmer wird.

dahs GEEBT oons mayr flek-see-bee-lee-TAYT, fahls dee HIT-seh SHLIM-er virt. That gives us more flexibility if the heat gets worse.

Würden ein Hut und zusätzliches Wasser helfen?

VUR-den eye-n HOOT oont TSOO-zetz-likh-es VAH-ser HEL-fen? Would a hat and extra water help?

Ein Hut hilft, und leichte Kleidung würde das Gehen erleichtern.

eye-n HOOT HILFT, oont LYKHT-eh KLYE-doong VUR-deh dahs GAY-en er-LYKHT-ern. A hat will help, and light clothing would make the walk easier.

Dann können wir den Plan ändern, wenn es sich zu heiß anfühlt.

dahn KERN-en veer den PLAHN EN-dern, ven ess zikh tsoo HYE-ss AHN-fyoolt. Then we can change the plan if it feels too hot.

Das klingt flexibel genug für einen heißen Tag.

dahs KLINKT flek-see-BEE-bəl geh-NOOK fyoor EYE-nen HYE-sen TAHK. That sounds flexible enough for a hot day.

Word by Word

Die “Die” is the definite article meaning “the” before “Hitzewelle” in “Die Hitzewelle”. It identifies the specific heatwave being discussed. A reusable pattern is “die + noun” when referring to a known thing.

Hitzewelle “Hitzewelle” means “heatwave” in “Die Hitzewelle wird voraussichtlich anhalten”. It names a period of unusually hot weather. You can reuse it when discussing how long a heatwave may last.

wird “Wird” is a form of “werden” and helps express that the heatwave is expected to continue in “wird voraussichtlich anhalten”. Here it is used with the infinitive “anhalten”. A reusable pattern is “wird + infinitive” for a future event or development.

voraussichtlich “Voraussichtlich” means “probably” or “as expected” in “wird voraussichtlich anhalten”. It shows that the continuation is a forecast rather than a certainty. A reusable pattern is “voraussichtlich + verb” when giving a prediction.

anhalten “Anhalten” means “continue” or “persist” in “voraussichtlich anhalten”. It describes the heatwave continuing over time. A reusable pattern is “etwas hält an” for something that continues, with the infinitive used after a modal or “werden” construction.

Dann “Dann” means “then” in “Dann sollten wir alles ... planen”. It connects the suggestion to the expected continuation of the heatwave. You can use it at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a resulting action.

sollten “Sollten” is a form of “sollen” and expresses a recommendation in “sollten wir ... planen” and “sollten wir ... wählen”. It presents the proposed action as sensible rather than compulsory. A reusable pattern is “Wir sollten + infinitive” for giving advice.

wir “Wir” means “we” in “sollten wir” and refers to the two people planning the visit. It marks the people who will carry out the suggested actions. A reusable pattern is “wir können + infinitive” when discussing shared options.

alles “Alles” means “everything” in “alles, was wir draußen machen”. It refers broadly to all the outdoor activities under discussion. The pattern “alles, was ...” introduces a description of everything included.

was “Was” introduces the clause “was wir draußen machen”, which specifies what “alles” refers to. In this construction it means “what” or “that which”. A reusable pattern is “alles, was + clause” when describing a complete set of things.

draußen “Draußen” means “outside” in “was wir draußen machen”. It describes where the activities take place. A reusable pattern is “etwas draußen machen” for doing an activity outdoors; this is a new example.

machen “Machen” means “do” in “was wir draußen machen”. Here it refers generally to carrying out outdoor activities, not to making a physical object. A reusable pattern is “etwas draußen machen”; this is a new example.

für “Für” means “for” in “für die kühlere Tageszeit”. It marks the time that the outdoor activities should be planned for. A reusable pattern is “etwas für eine Zeit planen” when scheduling something; this is a new example.

kühlere “Kühlere” means “cooler” in “die kühlere Tageszeit”. It compares this part of the day with a warmer alternative. The form comes from “kühl” and modifies “Tageszeit” here.

Tageszeit “Tageszeit” means “time of day” in “die kühlere Tageszeit”. It refers to a period such as a cooler part of the day, without naming a precise hour. A reusable pattern is “eine bestimmte Tageszeit wählen” for selecting a time of day; this is a new example.

planen “Planen” means “plan” in “alles ... für die kühlere Tageszeit planen”. It describes arranging the outdoor activities for a suitable time. A reusable pattern is “etwas für eine Zeit planen”; this is a new example.

Ich “Ich” means “I” in “Ich wollte den Markt besuchen”. It identifies the person who had the intention to visit the market. A reusable pattern is “Ich wollte + infinitive” when describing a past intention.

wollte “Wollte” is a form of “wollen” and means “wanted” in “Ich wollte den Markt besuchen”. It expresses a past intention that is then reconsidered because of the crowds. A reusable pattern is “Ich wollte + infinitive” for saying what you intended to do.

den “Den” is the definite article meaning “the” in “den Markt”. It introduces the specific market that the speaker wanted to visit. The reusable expression “den Markt besuchen” means to visit the market.

Markt “Markt” means “market” in “den Markt besuchen”. It names the place the speakers are considering visiting. A reusable pattern is “einen Markt besuchen” for talking about visiting a market; this is a new example.

besuchen “Besuchen” means “visit” in “den Markt besuchen”. It describes going to the market as a planned activity. It is used directly with the place or person being visited, as in “den Markt besuchen”.

aber “Aber” means “but” in “aber die Menschenmengen könnten es schwieriger machen”. It introduces a problem that limits the speaker’s original plan. A reusable pattern is “..., aber ...” for contrasting an intention with a difficulty.

Menschenmengen “Menschenmengen” means “crowds” in “die Menschenmengen könnten es schwieriger machen”. It refers to many people gathered at the market. A reusable pattern is “Menschenmengen vermeiden” when discussing ways to avoid crowded places; this is a new example.

könnten “Könnten” is a form of “können” and expresses a possible consequence in “könnten es schwieriger machen”. It shows that the crowds might make the visit harder, not that this is certain. A reusable pattern is “könnte(n) + infinitive” for describing a possible result.

es “Es” is the pronoun in “es schwieriger machen”, referring here to the visit or situation as what may be made harder. The whole construction “es schwieriger machen” means “make it harder”. A reusable pattern is “etwas macht es + adjective” for describing how something affects a situation; this is a new example.

schwieriger “Schwieriger” means “harder” or “more difficult” in “es schwieriger machen”. It compares the visit with how manageable it would otherwise be. The form comes from “schwierig” and is used in the pattern “etwas schwieriger machen”.

In “In” means “in” or “under” in “In dieser Hitze”. Here it places the advice within the conditions created by the heat. A reusable pattern is “in dieser Situation” when describing circumstances; this is a new example.

dieser “Dieser” means “this” or “that” in “In dieser Hitze”. It points to the particular heat being experienced now. A reusable pattern is “in dieser + noun” when referring to a specific current situation.

Hitze “Hitze” means “heat” in “In dieser Hitze”. It describes the hot conditions affecting the market visit. A reusable pattern is “bei großer Hitze” when talking about what to do in very hot weather; this is a new example.

eine “Eine” is the indefinite article meaning “a” in “eine ruhigere Zeit”. It introduces one possible quieter period for the visit. The pattern “eine + adjective + noun” is used to propose one option.

ruhigere “Ruhigere” means “quieter” in “eine ruhigere Zeit”. It compares the proposed time with a busier or less peaceful alternative. The form comes from “ruhig” and modifies “Zeit” here.

Zeit “Zeit” means “time” in “eine ruhigere Zeit wählen”. It refers to a period suitable for visiting the market. A reusable pattern is “eine Zeit wählen” when selecting a suitable time.

wählen “Wählen” means “choose” in “eine ruhigere Zeit wählen”. It describes selecting the quieter period for the visit. A reusable pattern is “eine Option wählen” when making a choice; this is a new example.

und “Und” means “and” in “wählen und vermeiden”. It links two recommended actions: choosing a quieter time and avoiding standing around. A reusable pattern is “verb + und + verb” for joining related actions.

vermeiden “Vermeiden” means “avoid” in “vermeiden, herumzustehen”. It describes deliberately not spending time standing around. A reusable pattern is “etwas vermeiden” or “vermeiden, etwas zu tun”, depending on what is being avoided.

herumzustehen “Herumzustehen” means “to stand around” in “vermeiden, herumzustehen”. It describes remaining standing without moving on, which could be uncomfortable in the heat. The reusable pattern “vermeiden, herumzustehen” combines “vermeiden” with this activity.

können “Können” means “can” or “be able to” in “Wir können durch schattige Straßen gehen”. It presents the shaded route and indoor rest as available options. A reusable pattern is “Wir können + infinitive” when suggesting what is possible.

durch “Durch” means “through” in “durch schattige Straßen gehen”. It describes movement along or through the streets. A reusable pattern is “durch einen Park gehen” for describing walking through a place; this is a new example.

schattige “Schattige” means “shaded” in “schattige Straßen”. It describes streets protected from direct sunlight. The form comes from “schattig” and modifies “Straßen” here.

Straßen “Straßen” means “streets” in “durch schattige Straßen gehen”. It refers to the possible route through the town. A reusable pattern is “durch die Straßen gehen” when describing walking around an area; this is a new example.

gehen “Gehen” means “go” or “walk” in “durch schattige Straßen gehen”. Here it describes walking along the shaded streets. A reusable pattern is “durch + place + gehen” for describing movement through a place.

uns “Uns” refers to “us” in “uns bei Bedarf drinnen ausruhen”. It is used with “ausruhen” because the speakers are talking about resting themselves. A reusable pattern is “uns ausruhen” when saying that a group will rest.

bei “Bei” means “when” or “in case of” in the fixed expression “bei Bedarf”. It introduces the circumstance in which they would rest indoors. A reusable pattern is “bei Bedarf” for saying that something happens when it is needed.

Bedarf “Bedarf” means “need” in “bei Bedarf”. Together, “bei Bedarf” means “when needed” or “if necessary”. This fixed expression is useful for describing an action that is available only when required.

drinnen “Drinnen” means “indoors” in “uns bei Bedarf drinnen ausruhen”. It describes the place where the speakers can rest. A reusable pattern is “drinnen bleiben” when deciding to stay inside; this is a new example.

ausruhen “Ausruhen” means “rest” in “uns bei Bedarf drinnen ausruhen”. With “uns”, it describes the speakers resting themselves indoors. A reusable pattern is “sich ausruhen” for saying that someone takes time to rest.

Das “Das” means “that” or “it” in “Das gibt uns mehr Flexibilität”. It refers to the combined plan of choosing cooler times, using shade, and resting indoors. A reusable pattern is “Das gibt uns ...” when explaining what an arrangement provides.

gibt “Gibt” is a form of “geben” and means “gives” in “Das gibt uns mehr Flexibilität”. Here the plan provides the speakers with more flexibility. The reusable construction “Das gibt uns + noun” explains what something provides.

mehr “Mehr” means “more” in “mehr Flexibilität”. It shows an increase in the amount of flexibility provided by the plan. A reusable pattern is “mehr + noun” when comparing quantities.

Flexibilität “Flexibilität” means “flexibility” in “Das gibt uns mehr Flexibilität”. It refers to the ability to change the plan if conditions become worse. A reusable pattern is “mehr Flexibilität haben” when describing room to adapt; this is a new example.

falls “Falls” means “if” or “in case” in “falls die Hitze schlimmer wird”. It introduces a possible condition that may require changing the plan. A reusable pattern is “falls + clause” when preparing for a possible situation.

schlimmer “Schlimmer” means “worse” in “die Hitze schlimmer wird”. It describes the heat becoming more severe. The form comes from “schlimm” and is used here with “wird” to describe a change.

Würden “Würden” is a form of “werden” and makes “Würden ... helfen?” a hypothetical question meaning “Would ... help?”. It allows the speaker to ask whether the hat and extra water would be useful. A reusable pattern is “Würde(n) + subject + infinitive?” for asking about a possible benefit.

ein “Ein” is the indefinite article meaning “a” in “ein Hut”. It introduces one hat as a possible helpful item. A reusable pattern is “ein + noun” when suggesting one object or option.

Hut “Hut” means “hat” in “ein Hut hilft”. It refers to headwear suggested as protection during the hot day. A reusable pattern is “einen Hut tragen” when talking about wearing a hat; this is a new example.

zusätzliches “Zusätzliches” means “extra” or “additional” in “zusätzliches Wasser”. It indicates water beyond the amount already available or expected. The form comes from “zusätzlich” and modifies “Wasser” here.

Wasser “Wasser” means “water” in “zusätzliches Wasser”. It is suggested as an extra supply for the hot conditions. A reusable pattern is “Wasser mitnehmen” when saying that someone takes water along; this is a new example.

helfen “Helfen” means “help” in “Würden ein Hut und zusätzliches Wasser helfen?”. It asks whether these items would improve the situation. The infinitive follows “würden” in this hypothetical question.

hilft “Hilft” is a form of “helfen” and means “helps” in “Ein Hut hilft”. It states that a hat is useful in the heat. A reusable pattern is “etwas hilft” when explaining that something provides practical help.

leichte “Leichte” means “light” in “leichte Kleidung”. Here it describes clothing that is suitable for walking on a hot day. The form comes from “leicht” and modifies “Kleidung” here.

Kleidung “Kleidung” means “clothing” in “leichte Kleidung”. It refers to what the speakers can wear to make the walk easier. A reusable pattern is “leichte Kleidung tragen” when talking about clothing for warm weather; this is a new example.

würde “Würde” is a form of “werden” and expresses a hypothetical result in “würde das Gehen erleichtern”. It says that light clothing would make the walking easier. A reusable pattern is “etwas würde + infinitive” for describing a possible effect.

erleichtern “Erleichtern” means “make easier” in “das Gehen erleichtern”. It describes reducing the difficulty of walking in the heat. A reusable pattern is “etwas erleichtert + activity” when explaining what makes an activity easier; this is a new example.

Plan “Plan” means “plan” in “den Plan ändern”. It refers to the arrangement for visiting the market. A reusable pattern is “den Plan ändern” when adapting an arrangement.

ändern “Ändern” means “change” in “den Plan ändern”. It describes adapting the arrangement if the weather feels too hot. A reusable pattern is “etwas ändern” when modifying an existing plan or decision.

wenn “Wenn” means “if” or “when” in “wenn es sich zu heiß anfühlt”. It introduces the condition that may lead them to change the plan. A reusable pattern is “wenn + clause, then action” for describing what happens under a condition.

sich “Sich” is the reflexive pronoun in “es sich zu heiß anfühlt”. Together with “anfühlt”, it forms the expression for how something feels. In this sentence, the whole expression describes the perceived temperature rather than an external measurement.

zu “Zu” means “too” in “zu heiß”. It shows that the heat has reached an excessive level for the speakers. A reusable pattern is “zu + adjective” when saying that something exceeds a comfortable or suitable degree.

heiß “Heiß” means “hot” in “es sich zu heiß anfühlt”. It describes the temperature as experienced by the speakers. A reusable pattern is “zu heiß für + noun” when explaining that something is excessively hot for a person or activity; this is a new example.

anfühlt “Anfühlt” is the clause form of “anfühlen” in “es sich zu heiß anfühlt”. The expression means that the situation feels too hot to the speakers. A reusable pattern is “es fühlt sich + adjective an” for describing how something feels; this is a new example.

klingt “Klingt” is a form of “klingen” and means “sounds” in “Das klingt flexibel genug”. It describes the speaker’s impression of the proposed plan. A reusable pattern is “Das klingt + adjective” when giving an assessment.

flexibel “Flexibel” means “flexible” in “Das klingt flexibel genug”. It describes a plan that can adapt to changing heat and timing. A reusable pattern is “ein flexibler Plan” when referring to an adaptable arrangement; this is a new example.

genug “Genug” means “enough” in “flexibel genug”. It says that the plan has a sufficient degree of flexibility for the situation. A reusable pattern is “adjective + genug”, such as “groß genug”; this is a new example.

einen “Einen” is the indefinite article meaning “a” in “für einen heißen Tag”. It introduces one hot day as the situation for which the plan is suitable. A reusable pattern is “für einen + adjective + noun” when describing what something is suitable for.

heißen “Heißen” means “hot” in “für einen heißen Tag”. It describes the day on which the flexible plan will be used. The form comes from “heiß” and modifies “Tag” here.

Tag “Tag” means “day” in “für einen heißen Tag”. It refers to a day characterized by hot weather. A reusable pattern is “an einem heißen Tag” when talking about activities on a hot day; this is a new example.

Grammar Points

um ... zu + Infinitiv

Sie wählen eine kühlere Tageszeit, um Menschenmengen zu vermeiden.

zee VAY-len EYE-neh KYOOL-eh-reh TAH-gess-tsайт, oom MEN-shen-men-gen tsoo fehr-MY-den.

They choose a cooler time of day to avoid crowds.

German expresses purpose with „um ... zu“; „zu“ comes directly before the infinitive.

Komparativ: -er

Eine kühlere Tageszeit ist ruhiger.

EYE-neh KYOOL-eh-reh TAH-gess-tsайт ist ROO-ih-ger.

A cooler time of day is quieter.

Viele deutsche Adjektive bilden den Komparativ mit „-er“: kühl → kühlere, ruhig → ruhigere.

German Vocabulary

anhalten verb

AHN-hahl-ten to continue; to persist

besuchen verb

beh-ZOO-khen to visit

draußen adv

DROW-sen outside

Hitze noun

HIT-seh heat

Hitzewelle noun

HIT-seh-VEH-leh heatwave

kühl adj

KYOOL cool kühlere

Markt noun

MARKT market

Menschenmenge noun

MEN-shen-men-geh crowd Menschenmengen

ruhig adj

ROO-ikh quiet ruhigere

schwierig adj

SHVEE-rih difficult schwieriger

Tageszeit noun

TAH-gess-tsайт time of day

voraussichtlich adv

foh-ROWSS-zikht-likh probably; expectedly

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

The heatwave is expected to continue.

Show Answer

Die Hitzewelle wird voraussichtlich anhalten.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to visit

Show Answer

besuchen

outside

Show Answer

draußen

heatwave

Show Answer

Hitzewelle

time of day

Show Answer

Tageszeit