Choosing an activity despite changing weather | Learn German in English

German lesson set in a contemporary Berlin everyday setting: Before meeting others, two adults choose between an outdoor market and an indoor museum in case the weather changes..

EN → DE / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Choosing an activity despite changing weather to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Das Wetter kann sich ändern, deshalb ist es schwierig, eine Aktivität auszuwählen.

dahs VET-er kahn zikh EN-dern, DES-hahlp ist ess SHVEE-rikh, EYE-nuh ak-tee-vee-TAYT OWS-tsoo-VAY-len. The weather may change, so choosing an activity feels difficult.
B

Such etwas aus, das auch drinnen passt, wenn es regnet.

zookh ET-vahs ows, dahs owkh DRIN-en pahst, venn ess RAYG-net. Pick something that still works indoors if it rains.
A

Der Markt im Freien klingt nach Spaß, aber Regen könnte es dort ungemütlich machen.

dayr markt im FREE-en klingt nahkh shpahs, AH-ber RAY-gen KURN-tuh ess dort oon-guh-MYOOT-likh MAKH-en. The outdoor market sounds fun, but rain could make it uncomfortable.
B

Ein Museum wäre einfacher, wenn das Wetter schlecht wird.

eyne moo-ZAY-oom VAIR-uh EYE-nfakh-er, venn dahs VET-er shlekht veert. A museum would be easier if the weather turns bad.
A

So bleiben wir flexibel, ohne den Tag abzusagen.

zoh BLYE-ben veer flek-SEE-bel, OH-nuh dayn tahk AHP-tsoo-ZAH-gen. That gives us flexibility without canceling the day.
B

Sag allen, was der Hauptplan ist und welche Möglichkeit es drinnen gibt, bevor sie losgehen.

zahk AH-len, vahs dayr HOWPT-plahn ist oont VEL-khuh MURKH-likh-kite ess DRIN-en geept, beh-VOR zee LOHSS-gay-en. Tell everyone the main plan and the indoor option before they leave.
A

Ich werde beide Optionen verschicken, bevor wir uns treffen.

ikh VAIR-duh BYE-duh op-tsee-OHN-en fer-SHIK-en, beh-VOR veer oons TREF-en. I will send both choices before we meet.
B

Menschen kommen mit Änderungen besser zurecht, wenn sie die Alternative frühzeitig kennen.

MEN-shen KOM-en mit EN-der-oong-en BES-er tsoo-REKHT, venn zee dee al-ter-na-TEE-vuh FROOY-tyeet-ikh KEN-en. People handle changes better when they know the alternative early.

Word by Word

Das «Das» means “the” in «Das Wetter» and introduces the weather as the topic. It is used before a noun in common noun phrases such as «Das Wetter». In this dialogue, it appears at the beginning of a statement about changing weather.
Wetter «Wetter» means “weather” in «Das Wetter kann sich ändern». It is used when discussing outdoor conditions and their effect on plans. The phrase «Das Wetter» is a common way to talk about the weather.
kann «kann» expresses possibility in «Das Wetter kann sich ändern»: the weather may change. It is followed by the reflexive expression «sich ändern», with the other verb at the end of the clause. Use this form when saying what may happen.
sich «sich» is the reflexive part of «sich ändern», meaning that the weather changes. It belongs with «ändern» rather than carrying the meaning alone. The reusable pattern is «sich ändern» for something changing.
ändern «ändern» means “change” in «Das Wetter kann sich ändern». With «sich», it describes something changing rather than someone changing something else. «sich ändern» is useful when discussing changing conditions or plans.
deshalb «deshalb» means “therefore” or “so” in «deshalb ist es schwierig». It links the changing weather to the difficulty of choosing an activity. It can introduce the result of a reason in a new main clause.
ist «ist» means “is” in «ist es schwierig». It connects the situation with the description «schwierig». This form is used in simple statements about what something is like.
es «es» is the impersonal “it” in «ist es schwierig», referring to the situation of choosing an activity. It appears with «ist schwierig» to describe the situation generally. This pattern is useful for saying that something is difficult or easy.
schwierig «schwierig» means “difficult” in «ist es schwierig». It describes the situation of choosing an activity as challenging because the weather may change. Use it after «sein» to describe a task or situation.
eine «eine» means “a” in «eine Aktivität». It introduces one unspecified activity that needs to be chosen. The pattern «eine» plus a noun is used when referring to one non-specific feminine noun.
Aktivität «Aktivität» means “activity” in «eine Aktivität auszuwählen». It refers to something the people might do together. It commonly appears with a verb such as «auswählen» when discussing a choice.
auszuwählen «auszuwählen» means “to choose” or “to select” in «eine Aktivität auszuwählen». The prefix «aus» is joined to the infinitive with «zu» in this form. The pattern «etwas auszuwählen» is useful when selecting an activity, option, or item.
Such «Such» means “pick out” or “choose” in the command «Such etwas aus». It directly tells someone to make a choice. This form is useful when asking one person informally to choose something.
etwas «etwas» means “something” in «Such etwas aus». It is the unspecified thing that should be chosen. The pattern «etwas auswählen» is used when the exact choice is not yet named.
aus «aus» is the separable part of the verb in «Such etwas aus», giving the command the meaning “pick out” or “choose”. It appears at the end because the verb is used as a command. Keep it with «Such» when reusing this expression.
auch «auch» means “also” in «das auch drinnen passt», adding the idea that the choice works indoors as well. It highlights an additional suitable condition. It commonly appears before the element or phrase being added.
drinnen «drinnen» means “indoors” in «das auch drinnen passt». It identifies an indoor location as the condition in which the choice should still work. Use it when contrasting an indoor place with an outdoor one.
passt «passt» means “works” or “is suitable” in «das auch drinnen passt». Here it says that the chosen activity remains suitable indoors. The pattern «etwas passt» is useful for saying that an option fits a situation.
wenn «wenn» introduces the condition «wenn es regnet», meaning “if it rains”. It connects the indoor requirement with possible rain. Use «wenn» to introduce a condition or a repeated time situation.
regnet «regnet» means “rains” in «wenn es regnet». It describes the weather condition that may affect the plan. The expression «es regnet» is the standard way to say that it is raining.
Der «Der» means “the” in «Der Markt» and introduces the specific market being discussed. The same written form appears in «was der Hauptplan ist», where it introduces «Hauptplan». It is used before the relevant masculine noun phrase in these dialogue expressions.
Markt «Markt» means “market” in «Der Markt im Freien». It refers to the outdoor activity being considered. The phrase «Markt im Freien» specifies that the market takes place outdoors.
im «im» means “in the” in «im Freien». It is the contracted form used in this fixed expression for being outdoors. The pattern «im Freien» is useful when describing an activity or place outside.
Freien «Freien» contributes “open air” or “outdoors” in «im Freien». Together, «im Freien» describes an outdoor setting. Use the full expression when referring to activities or places outside.
klingt «klingt» means “sounds” in «klingt nach Spaß». It expresses how the outdoor market seems or appears to the speaker. The pattern «etwas klingt nach ...» is used to give an impression of something.
nach «nach» means “like” in the construction «klingt nach Spaß». It connects «klingt» with the impression being expressed. Keep «nach» with «klingt» when saying that something sounds like a particular experience or quality.
Spaß «Spaß» means “fun” in «klingt nach Spaß». It describes the expected enjoyment of the market. The expression «Das macht Spaß» is a common pattern for saying that something is fun.
aber «aber» means “but” in «aber Regen könnte es dort ungemütlich machen». It introduces a drawback that contrasts with the market sounding fun. Use it to connect two contrasting statements.
Regen «Regen» means “rain” in «Regen könnte es dort ungemütlich machen». It is the weather condition that may make the outdoor plan unpleasant. It can be used as the subject when discussing the effect of rain on an activity.
könnte «könnte» expresses a possible result in «Regen könnte es dort ungemütlich machen»: rain might make it uncomfortable. It presents the effect as possible rather than certain. Use it when describing a possible consequence of a condition.
dort «dort» means “there” in «es dort ungemütlich machen», referring to the market’s outdoor location. It points to the place already under discussion. Use it to avoid repeating a previously mentioned location.
ungemütlich «ungemütlich» means “uncomfortable” or “unpleasant” in «es dort ungemütlich machen». It describes the outdoor setting as no longer pleasant because of rain. It is useful for describing an unpleasant atmosphere or place.
machen «machen» means “make” in «Regen könnte es dort ungemütlich machen». It describes rain causing the situation to become unpleasant. The pattern «etwas macht etwas ...» is used when one thing causes another result.
Ein «Ein» means “a” in «Ein Museum». It introduces a museum as one possible choice. The pattern «Ein» plus a noun is used when presenting one non-specific option.
Museum «Museum» means “museum” in «Ein Museum wäre einfacher». It names the indoor alternative to the outdoor market. It is used here as the subject of a suggestion about what would be easier in bad weather.
wäre «wäre» means “would be” in «Ein Museum wäre einfacher». It presents the museum as a hypothetical or conditional option. Use it when suggesting what would be preferable under a possible circumstance.
einfacher «einfacher» means “easier” in «Ein Museum wäre einfacher». It compares the museum option with the more difficult outdoor plan in bad weather. It is useful when evaluating or comparing possible choices.
schlecht «schlecht» means “bad” in «wenn das Wetter schlecht wird». It describes the weather as an unfavorable condition. The pattern «schlechtes Wetter» is commonly used when discussing plans affected by weather.
wird «wird» means “becomes” in «wenn das Wetter schlecht wird». It describes the weather changing into a bad state. The pattern «etwas wird ...» is used when something changes and takes on a new condition.
So «So» means “that way” or “thus” in «So bleiben wir flexibel». It refers to the plan just described and introduces its result. It can begin a sentence explaining how an action achieves an outcome.
bleiben «bleiben» means “remain” or “stay” in «bleiben wir flexibel». It says that the people continue to be flexible despite the changing weather. The pattern «flexibel bleiben» is useful when keeping options open.
wir «wir» means “we” in «bleiben wir flexibel». It refers to the people making the activity plan together. Use it when describing a shared decision or result involving the speaker and others.
flexibel «flexibel» means “flexible” in «bleiben wir flexibel». It describes keeping the plan adaptable when the weather changes. The expression «flexibel bleiben» is useful for plans that may need to change.
ohne «ohne» means “without” in «ohne den Tag abzusagen». It introduces something that does not happen: canceling the day. It is commonly followed by a noun phrase or an infinitive with «zu».
den «den» means “the” in «den Tag abzusagen». It introduces the specific day that could otherwise be canceled. The full phrase «den Tag absagen» is used when canceling a planned day or event.
Tag «Tag» means “day” in «den Tag abzusagen». Here it refers to the planned day of activities. The phrase «den Tag absagen» means to cancel the day’s plan.
abzusagen «abzusagen» means “to cancel” in «den Tag abzusagen». It is the infinitive form of the separable verb «absagen» with «zu» inserted into the verb. The pattern «etwas abzusagen» is useful when saying that an event or plan is being canceled.
Sag «Sag» means “tell” or “say” in the informal command «Sag allen». It asks one person to communicate information to everyone. The pattern «Sag jemandem ...» is used when telling someone something.
allen «allen» means “everyone” or “to everyone” in «Sag allen». It identifies the people who should receive the information. It is used after verbs such as «sagen» when addressing or informing a group.
was «was» means “what” in «was der Hauptplan ist». It introduces the information that should be told to everyone. Here it begins an embedded question or content clause after «Sag allen».
und «und» means “and” in «was der Hauptplan ist und welche Möglichkeit es drinnen gibt». It connects the main plan with the indoor option. Use it to join two related pieces of information.
welche «welche» means “which” or “what” in «welche Möglichkeit es drinnen gibt». It identifies the particular indoor option being discussed. It introduces the noun «Möglichkeit» in this question-like clause.
Hauptplan «Hauptplan» means “main plan” in «was der Hauptplan ist». It refers to the primary activity that the group is planning to do. It is useful when distinguishing the main plan from an alternative.
Möglichkeit «Möglichkeit» means “option” or “possibility” in «welche Möglichkeit es drinnen gibt». It refers to the indoor choice available if the weather changes. It commonly appears when discussing available choices or solutions.
gibt «gibt» means “there is” or “is available” in «welche Möglichkeit es drinnen gibt». Together with «es», it states that an indoor option exists. The pattern «es gibt ...» is used to say that something is available or present.
bevor «bevor» means “before” in «bevor sie losgehen». It places the communication of the plan earlier than the group’s departure. Use it to introduce an action that happens before another action.
sie «sie» means “they” in «bevor sie losgehen». It refers to the people who have been told about the plan. In this clause, it is the subject of «losgehen».
losgehen «losgehen» means “to leave” or “to set off” in «bevor sie losgehen». It describes the people beginning their journey to the meeting. The pattern «losgehen» is useful when saying that someone departs or starts out.
Ich «Ich» means “I” in «Ich werde beide Optionen verschicken». It identifies the speaker as the person who will send the information. It is used as the subject when stating the speaker’s own plan or intention.
werde «werde» means “will” in «Ich werde beide Optionen verschicken». Together with the infinitive «verschicken», it expresses the speaker’s future action. The pattern «Ich werde ...» is useful for announcing a planned action.
beide «beide» means “both” in «beide Optionen». It refers to the two choices that have been discussed. Use it before or with a plural noun when including two items together.
Optionen «Optionen» means “options” in «beide Optionen». It refers to the outdoor market and the indoor museum as the two choices. It is useful when presenting alternatives for a decision.
verschicken «verschicken» means “send” in «werde beide Optionen verschicken». It describes sending both choices to the other people before the meeting. The pattern «etwas verschicken» is used for sending information, messages, or items.
uns «uns» means “us” in «bevor wir uns treffen». It refers to the speaker and the other people meeting together. With «treffen», the expression «uns treffen» means “meet each other” or “meet up.”
treffen «treffen» means “meet” in «wir uns treffen». Together with «uns», it describes the group meeting one another. The pattern «sich treffen» is useful for arranging a meeting with other people.
Menschen «Menschen» means “people” in «Menschen kommen mit Änderungen besser zurecht». It refers generally to people dealing with changes. It is useful for making a general statement about how people respond to situations.
kommen «kommen» contributes to the meaning “manage” in «kommen mit Änderungen ... zurecht». It is part of the separable expression «mit etwas zurechtkommen», meaning to cope with something. Keep it with «zurecht» and the preposition «mit» in this pattern.
mit «mit» means “with” in «mit Änderungen zurechtkommen». It introduces the change that people must cope with. The reusable pattern is «mit etwas zurechtkommen» for managing or coping with something.
Änderungen «Änderungen» means “changes” in «mit Änderungen besser zurechtkommen». It refers to alterations to the original plan, such as changing activities because of weather. It appears after «mit» in the pattern for coping with changes.
besser «besser» means “better” in «kommen mit Änderungen besser zurecht». It compares how people cope when they know the alternative early with how they might cope without that information. It is useful when describing an improved way of handling something.
zurecht «zurecht» is the separable part of «zurechtkommen» in «kommen mit Änderungen besser zurecht». Together, «mit Änderungen zurechtkommen» means “cope with changes” or “manage changes”. Keep «zurecht» at the end of the main clause when reusing this expression.
die «die» means “the” in «die Alternative». It introduces the specific alternative that people should know early. It is used before the noun «Alternative» in this noun phrase.
Alternative «Alternative» means “alternative” in «die Alternative». It refers to the second plan available if the main plan becomes unsuitable. It is useful when discussing another choice that can replace the first one.
frühzeitig «frühzeitig» means “early” or “in good time” in «die Alternative frühzeitig kennen». It emphasizes knowing the alternative before a change becomes urgent. Use it when information or preparation should happen sufficiently early.
kennen «kennen» means “know” in «die Alternative frühzeitig kennen». It describes being familiar with or aware of the alternative plan. The pattern «etwas kennen» is used when someone knows a person, place, thing, or option.

Grammar Points

zu + Infinitiv

Aktivität auszuwählen

ak-tee-vee-TAYT OWS-tsoo-VAY-len

to select an activity

After certain expressions, German uses zu before the infinitive; separable verbs insert zu inside the verb.

Trennbares Verb im Imperativ

Such etwas aus

zookh ET-vahs ows

Pick something.

With separable verbs, the prefix moves to the end in the imperative.

German Vocabulary

Aktivität noun
ak-tee-vee-TAYT activity
aussuchen verb
OWS-zoo-khen to pick; to choose Such etwas aus
auswählen verb
OWS-tsoo-VAY-len to choose; to select auszuwählen
deshalb adv
DES-hahlp therefore
drinnen adv
DRIN-en indoors
Markt noun
markt market
Markt im Freien phrase
markt im FREE-en outdoor market
passen verb
PAHS-en to fit; to work passt
regnen verb
RAYG-nen to rain regnet
schwierig adj
SHVEE-rikh difficult
sich ändern verb
zikh EN-dern to change
Wetter noun
VET-er weather

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

difficult

Show Answerschwierig

therefore

Show Answerdeshalb

to choose; to select

Show Answerauszuwählen

indoors

Show Answerdrinnen