About This Lesson
Use Resolving a Shared Kitchen Cleaning Problem to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Die Gemeinschaftsküche war nach dem Abendessen wieder unordentlich.
dee guh-MYNE-shahfts-KYOO-khuh vahr nahkh dehm AH-bent-ESS-en VEE-der oon-ORD-n-tlikh. The shared kitchen was left messy again after dinner.
B
Wir sollten das ansprechen, ohne einer Person die Schuld zu geben.
veer ZOL-ten dahs AHN-shpreh-khen, OH-nuh EYE-nuh pehr-ZOHN dee SHOOLT tsoo GAY-ben. We should bring it up without blaming one person.
A
Vielleicht würde eine Erinnerung an die Aufgaben beim Putzen helfen.
fee-LYKHT VOOR-duh EYE-nuh eh-RIN-uh-roong ahn dee OWF-gah-ben byme PUHT-sen HEL-fen. Maybe a reminder about cleaning responsibilities would help.
B
Mach es konkreter, indem du Geschirr, Arbeitsflächen und den Müll erwähnst.
mahkh ess kon-KRAYT-er IN-daym doo guh-SHEER, AHR-bites-flay-khen oont dehn MYOOL air-VAYNST. Make it specific by mentioning dishes, counters, and trash.
A
Sollen wir einen Zeitplan aufhängen oder zuerst im Gruppenchat darüber sprechen?
ZOL-len veer EYE-nen TSYTE-plahn OWF-heng-en OH-der tsoo-AIRST im GROOP-en-chet dah-ROO-ber SHPREKH-en? Should we post a schedule or talk in the group chat first?
B
Beginne mit einer ruhigen Nachricht, damit sie nicht aggressiv wirkt.
beh-GIN-uh mit EYE-nuh ROO-ih-gen NAHKH-rikht, dah-MIT zee nikht ah-greh-SEEF veerkt. Start with a calm message so it does not feel aggressive.
A
Die Nachricht kann alle bitten, den gemeinsam genutzten Raum zu respektieren.
dee NAHKH-rikht kahn AH-luh BIT-ten, dehn guh-MYNE-zahm guh-NOOTST-en ROWM tsoo reh-spehk-TEE-ren. The message can ask everyone to respect the shared space.
B
Verwende ruhige Worte und vermeide Wörter wie immer und nie.
fair-VEN-duh ROO-ih-guh VOR-tuh oont fair-MY-duh VUR-tuh vee IM-er oont nee. Use calm wording and avoid words like always and never.
A
So klingt die Nachricht nicht wie ein Angriff.
zoh klinkt dee NAHKH-rikht nikht vee ine AHNG-grif. That keeps the message from sounding like an attack.
B
Klare Küchenregeln funktionieren besser, wenn der Ton respektvoll bleibt.
KLAH-ruh KYOO-khen-RAY-geln foonk-tsee-oh-NEE-ren BESS-er, ven dair tohn reh-spehkt-FOHL blypte. Clear kitchen rules work better when the tone stays respectful.Word by Word
Die
In "Die Gemeinschaftsküche" this means “the” and introduces the shared kitchen being discussed. "Die" is used before a feminine noun in this form; reuse it in patterns such as "Die Küche ist sauber" (new example) when referring to a specific kitchen.
Gemeinschaftsküche
"Gemeinschaftsküche" means “shared kitchen,” the kitchen used by several people here. It combines the idea of a community or shared setting with a kitchen; use it when discussing cleaning, rules, or equipment in a jointly used kitchen.
war
In "war ... unordentlich" this means “was” and describes the kitchen’s condition after dinner. It is the past form of "sein" used with a singular subject; reuse it with a past condition such as "Die Küche war sauber" (new example).
nach
In "nach dem Abendessen" this means “after” and places the messy condition after dinner. "nach" commonly comes before a time or event, as in "nach der Arbeit" (new example).
dem
In "nach dem Abendessen" this is the form of “the” used after "nach" with "Abendessen". Reuse the pattern "nach dem ..." for an event that happens afterward, such as "nach dem Essen" (new example).
Abendessen
"Abendessen" means “dinner,” the meal after which the kitchen was left messy. Use it after time expressions such as "nach dem Abendessen" when describing what happens after the evening meal.
wieder
Here "wieder" means “again,” showing that the kitchen is messy another time. It can be placed before the condition being repeated, as in "Die Küche ist wieder sauber" (new example).
unordentlich
In "war ... unordentlich" this means “messy” or “untidy,” describing the condition of the kitchen. Use it after forms of "sein" to describe a place or thing, such as "Das Zimmer ist unordentlich" (new example).
Wir
"Wir" means “we” and refers to the speakers together. It is the subject in "Wir sollten das ansprechen"; reuse it at the start of a sentence when the speakers are proposing a joint action.
sollten
In "Wir sollten das ansprechen" this means “should” and presents a suggestion about addressing the problem. It is useful before an infinitive, as in "Wir sollten reden" (new example).
das
In "das ansprechen" this means “it” and refers to the kitchen problem already under discussion. It appears before the separable verb form "ansprechen"; reuse "das ansprechen" when bringing up a previously mentioned issue.
ansprechen
"ansprechen" means “to bring up” or “to address” an issue in this dialogue. It is used with the topic as its object, as in "ein Problem ansprechen" (new example), for discussing a matter directly.
ohne
In "ohne einer Person die Schuld zu geben" this means “without” and introduces an action that should not happen. It is followed here by an infinitive construction; reuse "ohne ... zu ..." to describe avoiding an action, such as "ohne zu warten" (new example).
einer
In "einer Person" this means “one” or “a” and refers to a single person receiving blame. The form belongs to the expression "einer Person die Schuld geben"; reuse that complete pattern when assigning blame to someone.
Person
"Person" means “person,” specifically the individual who should not be blamed here. It occurs in "einer Person"; use it with a determiner when referring to a particular individual, such as "eine Person" (new example).
Schuld
In "einer Person die Schuld geben" this means “blame” or “fault.” The meaning comes from the whole expression, not from "Schuld" alone; reuse the complete pattern when saying that someone is being held responsible.
zu
In "zu geben" this marks the infinitive construction after "ohne". Together with the infinitive it forms "ohne ... zu geben"; reuse "ohne ... zu" before an action that is avoided.
geben
In "die Schuld zu geben" this means “to give,” as part of the expression “to assign blame.” The reusable pattern is "jemandem die Schuld geben" (new example), with the person receiving the blame before "die Schuld".
Vielleicht
"Vielleicht" means “maybe” and makes the suggestion less definite. It can introduce a possible solution, as in "Vielleicht hilft eine Nachricht" (new example).
würde
In "Vielleicht würde ... helfen" this contributes “would” and presents a possible result rather than a firm prediction. It is used with an infinitive such as "helfen" at the end of the clause; reuse "Das würde helfen" (new example) when suggesting a possible benefit.
eine
In "eine Erinnerung" this means “a” and introduces one possible reminder. It is used before the feminine noun "Erinnerung"; reuse it in patterns such as "eine Nachricht" when introducing one item.
Erinnerung
"Erinnerung" means “reminder,” here a message intended to remind people about cleaning responsibilities. Use it with "an" when specifying what the reminder concerns, as in "eine Erinnerung an die Regeln" (new example).
an
In "eine Erinnerung an die Aufgaben" this means “about” or “concerning” and connects the reminder with its topic. The reusable pattern is "eine Erinnerung an ..." when naming what someone should remember.
Aufgaben
"Aufgaben" means “tasks” or “responsibilities,” here the cleaning duties people have. It is used in "die Aufgaben beim Putzen"; reuse it for duties connected with an activity, such as "Aufgaben bei der Arbeit" (new example).
beim
In "beim Putzen" this means “during” or “while” doing the cleaning. It introduces an activity in the pattern "beim + activity noun," as in "beim Kochen" (new example).
Putzen
"Putzen" means “cleaning” in "beim Putzen," referring to the cleaning activity. With "beim" it names what someone is doing; reuse "beim Putzen" when describing something that happens during cleaning.
helfen
In "würde ... helfen" this means “help” or “be helpful” and describes the possible effect of the reminder. It can be used with the thing that provides help, as in "Eine Liste würde helfen" (new example).
Mach
"Mach" means “make” or “do” in the direct suggestion "Mach es konkreter". It addresses one person and is followed by the object "es"; reuse it for a direct instruction such as "Mach es klar" (new example).
es
In "Mach es konkreter" this means “it” and refers to the message or proposed wording. It is the object of "Mach" and is followed by a description of the desired result; reuse "Mach es ..." when asking someone to change something already known.
konkreter
In "Mach es konkreter" this means “more specific,” asking for clearer details. It describes the desired change to "es"; reuse the pattern "etwas konkreter machen" when making a message or plan more precise.
indem
In "indem du ... erwähnst" this means “by” and introduces the method for making the message more specific. It connects an action with the way it achieves a result; reuse "indem du ..." to explain how someone should do something.
du
"du" means “you” and refers to the person being directly instructed. It is the subject of "erwähnst"; reuse it in informal direct instructions or suggestions addressed to one person.
Geschirr
"Geschirr" means “dishes” or “dishware,” one of the concrete cleaning topics to mention. Use it when discussing plates, cups, and similar kitchen items, as in "das Geschirr spülen" (new example).
Arbeitsflächen
"Arbeitsflächen" means “counters” or “work surfaces,” specifically the kitchen surfaces that need attention. It is used as one item in a list with "Geschirr" and "den Müll"; reuse it when discussing cleaning kitchen work areas.
und
"und" means “and” and joins the listed cleaning topics "Geschirr, Arbeitsflächen und den Müll". Use it before the final item in a list or to connect two related actions.
den
In "den Müll" this means “the” and introduces the specific trash being mentioned. It has this form in the expression "den Müll erwähnen"; reuse it before a specific masculine object in a matching construction.
Müll
"Müll" means “trash” or “garbage,” another concrete cleaning responsibility in the message. Use it in kitchen and household discussions, as in "den Müll rausbringen" (new example).
erwähnst
In "du ... erwähnst" this means “mention,” telling someone to name the dishes, counters, and trash. It is used with the things being mentioned; reuse "du erwähnst ..." when referring to specific points in a conversation or message.
Sollen
At the start of "Sollen wir ...?" this means “should” and forms a question about what the speakers ought to do. It comes before the subject "wir" and the proposed action; reuse "Sollen wir ...?" when asking for a joint decision.
einen
In "einen Zeitplan" this means “a” and introduces one schedule as a possible object to put up. It appears before the masculine noun "Zeitplan" in this object position; reuse it in patterns such as "einen Plan machen" (new example).
Zeitplan
"Zeitplan" means “schedule,” here a plan that could be posted for the shared kitchen. Use it with actions such as "einen Zeitplan aufhängen" when displaying an organized timetable.
aufhängen
In "einen Zeitplan aufhängen" this means “put up” or “hang up,” referring to displaying the schedule. It is used with a physical item as the object; reuse "ein Plakat aufhängen" (new example) for putting a notice on a wall.
oder
"oder" means “or” and presents the alternative of posting a schedule or talking in the group chat. Use it to connect options in a question such as "A oder B?".
zuerst
"zuerst" means “first” and asks whether the group should talk before taking another action. It commonly marks the first step in a sequence, as in "Zuerst sprechen wir darüber" (new example).
im
In "im Gruppenchat" this means “in the” and identifies the place or channel where they could talk. It is used before the masculine noun "Gruppenchat" in this phrase; reuse "im Chat" when referring to a conversation in a chat.
Gruppenchat
"Gruppenchat" means “group chat,” the shared messaging channel where the people could discuss the issue. Use it after "im" when saying that a conversation takes place in that channel.
darüber
In "darüber sprechen" this means “about it,” referring back to the kitchen problem. It combines a reference to the topic with "sprechen"; reuse "über etwas sprechen" or "darüber sprechen" when discussing a previously mentioned subject.
sprechen
In "darüber sprechen" this means “talk” or “speak” about the issue. It is used with a topic introduced by "über" or referred to by "darüber"; reuse "über ein Problem sprechen" (new example).
Beginne
"Beginne" means “start” or “begin” and gives a direct instruction to start with a calm message. It is followed here by "mit" and the starting point; reuse "Beginne mit ..." when giving an instruction about the first step.
mit
In "mit einer ruhigen Nachricht" this means “with” and identifies what the message should start with. Reuse the pattern "mit etwas beginnen" when naming the starting point of an action.
ruhigen
In "einer ruhigen Nachricht" this means “calm” and describes a message whose tone is not aggressive. It appears before "Nachricht" in the phrase "mit einer ruhigen Nachricht"; reuse it to describe calm communication.
Nachricht
"Nachricht" means “message,” here the written or spoken wording intended for everyone. Use it with communication verbs such as "eine Nachricht schreiben" (new example) or in the pattern "mit einer Nachricht beginnen".
damit
In "damit sie nicht aggressiv wirkt" this means “so that” and introduces the intended result of starting calmly. It connects an action with its purpose or consequence; reuse "damit ..." before a clause explaining the desired result.
sie
Here "sie" means “it” and refers to "die Nachricht," the message. It is the subject of "wirkt" in the purpose clause; reuse the pronoun to refer back to a feminine noun such as "die Nachricht".
nicht
In "nicht aggressiv" this means “not” and negates the description of how the message comes across. It is placed before "aggressiv" here; reuse "nicht + description" to say that something does not have a particular quality.
aggressiv
In "nicht aggressiv wirkt" this means “aggressive,” describing how the message might come across. It follows the negation "nicht" and is linked to the message by "wirkt"; reuse it when describing an aggressive tone or behavior.
wirkt
In "sie ... wirkt" this means “seems” or “comes across,” describing the impression the message gives. It is used with an adjective such as "aggressiv"; reuse "etwas wirkt ..." when describing how something appears to others.
kann
In "Die Nachricht kann alle bitten" this means “can” and expresses what the message is able or intended to do. It is followed by an infinitive, here "bitten"; reuse "kann ... helfen" when describing a possible function or effect.
alle
In "alle bitten" this means “everyone” or “all the people,” referring to everyone who shares the space. It is the person being asked in the construction "alle bitten, etwas zu tun"; reuse that pattern when addressing a whole group.
bitten
In "alle bitten, den ... Raum zu respektieren" this means “ask” or “request.” The reusable pattern is "jemanden bitten, etwas zu tun" (new example), with the person asked followed by the requested action.
gemeinsam
In "gemeinsam genutzten Raum" this means “jointly” or “shared,” emphasizing that the space is used by several people. It reinforces the shared nature of the room; reuse it with a jointly performed or experienced action, such as "gemeinsam planen" (new example).
genutzten
In "gemeinsam genutzten Raum" this means “used,” describing the room as one that people share. It appears directly before "Raum" in this description; reuse the pattern "ein gemeinsam genutzter Raum" (new example) for a space used by several people.
Raum
"Raum" means “space” or “room,” here the shared area everyone should respect. It is the object in "den ... Raum respektieren"; reuse it when referring to a physical room or shared space.
respektieren
In "den ... Raum zu respektieren" this means “to respect,” referring to treating the shared space considerately. It follows "bitten" in the pattern "jemanden bitten, etwas zu respektieren"; reuse it with a person, rule, or space as the object.
Verwende
"Verwende" means “use” and gives a direct instruction about the wording of the message. It takes the object "ruhige Worte" here; reuse "Verwende ..." when telling someone to choose a particular resource or wording.
ruhige
In "ruhige Worte" this means “calm,” describing wording that avoids an aggressive impression. It modifies "Worte" in the instruction; reuse it for calm language or communication, such as "ruhige Sprache" (new example).
Worte
In "ruhige Worte" this means “words” or, in context, the wording chosen for the message. It is the object of "Verwende"; reuse "Worte verwenden" when discussing the choice of words.
vermeide
"Vermeide" means “avoid” and instructs the listener not to use certain words. It is followed by the object "Wörter wie immer und nie"; reuse "Vermeide ..." for a direct instruction to leave something out.
Wörter
In "Wörter wie immer und nie" this means “words,” specifically the expressions that should be avoided. It is followed by "wie" and examples; reuse the pattern "Wörter wie ..." when giving examples of words.
wie
In "Wörter wie immer und nie" this means “like” and introduces examples of the kind of words being discussed. Reuse "Wörter wie ..." to name representative examples.
immer
"immer" means “always,” one of the absolute-sounding words the speakers want to avoid. It can describe repeated situations, as in "Er ist immer pünktlich" (new example).
nie
"nie" means “never,” another broad word that may make a message sound accusatory. It is used to say that something does not happen at any time, as in "Sie kommt nie zu spät" (new example).
So
At the start of "So klingt die Nachricht ..." this means “that way” or “so,” referring to the recommended calm wording. It can point to the result of the preceding action; reuse "So klingt ..." when describing the impression created by wording.
klingt
In "klingt ... wie ein Angriff" this means “sounds” or “comes across as.” It is used with "wie" to compare the impression with something else; reuse "Das klingt wie ..." (new example) when describing how a statement is perceived.
ein
In "wie ein Angriff" this means “an” and introduces the comparison target, an attack. It appears before the masculine noun "Angriff" in this phrase; reuse "wie ein ..." when saying that something sounds like a particular thing.
Angriff
"Angriff" means “attack,” here a figurative attack on someone rather than a calm request. It occurs in the comparison "wie ein Angriff"; reuse this phrase when wording seems personally hostile.
Klare
In "Klare Küchenregeln" this means “clear” and describes rules that are easy to understand. It comes before the plural noun "Küchenregeln"; reuse it for instructions or rules whose meaning is unambiguous.
Küchenregeln
"Küchenregeln" means “kitchen rules,” the agreed guidance for using and cleaning the shared kitchen. It combines "Küche" with "Regeln"; use it when discussing expectations for a shared kitchen.
funktionieren
In "Küchenregeln funktionieren besser" this means “work” or “function,” referring to rules producing a better result. It can describe whether a plan, system, or rule is effective, as in "Der Plan funktioniert" (new example).
besser
"besser" means “better” and compares the effectiveness of clear rules with less effective alternatives. It commonly follows a verb such as "funktionieren"; reuse "besser funktionieren" when evaluating how well something works.
wenn
In "wenn der Ton respektvoll bleibt" this means “when” or “if” and introduces the condition connected with better-working rules. It starts a subordinate clause; reuse "wenn ..." to state a condition or circumstance.
der
In "der Ton" this means “the” and introduces the tone being discussed. It is used before the masculine noun "Ton" in this subject position; reuse it before a specific masculine noun in a similar sentence.
Ton
"Ton" means “tone,” here the manner or emotional quality of the communication. It is described as respectful in "der Ton respektvoll bleibt"; reuse it when discussing whether a message sounds calm, harsh, or respectful.
respektvoll
In "respektvoll bleibt" this means “respectful,” describing a considerate tone. It follows "bleibt" as a description of the tone; reuse it for communication or behavior that shows respect.
bleibt
In "der Ton ... bleibt" this means “stays” or “remains,” showing that the tone continues to be respectful. It is used with an adjective describing the continuing state; reuse "Der Ton bleibt ruhig" (new example) for a tone that continues in the same manner.
Grammar Points
Trennbare Verben: ansprechen, aufhängen
Ich spreche das an und hänge den Zeitplan auf.
ikh SHPREKH-uh dahs AHN oont HENG-uh dehn TSYTE-plahn OWF.I bring it up and put up the schedule.
Bei trennbaren Verben steht die Vorsilbe im Hauptsatz am Satzende: ansprechen → spreche ... an.
German Vocabulary
Abendessen
noun
AH-bent-ESS-en
dinner
ansprechen
verb
AHN-shpreh-khen
to bring up; to address
Arbeitsfläche
noun
AHR-bites-flay-khuh
counter; work surface
Aufgabe
noun
OWF-gah-buh
task; responsibility
Erinnerung
noun
eh-RIN-uh-roong
reminder
erwähnen
verb
air-VAY-nen
to mention
Gemeinschaftsküche
noun
guh-MYNE-shahfts-KYOO-khuh
shared kitchen
Geschirr
noun
guh-SHEER
dishes; crockery
konkret
adj
kon-KRAYT
specific; concrete
Putzen
noun
PUHT-sen
cleaning
Schuld geben
phrase
SHOOLT GAY-ben
to blame
unordentlich
adj
oon-ORD-n-tlikh
messy
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
specific; concrete
Show Answer
konkretmessy
Show Answer
unordentlichreminder
Show Answer
Erinnerungto bring up; to address