Requesting privacy at a clinic reception | Learn German in English

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Use Requesting privacy at a clinic reception to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ich fühle mich nicht wohl dabei, sensible Details am Empfang zu besprechen.

ikh FYOOL-uh mikh nikht vohl dah-BYE, zen-SEE-bluh deh-TYLES ahm em-PFAHNG tsoo beh-SHPREKH-en. I am not comfortable discussing sensitive details at the reception desk.

Wir können für alles Persönliche in einen privaten Bereich gehen.

veer KUR-nen fyr AL-les per-ZURN-li-khuh in EYE-nen PREE-vah-ten beh-RYKH GAY-en. We can move to a private area for anything personal.

Das würde mir helfen, weil der Wartebereich sehr nah ist.

dahs VYOOR-duh meer HEL-fen, vyle der VAR-teh-beh-RYKH zair nah ist. That would help, because the waiting room is very close.

Ihre Privatsphäre ist wichtig, und solche Details sollten nicht in der Öffentlichkeit besprochen werden.

EE-reh pfree-VAHTS-fair-uh isht VIKH-tikh, oont ZOL-khuh deh-TYLES ZOL-ten nikht in dair OFF-en-tlikh-KITE beh-SHPROKH-en VAYR-den. Your privacy matters, and those details should not be discussed in public.

Könnte ich die meisten Hintergrundinformationen stattdessen in den schriftlichen Formularen angeben?

KURN-tuh ikh dee MY-sten HIN-ter-groont-in-for-mah-tsee-OH-nen shtat-DESS-en in dayn SHRIFT-li-khen for-moo-LAH-ren AHN-gay-ben? Could I put most of the background on the written forms instead?

Das können Sie, allerdings kann die behandelnde Person Ihnen trotzdem noch unter vier Augen Fragen stellen.

dahs KUR-nen zee, AH-luh-dingz kahn dee beh-HAHN-delnd-uh per-ZOHN EE-nen TROHTS-daym nokh OON-ter FEER OW-gen FRAH-gen SHTEL-len. You can, although the clinician may still ask questions in private.

Das würde das Gespräch für mich viel einfacher machen.

dahs VYOOR-duh dahs geh-SHPREKH fyr mikh feel EYN-fakh-er MAKH-en. That would make the conversation much easier for me.

Ich werde Ihren Wunsch notieren, bevor Sie aufgerufen werden.

ikh VAYR-duh EE-ren VOONSH noh-TEE-ren, beh-FOHR zee OWF-geh-ROO-fen VAYR-den. I will note your preference before you are called.

Word by Word

Ich “Ich” means “I” here and identifies the speaker as the person who feels uncomfortable. It is used as the subject at the beginning of a sentence, as in “Ich fühle mich …”. A learner can use “Ich” to describe their own feelings or needs in a conversation.

fühle “fühle” means “feel” in “Ich fühle mich nicht wohl dabei”. Together with “mich” and “wohl” it describes the speaker’s personal feeling. A common reusable pattern is “Ich fühle mich …”, followed by a description of how you feel.

mich “mich” refers to the speaker as the person experiencing the feeling in “Ich fühle mich nicht wohl”. It belongs to the expression “sich fühlen”, meaning to feel. You can reuse it in “Ich fühle mich …” when describing your own state.

nicht “nicht” negates the feeling in “Ich fühle mich nicht wohl dabei”. It changes “wohl” into “not comfortable” in this context. It can be placed before the word or phrase being negated, as in “nicht wohl”.

wohl “wohl” means “comfortable” in the expression “sich nicht wohl fühlen”. Here it describes the speaker’s comfort with discussing sensitive details. The pattern “sich wohl fühlen” or “sich nicht wohl fühlen” is useful for describing comfort in a situation.

dabei “dabei” refers to the activity of discussing the details in “Ich fühle mich nicht wohl dabei, … zu besprechen”. The whole construction expresses feeling uncomfortable about doing something. A reusable pattern is “Ich fühle mich nicht wohl dabei, … zu …”.

sensible “sensible” means “sensitive” in “sensible Details”. It describes details that require discretion in this clinic context. You can reuse it before a noun when referring to information or topics that should be handled carefully.

Details “Details” means “details” in “sensible Details”. In this dialogue, the details are personal information being discussed at the reception desk. A useful pattern is “Details besprechen” when talking through specific information.

am “am” means “at the” in “am Empfang”. It is the contracted form of “an dem” and places the situation at the reception desk. The pattern “am Empfang” is useful for describing something happening at a reception area.

Empfang “Empfang” means “reception desk” in “am Empfang”. It identifies the place where the sensitive details are being discussed. “Am Empfang” can be used when speaking with staff at a clinic, hotel, or other reception area.

zu “zu” marks the infinitive in “zu besprechen”, meaning “to discuss”. It connects the action with the preceding expression “dabei”. A reusable pattern is “dabei, … zu …” for describing an activity someone feels comfortable or uncomfortable doing.

besprechen “besprechen” means “discuss” in “sensible Details … zu besprechen”. It refers to talking through the sensitive details with another person. A common pattern is “etwas besprechen”, with the topic directly after the verb.

Wir “Wir” means “we” and refers to the clinic staff offering a solution. It is the subject of “Wir können … gehen”. You can use “Wir” when making an offer or describing an action carried out by yourself and another person.

können “können” means “can” in “Wir können … gehen” and presents a possible action or offer. Here it says that the speakers are able to move to another area. A useful pattern is “Wir können …”, followed by an activity or destination.

für “für” means “for” in “für alles Persönliche”. It introduces what the private area is intended for. A reusable pattern is “für …”, followed by the person, thing, or purpose concerned.

alles “alles” means “everything” in “alles Persönliche”. Here it refers broadly to all personal matters that may need to be discussed. The pattern “alles …” can refer to a complete set of things described by the following word.

Persönliche “Persönliche” means “personal matters” in “alles Persönliche”. It refers to personal information or topics without naming them individually. This form can be used after “alles” to talk generally about everything personal.

in “in” indicates movement into a destination in “in einen privaten Bereich gehen”. It connects the movement with the private area. A useful pattern is “in … gehen” when saying that someone is going into a place.

einen “einen” means “a” in “einen privaten Bereich”. It introduces the particular private area being entered. It appears directly before the masculine noun phrase “privaten Bereich” in this sentence.

privaten “privaten” means “private” in “einen privaten Bereich”. It describes the area as separate from the public reception space. You can reuse it before a noun when referring to a private place or setting.

Bereich “Bereich” means “area” in “einen privaten Bereich”. Here it is a designated place where personal matters can be discussed. A useful pattern is “in einen … Bereich gehen” when moving to a particular area.

gehen “gehen” means “go” or “move” in “in einen privaten Bereich gehen”. It describes moving from the reception desk to another place. The pattern “in … gehen” is useful for stating a destination.

Das “Das” means “that” in “Das würde mir helfen” and refers to the proposed move to a private area. It points back to the previous statement rather than naming the action again. You can use “Das würde mir helfen” to say that a suggestion would be helpful.

würde “würde” means “would” in “Das würde mir helfen”. It presents the helpful result as a possibility or consequence of the proposed action. The pattern “Das würde mir helfen” is useful when explaining why a suggestion would support you.

mir “mir” means “to me” or “for me” in “Das würde mir helfen”. It identifies the person who would benefit from the help. The verb “helfen” commonly appears with “mir” when talking about help for yourself.

helfen “helfen” means “help” in “Das würde mir helfen”. The sentence says that moving to a private area would make the situation easier for the speaker. A reusable pattern is “Das hilft mir” or “Das würde mir helfen” when describing something beneficial.

weil “weil” means “because” and introduces the reason in “weil der Wartebereich sehr nah ist”. It explains why discussing sensitive information at the reception feels uncomfortable. You can use “weil” to introduce a reason for a statement.

der “der” means “the” in “der Wartebereich”. It introduces the specific waiting area being discussed. Here it appears directly before the noun “Wartebereich”.

Wartebereich “Wartebereich” means “waiting area” in “der Wartebereich”. It identifies the area where other people may be waiting close to the reception. You can use it when describing where people wait before an appointment.

sehr “sehr” means “very” in “sehr nah”. It strengthens the description of how close the waiting area is. A common pattern is “sehr” before an adjective, as in “sehr nah”.

nah “nah” means “close” in “der Wartebereich sehr nah ist”. It describes the waiting area as physically close to the reception. You can use “nah” with a place or person when explaining that there is little distance.

ist “ist” means “is” in “der Wartebereich sehr nah ist”. It links the waiting area with the description “sehr nah”. The pattern “etwas ist …” is used to describe a person, place, or thing.

Ihre “Ihre” means “your” when speaking formally to one person in “Ihre Privatsphäre”. It refers respectfully to the other person’s privacy. You can use “Ihre” before a noun when addressing someone formally about something belonging to them.

Privatsphäre “Privatsphäre” means “privacy” in “Ihre Privatsphäre ist wichtig”. It refers to the person’s need for personal information to remain private. A useful pattern is “Die Privatsphäre von jemandem” or formal “Ihre Privatsphäre” when discussing privacy.

wichtig “wichtig” means “important” in “Ihre Privatsphäre ist wichtig”. It states that the person’s privacy deserves consideration. You can use “etwas ist wichtig” to emphasize the importance of a matter.

und “und” means “and” and connects the statement about privacy with the statement about discussing details publicly. It joins two related points in the same sentence. You can use “und” to add another piece of information or reason.

solche “solche” means “such” or “those kinds of” in “solche Details”. It refers back to the sensitive details already mentioned. A reusable pattern is “solche + noun” when referring to things of the same kind as something previously discussed.

sollten “sollten” means “should” in “solche Details sollten nicht … besprochen werden”. It expresses an expectation or recommendation about how the details ought to be handled. The pattern “etwas sollte nicht …” is useful for stating that an action should be avoided.

Öffentlichkeit “Öffentlichkeit” means “the public” or “the public sphere” in “in der Öffentlichkeit”. Here it refers to a setting where other people could hear the discussion. The pattern “in der Öffentlichkeit” is used when talking about something happening publicly.

besprochen “besprochen” means “discussed” in “Details … besprochen werden”. It describes the details as the topic of a discussion. In this sentence it is part of the construction “sollten … besprochen werden”, meaning that the details should be discussed in a certain way.

werden “werden” completes the passive construction “besprochen werden”. Together, “sollten … besprochen werden” says that the details should be discussed, without focusing on who discusses them. A reusable pattern is “etwas wird besprochen” for saying that something is being discussed.

Könnte “Könnte” means “could” in “Könnte ich … angeben?” and makes the request polite. It asks whether the speaker may provide the information on the forms instead. The pattern “Könnte ich …?” is useful for making a courteous request.

die “die” means “the” in “die meisten Hintergrundinformationen”. It introduces the specific background information being entered on the forms. Here it appears directly before the plural expression “meisten Hintergrundinformationen”.

meisten “meisten” means “most” in “die meisten Hintergrundinformationen”. It indicates that the speaker wants to provide the larger part, but not necessarily every piece, of the background information. A useful pattern is “die meisten + plural noun” when referring to most items in a group.

Hintergrundinformationen “Hintergrundinformationen” means “background information” in “die meisten Hintergrundinformationen”. It refers to information about the person’s background that can be written on the forms. You can use it with verbs such as “angeben” when supplying information.

stattdessen “stattdessen” means “instead” in “stattdessen in den schriftlichen Formularen angeben”. It shows that the speaker proposes written forms as an alternative to discussing everything at the reception desk. A reusable pattern is “stattdessen …” when replacing one action or place with another.

den “den” means “the” in “in den schriftlichen Formularen”. It introduces the specific written forms where the information would be entered. It appears before “schriftlichen Formularen” in this destination phrase.

schriftlichen “schriftlichen” means “written” in “den schriftlichen Formularen”. It distinguishes the forms as written documents rather than an oral discussion. You can use it before a noun when describing information or communication provided in writing.

Formularen “Formularen” means “forms” in “in den schriftlichen Formularen”. These are the documents where the speaker proposes entering the background information. A useful pattern is “Informationen in Formularen angeben” when completing forms.

angeben “angeben” means “provide” or “enter” in “Hintergrundinformationen … in den schriftlichen Formularen angeben”. It describes supplying information on a form. A reusable pattern is “Informationen in einem Formular angeben” when filling in requested details.

Sie “Sie” means “you” when addressing one person formally in “Das können Sie”. It refers respectfully to the person who asked the question. You can use formal “Sie” when speaking to a clinician, receptionist, or another person you do not address informally.

allerdings “allerdings” means “however” in “allerdings kann die behandelnde Person …”. It introduces an important qualification to the permission just given. You can use it to add a limitation or additional point after an initial statement.

kann “kann” means “can” or “may” in “die behandelnde Person … kann … Fragen stellen”. It says that the clinician may still ask questions privately. A useful pattern is “jemand kann Fragen stellen” when describing someone’s ability or permission to ask questions.

behandelnde “behandelnde” means “treating” or “attending” in “die behandelnde Person”. It identifies the person responsible for treating or attending to the patient. You can use it before “Person” when referring generally to the relevant healthcare professional.

Person “Person” means “person” in “die behandelnde Person”. In this clinic context, it refers to the clinician or healthcare professional handling the appointment. The expression “behandelnde Person” is useful when the exact professional title is not specified.

Ihnen “Ihnen” means “to you” when addressing one person formally in “Ihnen … Fragen stellen”. It identifies the person who will be asked the questions. A useful pattern is “jemandem Fragen stellen”, with the person addressed expressed by a form such as “Ihnen”.

trotzdem “trotzdem” means “nevertheless” or “still” in “trotzdem noch unter vier Augen”. It shows that private questions may still be asked despite the information being written on the forms. You can use it to introduce an action that remains possible after another point.

noch “noch” means “still” in “trotzdem noch … Fragen stellen”. It indicates that the questions remain part of the process even after the forms are completed. The combination “trotzdem noch” is useful for emphasizing that something will continue or remain necessary.

unter vier Augen “unter vier Augen” is an expression meaning “in private” or “confidentially” in “Ihnen trotzdem noch unter vier Augen Fragen stellen”. The whole expression describes a private conversation; “unter” means “under”, “vier” means “four”, and “Augen” means “eyes”, but the combined meaning is not literal. A common pattern is “etwas unter vier Augen besprechen” when two people need to talk privately.

Fragen “Fragen” means “questions” in “Ihnen … Fragen stellen”. It refers to the questions the clinician may ask during a private conversation. A useful pattern is “Fragen stellen”, meaning to ask questions.

stellen “stellen” means “ask” in the construction “Fragen stellen”. In this dialogue it does not mean physically putting something somewhere; together with “Fragen” it means asking questions. The reusable pattern is “jemandem Fragen stellen”.

Gespräch “Gespräch” means “conversation” in “Das würde das Gespräch … machen”. It refers to the discussion between the patient and the clinician. You can use “ein Gespräch” when talking about a planned or ongoing conversation.

viel “viel” means “much” or “a lot” in “viel einfacher”. It strengthens the comparison and says that the conversation would be considerably easier. A common pattern is “viel + comparative adjective”, as in “viel einfacher”.

einfacher “einfacher” means “easier” in “Das würde das Gespräch für mich viel einfacher machen”. It compares the conversation with how difficult it would otherwise feel. You can use “etwas einfacher machen” when saying that an action or arrangement reduces difficulty.

machen “machen” means “make” in “Das würde das Gespräch … einfacher machen”. Together with “einfacher” it means to make the conversation easier for the speaker. A useful pattern is “etwas einfacher machen”, followed by the thing being improved.

werde “werde” means “will” in “Ich werde Ihren Wunsch notieren”. It announces a future action that the receptionist intends to carry out. The pattern “Ich werde …” is useful for stating what you will do.

Ihren “Ihren” means “your” when addressing one person formally in “Ihren Wunsch”. It refers respectfully to the request or preference belonging to the person being addressed. You can use formal “Ihren” before a masculine noun in a phrase about something belonging to the other person.

Wunsch “Wunsch” means “preference” or “request” in “Ihren Wunsch notieren”. It refers to the person’s expressed wish to handle the sensitive information privately. A useful pattern is “einen Wunsch notieren” when recording someone’s request.

notieren “notieren” means “note” or “write down” in “Ihren Wunsch notieren”. It describes recording the person’s preference before they are called. You can use “etwas notieren” when writing down information, a request, or an appointment detail.

bevor “bevor” means “before” in “bevor Sie aufgerufen werden”. It introduces the event that must happen first: the receptionist will note the preference before the person is called. You can use “bevor” to connect an action with a later event.

aufgerufen “aufgerufen” means “called” in “bevor Sie aufgerufen werden”. In this clinic context, it refers to being called for the appointment. It appears with “werden” in the expression “aufgerufen werden”, meaning to be called or summoned.

Grammar Points

unter vier Augen

ein Gespräch unter vier Augen

eye-n geh-SHPREKH OON-ter FEER OW-gen

a private conversation

Die feste Wendung „unter vier Augen“ bedeutet, dass nur zwei Personen vertraulich miteinander sprechen.

Adjektivendung im Dativ Plural: -en

schriftlichen Formularen

SHRIFT-li-khen for-moo-LAH-ren

written forms

Nach einer Dativ-Pluralform steht das Adjektiv hier mit der Endung „-en“: schriftlichen Formularen.

German Vocabulary

angeben verb

AHN-gay-ben to provide; to enter

besprechen verb

beh-SHPREKH-en to discuss

Details noun

deh-TYLES details

Empfang noun

em-PFAHNG reception desk

Hintergrundinformationen noun

HIN-ter-groont-in-for-mah-tsee-OH-nen background information

Öffentlichkeit noun

OFF-en-tlikh-KITE public

Persönliche adj

per-ZURN-li-khuh personal matters

privaten Bereich phrase

PREE-vah-ten beh-RYKH private area

Privatsphäre noun

pfree-VAHTS-fair-uh privacy

schriftlichen Formularen phrase

SHRIFT-li-khen for-moo-LAH-ren written forms

sensible adj

zen-SEE-bluh sensitive

Wartebereich noun

VAR-teh-beh-RYKH waiting area

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

reception desk

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Empfang

waiting area

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Wartebereich

personal matters

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Persönliche

privacy

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Privatsphäre