Confirming Travel Delay Information and Where to Wait | Learn German in English

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Use Confirming Travel Delay Information and Where to Wait to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Die Ansage sagt, dass es eine Verspätung gibt, aber sie sagt nicht, warum.

dee AHN-zah-guh zahkt, dahss ess EYE-nuh fer-SHPAY-toong gipht, AH-ber zee zahkt nikht, vah-ROOM. The announcement says there is a delay, but it does not say why.

Ich glaube, sie überprüfen den Zug, bevor sie die Fahrgäste einsteigen lassen.

ikh GLOW-buh, zee oo-ber-PRUE-fen dayn tsook, beh-FOR zee dee FAHR-gays-tuh EYN-shty-gen LAH-sen. I think they are checking the train before letting people board.

Sollen wir hier bleiben oder nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen?

ZOL-en veer heer BLY-ben OH-der nahkh EYE-nem AHN-de-ren BAHN-shtyke ZOO-khen? Should we stay here, or should we look for another platform?

Bleiben wir vorerst in der Nähe. Wenn sich etwas ändert, sagen die Mitarbeitenden, wohin wir gehen sollen.

BLY-ben veer foh-AIR-st in dair NAY-uh. Ven zikh ET-vahs END-ert, ZAH-gen dee MIT-ar-BYE-ten-den, voh-HIN veer GAY-en ZOL-en. Stay close for now. If it changes, staff will say where to go.

Ich habe Gepäck dabei, deshalb möchte ich nicht ständig hin und her laufen.

ikh HAH-buh guh-PEK dah-BYE, DES-halp MERKH-tuh ikh nikht SHTEN-dikh hin oont hair LOW-fen. I have luggage, so I do not want to keep moving around.

Ich werde fragen, ob sie uns helfen können, falls wir den Bahnsteig wechseln müssen.

ikh VAIR-duh FRAH-gen, op zee oons HEL-fen KURN-en, fahls veer dayn BAHN-shtyke VEKH-seln MUES-en. I will ask whether they can help if we need to switch platforms.

Das würde helfen, falls die Änderung erst in letzter Minute kommt.

dahs VUR-duh HEL-fen, fahls dee END-uh-roong airrst in LETS-ter mee-NOO-tuh komt. That would help if the change comes at the last minute.

Sobald sie die Anzeige aktualisieren, können wir losgehen, ohne zu raten.

zoh-BAHLT zee dee AHN-tsy-guh ahk-too-ah-lee-ZEE-ren, KURN-en veer LOHS-gay-en, OH-nuh tsoo RAH-ten. Once they update the board, we can move without guessing.

Word by Word

Die “Die” is the definite article before “Ansage” in “Die Ansage” and means “the.” Here it marks the announcement as a specific feminine noun.

Ansage “Ansage” means “announcement” in “Die Ansage sagt.” It refers to the spoken travel information heard by the travelers. A useful pattern is “Die Ansage sagt, dass …” for reporting what an announcement says.

sagt “Sagt” means “says” in “Die Ansage sagt” and “sie sagt nicht.” The form describes what the announcement communicates, and “sagen, dass …” is a common pattern for reporting information.

dass “Dass” introduces the statement “dass es eine Verspätung gibt,” meaning “that there is a delay.” In this construction, the following statement gives the content of what the announcement says.

es “Es” is the impersonal subject in “es gibt eine Verspätung,” where the whole expression means “there is a delay.” It does not refer to a specific object here. Use “es gibt …” to state that something exists or is present.

eine “Eine” means “a” before “Verspätung” in “eine Verspätung.” It introduces one unspecified delay in the statement “es gibt eine Verspätung.”

Verspätung “Verspätung” means “delay” in “es gibt eine Verspätung.” In this scene, it refers to the travel delay mentioned in the announcement. A common reuse pattern is “eine Verspätung haben” for having a delay.

gibt “Gibt” contributes the meaning “is” or “exists” in the expression “es gibt eine Verspätung.” The complete construction, not “gibt” alone, means “there is a delay.” Use “es gibt …” before the thing that is present.

aber “Aber” means “but” and contrasts the announced delay with the missing explanation: “aber sie sagt nicht, warum.” It connects two statements that do not provide the same information.

sie “Sie” refers to “die Ansage” in “sie sagt nicht, warum,” so it means “it” here; in “sie überprüfen den Zug,” it means “they” and refers to the people checking the train. The surrounding verb shows which reference is intended.

nicht “Nicht” means “not” and negates “sagt” in “sie sagt nicht, warum.” It shows that the announcement gives no reason. Place “nicht” before the information or action being negated.

warum “Warum” means “why” in “sie sagt nicht, warum,” asking for the reason for the delay. It can introduce a question about the reason for an event or situation.

Ich “Ich” means “I” and identifies the speaker in “Ich glaube.” It is used when the speaker gives a personal opinion or assessment.

glaube “Glaube” means “think” or “believe” in “Ich glaube, sie überprüfen den Zug.” The phrase “Ich glaube, …” presents the following statement as the speaker’s opinion rather than confirmed information.

überprüfen “Überprüfen” means “check” or “inspect” in “sie überprüfen den Zug.” It describes examining the train before passengers are allowed to board. A useful pattern is “etwas überprüfen,” followed by the thing being checked.

den “Den” is the definite article before “Zug” in “den Zug,” meaning “the.” Here it marks the specific train being checked.

Zug “Zug” means “train” in “sie überprüfen den Zug.” It is the vehicle being inspected before boarding. A common pattern is “mit dem Zug fahren” for travelling by train.

bevor “Bevor” means “before” and introduces “bevor sie die Fahrgäste einsteigen lassen.” It places the checking of the train earlier than the passengers’ boarding.

Fahrgäste “Fahrgäste” means “passengers” in “die Fahrgäste einsteigen lassen.” These are the people who are waiting to board the train. It is used for passengers in public transport.

einsteigen “Einsteigen” means “board” or “get on” in “die Fahrgäste einsteigen lassen.” In this construction, the passengers are the ones who get on the train, while “lassen” expresses allowing that action.

lassen “Lassen” means “let” or “allow” in “die Fahrgäste einsteigen lassen.” The whole construction means that someone allows the passengers to board. Use “jemanden etwas tun lassen” when someone allows another person to do something.

Sollen “Sollen” means “should” in the question “Sollen wir hier bleiben?” It asks whether staying here is the appropriate next action. “Sollen wir …?” is a common way to suggest or discuss what to do next.

wir “Wir” means “we” and refers to the two travelers in “Sollen wir” and “Bleiben wir.” It identifies the group that may stay, look for a platform, or move.

hier “Hier” means “here” in “hier bleiben,” referring to the travelers’ current location. It is used to specify the place where an action happens or where someone remains.

bleiben “Bleiben” means “stay” or “remain” in “Sollen wir hier bleiben?” It describes not leaving the current place. The same form appears in “Bleiben wir vorerst in der Nähe” as a suggestion to stay nearby for now.

oder “Oder” means “or” and presents the alternative “nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen.” It connects two possible actions in the question.

nach In “nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen,” “nach” is part of the pattern “nach etwas suchen,” meaning “look for something.” It marks the thing being sought, so keep the preposition with “suchen” when reusing this pattern.

einem “Einem” means “a” before “anderen Bahnsteig” in “nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen.” It introduces one possible different platform as the thing being sought.

anderen “Anderen” means “another” or “different” in “einem anderen Bahnsteig.” It distinguishes this platform from the one where the travelers are currently waiting.

Bahnsteig “Bahnsteig” means “platform” in “nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen.” It refers to the railway platform where passengers wait for a train. A useful pattern is “den Bahnsteig wechseln” for switching platforms.

suchen “Suchen” means “look for” in “nach einem anderen Bahnsteig suchen.” Together with “nach” it describes trying to find a different platform. Reuse the pattern “nach etwas suchen,” keeping the object slot after “nach.”

vorerst “Vorerst” means “for now” or “for the time being” in “Bleiben wir vorerst in der Nähe.” It limits the suggestion to the current situation and leaves open what happens later.

in In “in der Nähe,” “in” contributes the meaning “in” and helps describe a location. The whole phrase means “nearby” or “in the vicinity.” Use “in der Nähe” to say that someone or something is close.

der “Der” is the definite article in the fixed location phrase “in der Nähe,” meaning “the” before “Nähe.” Together, “in der Nähe” means “nearby” or “in the vicinity.”

Nähe “Nähe” means “vicinity” or “nearby area” in “in der Nähe.” The phrase refers to staying close to the current place. A common pattern is “in der Nähe von …” when specifying what something is near.

Wenn “Wenn” means “if” in “Wenn sich etwas ändert.” It introduces a possible future condition: the staff will give directions if something changes. Use “Wenn …, …” to connect a condition with its consequence.

sich “Sich” is part of “sich ändern” in “Wenn sich etwas ändert,” where the construction means “change.” It shows that the subject, “etwas,” undergoes a change rather than changing another object.

etwas “Etwas” means “something” in “Wenn sich etwas ändert.” It refers generally to a change in the travel situation without naming a specific thing. It can be used when the exact object or event is not specified.

ändert “Ändert” means “changes” in “Wenn sich etwas ändert.” It describes the travel situation becoming different. The reusable pattern “Wenn sich etwas ändert, …” introduces what will happen after a situation changes.

Mitarbeitenden “Mitarbeitenden” means “staff members” or “employees” in “die Mitarbeitenden.” Here it refers to the transport staff who can give the travelers directions. Use it for people working for an organization or service.

sagen “Sagen” means “say” or “tell” in “sagen die Mitarbeitenden, wohin wir gehen sollen.” The staff communicate the destination or instruction. A useful pattern is “jemand sagt, wohin …,” followed by the destination information.

wohin “Wohin” means “where to” in “wohin wir gehen sollen.” It asks about a destination or direction, not just a location. Use it when the answer describes where someone should go.

gehen “Gehen” means “go” in “wohin wir gehen sollen.” It describes moving to the destination that the staff will specify. It commonly appears with a destination or with “wohin” when the destination is being asked about.

habe “Habe” means “have” in “Ich habe Gepäck dabei.” It states that the speaker has luggage with them. “Ich habe …” is a common pattern for saying what one possesses or carries.

Gepäck “Gepäck” means “luggage” in “Gepäck dabei haben.” It refers to the bags and belongings the traveler is carrying. The phrase “Gepäck dabei haben” means to have luggage with you.

dabei “Dabei” means “with me” or “along” in “Gepäck dabei haben.” Together, “Gepäck dabei haben” means that the speaker has luggage with them. It is useful when emphasizing that something is being carried or brought along.

deshalb “Deshalb” means “therefore” or “for that reason” in “deshalb möchte ich nicht ständig hin und her laufen.” It connects the luggage to the speaker’s wish not to keep moving around. It is used to introduce a consequence of the previous statement.

möchte “Möchte” means “would like” or “want” in “ich möchte nicht ständig hin und her laufen.” It expresses the speaker’s wish in a polite form. A useful pattern is “Ich möchte nicht …” for saying what one does not want to do.

ständig “Ständig” means “constantly” or “continually” in “ständig hin und her laufen.” It emphasizes that the movement would keep happening repeatedly. It can describe an action that continues or happens again and again.

hin In the expression “hin und her laufen,” “hin” marks movement away or in one direction. Together with “her,” the expression means moving back and forth. Keep both directional components when reusing this expression.

und “Und” means “and” in “hin und her.” It links the two opposite movement directions and forms part of the expression “hin und her laufen.”

her In the expression “hin und her laufen,” “her” marks movement toward here or back in this direction. Together with “hin,” it describes moving back and forth rather than moving only once.

laufen “Laufen” means “walk” or “move around” in “hin und her laufen.” With “hin und her,” it describes repeated movement from one direction to the other. The full expression is useful when someone has to keep moving around.

werde “Werde” means “will” in “Ich werde fragen.” Together with the following verb, it expresses the speaker’s intention to ask. “Ich werde …” is a common pattern for stating a future action or decision.

fragen “Fragen” means “ask” in “Ich werde fragen, ob …” The speaker intends to request information from the staff. A useful pattern is “fragen, ob …” when asking whether something is possible or true.

ob “Ob” means “whether” in “fragen, ob sie uns helfen können.” It introduces an indirect yes-or-no question. Use “ob” after verbs such as “fragen” when the answer may be yes or no.

helfen “Helfen” means “help” in “sie uns helfen können.” It describes assistance for the travelers if they need to change platforms. A common pattern is “jemandem helfen,” with the person receiving help included.

können “Können” means “can” or “be able to” in “sie uns helfen können.” It asks whether the staff are able to provide assistance. It is used with another verb to express ability or possibility.

falls “Falls” means “if” or “in case” in “falls wir den Bahnsteig wechseln müssen.” It introduces a possible situation that may require help. Use it for a condition that is uncertain but relevant to planning.

wechseln “Wechseln” means “switch” or “change” in “den Bahnsteig wechseln.” The whole expression means to change from one platform to another. Keep “den Bahnsteig” as the object when reusing this travel-related pattern.

müssen “Müssen” means “must” or “need to” in “wir den Bahnsteig wechseln müssen.” It expresses the necessity of switching platforms if the situation requires it. It appears with the action that is necessary.

Das “Das” means “that” in “Das würde helfen.” It refers to the help mentioned in the previous sentence. As a demonstrative pronoun, it points back to an already mentioned action or situation.

würde “Würde” means “would” in “Das würde helfen.” It presents the help as a hypothetical benefit if a late change occurs. The pattern “Das würde helfen, falls …” connects a possible action with its useful result.

Änderung “Änderung” means “change” in “die Änderung … kommt.” Here it refers to a change in the travel arrangements, such as a possible platform change. A common pattern is “eine Änderung kommt,” meaning that a change occurs or arrives.

erst “Erst” means “only” or “not until” in “erst in letzter Minute.” It emphasizes that the change would come very late. It is useful when highlighting a delayed time or late point in a sequence.

letzter “Letzter” means “last” in the phrase “in letzter Minute.” It describes the minute as the final possible moment. The full phrase “in letzter Minute” means “at the last minute.”

Minute “Minute” means “minute” in “in letzter Minute.” Together with “letzter,” it describes a change happening at the last possible moment. “In letzter Minute” is a common expression for something happening very late.

kommt “Kommt” means “comes” in “die Änderung … kommt.” In this context, it describes the change occurring or arriving at a particular time. The phrase “in letzter Minute kommt” places that event very late.

Sobald “Sobald” means “as soon as” in “Sobald sie die Anzeige aktualisieren.” It indicates that the travelers can act immediately after the display is updated. Use “sobald …” to link one action directly to the completion of another.

Anzeige “Anzeige” means “display” or “information board” in “die Anzeige aktualisieren.” It refers to the board showing current travel information. A useful pattern is “eine Anzeige aktualisieren” when updating displayed information.

aktualisieren “Aktualisieren” means “update” in “die Anzeige aktualisieren.” It describes changing the board so that it shows the latest information. It commonly takes the thing being updated as its object.

losgehen “Losgehen” means “set off” or “get moving” in “können wir losgehen.” It describes beginning to move once the information is clear. Use it when someone starts going somewhere after waiting or preparing.

ohne “Ohne” means “without” in “ohne zu raten.” It states that the travelers can move without needing to guess. It commonly introduces something that is absent or avoided.

zu “Zu” is the infinitive marker in “ohne zu raten.” Together, “ohne zu raten” means “without guessing.” The pattern “ohne zu + verb” describes an action that happens without another action taking place.

raten “Raten” means “guess” in “ohne zu raten.” It refers to choosing where to go without reliable information. The full phrase “ohne zu raten” means that the travelers can act based on the updated display instead of guessing.

Grammar Points

bevor + Nebensatz: Das konjugierte Verb steht am Ende.

Bevor die Fahrgäste einsteigen, überprüfen Mitarbeitende das Gepäck.

beh-FOR dee FAHR-gays-tuh EYN-shty-gen, oo-ber-PRUE-fen MIT-ar-BYE-ten-duh dahs guh-PEK.

Before the passengers board, staff members check the luggage.

Nach „bevor“ steht das konjugierte Verb am Ende des Nebensatzes.

ohne zu + Infinitiv

ohne zu raten

OH-nuh tsoo RAH-ten

without guessing

„ohne zu“ verbindet sich mit dem Infinitiv und beschreibt, was nicht getan wird.

German Vocabulary

Ansage noun

AHN-zah-guh announcement

bevor conj

beh-FOR before

einsteigen verb

EYN-shty-gen to board; to get on einzusteigen

Fahrgast noun

FAHR-gahst passenger Fahrgäste

geben verb

GAY-ben to exist; to be present gibt

glauben verb

GLOW-ben to think; to believe glaube

lassen verb

LAH-sen to let; to allow

sagen verb

ZAH-gen to say sagt

überprüfen verb

oo-ber-PRUE-fen to check; to inspect

Verspätung noun

fer-SHPAY-toong delay

warum adv

vah-ROOM why

Zug noun

tsook train

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to check; to inspect

Show Answer

überprüfen

before

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bevor

to say

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sagt

announcement

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Ansage