Explaining a device fault and requesting a replacement | Learn German in English

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Use Explaining a device fault and requesting a replacement to practice German conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Ich habe dieses Gerät vor Kurzem gekauft, aber der Bildschirm flackert manchmal.

ikh HAH-buh DEE-zuhs guh-RAIT fohr KOORT-tsem guh-KOWFT, AH-buh dair BILT-shirm FLAK-ert MANCH-mahl. I bought this device recently, but the screen flickers sometimes.

Sporadische Fehler lassen sich schwer reproduzieren, deshalb testen wir das Gerät hier.

spo-rah-DEE-shuh FAY-luh LAH-sen zikh shvair reh-proh-doo-TSEE-ren, DES-halp TES-ten veer das guh-RAIT heer. Intermittent faults can be hard to reproduce, so we will test it here.

Ich habe ein kurzes Video aufgenommen, auf dem das während der normalen Nutzung passiert.

ikh HAH-buh ine KOORT-ses VEE-dee-oh OWF-guh-NOM-men, owf daem das VAIR-ent dair nor-MAH-len NOOT-soong pah-SEERT. I recorded a short video of it happening during normal use.

Das Video ist hilfreich, falls der Fehler während des Tests nicht auftritt.

das VEE-dee-oh ist HILF-raikh, fahls dair FAY-luh VAIR-ent dess TESTS nikht OWF-tritt. The video will help if the fault does not show up during the test.

Ich hätte lieber einen Austausch als eine Reparatur.

ikh HET-tuh LEE-buh EYE-nen OWS-towsh ahls EYE-nuh reh-pah-rah-TOOR. I would prefer a replacement instead of a repair.

Wir können diesen Wunsch vermerken, aber die Prüfung entscheidet über das weitere Vorgehen.

veer KURR-nen DEE-zen VOONSH fair-MAIRK-en, AH-buh dee PRUUF-oong ent-SHAI-det OO-buh das VAI-tuh-rus FOHR-gay-en. We can record that preference, but the inspection decides the next step.

Bitte vermerken Sie, dass das Problem direkt nach der Einrichtung begonnen hat.

BIT-tuh fair-MERK-en zee, dass das proh-BLAYM dee-REKT nahkh dair EYE-nrikh-toong guh-BON-nen hat. Please note that the problem started right after setup.

Ich nehme das in den Servicebericht auf.

ikh NAY-muh das in dayn ZUR-vis-buh-RIKHT owf. I will add that to the service record.

Word by Word

Ich “Ich” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who bought the device, recorded the video, or expresses a preference. It is used as the subject before a finite verb, as in “Ich habe” and “Ich hätte”. You can use it when describing your own experience or request.

habe “habe” is the form of haben used with “Ich” in “Ich habe dieses Gerät vor Kurzem gekauft” and “Ich habe ein kurzes Video aufgenommen”. Here it helps form a completed past event with “gekauft” or “aufgenommen”. Use “Ich habe” followed by a past participle when reporting something you have done.

dieses “dieses” means “this” in “dieses Gerät” and points to the particular device being discussed. It appears directly before the noun it specifies. Use the same pattern when identifying one specific item nearby.

Gerät “Gerät” means “device” in “dieses Gerät” and “das Gerät”. It refers to the product being tested and the source of the screen problem. Use it after a determiner when discussing an electronic or technical device.

vor In “vor Kurzem”, “vor” contributes the meaning “recently” or “a short time ago”. Together with “Kurzem”, it describes when the device was bought. Use “vor” with a time expression to place an event earlier than now or another reference point.

Kurzem “Kurzem” occurs in the fixed time expression “vor Kurzem”, meaning “recently”. The expression tells the listener that the purchase happened not long ago. Use “vor Kurzem” when referring to a recent event without giving an exact date.

gekauft “gekauft” means “bought” in “Ich habe dieses Gerät vor Kurzem gekauft”. It is the completed-action form used with “habe” to report the purchase. The reusable pattern is “Ich habe … gekauft”, with the purchased object in the middle.

aber “aber” means “but” and contrasts the recent purchase with the continuing screen problem in “aber der Bildschirm flackert manchmal”. It connects two statements with opposing or unexpected information. Use it to introduce a problem that remains despite the preceding fact.

der “der” means “the” in “der Bildschirm” and identifies the screen as the part that flickers. It stands directly before the noun. Use a definite article such as “der” when referring to a specific masculine noun already known in the situation.

Bildschirm “Bildschirm” means “screen” in “der Bildschirm flackert manchmal”. It names the device component showing the intermittent fault. Use it when reporting a problem with a computer, phone, or other device display.

flackert “flackert” means “flickers” in “der Bildschirm flackert manchmal”. It describes the screen repeatedly changing or becoming unsteady during use. Use this verb to report a visual screen fault, especially with “der Bildschirm” as the subject.

manchmal “manchmal” means “sometimes” and shows that the flickering is intermittent rather than constant. In “der Bildschirm flackert manchmal”, it comes after the verb and qualifies how often the problem occurs. Use it when a fault appears only on some occasions.

Sporadische “Sporadische” means “intermittent” in “Sporadische Fehler”. It describes faults that occur irregularly and may not appear every time the device is tested. Use it before a plural noun when explaining an irregular technical problem.

Fehler “Fehler” means “faults” in “Sporadische Fehler”. It refers to technical problems that can be investigated or reproduced. Use it with a descriptive word such as “sporadische” when reporting more than one irregular fault or faults generally.

lassen In “Sporadische Fehler lassen sich schwer reproduzieren”, “lassen” helps express that the faults can be reproduced only with difficulty. The construction presents the faults as something that can or cannot be brought about. Use “lassen sich” with an infinitive to describe whether something can be done.

sich In “lassen sich schwer reproduzieren”, “sich” is part of the construction describing what can be done with the faults. It refers back to “Sporadische Fehler” rather than adding a separate meaning such as “oneself”. Use “sich lassen” with an infinitive for a possibility or difficulty involving something.

schwer “schwer” means “with difficulty” in “lassen sich schwer reproduzieren”. It says that reproducing the fault is not easy. Use it before an infinitive or in a similar description when an action requires considerable effort.

reproduzieren “reproduzieren” means “reproduce” in “Sporadische Fehler lassen sich schwer reproduzieren”. Here it means making the same fault appear again during a test. Use it in technical discussions when trying to make a reported problem occur again.

deshalb “deshalb” means “therefore” in “deshalb testen wir das Gerät hier”. It gives the reason for testing the device at the service counter: the fault may be difficult to reproduce. It can introduce a consequence, followed by a clause with the finite verb in second position.

testen “testen” means “test” in “testen wir das Gerät hier”. It describes checking the device to investigate the reported fault. Use it with the object being examined, as in “das Gerät testen”.

wir “wir” means “we” and refers to the service staff together with the speaker in “testen wir das Gerät hier” and “Wir können diesen Wunsch vermerken”. It is used as the subject of a group action. Use it when speaking for yourself and another person or team.

das “das” has several exact uses here: it is the article in “das Gerät” and “Das Video”, and a pronoun referring to the event in “auf dem das während der normalen Nutzung passiert”. Its meaning depends on the noun or event it accompanies or replaces. Use it to refer to a specific neuter noun or a previously mentioned event.

hier “hier” means “here” in “testen wir das Gerät hier” and locates the test at the current service counter or place of speaking. It commonly follows the object in this sentence. Use it when specifying that an action will happen at the present location.

ein “ein” means “a” in “ein kurzes Video” and introduces one video without identifying it further. It comes before the adjective and noun. Use “ein” when mentioning one non-specific neuter item for the first time.

kurzes “kurzes” means “short” in “ein kurzes Video”. It describes the length of the recorded video. Use it before a neuter noun in a phrase such as “ein kurzes Video” when giving a simple description.

Video “Video” means “video” in “ein kurzes Video” and refers to the recording of the screen fault during normal use. It is the object of “aufgenommen”. Use it when offering visual evidence of a problem or event.

aufgenommen “aufgenommen” means “recorded” in “Ich habe ein kurzes Video aufgenommen”. It is used with “habe” to report that the speaker made the recording. Use the pattern “Ich habe … aufgenommen” when explaining that you recorded a video, photo, or other material.

auf In the dialogue, “auf” appears inside “aufgenommen” and contributes to the meaning “recorded”. It also appears as the separable particle in “nehme das in den Servicebericht auf”, where it completes the verb meaning “add” or “include”. Use the full verb construction rather than treating “auf” as an independent meaning in these examples.

dem “dem” means “which” in “auf dem das während der normalen Nutzung passiert” and refers back to “ein kurzes Video”. It introduces the description of what happens in the video. Use “auf dem” when describing something shown or happening on a video or other masculine or neuter reference.

während “während” means “during” in “während der normalen Nutzung”. It places the flickering within the period of ordinary use. Use it before a noun phrase when specifying the time during which an event occurs.

normalen “normalen” means “normal” or “ordinary” in “der normalen Nutzung”. It describes everyday use of the device rather than a special test situation. Use it before a noun when referring to regular, expected use.

Nutzung “Nutzung” means “use” in “während der normalen Nutzung”. It refers to the ordinary operation of the device. Use it after a determiner or adjective when discussing how a device or service is used.

passiert “passiert” means “happens” in “auf dem das während der normalen Nutzung passiert”. It describes the fault occurring during normal use. Use it with an event or problem as the subject when saying that something occurs.

ist “ist” means “is” in “Das Video ist hilfreich”. It links the video with the quality of being useful for the inspection. Use it with an adjective to describe the current value or condition of something.

hilfreich “hilfreich” means “helpful” in “Das Video ist hilfreich”. It explains that the recording can support the inspection if the fault does not appear. Use “ist hilfreich” when describing evidence, information, or assistance that can help solve a problem.

falls “falls” means “if” or “in case” in “falls der Fehler während des Tests nicht auftritt”. It introduces a possible condition under which the video will be useful. Use it before a subordinate clause when preparing for a possible event.

des “des” means “of the” in “während des Tests” and identifies the test as the time period during which the fault may appear. It comes before “Tests”. Use it in a noun phrase expressing “of the” with this form of “Test”.

Tests “Tests” means “test” in “während des Tests”. It refers to the inspection activity taking place at the service counter. Use it after “des” when referring to the period or context of a specific test.

nicht “nicht” means “not” in “der Fehler während des Tests nicht auftritt”. It negates the appearance of the fault during the test. Use it before the relevant verb or verb phrase when stating that an expected event does not happen.

auftritt “auftritt” means “appears” or “occurs” in “falls der Fehler während des Tests nicht auftritt”. It describes the fault becoming visible during the inspection. Use it with a problem, symptom, or event when saying that it appears in a particular situation.

hätte “hätte” means “would have” in “Ich hätte lieber einen Austausch”. Together with “lieber”, it politely expresses the speaker’s preference. Use “Ich hätte lieber …” when requesting one option more politely or less directly than a plain demand.

lieber “lieber” means “rather” or “preferably” in “Ich hätte lieber einen Austausch als eine Reparatur”. It marks the preferred solution. Use “lieber … als …” to compare two options and state which one you want more.

einen “einen” means “a” or “one” in “einen Austausch” and introduces the requested replacement or exchange. It comes directly before the noun. Use it when requesting one specific masculine option in this kind of service context.

Austausch “Austausch” means “replacement” or “exchange” in “Ich hätte lieber einen Austausch”. It names the preferred resolution for the faulty device. Use it with “einen” when asking a shop or service counter to replace an item.

als “als” means “rather than” in “einen Austausch als eine Reparatur”. It contrasts the preferred replacement with the alternative repair. Use the pattern “lieber … als …” when choosing one service or action over another.

eine “eine” means “a” in “eine Reparatur” and introduces the alternative repair option. It appears directly before the noun. Use it when referring to one feminine service or action that is being considered.

Reparatur “Reparatur” means “repair” in “als eine Reparatur”. It names the alternative to replacing the device. Use it when discussing service work intended to fix a faulty item.

können “können” means “can” in “Wir können diesen Wunsch vermerken”. It expresses that the service staff are able or permitted to record the customer’s preference. Use “können” with an infinitive to describe an available action or possibility.

diesen “diesen” means “this” in “diesen Wunsch” and points to the replacement preference just expressed. It comes directly before the noun it specifies. Use it when referring back to a particular masculine request or item in the current conversation.

Wunsch “Wunsch” means “wish” or “preference” in “diesen Wunsch vermerken”. It refers to the customer’s stated preference for a replacement. Use it when recording or discussing what a customer wants to happen.

vermerken “vermerken” means “note” or “record” in “Wir können diesen Wunsch vermerken” and “Bitte vermerken Sie”. It describes putting information or a request into a service record. Use it with the information being officially noted.

die “die” means “the” in “die Prüfung” and identifies the inspection that determines the next action. It stands directly before the feminine noun. Use it when referring to a specific inspection already understood in the service situation.

Prüfung “Prüfung” means “inspection” or “examination” in “die Prüfung entscheidet”. It refers to the evaluation of the device and its fault. Use it when a technical check determines what service can follow.

entscheidet “entscheidet” means “decides” in “die Prüfung entscheidet über das weitere Vorgehen”. It says that the inspection determines the next course of action. Use it with the deciding subject and “über” plus the matter being decided.

über In “entscheidet über das weitere Vorgehen”, “über” introduces the matter that the inspection decides: the next course of action. It is part of the reusable pattern “über etwas entscheiden”. Use this pattern when describing what a person or process determines.

weitere “weitere” means “further” or “next” in “das weitere Vorgehen”. It points to the action that will follow the inspection. Use it before a noun when discussing the next stage in a procedure.

Vorgehen “Vorgehen” means “course of action” or “procedure” in “das weitere Vorgehen”. It refers to what the service staff will do next after the inspection. Use it in formal service or work discussions about the next steps.

Bitte “Bitte” means “please” at the beginning of “Bitte vermerken Sie”. It makes the request polite. Use it before an imperative or request when asking someone to perform an action courteously.

Sie “Sie” means formal “you” in “Bitte vermerken Sie”. It addresses the service employee respectfully. Use this form in polite requests to an unfamiliar person or professional contact.

dass “dass” means “that” in “dass das Problem direkt nach der Einrichtung begonnen hat”. It introduces the information the customer wants the employee to record. In this subordinate clause, the verb phrase comes at the end. Use “dass” to report or request that a complete fact be noted.

Problem “Problem” means “problem” in “das Problem direkt nach der Einrichtung begonnen hat”. It refers to the device fault as an issue whose starting point is being reported. Use it when describing a difficulty that needs attention or documentation.

direkt “direkt” means “directly” or “right” in “direkt nach der Einrichtung”. It emphasizes that the problem began immediately after setup. Use it before a time expression to stress that one event followed another without a meaningful delay.

nach “nach” means “after” in “nach der Einrichtung”. It places the beginning of the problem later than the setup. Use “nach” with an event or time expression when explaining when something happened.

Einrichtung “Einrichtung” means “setup” or “installation” in “nach der Einrichtung”. It refers to the process of preparing the device for use. Use it when describing what happened during or immediately after a device was configured.

begonnen “begonnen” means “started” in “das Problem direkt nach der Einrichtung begonnen hat”. It identifies the beginning of the problem after setup. It is used with “hat” in the completed past construction. Use the pattern “Das Problem hat … begonnen” to state when an issue started.

hat “hat” is the form of haben used with “das Problem” in “das Problem direkt nach der Einrichtung begonnen hat”. Together with “begonnen”, it reports when the problem started. Use “hat” with a singular subject in a completed past statement.

nehme “nehme” means “take” in the service expression “Ich nehme das in den Servicebericht auf”. With the separable particle “auf”, the whole expression means “I will add or include that”. Use “Ich nehme … auf” when documenting information in a record.

in In “Ich nehme das in den Servicebericht auf”, “in” introduces the record into which the information is added. It combines with “den Servicebericht” to express inclusion in that document. Use “etwas in … aufnehmen” when adding information to a report or record.

den “den” means “the” in “in den Servicebericht”. It identifies the specific service record receiving the information. Use it before a masculine noun in this phrase when expressing movement or addition into the record.

Servicebericht “Servicebericht” means “service record” in “Ich nehme das in den Servicebericht auf”. It is the document where the employee records the customer’s information. Use it when referring to an official report or record of service activity.

Grammar Points

sich ... lassen + Infinitiv

Der Fehler lässt sich schwer reproduzieren.

dair FAY-luh lest zikh shvair reh-proh-doo-TSEE-ren.

The error is difficult to reproduce.

sich ... lassen expresses that something can be done; schwer describes how difficult it is.

falls + Nebensatz

Falls der Fehler auftritt, entscheiden wir das weitere Vorgehen.

fahls dair FAY-luh OWF-tritt, ent-SHAI-den veer das VAI-tuh-rus FOHR-gay-en.

If the error occurs, we will decide on the next steps.

In a falls-clause, the conjugated verb comes at the end: auftritt.

German Vocabulary

Bildschirm noun

BILT-shirm screen

deshalb adv

DES-halp therefore

Fehler noun

FAY-luh fault; error

flackern verb

FLAK-ern to flicker flackert

Gerät noun

guh-RAIT device

manchmal adv

MANCH-mahl sometimes

reproduzieren verb

reh-proh-doo-TSEE-ren to reproduce

schwer adv

shvair difficult

sich reproduzieren lassen phrase

zikh reh-proh-doo-TSEE-ren LAH-sen to be reproducible

sporadisch adj

spo-rah-DEESH intermittent Sporadische

testen verb

TES-ten to test

vor Kurzem adv

fohr KOORT-tsem recently

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

difficult

Show Answer

schwer

to flicker

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flackert

intermittent

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Sporadische

sometimes

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manchmal