By taking the time to understand how the German language works, you'll be able to speak German naturally, and read and write in German. We know this can be one of the more challenging parts of your course, and we’re here to help! You can browse the topics, do a search in the top right corner of this page, or start a new conversation. Don’t be shy!
“Bis zum Morgen grauen” is a funny phrase to demonstrate the preposition “bis” as Accusative, given that the ending on “zum” is clearly not Accusative. i know that “bis” is most often accompanied by another preposition ("bis zu", “bis auf”) or is used di...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - March 28, 2022
HiDU lasst (") mich hier. You leave me here. If one changes the tone into an accusatory voice is this the way you would say You left me here. As in anger or abandonment.DankeSebongelaBeen wondering about this for a while, as in English it would work.
2 replies - Last post by Maxie - March 7, 2022
possesive adjectives in the Accusative
I am looking for the lesson on Possessive Adjectives in the Accusative. Is there one? I use Babbel and their explanations aren't adequate and I'm sure Rocket has covered it, just can't find it.ThanksSebongela
5 replies - Last post by Maxie - March 1, 2022
The following two sentences seem to be very similar:Die Häuser sind hier alle so prachtvoll verziert.The houses here are all so beautifully decorated.andJedes Gebäude hier hat so viel Geschichte.Each building here has so much history. In the first sentenc...
15 replies - Last post by sfpugh - February 24, 2022
prepositions that take accusative
Trying to remember the prepositions that take the Accusative. Have used a mnemonic for the first six. Now will tackle the next ones that sometimes take the AccusativeFur (")OhneBis Makes FobGegenUmdurch Makes Gudhope this will help me remember Do...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - February 24, 2022
Sie sind in der Stadt lesson 1.7
HiI so frustrated by the grammar. Frankly why even bother! Call it a language course and then tell you to use text books would be more appropriate. I get that der Stadt has something to do with cases, but then there should be a note stating that Stadt is ...
17 replies - Last post by gottahaveajava - February 1, 2022
manche deutsche(n) Gruppen ? 15.1
“Ich mag U2 total gerne und auch manche deutsche Gruppen"I would have thought that, with “manche” being a “der” equivalent, that it should be “deutschen” and not “deutsche” .
8 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - January 20, 2022
Lesson 3.1 Extra Vocab - Now I see it
Very new to German. Lesson 3.1 is using the expression, “Now I see it.” to offer a lesson on how “it” changes with gender. In the sentence, “it” is referring to das Auto (neuter) so in German the expression is"Jetzt sehe ich esThey then ask how you woul...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - January 17, 2022
seinen or seine Schlüssel accusative plural? Module 13.5
The sentence is: Thomas hat gestern seinen Schlüssel verloren. The translation is: Thomas lost his keys yesterday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------Shouldn't the translation be? Thomas lost his key yesterday. Or sh...
4 replies - Last post by gottahaveajava - December 15, 2021
From Module 13.3 Business Call"Es geht um eine große Werbekampagne für eines meiner Produkte"with preposition “für,” isn't it always supposed to be followed by the accusative? “Eines” is genitive. What am I missing?Thanks.
4 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 9, 2021
Hi AllI have been using a grammar book. Easy German step by step. McGraw Hill, Ed Swick. So far so good, seems to have clear consice explanations and good practice. If your local library has a copy have a look. Sebongela.
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 9, 2021
Have been doing the Nominative and Accusative cases, but looked at level 2 Dative case. In level one I found it really helpful that the words in question were in bold. Noticed in Dative they were not. I think it would be really helpful and easier if they ...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 9, 2021
Guten MorgenAm beginning to realize how important it is to learn the gender of nouns. If you don't know them, then using the different correct form when using the different cases is not so simple.In one of my other courses came across “der Kaarte”, but Le...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - November 16, 2021
In an early lession, there is the extra vocabulary:“Er trifft sie am Flughafen”.Yet, I don't see anyplace in levels 1, 2, or 3 where the “am” is really explained in context. The extra vocab section doesn't seem to offer grammar explanations.I'm assuiming ...
4 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - September 7, 2021
In Lesson 14.7 (German Cases part 2) there is a sentenceIch kaufe ein Buch für meinen Bruder - I buy a book for my brother.I think this is to provide an example of how für takes the accusative.(Different prepositions take different cases. A bit like Latin...
5 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - August 23, 2021
This sentence appears in Lesson 10.2:Am besten schauen sie in die Samstagszeitung."In die Samstagszeitung" appears to be using the accusative. Why isn't it dative (in der Samstagszeitung)? There doesn't seem to be a "change in state" or "movement toward...
11 replies - Last post by gottahaveajava - August 19, 2021
Am intrigued as to why these have different genders. Does anyone know why, or is it just an idiosyncrasy?
4 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - August 9, 2021
Placement of the conjunction "aber" in a conjoining sentence
I am aware that the word “aber” is a coordinate conjunction that does not influence the word order of a sentence, (that is, it does not send the verb to the end of a sentence). However, the word “aber” itself does not always appear in the same position wi...
8 replies - Last post by HugoM5 - August 9, 2021
Use of the german word (Scwierig)
Can I use the word Schwierig in the phrase.Deutsch ist ein schwierige Sprache. Please correct me in this sentence.
2 replies - Last post by HugoM5 - August 9, 2021
I hope that I'm not violating any rules here by enquiring about something that was not specifically covered in this course; however, owing to the fact that my question pertains to level A2/B1 level German, I will stick my neck out!The verb “werden” is one...
4 replies - Last post by HugoM5 - August 9, 2021
in die Schule or in der Schule (Lesson 14.4)
Lesson 14.4 has the sentence Wir sind zusammen in die Grundschule gegangen. We went to primary school together.After going through the grammar lesson on the dative case I half expected it to be in der Grundschule…Can I assume that the accusative is used h...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - August 2, 2021
Flexibility in word order using "gespannt"
In lesson 23.4, we are presented with the following sentence:“Ja, ich bin schon sehr gespannt, vor allem auf die Zeremonie in der Kirche.”If I wanted to shorten this sentence and simply say, “I'm very curious regarding the ceremony in the church”, I could...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - April 25, 2021
Lesson 13.2: position of definite article?
One of the lines in the conversation is:“…dass ich die für Ihre Stelle erforderlichen Kenntnisse und Qualifikationen habe.” which is translated as:“…that I have the necessary skills and qualifications for this position.”Does the word “die” in this contex...
2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - April 19, 2021
Lesson 12.4: Query re "ein Danke"
There is a sentence “Und das ohne je ein Danke zu hören.” which is translated as “Without ever getting thanked for it”.A literal translation looks like “And that without ever hearing a thanks” (or “a thank you”).I just wondered, as I thought “a thank you...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - April 6, 2021
15.3 Ich erinnere mich gerne daran, wie ich mit meiner Oma im Garten gespielt habe.
From 15.3Ich erinnere mich gerne daran, wie ich mit meiner Oma im Garten gespielt habe.I remember happily how I played with my grandmother in the garden.This is a question about daran in this sentence.In my general reading, I have noticed that da words of...
4 replies - Last post by sfpugh - March 25, 2021
Example of German genitive in lesson 12.7 incorrect?
In this lesson we have the sentence Sarah’s Hochzeitsanzeige wurde vor zwei Wochen veröffentlicht. which meansSarah's wedding notice was published two weeks ago.In English, of course the apostrophe + s denotes possession, but I thought that in the German ...
2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - March 18, 2021
I am trying to understand when small words & interjections at the start of a sentence get ignored with regard to the "verb comes second" rule.In this sentence it gets ignored. You say:"Hey, du siehst ja nicht gerade sehr fröhlich aus!"...instead of "Hey,...
4 replies - Last post by RobertD50 - February 25, 2021
Der Deutsche for male and Die Deutsche female Germans? (Level 1 — Nationalities)According to other sources it's Der Deutscher and Die Deutsche.For multiple Germans, Die Deutsche and sometimes Die Deutschen depending upon a few of the whole country.Is this...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - February 22, 2021
It is my understanding that the meaning of the “noch immer” and “immer noch” is generally the same, but may have different connotations. Is this true? If so, I would appreciate hearing what the fine line is between them and an example or two to illustrate...
3 replies - Last post by PaulS108 - December 30, 2020
Use of Singular Nouns Without an Article
In lesson 21.2, we are presented with the following sentence:Es (das Haus) hat ein Doppelzimmer und zwei Einzelzimmer, Wohnzimmer mit Kochnische und eine wunderschöne Terrasse.If I break this down into 3 separate sentences, it would read:Es hat ein Doppel...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 23, 2020
In lesson 9.11 one of the examples is: “Dem Mann gefällt das Hotel nicht.” Why is the man being treated as an indirect object?
6 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - December 22, 2020
Making a decision. Why not "Entscheidung machen?"
In lesson 12.1, in the introductory conversation, the following sentence is presented:Aber zuerst muss ich noch eine wichtige Entscheidung treffen. The translation is: But first I must make an important decision.The verb treffen, has already been introdu...
1 reply - Last post by PaulS108 - December 14, 2020
In the Lesson 9.4 sentence "Ich packe deshalb immer ein paar wichtige Dinge in mein Handgepäck," why is it "in MEIN Handgepäck" instead of "in MEINEM Handgepäck"? It looks like to me that would be dative, not accusative. Is the act of packing considered...
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 8, 2020
One of the phrases is“Können Sie mir bitte sagen wie ich dort hinkomme?” meaning“Can you please tell me how I get there?” (formal).Just wondering, why isn't the verb in the second clause in 2nd place, as normal?i.e. why isn't it “Können Sie mir bitte sage...
6 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - December 5, 2020
Conjugation of the linking verb "sein" with a subject and subject compliment
In lesson 19.4, we are presented with the sentence, "Das Thema der Ausstellung waren die Höhenmenschen." I'm confused. I would have used "war" instead of "waren" based on the fact that the subject ("das Thema") is singular, even though the subject comple...
4 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - November 16, 2020
So, why the extra words that don't seem to translate?
Lesson 11.1 starts out with the sentence: “This Hey, du siehst ja nicht gerade sehr fröhlich aus!” which is translated: Hey, you are not looking very happy! There are two words, ja and gerade, which don't seem to be translated so I'm curious as to why ...
6 replies - Last post by DeanC7 - November 3, 2020
5.5 Talking about Your or Mine(Grammar)
Hallo Alles, I am learning Level 1 lesson 5.5. Have some questions on how to differ: - ES: Sein for His/Its with ES: Sein "Its" - SHE: IHR "Her/Its" with SIE: IHR "Your(Formal) and SIE: IHR "Their" Any idea/clue on how to differ if the sentences ...
2 replies - Last post by Linie - October 29, 2020
Hi can anyone explain the difference between worden and geworden Thanks
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - August 29, 2020
In 5.8 I found it difficult to remember the Case, Adjective ending and Articles associated with one another. I then realised that the 3 separate groupings could easily be combined and made my learning easier. Thought I'd share it. It's now just a single g...
2 replies - Last post by sfpugh - August 23, 2020
I just wonder if someone could clarify this for me. In Rocket Language Lesson 4.4 (Im Restaurant), in the dialog, Nik says ‘Ein Glas trockenen Weißwien' but in the Quiz, it says ‚ 'Ein Glas trockener Weißwein'. One way or the other, there is an error a...
2 replies - Last post by Herbert-L - August 19, 2020
Hallo . Have a question as follows- It is 'der Stern' for the star and for plural 'die Sterne' for the stars . However in the sentence - Siehst du die kleinen Sterne? Wie schön! ... why is it 'kleinen' and not 'kleine' ? Danke schön.
3 replies - Last post by VidyaMS - August 16, 2020
Hallo . Ich habe eine Frage . For 'let me think' ...Mal überlegen, can we use 'Mal denken ' also ? Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - August 4, 2020
In lesson 14.3, we are presented with the following sentence: German: Matthias hat zwar am Telefon was von einer Überraschung gesagt, ... English: Matthias did mention a surprise on the telephone, ... I'm struggling with the grammatical structure "sagen...
9 replies - Last post by PaulS108 - July 23, 2020
Word Order - Grammar Rules regarding Direct and Indirect Object in the Same Sentence
In regard to sentences in which there appears both a direct and indirect object, I found online the following general rule: a) If both the direct and indirect object are nouns, the indirect object comes first. b) If both the direct and indirect object a...
13 replies - Last post by PaulS108 - July 9, 2020
Ich suche mir morgen eine neue Arbeit. I am looking for a new job tomorrow. Ich werde mir morgen eine neue Arbeit suchen. I will look for a new job tomorrow. Sie suchen ein neues Au Pair Mädchen. They are looking for a new au...
2 replies - Last post by RobS49 - July 6, 2020
Ich gehe nachher Milch kaufen. I am going to buy milk later. Es wird spät. It is going to be late. Es wird spät werden. It will be late. I am looking for insight to help the translations above less confusing. The first example clea...
2 replies - Last post by RobS49 - July 6, 2020
Placement of the Time Element in German Sentence Structure
It's not clear to me where the time element should/can be placed in German sentence structure when the sentence contains a direct and/or indirect object. I thought that direct and/or indirect objects were placed BEFORE the element of time, e.g. Ich möchte...
4 replies - Last post by RobertR34 - June 29, 2020
In lesson 13.2, entitled Das Bewerbungsgespräch, the following sentence is presented: "Ich bin auf jeden Fall der Meinung, dass ich die für Ihre Stelle erforderlichen Kenntnisse und Qualifikationen habe." I assume that the word "die" is the definite arti...
2 replies - Last post by PaulS108 - June 29, 2020
In Lesson 4.6 If 'Ich tue' = 'I do' Why is 'Ich tu dir nichts' correct for 'I won't hurt you'? Why isn't is 'Ich tue dir nichts'?
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - June 22, 2020
Nicht & helper verb word order
In Lesson 6.9, I'm having trouble understanding the proper word order, especially with regard to "nicht" or the specification of a time or place. I'm not sure when a word order is incorrect, vs just one of several acceptable alternatives. ~~~~~ In the se...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - June 20, 2020