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!
10.3 Was für eins möchten Sie denn?
10.3 Was für eins möchten Sie denn? What type would you like? (polite) What is the function of eins in this sentence? I am familiar with the expression was für ein... but this seems different. Is it just the numeral "one" or something else.
4 replies - Last post by sfpugh - December 23, 2019
Possible error in genitive (lesson 9.12)
In lesson 9.12 (A Case in point - Genitive) it gives an example in the audio tracks as der Lehrer des Lehrers with the translation underneath: ...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 23, 2019
phrase - Nächster planmäßiger Halt ist ...
This example from the exercises suggests that nächste and planmäßiger are both declined like dieser with the masculine noun Halt, as a result they are both written like dieser as masculine nominative - nächster planmäßsiger Halt...My limited experience do...
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 9, 2019
In lesson 6.4 this sentence is introduced: "Das Oktoberfest gefällt mir wirklich gut." With this translation: "I like the Oktoberfest a lot." But doesn't "gefällt" mean more "to please" rather than "to like", so would a better translation be: The Oktobe...
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - November 26, 2019
Hi, I have just seen this sentence: "Danke für deine Hilfe - Gerne, kein Problem" "Thank you for your help - You are welcome" I understand that you can also reply with "bitte schön". When should you reply with either "Gerne" or "bitte schön"? Best, Rex
5 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 15, 2019
Alle Mitglieder der „Weißen Rose“ wurden von der Gestapo verhaftet und zum Tode verurteilt.
This is from 17.4 Alle Mitglieder der „Weißen Rose“ wurden von der Gestapo verhaftet und zum Tode verurteilt. All members of the "White Rose" were arrested by Gestapo and sentenced to death. I have read that single syllable masculine and neuter nouns can...
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - October 9, 2019
Hi, I have just seen this sentence "Ich möchte ihn noch nie" which means "I have never liked him". Maybe I have asked about this previously. Is it correct understood that the sentence can be written "Ich möchte ihn nie" and have the same meaning? but th...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 8, 2019
Toll vs grossartig vs das ist klasse
Hi, How should these be ranked and should they only be used in informal situations? 1. Toll 2. Grossartig 3. Das ist klasse
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 8, 2019
Hi, I understand that "dort" and "da" can be used to express "there". However, in which situations should they be used? Best, Rex
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 8, 2019
Hi, When should you write "jemand" and when should you write "jemanden"? Best, Rex
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 8, 2019
Hallo . In the sentence ' Gibt es dort viele Kneipen ?' , why does 'dort ' come before the noun ? Like in English - Are there many bars there ? Danke!
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 8, 2019
Hi, I've just gotten back into a bit of German learning after a big break. My query is.."Das wäre was Feines für den Sonntagskuchen." and "Darf es sonst noch was sein?" from 18:1 level 3 and many other sentences that include the "was". I don't understand ...
2 replies - Last post by Grant-K1 - September 23, 2019
hello pretty new here and was wondering about, if I’m missing out on some parts of the course? in 2.2 on a tour. She says something about a written part of the course. To learn more about ein, eine, einen and again to learn about anhalten when to move an...
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - September 17, 2019
Nominativ , Accusativ und Dativ
Hallo . I am just wondering why we aren't taught the German Nominativ , Accusativ , and Dativ right in the begining modules ? Or am i missing something ? Vielen Danke!
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - September 17, 2019
Hallo . Why do we use 'komme' for the verb 'going' ? For eg Wie komme ich zum Restaurant ? - How do I go to the Restaurant ? When do we use 'gehen' then ? Danke.
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - September 9, 2019
Verb tense to use when writing a to-do list
Hi there, I was wondering which verb tense to use, if you are writing a to do list do yourself. If I am writing it to someone else, I would use the imperative form. However, when referring to yourself, I would assume it is correct to use the stem form? ...
4 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - September 9, 2019
I saw this sentence yesterday. Aus wie vielen personnen besteht ihre Familie Is there a specific reason why we are using “Aus” in this sentence and not “Von”. From what I understand, we use “Aus” in the following situations. 1. Used for something which ...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - August 20, 2019
Ich sollte gehen / why past tense?
I was thinking about this sentence. Why exactly do we use “Sollen” in past tense? Normally, this sentence is being used in the present.
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - August 20, 2019
A few extra questions: When do you use either “davor”, “bevor” or “vor” When do you use either “danach”, nachher”, “nach” When do you say “ich hätte gern” and “ich hätte gerne” When to use “aber” and when to use “sondern” Thanks beforehand!
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - August 8, 2019
Is this an error? I see this English word "opera" translated in German as "opera" but it is pronounced as "oper" I thought I saw in one place where it was spelled "oper" in German.
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - July 30, 2019
Rocket German Language & Culture Lessons - New Update!
Hi Everyone! If you are wondering why the Language & Culture lessons in Level 1 of Rocket German are different, it's because we have spent the last few months completely upgrading them. We have added more useful explanations, tons of new content and plen...
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - July 26, 2019
Accusative preposition = an/ans
I understand that “ans” is a contraction for “an das” which means you can write a sentence like “He goes to the Car” like “Er geht ans Auto”, as an alternative to “Er geht an das Auto”, which is practical when you apply the preposition “in” in the accusat...
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - July 9, 2019
I have just seen this sentence “Ich hoffe ich kann mir alle Zutaten merken" = "I hope I can remember all the ingredients”. 1. Why do we add “mir” here? Is that because “merken” is a dative verb? 2. When would you use “erinnern” instead of merken
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - June 24, 2019
Es gibt ein kostenloses Mittagessen je Person I have just seen this sentence, which can be translated to “There is one free lunch for each person”. I know that “je” means every/ each, but why is “jede” not used instead?
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - June 24, 2019
1. I noticed that we use “Jeden” for “Jeden Tag”, “Jeden Monat” and “Jeden Dienstag” but not for Woche (i.e. Jede Woche). I assume this is because Tag, Monat and Dienstag are masculine words and in the accusative form here. If this is correct, does the us...
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - June 9, 2019
Lass uns nach oben gehen / Lass uns nach unten gehen
I have previously seen a reply, where it was explained that “nach” is used in the following situations: - City names - Countries without articles - Continents - Geographic directions However, I have just seen these sentences, where “nach” is used in ...
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - June 6, 2019
Was ist die Flugnummer vs Wie lautet die Flugnummer
I have seen both sentences. When would you use “Wie lautet…” instead?
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 8, 2019
Dative vs. Accusative Strategies
Are these words dative verbs?
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 8, 2019
Accusative preposition = in/ins
I understand that “ins” is a contraction for “in das” which means you can write a sentence like “He goes into the car” like “Er geht ins Auto”, as an alternative to “Er geht in das Auto”, which is easy way to apply the preposition “in” in the accusative c...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 8, 2019
Immer noch, Es tut mir leid and Other Questions
Hi, I have a few more questions: 1. What is the difference between “es ist immer noch frei” and “es ist noch frei”? When I translate both sentences, I get the following in English “is it still free”. 2. When is it necessary to say “eins” instead of “e...
3 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
Yesterday, I was reading a news article and saw this sentence “In manchen Ländern wird die Opposition aber unterdrückt und daran gehindert, ihre Arbeit zu Machen” Is it possible to use “sind” instead of “wird” in this sentence? If not, why?
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
Mit meiner Hose vs. Mit meinen Hosen
I have been writing this sentence in English “Visit the cutter with my pants and shirt” in German as “Besuch die Scheider mit meinen Hosen und meinem Hemp”. I know that “Mit” result in the used of dative form for “Hosen” and “Hemp”. Further, in the sente...
4 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
“Welchen Tag haben wir heute” and “Welchen Datum haben wir heute”
I saw these two sentences today. One thing I noticed is that “n” is added to "Welche". Please explain why we do that.
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
I understand that “im” is a contraction for “in dem” which means you can write a sentence like “He is in the car” like “Er ist im Auto”, as an alternative to “Er ist in dem Auto”, which is easier way to apply the preposition “in” in the dative case form. ...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
I understand that “am” is a contraction for “an dem” which means you can write a sentence like “He is at the window” like “Er ist am Fenster”, as an alternative to “Er ist an dem Fenster”, which is practical when you apply the preposition “in” in the dati...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - May 7, 2019
I have just seen these sentences and was wondering why “an” is added to the end of the sentence. Further, do you have some guidance to when it should be applied. “Wann kommt der Flugzeug an = When does the plane arrive” “Wir fragen sofort an” = We start...
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - May 4, 2019
When and why do we add “ab” to the end of a sentence? I just saw these sentences and was wondering when and why it is done. “Der Bus fährt in fünf Minuten ab” “Fährt der Zug pünktlich ab” “Biegen Sie links ab” “Biegen Sie recht ab”
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - May 4, 2019
“Ein” at the end of a sentence?
I have just seen this sentence “Nehmen Sie Medikamente ein = Do you take medicine”. I was wondering why we are putting “ein” last and when we should do that.
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - May 4, 2019
Is “Entlang” a two-way preposition? Dative and Accusative? Some websites include “Entlang” as a two-way preposition and some does not.
1 reply - Last post by sfpugh - April 26, 2019
I have just seen this sentence “Könnten Sie bitte ein Foto für mich Machen?”. Why is it written with “Könnten” instead of “Können”?
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 24, 2019
I saw this sentence yesterday “Wie ist der Wechselkurs”. 1. Can you use “Was” instead? If not, why? 2. Is there a specific rule for when to use “Wie” instead of “Was”?
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 24, 2019
I saw this sentence yesterday “Könnte ich einen Stadtplan bekommen”. When will you be using “Haben” instead of “Bekommen” in such as sentence? Personally, I would most likely say this sentence as “Könnte ich einen Stadtplan haben”.
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 24, 2019
When should you write ”beim” instead of ”bei”? I am asking because I saw this sentence ” Karin ist beim Arzt” which I assume can also be written as “Karin ist bei dem Arzt”
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 24, 2019
I understand that “nicht” should be placed in the front of a proper noun e.g. “Sie heißt nicht Maria“. 1. Where should I place “nicht” if I am referring to a title e.g. “That is not a soldier”. Should “nicht”. 2. When talking about proper nouns does it ...
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 24, 2019
I understand that “zum” is a contraction of “zu dem”. Is it in a sentence okay to write both “zu dem” and “zum” or would one of them be considered less formal?
4 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 16, 2019
Dative (Dem Mann gefallt das Hotel nicht)
Why is “Mann” it this sentence needs to be “Dem Mann” and not “Der Mann”? Sentence: Dem Mann gefallt das Hotel nicht
4 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 16, 2019
When should you use “am” and when should you use “bei?
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - April 16, 2019
is mieten here being used reflexively?
In lesson on car renting it is written: Sie wollen sich für die Zeit eine kleine Wohnung mieten. Mieten is not reflexive, the accusative object is Wohnung. So why is sich inserted here?
3 replies - Last post by sfpugh - April 9, 2019
Wonach suchst du? vs. Was suchst du?
Hi, Two quick question: What is the difference between using “aber” and “sondern”? When should you say “Wonach suchst du?” or “Was suchst du”?
1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - March 26, 2019
Hi everyone, A few more questions: 1. I have seen that “will it be finished today” is written “Wird es Heute noch fertig”. Why is it written with “noch” and can it not be written like “Wird es heute fertig”? 2. When do you use “zu” or “zum”? Thanks be...
2 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - March 26, 2019