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!
Free Translation from German to English
I wish to express a certain frustration that I have experienced more than once with Rocket German regarding translations. I realise that many sentences between German and English do not translate literally, especially if the course is teaching an expressi...
7 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - June 16, 2020
From 18.4 Going out for dinner Ja, und als Belohnung für die harte Arbeit, haben wir beschlossen, heute nett zum Abendessen zu gehen. Yes, and as a reward for the hard work, we have decided to go out for a nice dinner today I am puzzled by the p...
3 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - June 10, 2020
Mein Bruder is schlechter als deiner.
In lesson 6.5 we have: Mein Bruder ist schlechter als deiner. Since the two items being compared take the same case, why isn't it: Mein Bruder ist schlechter als dein. In nominative case you'd say "dein Bruder," not "deiner Bruder," wouldn't you?
7 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - May 29, 2020
Perhaps this is something that will be explained later, but in Lesson 6.1, in the sentence "Mach dir keine Sorgen," what is the subject? My impression is that it is an implied "du," such that the literal translation would be "You make yourself no worries...
5 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - May 28, 2020
How do you say in German What can I do for you?
How do you say in German What can I do for you?
4 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - May 25, 2020
Ich freue mich über das Wetter.
Hallo . In the sentence above , why is 'mich' needed ? Also , can not we say - Ich bin glücklich über das Wetter . Vielen Dank.
2 replies - Last post by VidyaMS - May 24, 2020
Hallo . Why is that we see 'hätte gern ' and sometimes 'hätte gerne ' ? What does the ending 'e' depend upon ? Because in the sentence - Wir hätten gerne den Bericht über die Untersuchung. And Wir hätten gern drei Stück Käse kuchen. Vielen Dank. Vidya
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - May 12, 2020
Lesson 10.8 includes the following two examples: Ich kaufe mir die/eine neue Hose. Ich möchte gerne eine neue Couch kaufen. Two questions: It makes sense to me that "mir" would appear in the first sentence, but I don't understand why it doesn't appear ...
5 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - May 12, 2020
Use of auf - Lesson 10.8 Adjective endings
In lesson 10.8, there are two examples in a row that use auf. One takes the dative case and one takes the accusative case. Der junge Mann fährt auf dem neuen Fahrrad. (Dative) Die jungen Eltern passen auf das kleine Kind auf. (Accusative) Consider add...
7 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - May 6, 2020
Regarding Lesson 9.4: I understand the concept of using masculine pronouns to describe nouns such as "der Koffer". However, the application doesn't seem to be consistent. Early in the conversation, Matthias says, "Ich glaube, ich habe meinen Koffer verlor...
10 replies - Last post by RobS49 - April 17, 2020
hallo, I was wondering if there are any words that in English are harmful but in German could be taken offensive? just curious, Jeremy
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - March 11, 2020
In this lesson we are given the conjugation of "tun" which starts with "Ich tue", but in the examples we have "Ich tu dir nichts" which is translated I won't hurt you. Is that an error or an alternate form of 1st personal singular?
8 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - February 25, 2020
In lesson 9.3 "Nach dem Weg fragen", the question asked was "Wie komme ich zum Friedrichsplatz?" The answer was "Nach ungefähr 200 Metern, kommen Sie an den Friedrichsplatz." This is confusing from two standpoints: (1) I would have answered with a like-p...
1 reply - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - February 12, 2020
lesson 9.11: why is it written as 'eine', not 'einer'(dative feminine, my logic)
Hello: lesson 9.11: why is it written as 'eine', not 'einer'(dative feminine, my logic). Thank you. Ich gebe Paul eine Fahrkarte für den Bus. I give Paul a ticket for the bus.
2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - February 12, 2020
Hallo! I am learning lesson 4.6 Haben, Tun and Machen. The singular form for du is machst. But I remember in lesson 3.3 In die Stadt fahren, Paul is using: Was willst du heute machen? I thought if according to the grammar, it should be: Was willst du heut...
5 replies - Last post by Linie - February 11, 2020
In Level 2, lesson 9.2, we are presented with the sentence "Das war volle Absicht." translated as "That was fully intentional." I would have thought that the sentence in German would be "Das war die volle Absicht" or alternatively "Das war völlig absichtl...
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - February 6, 2020
I would like to draw some conclusions about how to form sentences that are grammatically correct. https://members.rocketlanguages.com/members/german/lessons/28/1-1-talking-about-yourself Ich komme aus den Vereinigten Staaten. I come from the United Stat...
4 replies - Last post by Tyler. - January 9, 2020
Nein, und Ihrer Angestellten auch nicht.
From 11.3 Nein, und Ihrer Angestellten auch nicht. No, and your staff member didn't notice either. (polite) Could you help with the grammar used in this phrase. Why Ihrer Angestellten. This appears that Angestelten in plural so Ihrer is polite femin...
7 replies - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - January 8, 2020
7.8 Having and Being in the Past
In 7.8, there is the following sentence: Wir waren sehr beschäftigt in den letzten Wochen. We were very busy in the last (few) weeks. May I ask why it would not be "die letzten Wochen" since "Wochen" is plural? Thank you, Grace
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - January 6, 2020
Corrections in Level 1, Lesson 7.7
To the Tutor/Administrator: I just finished level 1, lesson 7.7: Das Perfekt. I was corrected by the instructional program in two instances, both of which I believe were in error. "On September 28, 1975 we celebrated together." My translation: "Am achtun...
2 replies - Last post by Julia-Rocket-German-Tutor - December 31, 2019
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