German Quickly
German Quickly
German Quickly
verbPlacement, Part I
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6.2. Note that pronouns can also be nominative, even though they are not capitalized: Oem kranken Mann ist nichts angenehm-Nothing is agreeable to the sick man. Der Frau ist alles interessant-Everything is interesting to the woman. Also, whenever man (one) appears in a sentence it will always be the snbject.
6 (PART I)
6.3. Whenever the sentence begins with an adverb or with a prepositional phrase, or even a string of prepositional phrases, the verb will still appear in "second" place and the subject will always appear on the "other" side of the verb:
Oberall sieht man Kinder-One seeschildren everywhere. Auf und ab tanzt das Gluck wie ein Blatt-Fortune dances back and forth like a leaf.
In German, the conjugated verb is placed inflexibly in the sentence or clause in one of three places: (1) it can be the second element in the sentence; (2) it can begin the sentence, or (3) it can appear at the end of the clause.
Jetzt ist dieses Sprichwort klar- Now this proverb is clear. Auf dem Fu{;pfad wachst kein Gras- No grass grows on the footpath.
6.1. The verb usually is the second element in the sentence, with the subject appearing either before or after it. Therefore, one can say either:
Ich sehe den Hund-I see the dog, or
Den Hund sehe ich- The dog, I see. (This sentence is more emphatic, stressing that it is the dog that I see.) This inverted word order with the object appearing first is crucial to recognize, as it can change the entire meaning of the sentence. Obviously Der "Wolftotet Fraulein Meier- The wolf kills Fraulein Meier-is very different from Den "Wolf totet Fraulein Meier-Fraulein Meier kills the wolf In this respect, recognition of correct case endings is particularly important. Whenever you see a sentence beginning with den or dem, the subject will have to be on the "other side" of the verb. The subject will also have to be on the other side of the verb if the first noun is plural and the verb is singular (Die Bucher liest die Frau- The woman reads the books) or if the first noun is singular and the verb is plural (Die Frau toten die Wolfethe woman). The wolves kill
6.4. The verb will also appear in second place in sentences containing interrogatives. The most common interrogatives are: wer (who), wann (when), wo (where), warum (why), wie (how), and was (what).
TIleris declined like the masculine definite article der. Here are examples: TIler(nominative) ist der neue Student?Who is the new student?
TIlen(accusative) kennt der Brieftrager?- Whom does the mailman know? TIlem (dative) sendet der Student eine Email?- To whom does the student send an e-mail? Wdnn kommt der Brieftrager?- When is the mailman coming? WOist er jetzt?- Where is he now?
Wdrum spricht der Tierarzt mit Fraulein Meier?- Why is the veterinarian
speaking with Fraulein Meier?
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German Quickly
der Schuldige (-n, -n)-guiltyone * die Sprache (-n) -language die Tugend (-en)-virtue verjagen-to chase * wann-when * warum-why * was-what * wegen-because of
Basic 17erbPlacement, Part 1 **das Weib (-es, -er)-wife * wer, wen, wem-who, whom * wie- how * wo-where, what die Wolle-wool das Ziel (-s, -e)-goal * zu-too
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6.5. Translate these sentences: I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. II. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Dem Arbeiter hilft Gott. Arme Leure kennt niemand (no one). Wohltaten (gooddeeds)schreibt man nicht in den Kalender. Die Gebete der Bettler verjagt der Wind. Ein vorwitziges (impertinent) SchaBein frigt (eats)der Wolf. Der Tugend (virtue) ist kein Ziel (goal)zu hoch. (Note: Tugendis feminine. Why does this matter?) Dem Angeklagten (accused) ehort der letzteSatz. g Giftfindet man nicht in den Kuchen armer Leute. Den Schuldigen (guiltyone)erschreckt eine Maus. Einen frohlichen Geber hat Gott gem. Einem faulen Bauer (farmer)ist kein Pflug (Plow)gut genug. Der Wollewegen schert (shears)man die Schafe. Auf der Erde ist nichts ohne Furcht. (What is the subject?This is tricky.) Wen kennt die alte Frau? Wer spricht aile Sprachen und behalt (retains) immer das letzte Wort? Ein Echo. Wie heigt das Weibvon Herkules? AntWort: Fraukules!
6.6. Occasionally, the sentence can begin with the verb. At this point in your reading, a sentence beginning with a verb will be either a question or a command. I. Questions For simple questions (which do not begin with an interrogative), the verb will begin the sentence, and the subject will follow it. Examples are:
Kennt der Professor seine Studenten? - Does the professor know his students?
1stder Tierhiiter beim Zoo? - Is the zookeeper at the zoo? Kommt heute der Brieftrager?- Is the mailman comingtoday?
II. Commands (the imperative) Although you will not encounter the informal imperative too often in scholarly German (unless you tend to read Nietzsche, the Bible, or German literature in general), you should at least be familiar with it. The familiar singular imperative is the same as the stem of the verb; verb stems ending in -d or -t and some other consonants add -e. Here are examples in comparison with the interrogative:
Vocabulary (Final reminder: vocabulary with a ** will not reappear in the chapter vocabulary lists)
**all- all der Angeklagte (-n, -n)-accused * arm - poor **der Arbeiter (-s, -)-worker (cf. Arbeit) der Bauer (-s, -n)-farmer der Bettler (-s, -)-beggar * die Erde (-n)-earth erschrecken-to frighten * faul-Iazy frohlich-joyous * die Furcht-fear der Geber (-s, -)-giver das Gebet (-es, -e)-prayer * gehoren (i)-to belong to * genug-enough * gern haben-to like
das Gift (-es, -e)-poison * glauben (i)-to believe * heien (i)-to be called * hoch-high * immer-always der Kalender (-s, -)-calendar * kennen-to know die Kiiche (-n)-kitchen * letzt -last **die Leute (pl.)-people **man-one (always a pronoun) * nichts-nothing * niemand-no one * ohne-withour * der Satz (-es, :':e)-sentence das Schaflein (-s, -) -little she~p, lamb
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German Quickly Trink, trink, Brtiderlein trink, Lag doch die Sorgen (worries) zu Haus, Trink, trink, Brtiderlein trink,
Basic
verbPlacement, Part I
61
Seht ihr den hellen Stern? - Do you see the bright star? Seht den hellen Stern! - Look at the bright star!
Seid ihr nicht ungeduldig?-Are you not being impatient? Seid nicht ungeduldig!-Do not be impatient!
In both the informal forms (du and ihr), the pronouns are omitted for the imperative form. For the formal (Sie) imperative, the Sie form will be used, and the verb will be in the same form as the infinitive. This form will be identical to the interrogative. However, the interrogative will always be punctuated by a question mark, and the imperative will often be punctuated by an exclamation point. Here are examples:
Lag doch die Sorgen zu Haus! Meide (avoid) den Kummer (sorrow) und meide den Schmerz (pain), Dann ist das Leben ein Scherz (joke)! Meide den Kummer und meide den Schmerz, Dann ist das Leben ein Scherz. Vocabulary das Bad (-es, -er)-bath das Bein (-es, -e)-leg der Blick (-es, -e)-glance das Bruderlein (-s, -) -little * dann-then * doch-just, * dort-there * erst-first nevertheless die Luge (-n) meiden-to avoid * nehmen (nimmt)-to brother * nur-only, just das Raten (-s)-advice der Regen (-s, -)-rain der Sack (-es, ::e)-sack, bag schauen (auf) (i)-to look at scherzen (i)-to joke take
GehenSie heute?-Areyougoingtoday?
Gehen Sie heute!
-
Go today!
SprechenSie on mit Ihrer Mutter? - Do you often talk to YOut mother? SprechenSie on mit Ihrer Mutter! - Talk to your mother often!
The imperative formal of sein is seien Sie! Here are examples:
* die Frage (-n)-question fiirchten-to fear **glauben-to believe **das Herz (-ens, -en)-heart der Kummer (-s)-grief, sorrow * lassen (lagt)-to let, leave **das Leben (-s, -)-life * der Lehrer (-s, -)-teacher **die Liebe (-n)-love
SeienSievorsichtig! Be careful! (command) Seien Sie nicht ungerecht!-Do not be unfair! (command) Compare: Sind Sie nicht ungerecht?-Aren't you being unfair? (question)
6.7. Translate these sentences:
1. 2. 3. 4. pfau (peacock), schau auf deine (your) Beine! Stelle keine Fragen, und du horst keine Ltigen. Sei eine Schnecke (snail) im Raten (advice), ein Vogel in Taten! Glauben Sie an Liebe auf den ersten Blick?
6.8. In dependent clauses, the verb will appear at the end of the clause. Here are examples:
Kehre erst vor deiner Ttir, ehe du tiber andere redest-First sweep in front of your door before you talk about others. Herren bleiben Herren, auch wenn sie bis zum Mittag schlafen-Masters are masters, even if they sleep until noon. Jedes Gleichnis hinkt, sobald es tiber einen gewissen Grad hinausgeht- Every comparison limps as soon as it goes beyond a certain point. When the sentence begins with a dependent clause, the main clause usually will begin with a verb as the second element in the sentence. Here are examples:
5. Nimm' deine (your) Sorgen (worries, cares) nicht mit (with you) in das Bad (bath)! 6. 1st ein Lehrer (teacher) ohne Leben wie eine Wolke (cloud) ohne Regen? 7. Scherze nur mit deinesgleichen (people like you)! 8. Sei nicht aller Welt Freund! 9. Ugt Fraulein Meier oft die Katze aus dem Sack? 10. Lernen Sie Deutsch! II. Lernen Sie Russisch? 12. Hat der Brieftrager ein Herz aus Gold? 13. Ein Trinklied:
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Basic verb Placement, Part I Einsames VogelrufenSo war es immer schon. (It wasalwayslike that)
Noch einmal schaudert (shudders) leise
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Was in einer Wurst ist, wissen nur Gott und der Schlachteronly God and the butcher know. Wer Geld hat, hat auch Freunde-
He who has money also has friends. Und schweiget dann der Wind; Vernehmlich (clear) werden die Stimmen, Die (which) tiber der Tiefe sind.
Dependent clauses will always be separated from main clauses by commas. Although you should begin to recognize this construction, I will explain it to you in more detail in Chapters Twenty-three- Twenty-five. Therefore I have not given you any practice sentences for this section.
Vocabulary 6.9. Vocabulary aid: memorize and guess the words (in italics) in the following sentences: 1. Um der vollen Wahrheit willen lagt Fraulein Meier die Katze aus dem Sack. 2. 1stdie Liebe immer schan? 3. In einem Sommergarten pfltickt (plucks) ein romantischerjunger Mann mit einer Neigung (inclination) fur Idealismuseine Blume. 4. UrnflinfUhr besucht (visits)ein netter Freund des Brieftragerseine interessante Dame mit vielen Katzen. 5. Um Mitternacht denkt ein philosophisch gesinnter (minded) Mann an die Bedeutung (significance)des Daseins (existence;literally: beingthere). 6. In der Nachbarschaft der alten Universitat mit grogen Bibliotheken und seltsamen (strange) Professoren schreibt ein einsichtsvoller Student ein sehr interessantes Buch. 7. Auf wen wartet der faule Mann? 8. Was ist ohne Furcht? 9. Sei immer freundlich mit guten Menschen. Reading Selection: Meeresstrand(Theodor Storm)
Ans Haff (lagoon) nun fliegt die Mawe (seagull), Und Dammerung bricht hinein (arrives); aber die feuchten Watten (shoals) Spiegelt der Abendschein (evening glow). Graues Geflugel (fowl) huschet (scurries) Neben dem Wasser her; Wie Traume liegen die Inseln 1m Nebel (fog) auf dem Meer. Ich hare des garenden (swirling) Schlammes (sand) GeheimnisvOllen (secret)Ton,
* dann-then die Dammerung (-en)-twilight einsam-Ionely feucht-wet, damp fliegen (i)-to fly grau-grey her-hither die Insel (-n)-island leise-quietly der Meeresstrand (-es, ::e)-seashore
* noch einmal-once again schweigen (i)-to be silent spiegeln-to reflect, to mirror die Stimme (-n)-voice die Tiefe (-n)-depth der Ton (-es, ::e)-tone der Traum (-es, ::e)-dream das Vogelrufen (-s, -rufe)-bird * werden-to become call
The Pronouns masculine der er den ihn dem ihm neuter das es das es dem ihm feminine die Sle die Sle der ihr plural die
Sle
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die
Sle
den ihnen
7.3. Here are sentences including these four pronouns in nominative, accusative and dative cases: Note that when an inanimate masculine or feminine noun is
The Pronouns
used, it is still replaced with a masculine or feminine pronoun in German, even though it is translated into English as it.
Nominative Fraulein Meier backt einen Kuchen, und er riecht gut-Fraulein Meier bakes a cake, and it smellsgood. Der Brieftragerkauft Brot, wenn esfrisch ist- The mailman buys bread when it is fresh. Die Lampe ist hell; sie ist vielleichtzu hell-The bright. accusative mich (me) dich (you) ihn (him) es (it) sie (her) uns (us) euch (you) sie (them) Sie (you)
dative mir (me, to me) dir (you, toyou) ihm (him, to him) ihm (it, to it) ihr (her, to her) uns (us, to us) euch (you, toyou) ihnen (them, to them) Ihnen (you, to you) gloves, and they are warm. Accusative
7.1. German pronouns forms: nominative ich (J) du (you) er (he) es (it) sie (she) wir (we) ihr (you) sie (they) Sie (you)
Der Mann kauft einen Apfel, dann iih er ihn- The man buys an apple, then he eats it. Das Kind mag dasBrot und iRt esgern- The child likesthe bread and likesto eat it. Die Frau lernt die Melodie und singt sie oft- The woman learns the melody and sings it often. Wohlstand schafft Freunde, Not prlift sie- Prosperity creates friends; need tests them.
Dative Wenn die kranke Frau mit einem Arzt spricht, erklart sie ihm ihre KrankheitenWhen the sick woman speaks with a doctor, she explains her illnesses to him. Die Mutter des Kindes hilft ihm mit seinen Schularbeiten - The mother of the child helps him with his homework. Der Vater der Tochter hilft ihr- The father of the daughter helps her.
At this point, it is very important for you to learn the declensions of er (he), es (it), and sie (she and they) because they are also the pronouns for masculine, neuter, feminine and plural nouns. (Although there are also pronouns that take genitive case, they occur rarely, and you will be able to identify them if you come across them.) 7.2. Notice the similarity between the declensions of these four pronouns and the definite articles. In each case, the pronoun either rhymes with the definite article, or it has the same last letter. Compare:
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The Pronouns
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7.4. Replace all the nouns in the following sentences with pronouns: I. Der Brieftrager findet das Stinktier. 2. Die Frau geht ohne den Mann. 3. Das Kind ist gliicklich mit der Katze. 4. Der Professor sieht die alten Frauen mit den Studenten. 5. AuBer den Elefanten sind die Tiere nicht hungrig. 6. Die Frau sitzt dem FuBballspielernicht gegeniiber. 7. Der Pfadfinder (BoyScout) hilft der alten Dame. 8. Das Madchen trinkt die Milch.
Ihr helft den Kindem oft- lOuoften help the children; and Der Mann hilft ihrThe man helps her.
Also note that Sie (formal you) and sie (they) are declined in the same way. However, Sie (the fOrmal you) will always be capitalized. Compare:
Nominative:
Wann gehen Sie- When areyou going? Wann gehen sie- When are they going? Wer kennt Sie- Who knows you? Wer kennt sie- Who knows them? Wer hilft Ihnen-Who Wer hilft ihnen-Who is helping you? is helping them?
will be
7.5. Here are the masculine, neuter, feminine and plural pronouns and their possibilities. Note which pronouns are identical. er es sze only masculine nominative (he) neuter nominative and accusative (it) feminine and plural nominative (she,they) and feminine and plural accusative (her,them) ihn only masculine accusative (him) ihm masculine dative (him) and neuter dative (it) ihr feminine dative (her);also informal you plural nominative ihnen only plural dative (them, or to them) The pronoun with the most letters is alwaysplural.
Accusative:
Dative:
When the sentence begins with Sie and the verb is plural, the pronoun translated either you or they depending on context.
Sie gehen jetzt- They (or you) are going now. 7.8. The possessive adjectives
Possessive adjectives in English are the words my, your, his, her, its, our, and their placed directly in &ont of a noun:
7.6. Translate the following sentences (vocabulary is on pp. 70-71): I. Wenn Fraulein Meier den Brieftrager mit einer anderen Dame sieht, wird sie bose auf ihm. 2. Er hilft ihnen oft. 3. Wann sprechen sie mit ihr? 4. Ihn kennt sie. 5. Es ist ihm nicht klar. 6. Versprechen sind wie Pastenkruste (pie crust);man bricht sie. 7. Ihm helfen sie. 8. Wenn der Brieftrager eine Studentin sieht, sagt er ihr: "Guten Tag." 9. Wenn die Tochter ein Lied singt, hort die Mutter es gem.
My &iend is brilliant. His cat is obnoxious. Her mother is a friend of their father.
They are not to be confused with pronouns, which aren't attached to nouns, even though her sometimes appears as a possessive adjective and sometimes as a "simple" pronoun: He sees her often. Her in this context is not a possessive adjective, it is only a pronoun.
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German Quickly
The Pronouns
69
He sees her friend often. Her in this context is a possessive adjective, modifying friend. This difference is crucial, because possessive adjectives have two equally important functions whenever they are used. 1. Like der and ein words, they are adjectives, which must indicate the gender and case of the noun: Er sieht seinen Freund oft (Freund is masculine, accusative). 2. Like possessive adjectives in English, they indicate possession: Er sieht seinen Freund oft (sein indicates that the friend is related to er). Here are all the possessive adjectives in the masculine nominative case:
The form of the possessive adjective (whether it is my, your, his, its, her, our, your, or their) is determined by the noun to which it refers. Here are examples: Ich liebe meine Katzeaccusative.) Liebst du deinen Hund? masculine accusative.) Er hilft seiner Mutterdative.) I love my cat. (meine indicates that Katze is feminine
-
He helps his mother (seiner indicates that Mutter is feminine loves her daughter (ihre indicates that Tochter is femi-
Es hat seine Schwierigkeiten-It has its problems (seine indicates that Schwierigkeiten is plural accusative.) Wir glauben unseren Freunden- We believe our friends (unseren indicates that Freunden is plural dative.) Seht ihr euer Kind?-Do you see your child? (euer with no ending indicates that Kind is neuter accusative.) Kennen sie ihren Brieftdger?-Do they know their mailman? (ihren indicates that Brieftrdger is masculine accusative.) Kennen Sie Ihre Nachbarin?-Do you know your neighbor? (Ihre indicates Nachbarin is feminine accusative.) 7.10. It is particularly important to memorize the possessive adjectives for his and its (sein) and for her and their (ihr), because these are the adjectives most often encountered. Note that these possessive adjectives also will be used for inanimate nouns, depending on whether the nouns are masculine, neuter, feminine, or plural. Here are examples: JederTag (masculine) hat seinen Abend-Every day has its evening. Jedes Dach (neuter) hat sein Ungemach - Every roof (or household) has its adversity.
These possessive adjectives will have exactly the same adjective endings as ein words. Here is the complete declension of mein in comparison with ein:
plural
-
meine Kinder
-
meine Kinder
-
meiner Kinder
-
meinen Kindem
7.9. As with all other adjectives, the ending of a possessive adjective is determined by the noun that immediately follows it:
Sein Kind (neut. nom.) ist hier - His child is here. Der Mann liebt seinen Sohn (mas. acc.)- The man loves his son. Der Hund seiner Mutter (fem., gen.) ist freundlich-The dog of his mother is friendly. Er schreibt seinen Freunden (pI. dat.) viele E-mails- He writes his friends ~any e-mails.
Die Schule (feminine) hat ihre Regeln- The school has its rules. Die Linder (plural) haben ihre eigenen Sitten- The countries have their own customs.
Note that sein (his, its) as a possessive adjective has nothing to do with the verb sein (to be). If it is a possessive adjective, it will usually appear in front of the noun: Sein Freund ist hier- His friend is here.
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German Quickly * bose-angry, evil der Bote (-n, -n)-messenger * da-since * daB-that decken-to set, cover * dein-your **doch - nevertheless die Ebbe (-n) -ebb * eigen-own einholen-to catch up with die Eltern (pl.)-parents die Fahigkeit (-en) - ability die FanIheit-laziness * folgen (i)-to follow die Flut (-en)-Bood * fragen nach-to ask about * die Freude (-n)-joy der Gast (-es, ::e)-guest der Gegner (-s, -)-opponent * geistig-spiritUal, intellectual die Grenze (-n)-limit * das Haupt (-s, ::er)-head der Hirtenstab (-es, -e)-shepherd's crook der Horcher (-s, -) -listener * ihr-her, their * Ihr-your * kennen-to know
The Pronouns kriegen - to get der Kummer-trouble der Kurs (-es, -e)-course langsam-slow, slowly * mein-my das Messer (-s, -) -knife die Miihe (-n)-effort, trouble * nieht-not die Not-need die SchnIe (-n)-school * sein-his, its * sieher-certain sparen-to save * die Tat (-en) -deed das Tier (-s, -e)-animal der Tisch (-es, -e) -table * tragen-to wear, carry iibervoII-overBowing * unser-our das Versprechen (-s, -)-promise wahrlich-verily die Wand (::e)-wall * weise-wise * wenn-if, * wie-like when
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7.11. Translate these sentences: 1. 2. 3. 4. Folget meinen W0rten, nicht meinen Taten! Die Freundschaft hat ihre Grenzen (limits). Ierne Ordnung, ube (practice) sie; Ordnung Kleiner Tom in groiSer Not singt abends fur sein Abendbrot, singt fur Butter und fur Brat, doch ein Messer hat er nicht,
und eine Frau, sie kriegt er nicht. 5. Ein weiser Sohn macht seinem Vater Freude, ein tarichter (/Oolish one) macht seiner Mutter Kummer (trouble). (Proverbs) 6. Jede Flut hat ihre Ebbe. 7. Der Horcher (listener) an der Wand hart seine eigne (own) Schand'. (Note that an ' will always stand for an e.) (Moral: don't eavesdrop!) 8. Wenn der Brieftrager Fraulein Meier sieht, fragt er sie nach ihrem Kurs im KorbBechten (basket-weaving). 9. Die Reue (repentance) ist ein hinkender (limping) Bote (messenger); sie kommt langsam, aber sicher (certainly). IO. Jedes Haar hat seinen Schatten (shadow), und jede Ameise (ant) hat ihren Zorn (wrath). (Even the smallest object is of some consequence.) II. Faulheit geht so langsam, daiSArmut (poverty) sie einholt (catches up with). 12. Der Brieftrager ist der Lieblingssohn seiner Eltern (parents). 13. Die Schule, wie (as) sie ist, verbladet (dulls) die Kinder, da (since) sie ihre 14. 15. 16. 17. geistigen Fahigkeiten (capabilities) verzerrt (distorts). Wahrlich, ich sage euch . . . Liebe ist wie Tau (dew), sie fiillt auf Rosen und aufNesseln (nettles). Jede Wolke hat ihren Silberstreiftn. Arme Gaste sendetuns Gott. (shepherd's crook) und Stock (staff), sie sind mein Trost
7.12. Pronoun practice: use these sentences to help you memorize the pronouns. 1. Sie macht ihn glucklich. 2. Es ist ihr eine Freude. 3. 4. 5. 6. Es gefallt ihnen nicht. Vorsicht (caution, if foresight) spart dir Zeit. Wo sind sie? Sie erzahlt ihrem Freund die Geschichte. (inexplicable), und er
Du deckst fur mich einen Tisch angesichts (in theface oj) meiner Gegner. (Note: is Gegner singular or plural?) Du salbst (anoint) mein Haupt mit 01. Mein Becher (cup) ist iibervoll. (Aus dem 23. Psalm) VocabnIary das Abendbrot-supper die Ameise (-n)-ant * ander-other die Armut-poverty * auBer-except for der Becher (-s, -)-cup
7. Die Faulheit des Kindes ist seinem Vater unerklarlich versteht (understands) sie nicht.
8. Das Kind tragt immer seinen blauen Mantel, denn er gefallt ihm. 9. Ihn kennt sie nicht.
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German Quickly
10. Ihr helfen sie oft. II. 1st das Ihnen klar? 12. Sie kauft ihm ein interessantes Buch. 13. Meinen Freund sieht sie oft. 14. Kennt er uns nicht? 15. Wo findet ihr die Antwort? 16. Unsere Freundschaft ist mir sehr wichtig. 17. Ihm glauben sie. 18. Ihre Antwort versteht er nicht. (There are three correct translations for Ihre Antwort. )
8.1.Weak
nouns
There are some masculine and a very few neuter nouns that are called "weak nouns." These nouns will require an -en or -n ending to every case but the nominative singular, Some of these nouns will end in -e-such as der Junge (boy), der Kollege (colleague), der Soziologe (sociologist). Other common masculine weak nouns are: der Mensch, der Student, der Herr (man, lord), and der Philosoph. These nouns are problematic because they often look plural because of their -en endings; however they will rarely seriously affect your translations. I am discussing them at this point in order to give you still more practice in looking carefully at case endings. Here are sentences indicating how the noun Student appears in all four cases: Nominative: Der Student liest die Werke Spinozas- The student is reading the works of Spinoza. (In this instance, it does not matter if you recognize this noun as being weak.)
Accusative:
Geuitive:
Seine Eltern sehen den Studenten selten- His parents see the student
seldom. Der Freund des Studenten liest die Werke NietzschesThe friend
74 Dative:
German Quickly
Seine Kurse sind dem Studenten wichtig-His to the student. courses are important
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*Note that the forms of the dative plural and masculine accusative singular are identical; therefore, only your knowledge of cases will tell you if a masculine weak noun is singular or plural.
Most weak nouns-der Mensch (person), der Theologe (theologian), der Bar (bear), der Lowe (lion)-are animate. However, there are also a few inanimate weak nouns-der Name, der Gedanke (thought), der Priede (peace), das Herz (heart)-which are declined like animate weak nouns, except that they add -ens rather than -en to the genitive singular. Here is an example: Nominative: Accusative: Genitive: Der Gedanke des Philosophen ist interessantThe thought of the philosopher is interesting. Die Studenten verstehten den klaren Gedanken-The students understand the clear thought. Der Kern des Gedankens gefallt dem Studenten - The essence of the thought pleases the student. Man hart sehr viel von dem Gedanken des Professors-One hears very much about the thought of the professor.
Compare: Er spricht mit dem Propheten (dative singular)-He speaks with the prophet. Er spricht mit den Propheten (dative pluralj-He speaks with the prophets. Er kennt den Propheten (masculineaccusative)-He knows the prophet. Er kennt die Propheten(pluralaccusative)- He knows the prophets.
einen Studenten, einen Menschen, einen Elefanten, ete. will of course always be singular because ein is a singular article.
Dative:
8.4. Translate these sentences (vocabulary is on pp. 77-78): 1. Das Auge ist des Herzens Zeiger (indicator). 2. Man erkennt den Lowen an den Klauen. 3. Das Ungliick sprichtgewaltig (powerfUlly) u dem Herzen. z 4. Feuerim Herzen bringt Rauch in den Kopf. 5. Der Wunschist oft der Vater des Gedankens. 6. Des Menschen Wille ist sein Himmelreich (kingdom of heaven). 7. Manchmal sprichtdie Professorin mit ihren Studenten. 8. Oft hat der Brieftrager einen Briefflir den netten Studenten. 9. Warum sind die Fugspiiren vom Elefanten runc!?Damit (so that) seine Fufe hineinpassen!
8.2. Such nouns will be indicated in your dictionaries by (-en, -en), showing that their genitive ending is -en. I also use this convention in my vocabulary lists. 8.3. Weak nouns always have -en plural endings. Consequently, whether such a noun is singular or plural can be determined only by the preceding der or die articles. Compare the following: der.Mensch nominative singular plural accusative singular* plural genitive singular plural dative singular plural* dem Menschen den Menschen dem Jungen den Jungen dem Namen den Namen dem Herzen den Herzen den Menschen die Menschen den Jungen dieJungen den Namen die Namen dasHerz die Herzen der Mensch die Menschen derJunge die Jungen der Name die Namen dasHerz die Herzen derJunge der Name das Hrz
desJungen derJungen
nouns; however, they still retain adjective endings according to whether they modify an understood masculine or feminine noun, or whether they are plural. Compare:
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German Quickly masculine feminine die gute Frau die Cute plural die guten Leure die Cuten die Guren den Guten der Guren dem Guren
77
nominative adjective adjectival noun accusative adjective adjectival noun genitive adjective adjectival noun dative adjective adjectival noun dem guten Mann dem Cuten der guten Frau der Cuten den guten Leuren den Cuten den guten Mann den Cuten die gute Frau die Cute die guten Leure die Cuten der gute Mann der Cute
8.8. Adjectives also can be turned into neuter nouns, which are generally abstract: das Schone-the beauriful; das Cute-the good; das i17a:hre-thetrue; das Cewohnliche- the usual.
8.9. Translate the following sentences, stating the gender and case of each of
the adjectival nouns (although some of these adjectival nouns are technically singular, it will not seriously affect your translation if you translate them as plurals because often these nouns have a plural sense to them, anyway):
Because the adjectival noun der Cuten can be either feminine genitive, plural genitive, or feminine dative, you will be able to tell the case only by context. However, when it is genitive, der Cuten will usually be plural rather than feminine.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Whenever a masculine adjectival noun is preceded by ein (which will happen only in the nominative case), its ending will be -er: ein Deutscher; ein Gurer; ein Glticklicher. 8.6. Note that if an adjective refers to a noun that appears in a previous Clause, it is not capitalized:
Die alten Propheten sind tot; den neuen glaubt man nicht- The old prophets are dead; one does not believe the new ones. If Neuen had been capitalized, the final
Das Neue ist ftir aktuelle Leute immer interessant. Dem Kranken ist nichts angenehm. Dem Ktihnen gehort die Welt. 1mHause eines Faulen ist es immer Feiertag (holiday). Andere Volker haben Heilige, [aber] die [antiken] Criechen haben Weise [whom they worship]. (Nietzsche) 6. Kleine Feinde und kleine Wunden verachtet kein Weiser. 7. Des Menschen Leben hangt an einem Faden. 8. Die Gesunden und die Kranken haben verschiedene Gedanken.
9. Des Faulen Werktagist morgen; sein Ruhetag ist heure. ro. Neue Heilige werfen die alten ins Gerumpel (junk pile). (Why isn't die alten capitalized?An explanation is in 8.6.) II. Dem Reinen ist alles rein. 12. Wer kennt den Alten? 13. Fraulein Meier fragt nach den Alten. 14. Hoffnung ist das Brot des Elenden.
Vocabulary * abends-evenings * aktuell-current, date * erkennen-to recognize der Faden (-s, '~)-thread der Feiertag (-es, -e)-holiday * Heiaig- industrious **fragen (nach)-to ask (about) der FuBspur (-s, ::en)-footprint der Gedanke (-ns, -n)-thought
part of the sentence would have been: one does not believe newpeople. 8.7. Although adjectives turned into nouns are officiallynouns, their endings are the same as if they were adjectives. Here are all the possible endings for adjectives used as nouns. Case ending exercise: what cases are these nouns in? (If you are uncertain, consult 4.3)
ein Guter eine Gute der Gute die Gute
modern, up-to-
78
German Quickly
**der Mensch (-en, -en)-person * morgen-tomorrow * nichts-nothing der Rauch (-s)-smoke rein-pure der Ruhetag-day of rest verachten-to despise verschieden - differen t * weise-wise, sage werfen - to throw der Werktag (-es, -e)-work day * der Wille (~ns, no plural)-will die Wunde (-n)-wound * der Wunsch (-es, :e)-wish der Zeiger (-s, -) - indicator
* gehoren (i)-to belong to gesund - healthy gewaltig- powerfully der Grieche (-n, -n)-Greek heilig-holy, saintly; der Heilige- saint * hente-today hineinpassen-fit in * immer-always die Klane (-n)-claw * der Kopf(-es :e)-head krank-sick kuhn-daring, bold der Lowe (-n, -n)-lion manchmal-sometimes
The VariousUses of Es
Sankt Georg Tschaikowskij Johannas Don Quichotte Katharina die Groge Erich der Rote Chruschtschow Kain Cupido
Although esis the pronoun for it, there are severalinstances in which it will not be translated literally.
9.1. Es gibt Es gibt (literally: it gives) means either there is if the object is singular, or there are if the object is plural. Examples are:
Dr. Schiwago Lukas Hiob (aus der Bibel) Karl der Groge
Esgibt keinen Rauch ohne Feuer- Thereis no smoke without fire. Esgibt leider kein Bier mehr- Unfortunately, there's more beer. no Es gibt viele Antworten auf diese komplizierte Frage- Thereare many answers to this complicated question. In alten Hausern gibt esviele Mause, in alten Pelzen gibt es viele Lause- In old houses there are many mice; in old furs, there are many lice. 9.2. Es ist and es sind Es ist and essind are both used in a similar way. Es ist will mean there is (and the predicate nominative will be singular), and es sind will mean there are (and the predicate nominative will be plural). Examples are:
Es ist eine Katze im HausThere is a cat in the house. There are no mice near by.
80
German
Quickly
81
Vocabulary
**ander-other **auch-also, even die Ausnahme (-n) -exception der Bawn (-es, :':e)-tree beiaen-to bite das Dieb (-es, -e)-thief die Ehre-honor * fallen (fallt) (i) - to fall das GeHingnis (-ses, -se)-prison * gehen (i) - to go gelehrt-Iearned, scholarly * es gibt-there is, there are das Gegengift (-es. -e)-antidote haBlich-ugly der Herrscher (-s, -)-ruler * * * * der Koch (-es, :':e)-cook das Kopfweh (-s)-headache die Krone (-n)-crown die Kiiche (-n)-kitchen das Liebchen (-s, -)-little loved one nur-only die Regel (-n)-rule solang-as long as sterben (i)-to die
todlich - deathly * unter-among * viel-much, many wechseln - to change * weit-far die Wiirde-dignity * zu-too
Es gehen viele geduldige Schafe in einen Stall-Many patient sheep go into a stable. (Because the sheep are patient, the stable can accommodate all of them.)
In jedem Land hort man Sprichworter. Die folgenden Sprichworter sind Ihnen wahrscheinlich schon bekannt (familiar): "Blut ist dicker als Wasser"; "Ein Vogel auf der Hand ist besserals zwei im Busch", und so weiter. Die meisten Sprichworter sind sehr alt~viele erscheinen sogar in der Bibel. Die typischen Gestalten der Sprichworter sind der Bauer,der Konig, der Furst (prince), die gehorsame (obedient)Frau, der Arzt, der Dieb, der Heilige (saint), Gott und der Teufel. Die Sprichworter beschreiben oft das wunschenswerte Benehmen (behaviour) eines anstandigen (decent,respectable) enschen. Soleh ein Mensch arbeitet M viel, er hilfr seinen Nachbarn, er furchtet (und liebt) Gott, und er ist vorsichtig. Er ist auch der Meinung, sein Gluck moge (may) nicht lange dauern (last).
In den Sprichwortern begegnet man auch vie!en Tieren. Typische Tiere sind das Huhn, die Kuh (und ihr Kalb), das pferd, der Ese!, der Hund, die Katze, die Maus,
13. Selbst (even) unter Dieben gibt es Ehre (honor). 14. Es flillt kein Gelehrter vom Himmel. (In other words, no one is born welleducated.)
82
tionship) zwischen dem Menschen und dem Tier. Beispiele sind: "Wenn der Reiter nichts taugt (amount to), gibt er dem pferd die Schuld"; "Wer zwei Hasen (rabbits) auf einmal jagt (hunts), fangt keinen"; ''Alte Huhner machen gute Suppen"; "Bellende (barking) Hunde beiBen nicht". Man findet oft in den Tiersprichwortern eine Personifizierung des Tieres. Hier
sind einige wiederkehrende (recurring) Themen solcher Sprichworter. (r) Man ist immer, was man ist: "Wenn der Esel eine Lowenhaut (lionskin) tragt, gucken die Ohren hervor (peek out from under it)": "Ein Pude!, dem man eine Mahne geschoren hat (that one has sheared so that it has a mane), ist noch kein Lowe (lion)" (2) Ein behindertes (handicapped) Geschopf (creature) hat manchmal Gluck: ''Auch (even) eine blinde Sau findet eine Eichel (acorn)" (3) Irren ist "menschlich": ''Auch der beste Gaul (nag, horse) stolpert (stumbles) einmal"; ''Auch kluge Huhner legen (Eier) einmal in Nesseln". (4) Das Prahlen (bragging) taugt nichts: "Huhner, die (who) viel gackern (cackle), legen keine Eier".
10
Die kleinen Tiere (zum Beispiel das Schaflein und das Kalb) symbolisieren meistens menschliche Kinder: "Ein vorwitziges (impertinent) Schaflein friBt der Wolf; "Eine gute Kuh hat manchmal ein ubles Kalb"; "Wer als (asa) Kalb in die Fremde (abroad)geht, kommt als Kuh heim (home)'~ Naturlich findet man noch weitere wiederkehrende Themen in den Sprichwortern. Die Beobachtungen uber Hoffnung, Gluck, Armut und Alter sind besonders interessant. Wenn Sie die Sprichworter jetzt lesen, beachten Sie, wie (how) verschiedene Themen behandelt werden (aretreated)!
10.1. There is less use of the future tense in German than in English. For example, whenever a sentence contains a future adverb in German, the present tense will be used, even though the sentence will be translated into English as a future tense. Examples are:
Morgenkommt der Brieftrager- TOmorrow mailman will come. the Ubermorgenkommt der Bibelverkaufer- The dayafter tomorrowthe Bible salesman will come. Fraulein Meier fliegt nachstes Jahr nach Berlin-Fraulein Meier willfly to Berlin nextyear. Eines Tagesschwimmt sie im kalten See-One day she will swim in the cold lake.
10.2. However, when the time sequence is unclear, the verb werden will be used in conjunction with another verb in order to form the future tense. Note that werden is conjugated and appears in "second" place in the sentence while the other verb appears in its infinitival form at the end of the clause:
Vielleicht wird Fraulein Meier nach Berlinfliegen- Perhaps Fraulein Meier willfly to Berlin. Die Studenten werden bestimmt viellernen- The students will certainly learn a
lot.
84
German Quickly 10.4. Translate these sentences. Be particularly ich werde das singen (I will sing that) du wirst das singen (you will sing that) sie wird das singen (she will sing that) wir werden das singen (we will sing that) ihr werdet das singen (you will sing that) sie werden das singen (they will sing that) Sie werden das singen (you will sing that)
85
Here is a chart: ich werde hier sein (I will be here) du wirst hier sein (you will be here) er wird hier sein (he will be here) wir werden hier sein (we will be here) ihr werdet hier sein (you will be here) sie werden hier sein (they will be here) Sie werden hier sein (you will be here)
1. Ein dreitagiger Gastwird zu einer Last. 2. Der Brieftrager wird mit Fraulein Meier in den Zoo gehen. 3. Morgen friih (tomorrow morning) besucht ein Bibelverkaufer (Bible salesman) Fraulein Meier. 4. Irgendwann (at some point) wird der Student eine Fremdsprache (fOreign language) lernen. 5. Die Ersten werden die Letzten und die Letzten werden die Ersten sein. (Note: sein is the infinitive for both werden auxiliaries) 6. Der Irrtum eines Augenblicks wird zur Sorge eines Lebens. (Proverbs) 7. Wird Fraulein Meier die Weltanschauung des Brieftragers je verstehen? 8. Es wird dem Gerechten kein Leid (sorrow) geschehen; aber die Gottlosen werden voll (filled with) Ungliicks sein. (Proverbs) 9. Wer wird der Spatzen (sparrows) wegen das Saen (sowing) unterlassen (neglect)? ro. Wenn der Berg nicht zum Propheten kommt, so kommt er zu ihm. II. Wanderers Nachtlied (This is a famous and beloved poem; note that the sounds become softer and softer.) Dber alIen Gipfeln (mountain peaks) 1st Ruh, In alIen Wipfeln (tree tops) Spiirest du Kaum (barely) einen Hauch (breath): Die Vogelein schweigen im Walde. Warte nur, balde Ruhest du auch. (Goethe)
Sie weifSnicht, wann der Brieftrager kommen wird-She does not know when the mailman will come. Es ist nicht klar, ob Fraulein Meier viele Zeitungsartikel schreibenwird- It is not clear if Fraulein Meier will write many newspaper articles.
10.3. From now on be careful when you see the verb werden! When it is the only verb in the sentence, it will only mean to become, to grow. When werden is used with any infinitive (which will appear at the end of the clause), it will always mean wil!. Compare the following:
Der Mann wird alt- The man growsold. (present) Moreover, whenever wird is followed by zu, werdenwill often mean become,and the zu will not be translated: Es wird zu Staub- It becomes dust. Der Mann wird den Film sehen- The man will seethe film. (future)
Now, whenever you see werden, be on the lookout for verb infinitives lurking at the end of the clause; if there are any, the sentence will have to be translated in the future tense (wil!).
Vocabulary
* der Augenblick * bald-soon (-es, -e)-moment der Gast (-es, ::e)-guest gerecht - righteous
der Berg (-es, -e)-mountain besuchen-to visit dreitagig-three * endlich-finally * erst-first day
86
German Quickly
das Ungliick (-s, -e)-misfortune * unter-among * verstehen - to understand der Vogel (-s, ::)-bird der Wald (-es, ::er)-woods, * warten (i)-to wait **wegen - because of **die Weltanschanung VIew * werden (wird)-to * wissen (weiB)-to forest
**letzt -last morgen frOO-tomorrow morning das Nachdied (-es, -er)-night song **nur-only, just die Rnhe- peace rnhen (i) - to rest, sleep rnhig-quiet * iiber-over schweigen (i)-to be silent die Sorge (-n)-worry spiiren - to feel
(-en)-world-
11
10.5. Vocabulary aid: continue to be aware of verb tenses! 1. Ich werde die Dramen Georg Kaisers nie verstehen. 2. Ein Gast wie ein Fisch bleibt nicht lange frisch. 3. Eines Tageswird sie den Armen helfen. 4. Vielleicht werden die Studenten die Philosophie Schopenhauers studieren. 5. Niemand von diesen Studenten wird das ganze Buch lesen. 6. Morgen fliegen sie nach Europa. 7. Wer weiB,was der Abend bringt? 8. Sage mir, mit wem du umgehst (goaround), und ich sagedir, wer du bist.
Note: this chapter is trickier than it looks. The recognition of comparatives requires a careful observation of adjectivaland adverbial endings. 11.1. Comparison of adjectives There are three basic forms of the adjective, both in German and in English: regular (happy), comparative (happier), and superlative (happiest). Here are examples:
regular nett (nice) warm (warm) lang (long) comparative netter (nicer) warmer (warmer) langer (longer) superlative nettest -* (nicest) warmst -* (warmest) langst- * (longest)
*The dash at the end of the superlative adjectives indicates that these adjectives must have adjective endings following the superlative (-st) ending. An example is:
88
German Quickly
Comparison (and Superlative) of Adjectives and Adverbs Das kleine Kind ist am nettesten- The small child is the nicest. Or: Das kleine Kind ist das netteste- The small child is the nicest. alter (older) kalter (colder) dummer (dumber) altest- (oldest) kaltest- (coldest) dummst- (dumbest) Die altesten Lieder sind am schonsten (or die schonsten)the most beautiful. 11.4. Common adjective combinations is als (than)
89
11.2. Like regular adjectives, adjectives with comparative and superlative endings will also take the traditional adjective endings (see 4.1-4.4 for review). The comparative or superlative ending is added to the adjective before the usual ending that indicates the declension. Because adjectives following der and most ein words will have -e or -en endings, sometimes the comparative or superlative ending will seem hidden. Here are examples: der nettere Mann-the nicer man (masculine nominative comparative) der netteste Mann-the nicest man (masculine nominative superlative) die netteren Frauen -the nicer women (plural nominative or accusative comparative) die nettesten Frauen - the nicest women (plural nominative or accusative superlative) den netteren Mann-the nicer man (masculine accusative comparative) den nettesten Mann -the nicest man (masculine accusative superlative) Do not mistake the strong mascnline adjective ending for the comparative! "Ein netter Mann" is only "a nice man." The correct form for "a nicer man" would be "ein netterer Mann." Here are other instances in which -er endings are not comparative:
n
The most common adjective combination Geben ist seliger als Nehmen -Giving
When this construction is used, the comparative adjective is always a predicate adjective and therefore always ends in -er. Here are more examples:
Other comparative adjective combinations are: so . . . wie (as. . . as),je . . . desto (the . . . the), and immerwith a comparative adjective. Here are examples:
Alter Wein ist guter Wein-Old wine is good wine. Die Suppen armer Leute sind dunn - The soups of poor people are thin. Die Frau ist bei schlechter Laune- The woman is in a bad mood. 11.3. Note the following regular and comparative adjective endings: Regular:
Regular Predicate Adjective: Comparative: Comparative Predicate Adjective: der ein der der ein der alte Freund-the old friend alter Freund-an old friend Freund ist alt-the friend is old altere Freund-the older friend alterer Freund-an older friend Freund ist alter-the friend is older
Das kaiserliche Wort ist so kraftig wie ein Eid - The imperial word is as strong as an oath. Das Huhn ist nicht soklug wie der Fuchs- The hen is not asclever as the fox. Je hoher der Kirchturm, destoschanerdas Gelaute- The higher the church tower, the morebeautiful the chimes. Fraulein Meier und der Brieftrager werden immer fteundlicher- Fraulein Meier and the mailman are becomingftiendlier andftiendlier. Wenn die Katze aus dem Haus ist, werden die Mause immerftecher- When the cat is out of the house, the mice become bolderand bolder. 11.5. The following adjectives will have irregular forms:
regular grog (large, tall) gut (good) hoch (high) comparative gr6ger (taller) besser (better) h6her (higher) superlative gr6gt- (tallest) best- (best) h6chst- (highest)
When the superlative form of the adjective is a predicate adjective, it will appear in the following way:
90
German Quickly naher (nearer) mehr (more) nachst- (nearest) meist- (most) liebsten-and
Comparison (and Superlative) of Adjectives and Adverbs he likes to drink wine the best.
91
11.6. Comparison of adverbs The forms of the adverb in the comparative and superlative are the same as the forms of the predicate adjective: Das Kind lauft schnell-The child runs fast. (Regular) Der Student lauft schneffer- The student runsfaster. (Comparative) Der Wanderer lauft am schnellsten- The hiker runs thefastest. (Superlative)
The superlative adverb will always have the am . . . -en form, regardless of where it appears in the sentence. Here is an example of a superlative adverb modifying an adjective: Die am fruhesten erscheinenden Erdbeeren schmecken am besten - The earliest appearing strawberries taste the best. Note that the am has nothing to do with an + demo Because superlative is the best, by definition, regard the am as a kind of pedestal to prop up the adverb or predicate adjective to indicate its splendor!
11.9. Realize, also that whenever an adverb has an -er ending, it will nearly always be comparative! This is still another reason for you to distinguish between adjectivesand adverbs. Here are some more comparative adverbs: Er lauft schneller, wenn es kalt ist-He walks more quickly when it is cold. Ein freundlicher Mann hilft seiner Familie ofter-A friendly man helps his family more often. Die Freunde alter Leute laufen langsamer als die Freunde junger Leute- The friends of old people walk more slowly than the friends of young people. 11.10. Note the important rule of thumb: Whenever an adjective with an -er ending is before a noun, it will rarely be comparative; if it has an -er ending and no noun is near it, it will most likely be comparative! Heute ist ein langer Tag- Today is a long day. Heute scheint langer als gestem- Today seems longer than yesterday.
Although it is possible for an adjective preceding a noun to be comparative, the adjective ending right before the noun will usually be -e or -en: der altere Mann (the older man); der netteren Frau (to or for the nicer woman); desfreundlicheren Kindes (of the friendlier child)
11.7. The adjective formulas also apply to adverbs: Ein Doktor und ein Bauer wissen mehr als ein Doktor allein-A doctor and a farmer know more than a doctor alone. Sie lieben einander so zartlich wie Tristan und Isolde-They love one another as tenderly asTristan and Isolde. Je tieferich grabe,destomehr Wasserfinde ich- ThedeeperI dig, themore water I find. Ich grabe immer tiefir- I dig moreand moredeeply. 11.8. The adverbs bald (soon) and gern (gladly) have irregular forms: 'bald (soon) eher (sooner) am ehesten (soonest) gem (likesto, lieber(jrefirs to, am liebsten (best of all, gladly) prefirably) mostprefirably)
Gern and its comparative forms are translated as follows: Der Brieftrager trinkt gern Wasser-The mailman likes to drink water, aber er trinkt Coca-Cola lieber-but he prefers to drink Coke, und er trinkt Wein am
11.11. Translate these sentences: 1. 2. 3. 45. 6. 7. 8. 9. ro. II. 12. 13. Je magerer der Hund, desto fetter die Fljjhe. Die sufesten Trauben (grapes) hangen am hochsten. Die Augen sind groGerals der Magen (stomach). Es ersaufen (drown) mehr Leute im Wein als im Rhein. Ein Dummer jindet zehn Dummere. Es gibt kein suferesLeiden als Hoffen. Die Liebe der Burger ist des Landesstarkste Mauer (wall). Die Kuhe fremder Leute haben groGereEuter. Der faulsten Sau gehort immer der groGte Dreck (mud). Erfahrung (experience) st ein langer weg. i Schlaf nach dem Mittagstisch ist so gesund wie ein fauler Fisch. Oem Schuster (cobbler)ist der Schuh wichtiger als der FufJ. Es gibt mehr alte weintrinker als alte Arzte.
92
German Quickly
Comparison (and Superlative) of Adjectives and Adverbs * der Weg (-es, -e)-way * wert-worth das Wesen (-s, -) - being, character * wichtig-importam * wiederholen-to
93
14. Dberzeugungen (convictions) sind gefahrlichere Feinde der Wahrheit als Lugen. (Nietzsche) 15. Die Luge ist ein Schneeball; je langer man sie walzt (rolls), desto gro{ser wird sie. (Luther) 16. Wird Fraulein Meier immer schaner mit jedem Tag? 17. Liebe ist starker als Tod. (Paul Tillich) 18. Ein guter Ruf (reputation) ist kostlicher als groiSer Reichtum, und anziehendes (attractive) Wesen (character) [ist] besser als Silber undGold. (Proverbs) Vocabulary * allein-alone * als - than * alt, alter, am altesten-old * das Beispiel (-s, -e)-example ** bose-bad der Biirger (-s, -)-citizen dumm, diimmer, am diimmstendumb * dunkel-dark die Erfahrung (-en) - experience ersaufen (ersauft)-to drown das Euter (-s, -)-udder der Floh (-es, :':e)-flea &emd-strange, other gefahrlich-dangerous gefallen (i)-to please gehoren (i)-to belong to gelten (gilt)-to be valid, worth gem, lieber, am liebsten-likes to, preferably, best gleich-same, equal gro, groer, am groten-tall, large, great kosten-to cost
repeat
11.12. Vocabulary Aid 1. Alte Freunde und alter Wein sind am besten. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ro. Eine Hand voll (full oj) Gold ist schwerer alsein Sackvoll Recht und Wahrheit. Er ist so hungrig wie eine Kirchenmaus. Der SpaiS(fun) kostet mehr, als er wert ist. Doktor MaiS(moderation),Doktor Stille und Doktor Frohmann (goodcheer) sind die groiStenArzte. Eine Unze guten Beispielsgilt mehr als ein Pfund Worte. Lieber allein als in baser Gemein (company). Jedes pferd (horse)findet seinen Packen (pack)am schwersten. Die Kette (chain)ist nicht starker als ihr schwachstesGlied (link). Je dunkler die Nacht, desto schaner der Morgen.
kosdich-costly ** die Kuh (:':e)-cow * das Land (-es, ';er)-country das Leiden (-s, -)-sorrow die Luge (-n)-lie der Magen (-s, -)-stomach mager-thin die Mauer (-n)-wall der Mittagstisch-Iunch * der Morgen (-s, -)-morning * nach-after * das Pfund (-es, -e)-pound * das Recht (-es, -e)-justice der Reichtum (-s)-wealth der Rhein-Rhine river der Ruf (-es, -e) - reputation, calling die Sau (:.:e)-sow der Schlaf (-es) -sleep der Schuster (-s, -)-cobbler * schwer-heavy, hard * so . Wle--as . . . as
* * * * * **
...
der Spa (-es, -e) -fun * stark-strong die Traube (-n)-grape die Uberzeugung (-en)-conviction die Unze (-n)-ounce ** viel, mehr, am meisten-much, more, most walzen (walzt)-to roll
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Fraulein Meier sitzt auf dem Sofa- Fraulein Meier sits on thesofa. Fraulein Meier sitzt darauf-Fraulein Meier sits on it. Fraulein Meier hort nicht auf die Warnungen- Fraulein Meier does not listen to the warnzngs. Fraulein Meier hort nicht darauf-Fraulein Meier does not listen to them.
12
Therefore, be careful to understand the entire context of the sentence before you translate the da-compound. In the previous sentences, daraufmeantfor it, on it, and to them. If a preposition begins with a vowel, an "r" is added for purposes of pronunciation. Here are examples:
Da- and wo- compounds are used as placeholders in place of pronouns when inanimate objects are dealt with as objects of prepositions. They are called compounds because they combine with the preposition to become one word.
1. Sie fragt danach. 2. Glauben Sie daran? 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ro. Er sprichtdavon. Schreibensie dariiber? Wir helfen ihr damit. Haben sie keine Zeit dafiir? Er sprichtdagegen. Sie hoffi darau Es gibt kein Wasser darin. Sie hatAngstdavor.
12.1. Da-compounds As a compound, da- generally means it, this, that, or them. Here are examples: Er schreibt mit dem Bleistift- He writes with the pencil. Er schreibt damit- He writes with it. Fraulein Meier denkt manchmal an ihreArbeit - Fraulein Meier sometimes thinks
about her work.
Der kleine Hund hat Angst vordem Donner-The small dog is afraid of the thunder. Der kleine Hund hat Angst davor- The small dog is afraid of it. However, while da will virtually always mean it (or sometimes them), the same dacompound can be translated differently depending on the verbin the clause. Here is an example:
Fraulein Meier wartet auf den Bus- Fraulein Meier is waitingfor the bus.
12.3. When prepositions normally follow verbs in German (in set phrases such as denken an, warten auf etc.), a da-compound will be used as a place-holder in an independent clause which will indicate the arrival of a dependent clause:
Fraulein Meier denkt oft daran, daG der Brieftrager ihr schone Gedichte schreibtFraulein Meier often thinks about thefact that the mailman writes beautiful poems to her. Der Briefrrager wartet darauf daB er eine Antwort bekommtso that he will get an answer. The mailman waits
96
German Quickly may be translated, or it may be left out, * namlich-namely * schon-already * schreiben (liber)-to write about das Seewasser (-s, -)-sea water * stellen-to place streben nach-to strive for das Vogelhans (-es, ::er)-birdhouse
97
WOmit chreibenSie? With whatareyouwriting? s A wo-compound can also be used in the middle of a sentence: Hier ist der Bleistift, womiter schreibt-Here is the pencil with which he is writing. Das ist die Antwort, woraufsie wartet- That is the answer fOr which she is waiting. 12.6. Translate these sentences: 1. Der Reichtum (wealth) gleicht dem Seewasser; je mehr man davon trinh, des to durstigerwird man. (Schopenhauer) 2. Die Heirat (marriage) gleicht einem Vogelhaus;wer darin ist, will (wants) hinaus. 3. Die Henne legt (lays) gem ins Nest, worin Eier (eggs)schon sind. 4. Wo Gott eine Kirche baut, stellt der Teufel eine Kapelle daneben (ndmlich ein Wirtshaus [tavern}). 5. Der Mund sagt es, aber das Herz weiiS nichts davon. 6. Wer (whoever) nach dem Kranze (wreath) strebt, bekommt eine Blume daraus (as a consolation prize!). 7. Hare darauf, was andere sagen, und sei vorsichtig, ehe (before) du sprichst. 8. Die Furcht des Herm [Gott] ist ein gesegneter (blessed) Garten; die schqnsten Blumen wachsen darin. 9. Der junge Arzt weiiS nicht immer, wovon er spricht. 10. Worauf wartet Fraulein Meier? Auf wen wartet der Brieftrager? Vocabulary
Reading Selection: Der Elefant (Eine Umarbeitung einer Kurzgeschichte von Slawomir Mrozek) Der Direktor des Zoos ist kein redlicher Mann. Die Tiere benutzt er lediglich (merely) als [die] Mittel (means) seiner eigenen Karriere. In seinem Zoo hat die Giraffeeinen kurzen Hals (neck);das Stachelschwein hat keine Stacheln; und der Waschbar (raccoon)wascht sich nicht. Dieser Zustand ist urn so bedauerlicher, weil (because)oftmals viele Schulkinderin diesen Zoo gehen. Der Zoo liegt in einem kleinen Dorf, und es fehlt ihm an man chen (some) der wichtigsten Tiere. Zum Beispiel fehlt es ihm an einem Elefimten. (Dreitausend Kaninchen [rabbits)sind kein guter Ersatz daflir!) Aber endlichbekommt der Zoo das Geld flir den Kauf (purchase)eines Elefanten. Aile Bewohner (inhabitants) des Dorfs erwarten die Ankunft (arrival)des Elefanten mit Freude.
Aber der Direktor des Zoos hat einen heimlichen (secret) Plan. Elefanten sind
allerdings (to be sure) sehr teuer. Statt eines lebendigen Tiers wird der Zoo also einen Elefanten aus Gummi (rubber) bekommen. Denn jeder weifS, Elefanten sind sehr trage (sluggish); so wird man ein Plakat (sign) vor den Gummielefanten stellen, worauf man schreibt: "Besonders trage." So kauft der Direktor des Zoos einen Elefanten aus Gummi. Dann haben zwei Angestellte (employees) die Aufgabe (task), ihn aufzublasen (of inflating it). Aber diese Aufgabe ist ihnen unmaglich (impossible), weil das Gummitier einfach zu
* bauen-to build die Blume (-n)-flower * da-it durstig-thirsty * ehe- before das Ei (-s, -er)-egg * die Furcht-fear * gegen-against gesegnet-blessed
* gleichen (i)-to resemble die Heirat (-en) - marriage * hinaus-out * hoffen auf-to hope for * je... desto-the . . . the die Kapelle (-n)-chapel die Kirche (-n)-church der Kranz (-es, ::e)-wreath der Mund (-es,-er)-mouth
groiS ist. AIs die zwei Manner ruhen (rest), bemerken sie ein Gasrohr (gaspipe), und sie kommen auf eine wunderbare Idee. Sie werden den Gummielefanten mit dem Gas von dem Gasrohr aufblasen. Sie tun das, und der Elefant wird sofort sehr groK Die Angestellten betrachten (observe) das Tier mit Freude. Weil es jetzt sehr spat ist, kehren (return) die Angestellten zufrieden (satisfied) nach Hause. Am anderen (next) Morgen stellt der Direktor des Zoos den Elefanten neben den Mfenkafig (monkey cage). Das Plakat "Besonders trage-lauft liberhaupt nicht" steht vor ihm. Nach der Meinung des Direktors ist der Elefant groiSartig (splendid).
98
German Quickly (visitors) des Zoos sind viele Schulkinder und ihr * lang (adv.)-for laufen (i)-to run; to move * liegen (i) -to * die Luft-air lie, be situated
99
Lehrer. Der Lehrer hat eine gute Kenntnis der Tierkunde (zoology). Er erzahlt viel tiber die GraGe und die Macht des Elefanten. Aber wahrend der Rede (lecture) des Lehrers geschieht etwas. Der Wind setzt den Elefanten in Bewegung (motion), und so springt er immer haher in die Luft (air). Eine Weile lang betrachten die Schulkinder die vier Kreise (circles) der FtiGe, den herausragenden (bulging) Bauch und den Rtissel (trunk). Aber dann verschwindet (vanishes) das Tier tiber die Baumkronen. Sogar dieAffen sind erstaunt (astonished) dartiber. Endlich findet man das Gummitier in dem benachbarten botanischen Garten. Es liegt zerschmettert Kaktuspflanze. (smashed to pieces) auf der Erde in der Ndhe einer
* die Macht (-e)-strength, power * die Meinung (-en)-opinion das Mittel (-s, -) - means nach Hause- home * die Nahe-vicinity * nicht mehr-no longer oftmals - often das Plakat (-es, -e)-sign, redlich - honest placard
Die Schulkinder des Dorfes machen jetzt keine Schularbeiten mehr. Und sie werden Rowdys. Wahrscheinlich trinken sie jetzt Wodka, und sie zerschmettern Fenster. Und jetzt glauben sie nicht mehr an Elefanten. Vocabulary * als-when, * also-thus, as so ** die Erde (-n)-earth, ground der Ersatz (-es) -substitute * * * * erwarten-to await, expect erzahlen-to explain, tell etwas-something fehlen - to lack; es fehlt ihm an etwas-he is lack-
der Angestellte (-n, -n) -employee aufblasen - to inflate die Aufgabe (-n) -task der Bauch (-es, -e)-belly die Baumkrone (-n)-treetop bedauerlich - deplorable, regrettable * zum Beispielbemerken-to for example notice
benachbart - neighboring benutzen - to use * besonders-especially betrachten - to observe botanisch - botanical ** dann - then * denn - because, for das Dorf (-es, ::er)-village * eigen-own * einfach-simple * endlich-finally
ing something * die Freude (-n)-joy das Gasrohr (-s, -e)-gas pipe * das Geld (-es, -er)-money * geschehen (i)-to happen die Groe (-n)-size, magnitude, greatness ** jeder-each, every, everyone * jetzt-now die Karriere (-n)-career der Kauf (-es, -e)-purchase
verb Prefixes
101
13.2. Here is a list of the most common verb prefixes and their most common meanings (the ones with an * often can be translated consistently, while the others can have a variety of meanings):
ab
away, downwards: abgehen-to leave; to pass our; to be sent; to be taken off; to branch off; to walk at, on, to: angehen-to begin; to tackle; to concern up, open: aufiehen-to rise; break up; open out, our of, with: ausgehen-to go our, to fall out; to start; to end through: durchgehen-to walk, go, pass through, to be tolerated; to pass into: eingehen-to go in; enter; to grasp; to have some influence; to die; to agree away, continuing: ftrtgehen-to go away, to continue motion towards a speaker: hergehen-to go here, proceed motion away from a speaker: hingehen-to go there, pass away
13
Verb Prefixes
em
ftrt
her *
hin *
mit * nach
In German, it is possible to form new meanings to a verb by adding a prefix to the root. While steigen means to climb, einsteigen means to board (a train or plane), and umsteigen means to change (trains, etc.); and while lernen means to learn, verlernen means toftrget what one has learned. There are both separable and inseparable verb prefixes.
with: mitgehen-accompany, go along away from, imitating, toward: nachgehen-follow; investigate; to practice nieder * down, low: niedergehen-go down; fall uber over, more: ubergehen-to turn into; to pass to someone; (inseparable)-to pass over; to ignore um around, embracing: umgehen-to go around; to circulate; to avoid unter under: untergehen-to perish; to set vor before, forward: vorgehen-to act; to proceed; to happen; to advance weg * away, gone: (hin) weggehen-to go away weiter * to continue: weitergehen-to continue zu to, towards, closed: zugehen-go on; shut; happen; to approach zuruck * back: zUrUckgehen-to go back, fall back zusammen * together: zusammengehen-to go together, close; diminish 13.3. Whenever you find any of these prefixes isolated at the end of a clause, you should identify them as separable prefixes. Then you must attach the prefix to the verb root in order to translate the infinitive correctly. Because most of these prefixes are short, they are sometimes easy to overlook; therefore, watch our for them! They will always be found with their prefix attached: darstellen (to portray), zumachen (to close), ausJlippen (tofreak out). Sometimes a verb prefix can change the meaning of a verb radically. For example, while bringen means to bring, umbringen means to kill while horen means to hear, aufhoren means to stop; while Jangen means to capture, anJangen means to
102
German Quickly
verb Prefixes
103
begin. Consequently it is crucial to look up a verb with its prefix in order to discover its correct meaning in the sentence you are translating. You will nearly always find the prefixed verb in your dictionaries in alphabetical order according to the prefix: abnehmen, zustimmen, ausftllen, durchbringen, ete. Moreover, sometimes, the same prefixed verb can have radically different meanings. The verb aufnehmen can mean to take; to record; to photograph and to admit. The verb aufheben (often used by Hegel) means both to raise up and to abolish. Eingehen means both to start and to stop.
Also, they are often used in conjunction with another prefix for emphasis. Examples are: hinein (into), heram (out oj), and hindurch (through).
13.8. Translate these sentences. Underline the whole verb in each sentence (vocabulary is on p. 104-5):
1. Die Dummen sterben nie aus. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wer (he who) mit Hunden zu Bett geht, steht mit Flohen auf Ein kleiner Topf (pot) kocht bald liber. Wo man Liebe aussat (sows), dort wachst Freude hervor. Dieses Bild stellt eine Frau mit zwei Katzen dar.
13.4. However, at other times, the prefixed verb may not appear in your dictionary. In this case,you should look up both the verb and its prefix and combine them in a logical manner. For example, if you had to translate the sentence, "Die zwei Menschen gehoren nicht zmammen," and you could not find the verb zmammengehoren, you could still translate the sentence accurately if you realized that zusammen meant togetherand gehoren meant to belong to and if you then translated the verb as to belongtogether.But before you resort to this method, first look in your dictionary for the verb with its prefix. Moreover, this will happen mainly with prefixesthat have only one meaning, such as zusammen, which always means together. 13.5. In clauses when the verb appears at the end, the prefix will no longer be separated from the verb. Here are examples: Wann wird der langweilige Mann mit seiner langen Rede aufhoren- When will the boring man end his long tirade? Wo Verdacht einkehrt, nimmt die Ruhe Abschied- When suspicion enters, peace leaves. 13.6. Do not confuse verb and preposition combinations with verb prefixes. Compare "Er hart aufdiese Frage"-He listensto this question (a verb and preposition combination) with "Er hart mit dieser Frage auf- He endswith this question (aufis now a verb prefix). A separable verb prefix will nearly alwaysbe at the end of the clause, and it will never be immediately followed by a noun without at least some intervening punctuation, such as a comma.
13.7. Hin and her are two common directional prefixes. Wo geht er hin? means "Where is he going to? and Wo kommt er her? means "Where is he comingftom?" Often they do not need to be translated into English. Hin geht die Zeit, her kommt der Tod.- There goes time, here comes death (Or: Time goes, death comes.)
6. Wo Elefanten tanzen, bleiben die Ameisen weg. 7. Mache den Mund zu und die Augen auf (How do you want to translate den Mund and die Augen? Why?) 8. Furcht stech oft an. 9. Liebe deine Nachbarn, aber lege den Zaun (fence) nicht nieder. 10. Schlachter (butchers) und Schwein stimmen nicht liberein. II. 12. 13. 14. Das arme Kind bringt der bose Wolf um. Ein Stein, der (that) rollt, setzt kein Moos an. Uble Botschaft kommt immer zu frlih. Es lernt niemand aus, bis das Grab ist unser Haus. (Note that the second part of the proverb isn't strictly grammatical; however, it rhymes.)
13.9. Inseparable verb prefixes There are seven common inseparable verb prefixes-be-, ent- (or emp-), er-, ge-, miss (or: miJl-), ver-, and zer-. Unfortunately, the meanings of these prefixes are not always consistent. However, here are some of the more common meanings of some of them:
be- commonly changes an intransitive verb into a transitive. Examples are: antworten, beantworten (to answer); achten, beachten (to pay attention to); dienen, bedienen (to serve); gehen, begehen (to walk on, commit). ent- can mean away ftom: entdecken (to uncover) vs. decken (to cover); entgehen (to go away from, escape) vs. gehen (to go); entfallen (to fall away from) er- indicates the beginning of an action: erbleichen (to begin to turn pale) or an achievement of the aim set by the action: erkennen (to recognize); erreichen (to reach). And the prefix er- attached to the verbs of violence means that the action is fatal: erschieJ?en(to shoot to death); erstechen (to stab fatally).
104
German
Quickly
verb Prefixes
105
miss or mifS- corresponds to the English mis- or dis-. Examples are: mifSbrauchen (to misuse) mifSdeuten (to misinterpret); mifStrauen (to distrust); mifSfallen (to displease) . ver- has a wide range of meanings. It can mean a variety of "negative" things such as waste, or disappearance, or errors in action. Examples are: versprechen (to misspeak); vergehen (to disappear, pass, elapse); verschlafen (to oversleep). On the other hand, it can also mean to intensifY or to come together when added to a verb. Examples are: versprechen (to promise); verbessern (to improve); vermischen (to mix together). zer- denotes the destruction resulting from the root verb, and it means to pieces, in pieces. Examples are: zerbrechen (to break into pieces); zerreijlen (to rip to shreds); zerstoren (to destroy). 13.10. Translate these sentences:
* er-warten
to expect
** der Floh (-s, ~e)- flea ** die Frende (-n) - joy * friih-early, soon die Gefahr (-en)-danger haElich-ugly * her-whence (from) hervor-wachsen (i) - to grow forth * hin-whither (to) * klein-small klng-clever mia-trauen (i)-to mistrust der Mond (-es, -e)-moon das Moos (-es, -e)-moss der Mund (-es, -er)-mouth der Nachbar * nie- never (-s, -n)-neighbor
Schwein (-s, -e)-swine Schwimmer (-s, -)-swimmer Stein (-es, ~e)-stone Tod (-es, -e)-death
der Topf (-es, ~e)-pot iibel- bad, evil iiberein-stimmen-to iiber-kochen (i)-to agree boil over
um-bringen-to kill ver-bliihen (i)-to wither ver-groaern-to magnify * wann-when ** wo-where, when ** die Zeit (-en)-time zer-schneiden-to cut into pieces zer-treten (zertritt)-to stomp on zu-erst-first of all * zu-machen-to close enlarge, increase,
1. Der Vater des Brieftragersbeklagt das Benehmen (behavior)seines Sohnes. 2. Gute Schwimmer ersaufen zuerst. (Because they venture into the deepest water!) 3. Die Rosenverbliihen, die Dornen bleiben. 4- Wenn die Sonnescheint, erbleicht der Mond. 5. Den Elefanten erschreckt die Maus. 6. Wann erwartet Fraulein Meier den Brieftrager? 7. Die Furcht vergrogert die Gefahr. 8. Fraulein Meier migtraur der Vater des Brieftragers. 9. Wer wird das hagliche Photo zerschneiden? 10. Der Student zertritt den Kakerlak (cockroach).
Vocabulary (In this section, verb prefixes are hyphenated.) * bald-soon be-klagen-to das Benehmen * bis-until die Botschaft complain about (-s)-behavior (-en)-news
catching * auf-machen-to open * auf-stehen (i)-to get up aus-Iernen-to finish learning aus-saen-to sow aus-sterben (i)-to die out
dar-stellen-to portray, depict der Dorn (-es, -en)-thorn er-bleichen (i)-to pale er-saufen (i)-to drown er-schrecken-to frighten
verb Tenses, Part I present infinitive horen (to hear) lachen (to laugh) sagen (to say) leben (to live) past (first and third person singular) horte (heard) lachte (laughed) sagte (said) lebte (lived)
!O7
present perfect (third person singular) hat gehort (has heard) hat gelacht (has laughed) hat gesagt (has said) hat gelebt (has lived)
14
Moreover, most verbs with umlauts in their roots are easy, even though their definitions seem as if they would be hard because they are rarely cognates with English: ahneln, ahnelte, geahnelt (to resemble); losen, loste, gelost (to solve); iiben, iibte, geiibt (to exercise, practice); gonnen, gonnte, gegonnt (to grant).
past infinitive
past, present perfect, and
horte horen
lachte lachen
wohnte wohnen
sagte sagen
schaute schauen
glaubte, bewegte, loste, lernte, gehorte, setzte, legte, lobte, machte, hiitete
He hears(or is hearing)the noise. past: Er horte den Lirm - He heard (or washearing)the noise. present perfect: Er hat den Lirm gehort- He hasheard (or heard)the nois.e. past perfect: Er hatte den Larm gehort-He had heardthe noise. The present and past perfects are formed by using an auxiliary (helping verb) with a participle. English grammar review: a participle is a verb that requires a helping verb: has seen:have made;had written;are rung;was done;were lost;has opened. 14.2. "Easy" verbs (These are usually called either "weak"or "regular"verbs. I call them "easy" verbs because their infinitives are easy to find, but you should call them whatever makes them seem most familiar to you.)
Easy/weak! regular verbs are verbs that require no vowel change for their past and perfect forms. Comparable English verbs are: look, looked, has looked; close, closed, has closed; enjoy, enjoyed, has enjoyed. In German, the first and third person past will end in -te, and the participle will usually begin with ge- and end with -t. Here are examples:
2. In order to find the infinitive when you encounter the participle of an easy verb, eliminate the initial ge- and the final -t and add -en to the ending: participle infinitive
gelobt loben
gelacht lachen
gemacht machen
gesagt sagen
gefragt fragen
Find the infinitives of these easy verbs in the perfect form: gekauft, geschaut, geantwortet, gesetzt, geleistet, gelobt, geliebt, gehiitet 14.3. The German past is used much less frequendy than the English past; primarily it is used for narration or story-telling. However, the past also is used with the two most common German verbs, sein (to be) and haben (to have), and with the modals (which are discussed in Chapter Nineteen). Gestern war der Student gliicklich
Gestern hatte Fraulein
-
Meier Besuch-
108
German Quickly present erwarte erwartest erwartet erwarten erwartet erwarten erwarten past erwartete erwartetest erwartete erwarteten erwartetet erwarteten erwarteten
verbTenses, Part I
present perfect habe erwartet hast erwartet hat erwartet haben erwartet habt erwartet haben erwartet haben erwartet
109 ,
14.4. The present perfect tense (has looked, has opened) is used much more often in German than in English, and it can be translated either as a simple past (looked, opened), or as the present perfect (has looked, has opened) depending on context. It is more common to translate the present perfect into English as a simple past tense. In English the present perfect is used with something that happened in the past and is still ongoing: Sie haben mit ihren Katzen oft gespielt- They have often played with their cats [and will continue to do so]. Er hat schon viele Briefmarken gesammelt- He has already collected many postage stamps.
past perfect hatte erwartet hattest erwartet hatte erwartet hatten erwartet hattet erwartet hatten erwartet hatten erwartet
14.5. In sentences containing the present or past perfect tenses, the auxiliary verb will be conjugated and will appear in "second" place in the clausewhile the participle will appear at the end of the clause:
Gestern hat der Student gearbeitet- Yesterday the student worked. Er hat die Frage nicht gehort- He did not hear the question. Er hat mit ihr getanzt- He danced with her. Hat sie mit ihren Katzen gespielt? Did she play with her cats?
When the verb has an inseparable prefix or ends in -ieren, the third person singular present will be the same as the participle. Here is an example:
Sie studiert Deutsch - She is studyingGerman. Sie hat Deutsch studiert-She studied German.
However, the participle usually can be recognized as a participle because 1. it will be accompanied by an auxiliary verb, and 2. it will appear at the end of the clause.
14.6. Here are all the conjugations of the weak/easy verb leben (to live):
present lebe lebst lebt leben lebt leben leben past lebte lebtest lebte lebten lebtet lebten lebten present perfect habe gelebt hast gelebt hat gelebt haben gelebt habt gelebt haben gelebt haben gelebt past perfect hatte gelebt hattest gelebt hatte gelebt hatten gelebt hattet gelebt hatten gelebt hatten gelebt
14.8. The present and past perfect tenses will always require an auxiliary verbhaben (tohave) or sein (to be)-which will be conjugated, while the participle (as in English) will remain the same. Here is an example, using the infinitive sagen:
Ich habe das oft gesagt. Du hast das oft gesagt. Sie hat das oft gesagt. Wir haben das oft gesagt. Ihr habt das oft gesagt. Sie haben das oft gesagt. Sie haben das oft gesagt. I have said that often. You have said that often. She has said that often. We have said that often. You have said that often. They have said that often. You have said that often.
14.7. If a verb has an inseparable prefix-be-, emp-, er-,ge-, ver-, or zer- (cf. 13.9), or if the verb ends in -ieren,the participle will have no ge- prefix. Example are: verlernen, verlernte, hat verlernt; beantworten, beantwortete, hat beantwortet; studieren, studierte, hat studiert. Here is the conjugation of erwarten (to expect, await);
14.9. While most verbs will take haben as an auxiliary, as all verbs do in English, some verbs will take sein as an auxiliary. Verbs of motion (which are intransitive) such as fliegen (to fly), kommen (to come), steigen (to climb), and gehen (to go) will take sein as an auxiliary, as do the verbs sein, werden (to become), and bleiben (to remain). Your dictionary will note in parentheses if a verb takes sein with the symbol (aux. s.). Here is a paradigm using the infinitive folgen (to follow):
IIO
German Quickly I have fillowed him. You have fillowed him. He hasfillowed him. We have fillowed him. You have fillowed him. They have fillowed him. You have fillowed him. haben (to have) ich du er, Sle Wlr ihr Sle Sie habe hast hat haben habt haben haben hatte hattest hatte hatten hattet hatten hatten
III
Ich bin ihm gefolgt. Du bist ihm gefolgt. Er ist ihm gefolgt. Wir sind ihm gefolgt. Ihr seidihm gefolgt. Sie sind ihm gefolgt. Sie sind ihm gefolgt.
habe gehabt hast gehabt hat gehabt haben gehabt habt gehabt haben gehabt haben gehabt
hatte gehabt hattest gehabt hatte gehabt hatten gehabt hattet gehabt hatten gehabt hatten gehabt
Whenever sein is used as an auxiliary, it must be translated into English as has or have-it can never be translated as is or are. Here are more examples: Ich bin oft nach Berlin gefthren- I have often gone to Berlin. Schon ist er nach Hause gegangen -Already he has gone home. Selten ist sie hier gewesen-She has seldom been here. Oft sind wir zu Hause geblieben- We have often stayed home. [Note: many verbs that have sein as an auxiliary are strong/hard and require a vowel change, which is why the participles end in -en. I will explain this ending in 14.13.] 14.10. Note that the past perfect is formed by using the past tense of either sein or haben with a participle:
14.12. Translate these sentences: I. 2. 3. 4. Armut (poverty) hat viele Stadte gebaut. Der alte Ochs ist auch ein Kalb gewesen. Wer auf Hoffizung traut, hat auf [diinnes] Eis gebaut. Das Goldene Zeitalter (age) existierte damals, als das Gold noch nicht vorhanden war.
5. Der Teufel war schon in seiner Jugend. 6. "Gut und Bose sind die Vorurteile (prejudices) Gottes", sagte die Schlange. (Nietzsche) 7. Fraulein Meier hat die Antwort des Brieftragers nicht erwartet. 8. Nachdem der Student in Deutschland gewohnt hatte, studierte er die Romane Grimmelshausens. 9. Pussiktitzchen, Pussikatzchen, Wo bist du gewesen? Ich war in London, um die Konigin anzuschauen (to look at). Pussikatzchen, Pussikatzchen, Was hast du da gemacht? Ich habe eine kleine Maus erschreckt unter ihrem Stuh!' ro. Wo wohnte Fraulein Meier vor dreiJahren? II. Vorher hat Sie die ganze Zeit eine nette Frau bedient. 12. (ich) Habe nun, ach!* Philosophie, Juristerei (law) und Medizin und leider auch Theologie durchaus studiert mit heiBem Bemiihn (effort). Da steh'** ich nun, ich armer Tor (jOo!)! und bin so klug als wie zuvor (none the wiser) . . . (Goethe-Faust) * This is just an exclamation-it does not indicate the end of the sentence. ** The apostrophe stands for an "e": steh'-stehe
Er hatte in Berlin schon gewohnt- He had already lived in Berlin. Sie war nach Bern geJlogen-She hadflown to Bern. 14.11. Conjugations of sein and haben: sein (to be)-a strong/hard verb
present (he is) bin bist 1st sind seid sind sind past (he was) war warst war waren wart waren waren present perfect (he has been) bin gewesen bist gewesen ist gewesen sind gewesen seid gewesen sind gewesen sind gewesen past perfect (he had been) war gewesen warst gewesen war gewesen waren gewesen wart gewesen waren gewesen waren gewesen
II2
German Quickly
II3
Vocabulary ach - alas * als-when * die Antwort (-en)-answer die Armut-poverty * bauen-to build bedienen-to * da-there * damals-then, wait on, serve at that time das Kalb (-es, ::er)-calf leider-unfortunately * nachdem-after nett-nice * noch nicht-not * nun-now der Ochs-ox yet
There are seven different types of verb changes, which are listed in the appendix E, and eventually these patterns should become familiar to you. Bur until then, if you look up the past or participle of a hard verb, most dictionaries will give you the infinitive. 14.14. While easy verbs end in -te in the past tense and in -t in the perfect tenses, hard verbs usually vvill end in a consonant in the past tense, and in -en in the perfect tenses. Compare the following:
* der Roman (-s, -e)-novel die Schlange (-n)-snake * sein, vvar, ist gevvesen (i)-to * die Stadt C~e)-city * stehen (i)-to stand der Tor (-en, -en) - fool trauen (auf)-to trust (in) * vor (with time)-ago vorhanden-available; vorhanden sein-to be present infinitive past present perfect
diinn
thin
durchaus-thoroughly ** das Eis (-es, -)-ice erschrecken-to existieren (i)-to frighten exist
** ganz-entire * gevvesen-been Grimmelshausen-a Baroque German writer [a proper name] ** haben, hatte, hat gehabt-to have * heia-hot, ardent herrschen-to rule die Jugend-yourh
Whenever a verb for first or third person singular ends in a consonant other than -t (stahl, ging, schrieb), it vvill alvvays be past (unless it is a modal or wissen or werden).
It is extremely important for you to know the difference between an easy verb and a hard verb because past and participial tenses of weakl easy verbs will not be listed in your dictionaries, while the past and participial tenses of strong/hard verbs will be. Knowing whether a verb is easy or hard makes it easier to find it in your dictionary. 14.15. Here are all the conjugations of the strong verb singen:
exist
vorher- previously das Vorurteil (-s, -e)-prejudice * vver-who das Zeitalter (-s, -)-age
14.16. Whether it is easy or hard, if a verb has an inseparable prefix (see 13.9; 14.9)the participle vvillhave no ge- prefix. Here are examples:
present indicative vergessen (toflrget) bestehen (to consist) erfinden (to invent) past vergaS(forgot) bestand (consisted) erfand (invented) present perfect hat vergessen (has flrgotten) hat bestanden (has consisted) hat erfunden (has invented)
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German Quickly
verb Tenses, Part I 1. if the past is ie, either "flip"the vowels (ez)or try an a: blieb-bletben; schien-scheinen; stieg-steigen fiel-fallen; riet-raten
II5
When a hard verb has an inseparable prefix, the infinitive and the participle can sometimes be the same. Examples are: vergessen, eifahren, verlesen, and gefallen. Wir eifahren viel- We experience lot. a Wir haben viel eifahren- We have experienced lot. a
However, as with easy verbs, the participle usually can be recognized as a participle because (I) it will be accompanied by an auxiliary verb, and (2) it will appear at the end of the clause.
2. if the past is a, either try e or i. Most of the verbs with e in their stem will have i in third person singular: gab-geben (gzbt);half-helfen (hilft); nahm-nehmen (nimmt); sprach-sprechen (spricht); a6-essen (i6t) sang-singen; fand-finden; band-binden 3. if the past is a u, try a trug-tragen; wuchs-wachsen; fuhr-fahren PARTICIPLE:
14.17. Look at the patterns of hard verbs in my book, appendix E: Sometimes you will be able to guess the definition of the verb because it will be similar to English: sprach-spoke; a.f-ate; sah-saw; kam-came; begann-began; schwamm-swam; sa.f-sat; stand-stood; gehoijen-helped; gestohlen-stolen; gebunden-bound; gewonnen-won Also, the participles of many hard verbs will look like the infinitive with age- on it: lesen- gelesen;wachsen- gewachsen;fallen- gefallen;sehen- gesehen Other times, you will be somewhat clueless as to what the vowel change has been. In these cases, if you look up the past or participial form in your dictionaries, they will guide you to the correct infinitival form. If you look up glich, the dictionary will tell you the infinitive is gleichen;if you look up gezogen,your dictionary will tell you the infinitive is ziehen. There is also a verb chart in your dictionary that gives the changes for hard verbs. All dictionaries, even small.ones, have them, although they sometimes seem hidden; finding them, however, is worth the effort. Usually, they can be found at the beginning or the end of the dictionary. Put a paper clip or somemarker in your dictionary soyou canfind them easily. Or copy the verb list in Appendix E of German Quickly and paste it into
your dictionary, as it gives definitions of the verbs as well, and also includes some easy verbs that can occasionally be difficult to find, such as those with geprefixes. 14.18. Here are some suggestions for finding the infinitive of a hard verb. (If this section seems confusing, you may wish to return to it later, when you are more familiar with verb tenses; you can use the alphabetical verb chart until you become more familiar with the patterns.)
If the participle is ie, "flip" the vowels: geblieben -blezben; gestiegen -steigen; geschienen -scheinen If the participle is 0, the infinitive might be e or ie: gesprochen-sprechen; geholfen-helfen; genommen-nehmen geflogen - fliegen; geflohen - fliehen
14.19. Guess the infinitives of the following verbs. State whether they are easy or hard. (Review:verbs ending in -teor -t (with the auxiliaryhaben or sein) will be easy, while verbs ending in any other consonant or -en (with the auxiliary haben or sein)
will be hard. VERBS WITH AN UMLAUT IN THEIR PAST AND PARTICIPIAL FORMS WILL USUALLY BE EASY: hiitete, gelost, gelautet, lauten, hiiten.
glaubte; schrieb; sang; half; legte; ist gefallen; hat gemerkt; hat gemalt; zahmte; fand; hat geholfen; sah 14.20. Moreover, the following steps are needed for finding an infinitive in your dictionary when you encounter a hard verb with an inseparable prefix:
If the verb is in past tense, 1. eliminate the prefix temporarily, 2. look up the past tense to find the verb stem, 3. reattach the prefix to the stem Here are examples: bestand -stand -stehen -bestehen versprach -sprach -sprechen -versprechen
PAST: Note: there will always be a vowel change in the past of hard verbs
n6
German Quickly
Here are examples: Participle: erstochen. Look up gestochen to discover the stem infinitive stechen, then look up erstechen. (Or try to remember that participles with an 0 in them have either an e or an ie in their roots) Participle: entnommen. Look up genommen to discover the infinitive nehmen, then look up entnehmen. Participle: beschrieben. Look up geschrieben to discover the stem infinitive schreiben, then look up beschreiben.
15
Always reattach the prefix to the infinitive! 14.21. State the infinitives of the following hard verbs: blieb, geflogen, las, gestohlen, versprochen, nahm, erfunden, getrunken, trug, beschrieben, fiel, erschien, flog, ag, gekommen, migverstanden.
15.1 Irregular weak ("curve b.dl") verbs There are also some "irregular weak" verbs that have both vowel changes and the standard weak endings. The most important of these verbs are:
definition to to to to be acquainted with bring think know present infinitive kennen bringen denken Wlssen past kannte brachte dachte wugte present perfect hat gekannt hat gebracht hat gedacht hat gewugt
"
I consider these verbs to be "curve ball" verbs because they cause you to worry that other verbs ending in -te or -twill also have a vowel change. This is NOT the case. These are the main such verbs that will cause you trouble. 15.2. There are also some verbs with a ge-prefix that can be confused verbs with the same stem and no prefix. Compare: gebrauchen gefallen gehorchen gehoren * (to use) (to please) (to obey) (to belong to) vs. vs. vs. vs. brauchen fallen * horchen horen (to need) (tofall) (to hear) (to hear) with
II8
German Quickly (to land, succeed) (to confiss) vs. vs. raten stehen (to advise) (to stand) To find the infinitive of a hard separable verb,
verbTenses, Part II
II9
geraten * gestehen
Because verbs with a ge-prefix look the same in the participial form as their non-gestems, meanings can be ambiguous and determined only by context. For example, "Fraulein Meier hat dem Brieftrager gehorcht" can mean either that Fraulein Meier has listened to the mailman, or that she has obeyed him. * In these instances, telling the difference is not so difficult, however, asfallen and geraten take sein as an auxiliary, while gefallen and raten take haben. While horen is transitive, gehoren takes a dative object. 15.3. Here is the conjugation of a separable verb, ansehen (to look at): present ich du er, SIe, es Wir ihr Sle Sie sehe an siehst an sieht an sehen an seh t an sehen an sehen an past sah an sahst an sah an sahen an saht an sahen an sahen an present perfect habe angesehen hast angesehen hat angesehen haben angesehen habt angesehen haben angesehen haben angesehen past perfect hatte angesehen hattest angesehen hatte angesehen hatten angesehen hattet angesehen hatten angesehen hatten angesehen
1. eliminate the prefix temporarily, 2. look up the participle in your dictionary to find the verb stem, 3. re-attach the prefix to the stem. Here are examples: Participle: angegri/fen. Look up gegri/fen to discover the stem infinitive greifen, then look up the infinitive angreifen. Participle: ausgezogen. Look up gezogen to discover the stem infinitive ziehen, then look up the infinitive ausziehen. Participle: aujgenommen. Look up genommen to discover the stem infinitive nehmen, then look up the infinitive aufnehmen.
15.5. Give the infinitive of the following separable verbs; state whether the verbs are easy, hard, or "curve ball" verbs: (Hint: participles ending in -en are always hard!)
ausgeholt, aufgestanden, abgestiegen, zugemacht, aufgebaut, niedergeschrieben, eingebrochen, umgedeutet, umgebracht, mitgegangen, vorgewiesen, ausgeflippt, ausgedeutscht (a word I invented, which means tofiel saturatedafterhaving studied too much German). Note: not all of the above verbs can be found in a small dictionary. 15.6. Translate these sentences: 1. Die Hoffnung ist in den Brunnen (well) gefallen. (In other words, Hoffnung is irretrievably lost!) 2. Dankbarkeit ist in den Himmel gestiegen und hat die Leiter (ladder) mitgenommen. (Dankbarkeit is as hard to retrieve as Hoffnung!) 3. Als der Tag anbrach, noch ehe (beftre) die Sonne aufgegangen war, schrieb der 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Brieftrager ein langes, romantisches Gedicht. Ein Wolf im Schlaf fing nie ein Schaf. Heute erfahrt man, was man gestern nicht gewu:lh hat. Ein sufer Gesang hat manch einen (many a) Vogel betrogen. Es sind mehr Leute aus DberfluG (abundance) als aus Armut gestorben. Das Lernen hat kein Narr erfunden. (What is the subject of this sentence? How do you know?)
Das Kind sieht die Katze an- The child looksat the cat. Das Kind sahdie Katze an- The child lookedat the cat. Das Kind hat die Katze oft angesehen- The child hasoften lookedat the cat. Das Kind hatte die Katze oft angesehen The child had lookedat the cat often. 15.4. The participle of a separable verb can be recognized because the ge-prefix will always separate the prefix (an) from the stem (sehen). To find the infinitive of an easy separable verb, eliminate the ge- in the middle and replace the final-twith -en. Examples are:
Participle Infinitive angehort an-horen ausgefragt aus-fragen niedergelegt nieder -legen aufgebaut auf-bauen
~ ~
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German Quickly
I
Vocabulary an-brechen, brach an, ist angebrochen - to begin, to break * der Anfang (-s ::e)-beginning ankommen, kam an, ist angekommen - to arrive die Armut-poverty auf-gehen, ging auf, ist aufgegangen-to rise betriigen, betrog, hat betrogento deceive bieten, bot, hat geboten-to present * das Bild (-es, -er)-picture, image * bringen, brachte, hat gebrachtto bring der Brunnen (-s, -)-well die Dankbarkeit - thankfulness daraus-from it das Dorf (-es, ::er)- village einst-once entgehen, entging, ist entgangen - to escape * erfahren, erfuhr, hat erfahren - to learn, to discover erfinden, erfand, hat erfundento invent erschrecken-to frighten ** erwarten - to expect * fallen, fiel, ist gefallen (i) - to fall fangen, fing, hat gefangen - to catch fremd-foreign, strange der Gast (-es, ::e)-guest
121
9. Als er base wurde, bot der Vater des Brieftragers ein Bild starken Zorns, und er erschreckte Fraulein Meier. 10. Der arme Jack Horner salin einer Ecke und al seinen Plumpudding. II. Es war spatabends, als der Fremde ankam. Das Dorf lag in tiefem Schnee. 12. Am Anfang schuf Gatt Himmel und Erde. 15.7. Note that as is the case with English a participle can be used as an adjective or an adverb. Here are examples:
i 4 .
1
!
Ii
* * ** * *
Gestohlene Apfel schmecken am besten-Stolen apples taste best. Wer eine Frau nur des Geldes wegen nimmt, bekommt ungeratene KinderWhoever takes (marries) a wife only because of her money ends up with spoiled children. Der Dieb lauft erregt auf und ab- The thief walks back and forth excitedly. Although these participles are to be translated as adjectives, their infinitival forms still must sometimes be found before they can be translated accurately.
das Gedicht (-es, -e)-poem die Gefahr-danger gehoren (i)-to belong to der Gesang-song gestern-yesterday hell-bright heute-today der Himmel-sky, heaven kennen, kannte, hat gekannt know
to
laden, Iud, hat geladen-to * lehren - to teach * legen, lag, gelegen-to situated * lernen-to learn
invite
lie, to be
malen - to paint mit-nehmen, nahm mit, mitgenommen-to take with one der Narr (-en, -en) - fool * nie- never
* noch-still schaffen, schuf, geschaffen - to create die Seele (-n)-soul seltsam-strange, rare * die Sprache (-n)-language * stark-strong steigen, stieg, ist gestiegen - to climb * wissen, wuRte, hat gewuGt-to know zahmen-to tame der Zorn (-s)-wrath die Zunge (-n)-tongue
A word found in any other place can not be a verb! 15.9. Translate these sentences, being particularly aware of participles used as adjectives:
1. Gelehrte Narren sind die besten. 2. Eine gezmmte Zunge ist ein seltsamer Vogel. 3. Gemalte Fenster machen die Stube (room) nicht hell. (In other words, superficial measures aren't very effective.) 4. Ungeladene Gaste geharen nicht zum Feste. 5. Mit jeder neu gelernten Sprache erwirbst (gain) du eine neue Seele. (Is the first neu an adjective or an adverb?)
122
German Quickly Er ist dem Mann gefolgt. Er war dem Mann gefolgt. Sie sagt die Wahrheit. Sie sagte die Wahrheit. Sie hat die Wahrheit gesagt. Sie hatte die Wahrheit gesagt. Hat sie die Wahrheit gesagt? Sie hat die Wahrheit nicht gesagt. Sie singt das Lied. Sie sang das Lied. Sie sangen das Lied. Sie hat das Lied gesungen. Hat sie das Lied gesungen? Warum ist sie nicht dahin gegangen? Oft sind sie hier. War er hier?
verb Tenses,Part II
123
den dorthin gehen, und wenn wir gebetet haben (have prayed) werden wir wieder zu euch kommen
Und Abraham nahm das Holz zum Brandopfer und legte es auf seinen Sohn Isaak. Er aber nahm das Feuer und das Messer (knift) in seine Hand; und die beiden gingen miteinander.
Dann sprach Isaak zu seinem Vater Abraham: Mein Vater! Abraham antwortete: Hier bin ich, mein Sohn. Und er sprach: Siehe, hier ist Feuer und Holz; wo ist aber das Schaf zum Brandopfer? Abraham antwortete: Mein Sohn, Gott wird sich ersehen (select) ein Schaf zum
19. Er ist oft hier gewesen. 20. Er wird hier sein. 21. Er brauchte seinen Laptop. 22. Er brach die Vase. 23. Sie brachte ihm ein Glas Wasser. 24. Sie hat die Antwort nicht verstanden. 25. Das Gedicht gefiel ihr.
Und als (when) sie an die Statte kamen, die (which) ihm Gott gesagt hatte, baute Abraham dort einen Altar und legte das Holz darauf und band seinen Sohn Isaak, legte ihn auf den Altar oben auf das Holz. Und er streckte seine Hand aus und faiSte das Messer, so daiS er seinen Sohn schlachten konnte (would be able to slay). Dann rief ihn der Engel des Herrn vom Himmel und sprach: Abraham, Abraham! Er antwortete: Hier bin ich!
Er sprach: Lege deine Hand nicht an den Knaben und tu ihm nichts; denn nun weiiS ich, daiS du Gott fiirchtest und hast deines einzigen Sohnes nicht verschont (spared) urn meinetwillen (for my sake). Dann hob Abraham seine Augen auf und sah einen Widder (ram) hinter sich (him) in der Hecke (hedge) mit seinen Hornern hangen und ging hin und opferte ihn an seines Sohnes statt. Vocabulary
Reading Selection: Abraham und Isaak [Gott versuchte] Abraham und sprach zu ihm: Abraham! Und er antwortete: Hier bin ich Und er sprach: Nimm Isaak, deinen einzigen Sohn, den (whom) du liebst, und geh hin in das Land Morija und opfere (sacrifice)hn dort zum Brandopfer (burnt offeri ing) auf einem Berge, den (which) ich dir sagen werde.
Da stand Abraham friih am Morgen auf und giirtete (saddled) seinen Esel und nahm mit sich (him) zwei Knechte (servants) und seinen Sohn Isaak und spaltete (split) Holz zum Brandopfer, machte sich auf (set out) und ging an den Ort, von dem (of which-see chapter 25) Gott ihm gesagt hatte. Am dritten Tag hob Abraham seine Augen auf und sah die Statte von ferne (ajar) und sprach zu seinen Knechten: Bleibt hier mit dem Esel. Ich und der Knabe wer-
auf-heben, hob auf, hat aufgehoben-to raise * auf-stehen, stand auf, ist aufgestanden-to get up aus-strecken-to reach out, to stretch
die beiden-they,
the
der Berg (-es, -e)-mountain beten, betete, hat gebetet-to pray binden, band, hat gebunden-to bind
124
das Brandopfer (-s, -)-burnt fering * denn-for, because * dort-there einzig-only fassen-to seize * fern-far ** das Feuer (-s, -)-fire * frOO-early * Urchten-fear
* nehmen, nahm, hat genommento take * nun-now * oben-above opfern-to sacrifice der Ort (-es, -e)-place * rufen, rief, gerufen-to call das Schaf (-es, -e) -sheep schlachten-to slay ** sprechen, sprach, hat
I
~
16
I
* gehen, ging, ist gegangen - to go hangen-stuck das Holz (-es)-wood der Knabe (-n, -n)-boy * legen-to lay, place das Messer (-s, -)-knife
gesprochen
to speak
The Plurals
die Statt (-) - place, stead die Statte (-n)-place um meinetwillen-for my sake * versuchen-to try
16.1. I gaveyou a list of how plurals are formed in section 1.5;you may wish to review this. Here are some reminders:
16.2. ALWAYS: das, des, dem are always singular!!!All nouns not ending in -l-e -r -n, or occasionally -s are also always singular. Examples are: b, d, f, g, h, k, m, p, t
16.3. OMINOUS:
1. die or an adjective that is not preceded by an article and that ends in -e can be singular or plural. Here is a checklist:
1. die + noun ending in something other than -l-e -r -n-has to be singular (b, d, f, g, h, k, m, p, t, v, w, z): die Markt, die Kuh, die Schonheit If there is an adjective ending in -e, the noun will be singular: die gute Regel-the good rule; die schwarze Spinne-the black spider; die nette Schwester- the nice sister 2. die + noun ending in -I, -e, -r could be either, although die + a noun ending in -er is most likely plural: die Dichter-the poets. (Nouns ending in -er are usually masculine; exceptions are: Mutter, Schwester,Tochterand Butter.) 3. die + noun ending in -en is alwaysplural: die Madchen-the girls
4. die + an adjective ending in -en is always be plural: die langen Titel-the long
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German Quickly
The Plurals
127
titles; die guten Freunde-the good friends; die langen Bucher-the long books; die alten Dicher-the old poets 5. If there is only an adjective ending in an -e, and the noun ends in -l-e-ror -n, chances are excellent that the noun will be plural: neue Titel- new titles, gute Freunde-good friends, alte Bucher-old books, dumme Examen-stupid exams
Singular or plural exercise: die Freundlichkeit, die lange Liste, die freundlichen Dichter, die Katzen, gute Kinder, die neue Lampe 2. der can be singular or plural. Here is a checklist: 1. der + an "obvious" masculine noun (der Mann, der Freund) or der + an adjective with -e will always be singular: der Wolf der fitte Hahn; der neue Titel der + a noun following a preposition will be singular 98% of the time: mit der Liste-with the list; zu der bosen Schlange-to the evil snake der + a feminine noun can be either genitive or dative: mit der Liebe-with the love; die Liebe der Frau- the love of the woman 2. der, unfortunately, can also be genitive plural. In these instances, if there is an adjective following it, it will always be -en; it will also always be in genitive place: der Freund der guten Brief trager-the friend of the good mailmen; die Eltern der jungen Kinder-the parents of the young children. 3. Moreover, if there is only an adjective ending in an -er, and the noun ends in -l-e-r or -n, chances are that the noun will be plural: die Antworten guter Studenten-the answers of good students 4. Compare: der alte Dichter-the Dichter-the old poets (pI. gen.) old poet (mas. nom) with der alten
3. However, if you see den followed by nouns and adjectives with -en endings, especially after prepositions, chances are that they will be plural: den guten Titeln; mit den Frauen; vor acht Jahren-8 years ago; nach dies en Jahrenafter these years Singular or plnral exercise: mit den Ideen; fur den Mann; mit den Studenten; ohne den Freund; den Kindern; den Hausern; in den Park 16.4. Note that sometimes an -e will be added to a noun in dative case, and this noun will always be singular; you will know because the noun will nearly always be preceded by a dem or a contraction of dem: dem Walde; dem Briefe; nach Hause; zum Feste; dem Kinde. However, the dem or the dative preposition (aus, au/er, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu) is the clue that the noun has to be singular.
16.5. Final exercise:Are these nouns singluar or plural? freundliche Katzen, im Walde, das Kind des alten Dichters, die guten Kinder der alten Dichter, der alte Dichter, die guten Dichter, die guten Dichterinnen 16.6. Translate these sentences:
1. Advokaten und Soldaten sind des Teufels Spielkameraden. 2. Ein bases Gewissen hat die Zahne eines Wolfs. 3. Die dummsten Bauern ern ten die dicksten Kartoffein. (There's no justice!) 4. Hunde, Bauern und Edelleute machen keine Turen zu. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. IO. II. 12. 13. 14. Eine fleimge Mutter hat faule Tochter. Anderer Fehler sind gute Lehrer. Die Augen suchen, was dem Herzen gefallt. Viele Streiche flillen die groge Eiche. Die schonsten Apfil sieht der Wurm zuerst. Gute Lehrer haben gute Schuler. Die Beobachtungen der alten Historiker haben Fraulein Meier uberrascht. Schone Vogel haben schone Federn. Die Schlange lauert im Grase. Sogar in den Pelz (fur) eines Herrenhundes kommen Flohe.
Singular or plural exercise: der Film; der gute Historiker; der alten Historiker; vor der jungen Katze; die guten Lieder alter Musiker
3. den can be either masculine accuastive or dative plural. Here is a checklist: 1. Meanly enough, den can be masculine accusative, and if the noun ends in any consonant other than -n, usually it will be: fur diesen Film; ohne den guten Freund; um den Tisch,fur den Artikel. 2. The major problem involves adjectives used as nouns or weak nouns, although many of these nouns have a plural sense to them, even if they are technically singular: Den Schuldigen erschreckt eine Maus-A mouse frightens the guilty one. (However, if you were to translate this as "the guilty," you probably would not misunderstand the meaning of the sentence.)
Vocabulary der Advokat (-en, -en)-lawyer der Bauer (-s, -n)-farmer die Beobachtung (-en)-observation die Edelleute-noblemen die Eiche (-n)-oak die Feder (-n)-feather
128
German Quickly schweigen-to be silent * sogar-even der Streich (-s, -e)-stroke * suchen - to seek ** derTeufel (-s, -)-devil iiberraschen - to surprise der Zahn (-s ::e)-tooth zuerst-first of all * zumachen-to dose
* der Fehler (-s, -)-error der Herrenhund (-es, -e)-aristocrat's dog das Gewissen-conscience der Kartoffel (-s, -n)-potato der Lehrer (-s, -)-teacher der Pelz (-es, -e)-fur die Schlange (-n)-snake der SchUler (-s, -)-student, pupil
17
17.1. It is extremely important for you to learn to use a German dictionary correedy. If you are unable to find a word, or if you choose an improper definition, your translation will be wrong even if you have correctly understood all the grammatical constructions. Therefore, read this section carefully, and refer to it whenever you have trouble finding words. (If you are feeling saturated with information after having learned about verb tenses, skim this chapter, then use it as a future reference.)
First I will explain what to look for when you are looking up different parts of speech (and I have listed the parts of speech and other dictionary features in alphabetical order). Note: the advantages and disadvantages of various German-English dictionaries are described in Appendix I. There is an answerkey to all the sentences
in this chapter in Appendix
J.
17.2. Abbreviations
Abbreviations are found in a separate section of some dictionaries, while in more current dictionaries they are found in the body of the text. The most common abbreviations, which are worth memorizing, are:
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usw.-und so weiter (etc.-and sofirth) vgl-vergleiche (if -compare) z.B.-zum Beispiel (forexample)
Note also that the abbreviations jdn and jdm often appear in your dictionaries
Because feminine nouns have no form for genitive singular, the first notation in parentheses will be a dash; the second notation will be the plural. (In some dictionaries, only the plural will be indicated.) Here are examples of two feminine nouns:
along with definitions in your dictionaries. These stand for jemanden (someoneaccusative) and jemandem (someone-dative). s. stands for siehe, which means you need to look at another entry to find the correct definition.
Nadelf (-; -n) Therefore, the plural of Nadel is Nadeln. Brautf (-; ::e)Therefore, the plural of Braut is Braute.
Here are examples of neuter nouns, which have genitive singular forms:
Grab n. (-[e]s, ::er)The genitive singular of Grabis either Grabesor Grabs,and the plural is Graber. Modell n. (-s, -e) The genitive singular of Modell is Modells, and the plural is Modelle. Madchen n. (-s, -) The genitive of Madchen is Madchens, and there is no plural ending. 2. Some masculine and neuter nouns are known as weak nouns (cf. 8.r). These nouns can be identified because their genitive form will be listed as -en (for animate masculine nouns) or -ens (for inanimate masculine and neuter nouns). Here are examples of three such nouns and their singular declensions: Mensch, m. (-en, -en) Name, m. (-ens, -n) Herz, n. (-ens, -en)
Nominative Accusative Genitive Dative
whether it is used as an adjective or as an adverb. For example, lauter as an adjective means pure, but as an adverb it means nothing but. The adjectival meaning will always be listed first. Therefore, if you are looking up an adverb, make sure you have the correct adverbial definition. Some adjectives will have different meanings depending on the word that they modify. For example, faul means rotten when it refers to fruit, but it meansJazy when it refers to people. 17.4. Translate these sentences: I. Der Student war eben hier. 2. Ein halber Laib ist besser als gar kein Brot. 3. Fraulein Meier sieht den Brieftrager doch glucklich an. 4. Die linden Brisen sind ihr angenehm. (Is angenehm a participle or not? How do you know?) 17.5. Nouns I. Nouns will be followed by the symbols m. (masculine), f (ftminine) or n.(neuter). The inflectional forms (genitive singular / nominative plural) will follow in parentheses immediately after the indication of the gender.
3. Some nouns will be spelled the same, but their meanings will vary according to their gender and according to their plurals. Here are examples: Band n. (-[e]s, ::er) Band n. (-[e]s, -e) Band m. (-es, '~e) Tor m. (-en, -en) Tor n. (- [e] s, -e) Leiter m. (-s, -) Leiter . (-n) ribbon, tape, conveyor belt bond, fetter, tie volume fool, simpleton gate leader ladder
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A noun sometimes can have radically different meanings according to context. For example, Einsatz means stake when it refers to a game, and it means lace insert when it refers to a dress, and its military definition is mission. In an essay, That Awful German Language, Mark Twain jokes that Zug means virtually anything, from feature, to train, to apoplexy. 4- Moreover, be wary of expressions that include parts of the body (eye, nose, head, heart, etc.), but which do not make sense initially. Such phrases usually will be idiomatic. Examples are: ein flammendes Herz (literally: a flaming heart)-a bleeding heart; auf freiem Fuj? (literally: on a free foot)-at liberty; unter vier Augen (literally: under four eyes)-face-to-face. Whenever an idiomatic meaning seems likely, check the definitions of the body part in question.
die Unabhangigkeitserklarung; die Erdentstehungslehre; die Seinserfahrung; die Formveranderung; die Wasserversorgungsgesellschaft;der Lebenserhaltungstrieb; das Lieblingstier; der Lieblingsstier;die Einwanderungspolitik; der Ausdruckstanz; die Auromobilseile; die Sattigungspunktsbestimmung 17.9. Proper nouns German proper nouns (including names of countries) will be listed in the back of the large Langenscheidts (after the English-German section), bur they will be listed in the text in most other dictionaries. Unlike English, a proper noun used as an adjective will not be capitalized. Here is an example: die deutsche Sprache-the Germanlanguage
17.6. Translate these sentences: I. Fraulein Meier hat Schwierigkeiten mit ihren Jalousien. 2. Aus einem kleinen Reiswird ein groger Baum. 3. Das Buch besteht aus drei Banden. 4. Auf keinen Fallwird Fraulein Meier ihre Katzen aufgeben. 5. Miimggang ist der Anfang aller Laster. 6. Morgenstund (e) hat Gold im Mund (e). (possiblythe most popular proverb in German) 17.7. Compound nouns (This is extremely important!)
Compound nouns often are not listed as separate entries; instead, Meisterstiick will be found somewhere after Meister, Gegensatz may be found somewhere after gegen, and the like. Moreover, compound nouns won't always be listed in youi'dictionary, and often it is buried within the main entry. Whenever you encounter such a compound, divide it into its separate parts (watch for s's, as they may be used as connectives). For a rough, literal definition, translate each word within the compound, then hyphenate your English translation. Examples are: Kartenlspiel (Karten-Spiel) -card game; Kinderlfreundlichkeit (Kinder- Freundlichkeit)child-orientation; Herzlentziindung (Herz- Entziindung) - heart-inflammation. Once you have understood the concept, you may wish to add an "of or a "for" to make the translation smoother. Examples are: Freiheitlslbegri./f (FreiheitsBegriff)-the concept offreedom; Gerechtigkeitlsllehre (Gerechtigkeits-Lehre)the doctrine of justice; Unfallversicherunglslgesellschaft (Unfall-VersicherungsGesellschaft) -the society for accident insurance. The following word appeared in an old edition of Ripley's Believe It or Not: Hinterladungvetterligewehrpatronenh iilsenftbrikarbeiterverein - society of workers in the factory of bullet cartridges for backloading ofVetterli rifles
Sometimes people's names will coincidentally also have a common noun meaning, which should be ignored. Examples are:
Spengler (plumber)-a German philosopher Fichte (pine tree)-a German philosopher Walther von der Vogelweide(bird pasture)-a German poet For a list of proper German names, seeAppendix L. 17.10. Prepositions
Prepositions will be indicated by the abbreviation prep. Since prepositions take either accusative, dative, genitive, or dative or accusative cases, the case they take will be indicated in parentheses. When a preposition takes either dative or accusative, your dictionary will list definitions associated with the dative case first. Because preposition entries generally are long, they can be a nuisance, as it is hard to find the meaning sought. If a preposition seems to be joined with a specific verb, the correct idiom generally can be found more quickly if the verb is looked up instead. Examples of verb-preposition combinations are: bestehen aus (to consist oj), fragen nach (to ask about), erinnern an (to remind oj), and warten auf(to wait for). For the most common meanings of prepositions, consult my preposition list (Chapter Five, section IV of the Appendix D) or my Humanities Vocabulary, Appendix K.
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17.11. Translate these sentences: 1. Wahrend des Tauziehens sind drei Kinder urns Leben gekommen. 2. Der Brieftrager besteht auf der Wahrheit. 3. Kant hatte einen wichtigen EinfluiS auf Kleist. 4. Nicholas brachte Recha Tee in einem Aluminumbecher Haar, wahrend sie trank. 17.12. Verbs
to command. while as an intransitive verb, it means to be called. When verbs have both transitive and intransitive definitions, the transitive meaning will usually be given first, unless the intransitive definition is more common.
5. When a verb combined with a preposition has a radically different meaning, it will be listed in italics or bold face type. For example, bestehenauf means to insist on while bestehenaus means to consistof Note especially: es geht um-to be a matter of, as this is very hard to find in a large dictionary, yet it appears often in scholarly German. Die Verhandlungen gehen um Leben und TodThe negotiations are a matter of life and death.
Some verbs also have different definitions depending on whether they are separable or inseparable. While iibersetzen (separable) means to set over, iibersetzen (inseparable) means to translate. While wiederholen (separable) means to fetch back, wiederholen (inseparable) means to repeat. Be cautious of verbs (often with prefixes) that have both literal and figurative meanings. The literal meaning is usually given first, while the more "figurative" meanings-which are generally used in scholarly writings-are listed later, as a third or fourth definition. For example, among other things, einfallen means both to collapseand to occur to someone; zugehen means both to closeand to happen.
1. Verbs will be followed by the abbreviation v. t. (or v.a. or tr. v.) which will indicate that the verb is transitive (it can have a direct object), or it will be followed by the abbreviation v.i. (or v.n. or itr. v.) which will indicate that the verb is intransitive (it cannot have a direct object). If a verb has no other symbols following it, you can assume that it is conjugated regularly, and that it takes haben as its auxiliaryverb.
Therefore, if you look up lachen, it will be conjugated as follows: lachen, lachte, hat gelacht. If you look up a verb such asfolgen, you will see the following symbols: v.i. (aux. sein or mit sein). The notation aux. sein indicates that folgen is to be conjugated as follows: folgen, folgte, and ist gefolgt. A large dictionary will also note that while folgen (aux. sein) means tofollow, folgen (aux, haben: to obey). A large dictionary will also have (dat.) in parentheses to indicate that the verb folgen only takes a dative object. (Er folgt mir- He follows me.)
17.13. Translate these sentences: 1. Gestern abend hielt der Professor eine Rede tiber die Entstehung von Pazifismus. 2. Plotzlich fiel es dem Soldaten ein, daiSer kein Geld hatte. 3. Es ging urn die Ehre des bertihmten Professors. 4. Selig sind die Friedfertigen; denn sie werden Gottes Kinder heiiSen. (Matthaus 5.9) 17.14. Added cautions, false cognates
2. Hard verbs will be listed as irr. v. or as unr. And a list of hard/strong verbs is included in most dictionaries. A hard verb that has sein as its auxiliary will be listed as follows: irr. v. i. (aux. sein). Verbs that take sein as an auxiliary will be intransitive in German.
3. A verb that is reflexive will be listed as follows: V.r.or refl. v. The reflexive meaning of a verb will usually be listed second, except when the reflexive meaning is more common than the non-reflexive meaning. While the non-reflexive definition of erinnern is "to remind," the reflexive definition is "to remember." (Reflexive verbs will be eXplained in Chapter Twenty-six.) 4. Some verbs will even have different definitions depending on whether they are used transitively or intransitively. For example, heijJen as a transitive verb means
Be careful when looking up all words. Small carelessnessessuch as mistaking kein for klein, Lied for Leid, or Preude for Preunde can seriously affect your translation, regardless of how well you understand German grammar. Whenever a sentence seems unusually awkward or incomprehensible, you should probably double check the definitions of the words in it!
Also, beware of the following false cognates:
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German Quickly absolvieren-to complete adaquat-suitable Akademiker/in-someone has an academic degree aktuell- modern, current also-therefore die Antike-antiquity die Art-manner, way bekommen-to receive bray-honest, good breit-wide, broad der Christ-Christian denn-because, for die Diktatur-dictatorship eventuell- possible Fraktion - party das Geld-money das Gymansium-grammar school, high school hell- bright die Hochschule-university, lege human-humane * die Konfession - religious denomination who * * * * die Konjunktur-economy konkurrieren-to compete konsequent-consistent der Konvent-meeting, convention
* das Konzept-draft, notes die Lektiire-reading pathetisch-Iofty, elevated, expreSSIve plump-clumsy, awkward die Pragnanz-precision punktuell-selective der Rapport-report resdos-complete, total schmall- narrow sensibel-sensi tive serios- respectable der Sinn-sense, meaning sparen-to save spenden-to donate splendid-generous, handsome die Technik-technology
18
Common Suffixes
col-
* In general, be wary of k cognates if they do not seem to make sense in the context of your reading. Although komisch can be relied upon to mean comic, konkurrieren means to compete.
17.15. A final note: If you have trouble memorizing words, you might find it helpful to mark common words and definitions in your dictionary so you can find them more easilywhenever you need to look them up. Or make a list of them as a reference.
-ftch meansftld, times. Examples are: dreiftch (three times), vielfach (many times).
-haft means having the quality of the word expressed in the stem. Do not confuse this with Haft, which means imprisonment. Examples are: lehrhaft (didactic; cf. Lehre-teaching), ratselhaft (puzzling; cf. Ratsel-puzzle), zweifelhaft (doubtful,' c
Zweifel-doubt).
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139
-heit, -keit -igkeit are added to adjectives to form abstract nouns corresponding to English nouns ending in -ity or -ness. Examples are: Ewigkeit (eternity; c ewigeternal), Krankheit (sickness; c krank-sick), Genauigkeit (exactness; c genauexact).
5. 1m Spiel gibt es keine Freundschaft. 6. Wenn man die Gerechtigkeit biegt (bends), so bricht sie. (In the second clause, is sie nominative or accusative? How do you know?) 7. Das groBe unzerstorbare Wunder ist der Menschenglaube an Wunder. Qean Paul) 8. Bei Gott ist kein Ding unmoglich. 9. Eine linde Zunge ist ein Baum des Lebens; aber eine lugenhafte Herzeleid. (Proverbs) bringt
-ig is like the English y. Examples are hungrig (hungry), durstig (thirsty), vollig (fully). -ischis added to nouns to turn them into adjectives. Examples are: neidisch(envious; cf. Neid-envy), launisch (moody, c Laune-mood), kindisch (childish; cf. Kind-child).
-ismus is added to adjectives to make them nouns: Examples are: Realismus (realism; c realistisch-realistic); Naturalismus-Naturalism; Humanismus-Humanism -ist is added to adjectives to make them people: Humanist-humanist; pessimist Pessimist-
IO. Die Dichter sind gegen ihre Erlebnisse schamlos; sie beuten sie aus. (Nietzsche) (How do you know that schamlos does not modify Erlebnisse?)
Vocabulary
** alles-everything aus-beuten-to exploit aus-gehen (i)-to exit * bauen-to build ** brechen-to break die Briicke (-n)-bridge * der Dichter (-s, -)-writer, poet ein-gehen (i) - to enter das Erlebnis (-sses, -sse)-experience ewig- eternal fliehen-to flee fliichtig-fleeting fort-gehen (i)-to go away ** gegen-against, with regard to die Gerechtigkeit-justice
-lich is added to verbs and nouns to turn them into adjectives. When it is added to verbs, -lich means -able, and when it is added to nouns, it means -ly. Examples are: niitzlich (useful,. c niitzen), glaublich (believable; c glauben), freundlich (friendly; c Freund), monatlich (monthly; c Monat). -los means without, less. Examples are: hilflos (helpless), jarblos (colorless), herzlos (heartless). -mal means time, times. Examples are: manchmal (sometimes), einmal (once), zehnmal (ten times). -schaft is added to concrete nouns to make them abstract: Nachbarschaft-neighborhood; Freundschaft- friendship; Gesellschaft- society; Wissenschaft- science -ungis added to a verb, and it corresponds to nouns ending in -ing, -tion, and -ment. Examples are: Ubung (practice; c iiben), Trennung (separation; cf. trennen), vertreibung (banishment; cf. vertreiben).
das Spiel (-s, -e)-game * unmoglich-impossible unzerstorbar- indestructible ** wichtig-important der Wunder (-s, -)-miracle
The Modal Auxiliaries durfen darf darfst darf diirfen diirft diirfen diirfen konnen kann kannst kann konnen konnt konnen konnen mogen mag magst mag mogen mogt mogen mogen mussen mug mugt mug miissen miigt miissen miissen sollen solI sollst solI solIen sollt sollen sollen wollen will willst will wollen wollt wollen wollen
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19.3. In a simple indicative sentence with a modal, the modal will be in "second" place, and the infinitive will be at the end of the clause. Here are sentences with each of the six modals: Wenn sie eine Karte hat, darfsie in die Bibliothekgehen-If permitted to go to the library. she has a card, she is
19.1. In German, there are six modals, known superficially as "helping verbs." Since modals usually express an attitude towards the action expressed by an infinitive rather than a specific action themselves, they seldom appear alone in a sentence. For example, in the English sentence, "I must work," the modal must causes the infinitive work to be perceived as a necessity. In the sentence, "I can work," the modal can indicates that the work is capable of being done, but is no longer a necessity. And in the sentence, "I want to work," the modal want indicates that the work is in fact desirable.
Der Brieftrager kann die lesbare Schrift leicht lesen- The mailman can easily read the legible handwriting. (Note: kann should not be translated as to know!) Fraulein Meier mag das nicht tun- Fraulein Meier does not like to do that. Jeden Tag muf der Student viel studierenday. Was solI sie tun? - What should she do? The student has to study a lot each
Der Student will ins Theater gehen- The student wants to go to the theater. 19.4. Common idioms involving modals (memorize the asterisked sentencesthey are used as often as the more standard meanings):
to be permitted to, may can, to be able to to like to, may to have to, must to be supposed to, is to to want to, to intend to
Die Behauptung des Brieftragers iiber Fraulein Meier mag wahr sein- The assertion of the mailman about Fraulein Meier may be true. Er solIgelehrt sein- He is reputedto be educated.
* Morgen friih solI der mutige Widerstandskampfer sterben - Tomorrow morning, the courageous resistence fighter is to die. (This will happen, even though it should not happen.) Das Gebaude solI ein Museum werden - The building is to become a museum. Soli das wahr sein?- Can that be true?
mogen
miissen
sollen wollen
19.2. Here are the present tense forms for all six modals. Note that the singular form is significantly different from the infinitive for the modals durfen, konnen, mogen, and wollen. Also note that the first and third person singular are identical for all modals:
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German Quickly Mogen often appears in its subjunctive form-m5chte, which is best translated would like to: Fraulein Meier m5chte Zoologie studieren - Fraulein Meier would like to study zoology.
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19.7. Modals in combination with other verbs Modals can be used in combination with (I) the fUture (2) the past, and (3) other modals. When you are confronted with any of these combinations, you should translate the modal first, the verb at the end of the clause second, and the penultimate verb last. Here is an example:
Sie konnte das getan haben-She I 3 2 could have done that.
19.5. Sometimes the modals can be dificult to translate because they look so much likeEnglish cognates.For examplemu.f sometimesis better translatedashavetorather than must, especiallyin clauses with multiple verbs, konnen sometimes should be translated to beableto and sollensometimesis better translated is torather than should. Here are examples: Sie wird dahin gehen mUssen-She will have to go there. Er will seinem Freund helfen konnen-He wants to beable to help his friend. Das arme Kind der Witwe solIseinen Vater nie kennenlernen- The poor child of the widow is never to meet his father (or will never meet. . .) 19.6. The past and present perfect tenses of modals The pasts of the modals are formed in the followingways: Modal durftn-to be permitted konnen-to be able to, can mogen-to like to, may mussen-to have to, must sollen-is to, should wollen-to want to
Past durfte-was konnte-was permitted able to, could
Sie wird das tun konnen-She will be able to do that. 2 3 Wir werdenalles wissenwollen-We will want to know everything.
I 3 2
2. Here are modals in combination with the past infinitive: Ein Dilettant kann das Buch nicht geschriebenhaben-An
132 written the book.
The past tense of mussen is always translated as had to: Sie mu.fte Finnisch studieren-She had to study Finnish. The modals almost never appear in their participial forms. Instead, the following construction is much more common: Er hat nicht gehen durftn-He was not permitted to go. Er hatviel dazu sagen konnen-He was able to say a lot about that. Sie hat ihrem Freund helfen mussen-She had to help her friend. Es hateben nicht sein sollen- That just should not have been (that way). Sie haben essen wollen-They wanted to eat.
Ehe du Gott suchst, mu.f dich Gott schon gefunden haben-Before you look for
I 3 2
God, he already must have found you. 3. Here are examples of modals in combination with other modals: Der AIte solInicht immer zu Hause bleiben wollen- The old person should not
132 always want to stay at home.
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3. Das W'erkzeigt an, was der Mann kann.
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19.8. Sometimes when a modal is used with a verb of action, that verb will be omitted, and only the modal will be used:
4. In den Monaten ohne "r" (Mai, Juni, Juli, August) soIl man wenig kiissen und viel trinken. (. . . because it is so hot then.) 5. Um eines faulen Astes (branch) willen soIl man den Baum nicht umhauen (cut down). (Do not confuse um . . . willen with wollen!) 6. Ein Mann, der (who) will, kann mehr als zehn, die (who) mussen. 7. Fraulein Meier wollte sich (herself) bessern;also belegte sie einen Fernkurs (correspondence course), und sie studierte Erdkunde (geography). 8. Not lehrt den Affin geigen (to fiddle). (When he is desperate, an ape or person can do anything. Is Affin singular or plural? If you are unsure, review chapter 8.) 9. Die Hexen haben roteAugen und konnen nicht weit sehen, aber sie haben eine feine Witterung (sense of smell) wie die Tiere und merken es, wenn Menschen herankommen (aus Hansel und Gretel) [Note that the es is a placeholder for the next clause, and need not be translated.] ro. Wer das Wasser des Lebens sucht, muB lange diirsten konnen. II. Spucke (spit) nicht in den Brunnen (well), wenn du noch daraus trinken muBt. 12. Ein Kritiker machte Hegel darauf aufmerksam, daB die historischen Tatsachen nicht mit seiner Philosophie ubereinstimmten. "Um so schlimmer fur die Tatsachen." Hegel soIl geantwortet haben: (homework) helfen
Wenn wir nicht [tun] konnen, was wir [tun] wollen, so miissen wir [tun], was wir [tun] konnen-Ifwe can not do what we want to do, then we have to do what we can (do). Although the tun is omitted in German, do is added in English. Here are further examples:
Der Brieftrager laft Fraulein Meier viele interessante Geschichten erzahlen- The mailman letsFraulein Meier tell a lot of interesting stories.
13. Der Brieftrager hat Fraulein Meier bei ihren Schularbeiten mussen.
Ach du groBerGott!Wasfur kleineKartoffelnlaft du wachsen? Alas,greatGod! What kind of small potatoes do you letgrow?(In other words, why do you make so many stupid little things when you are capable of magnificent creations?)
(2) Other verbs that occasionally function as modals are: heifen (to order, to bid), horen (to hear), lehren (to teach), lernen (to learn), machen (to make), and sehen (to see). Here are examples: Der Professor heift den Studenten hereinkommento come in. The professor asks the student
14. Von allen Baumen des Gartens darfst du essen, nur vom Baum der Erkenntnis von Gut und Bose darfst du nicht essen; denn am Tage, an dem du davon iBt, muBt du sterben. 15. Willst du immer weiter schweifen (roam)? Sieh, das Gute liegt so nah. (Do you remember the imperative? If not, check 6.6) Ierne nur, das Gluck ergreifen (grasp), Denn das Gluck ist immer da. (Goethe) Vocabulary der Affe (-n, -n)-ape * also-therefore an-zeigen-to indicate der Ast (-es, ::e)-branch aufmerksam machen auf-to draw one's attention to belegen-to take; to enroll in bessern-to improve der Brunnen (-s, -)-well
Die Mutter horte ihr Kind singen- The mother heard her child sing. 1m Zoo sahen die Leute den Baren tanzen-At the zoo, the people saw the bear dance. Wer will schwimmen lernen- Who wants to learn to swim? 19.10. Translate these sentences: I. Den Alten mug man glauben. 2. Liebe und Husten (coughing) kann man nicht verbergen (conceal).
* da - there; then
* denn-for, because * diirfen (darf)-to be permitted to die Erdkunde-geography ergreifen-to grasp die Erkenntnis-knowledge * erzahlen-to tell faul-rotten das Gedicht (-es, -e)-poem
146
147
herankommen (i)-to approach * hente abend-this evening die Hexe (-n)-witch das Husten (-s, -)-coughing * konnen (kann)-can, to be able to * lassen (laEt)-to let * lehren-to teach
* sollen (soll)-should; to spucken-to spit * sterben (i)-to die die Tatsache (-n)-fact das Tier (-s, -e)-animal iibereinstimmen-to * urn... willen-for
Die Schaufenster sind beleuchtet (lit up), sie tauschen Warme vor. Aber die Kirchenglocken klirren (clank). In den Wirtschafren (taverns) ist es heig, zu Hause offnen die Kinder die Fenster und lassen die Wohnungstur offen, im Geschaft (of fice) vergigt man seinen Hut. Man bemerkt nicht, wie die Baume die Blatter faUen lassen. Plotzlich haben sie keine mehr. 1m April haben sie wieder Blatter, im Marz vieUeicht schon. Man wird sehen, wie sie Blatter bekommen. Bevor er das Haus verlagt, zahIr er sein Geld nacho Schnee wird es keinen geben, Schnee gibt es nicht mehr. Frierende Frauen sind schon, Frauen sind schon.
conceal
"Man mug sich an die Kalte gewohnen (accustomoneself)': sagte er, "man mug tiefer atmen (breathe)und schneller gehen." - "WassoUich den Kindemzu Weihnachten kaufen?" fragte er. "Man wird sich an die KaIre gewohnen", sagte er zum anderen. "Ja, es ist kalter
want to
geworden, November", sagte der andere. Vocabulary alles Schreckliche-everything (that is) terrible ** bald-soon bemerken-to notice besitzen-to own das Blatt (-es, '~er)-lea ein-kaufen-to buy page Marz-March * moglich-possible nach-zahlen-to count again (es) niitzt nichts-it is not worth it * plotzlich-suddenly das Schaufenster (-s, -)-show window * schnell-fast, quick * schon-already schiitzen-to protect * tief-deep * vergessen-to forget verlassen-to leave * verlieren-to lose ** vielleicht-perhaps vor-tauschen-to feign die Weihnachten-Christmas (-n)-church * wieder-again die Wohnungstiir apartment door ** zurn Beispiel-for (-en)example
Er furchtete sich (was afraid) und wenn er zu jemandem sagte: "Es ist bIrer geworden", erwartete er Trost (comfOrt). "Ja, November", sagte der andere. "Bald ist es Weihnachten", sagte er. Er hatte Heizol eingekauft, er besag einen Wintermantel,
frierend-freezing der Friihling (-s)-spring gewohnen (sich)-to accustom oneself heig-hot das Heizol-heating oil der Hut (-es, ::e)-hat * ja - yes, indeed * jemand-someone ** jetzt-now die Kirchenglocke beU
pared) fur den Winter, aber er furchtete sich. 1m Winter ist man verloren. 1m Winter ist aUes Schreckliche moglich, Krieg zum Beispiel. 1m Winter kann die Stelle gekundigt werden (one can lose one'sjob), im Winter erbIret man sich (catches cold). Man kann sich (himself) schutzen gegen die Kalte, Halstuch (scarf), Mantelkragen (coat collar), Handschuhe. Aber es konnte (could) noch bIrer werden. Es nutzt nichts, jetzt "Fruhling" zu sagen. (You willleam this construction in Chapter 20.)
The Zu Construction
149
If the verb is separable, however, the zu will appear between the prefix and the verb root-auftumachen, fOrtzuwerfin, anzusehen are examples. And here is a sample sentence: Manchmal ist es schwer, fruh auftustehen-Sometimes it is difficult to get up early. Therefore, in order to find the infinitive, simply eliminate the zu in the middle.
20
20.2. When the noun appearing in the infinitival clause is nominative, the zu and the infinitive usually will remain at the end of the clause in your English translation. Here are examples:
The Zu Construction
Der Fuchs (nominative) ist schwer zu fangen- ThefOx is hard to capture. Die Theologie Schleiermachers (nominative) ist interessant zu lesen- The theology of Schliermacher is interesting to read. But if the noun in the infinitival clause happens to be accusative or dative, the zu and the infinitive should be placed in front of that noun in your English translation. Here are examples:
20.1. The zu construction is used to take care of a clause fragment; a verb is seen in its infinitival form with a zu in front of it if it is found in a sentence with another verb which is not a modal. It will always appear at the end of the clause, and the trick is to find it and to place it before the object in the clause &agment: Here are examples:
Er ist nicht imstande, den Dieb (accusative) zu beschreiben-He scribe the thief Es ist nicht der Muhe wert, dem Dilettanten (dative) zuzuhoren-It the effort to listen to the amateur.
Es macht Sp~, ins Kino zu gehen- It is fun to go to the movies. Er hat Angst davor, das zu tun - He is afraid to do that.
Er denkt daran, auf seine Freundin zu warten- He thinks about waiting for his girlfriend. Es ist schwer, einem alten Hund Kunststucke zu lehren- It is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. Fraulein Meier halt es fur gut, ihren Katzen Thunfisch zu fiitternthinks it good to feed her cats tuna. Fraulein Meier
The zu construction can be especially tricky if the sentence contains multiple uses of it, or if there are additional verbs with the construction: Die Katze versucht die Maus (accusative) zu fangen und sie (accusative) zu totenThe cat tries to capture the mouse and to kill it. Tatsachlich ist es ohne das Sehen fur ein Kind enorm schwierig, die Hande (accusative) als feine Sinnesorgane zu benutzen-Actually, without sight, it is enormously difficult for a child to to use his hands as delicate organs of perception. 20.3. Sometimes the phrase before the fragment will contain a da- compound, which you should ignore in your translation: Das Publikum wartet ungeduldig darauj; die beruhmte Schauspielerin zu sehenThe public is impatiently waiting to see the famous actress.
Such clauses are traditionally split off from the main clause by a comma; however the spelling reform of 1996 did away with this tradition, so post-I996, you may not see this comma. In this construction, the infinitival form of the verb will appear at the end of the clause. If the infinitive is an inseparable verb, the zu construction will appear as follows: zu gehen, zu wissen, zu verstehen, zu beschreiben.
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can also appear in present perfect, or with a modal:
The Zu Construction
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20.7. The negation of miissen (to have to) is nicht brauchen zu (not to have to). Here are examples:
Miss Vintner war zwei Jahre alter als Mrs. Harfield und betrachtete es als einen personlichen Triumph, ihre Freundin uberlebt zu haben-Miss Vintner was two years older than Mrs. Harfield and considered it a personal triumph to have survived her friend. (Agatha Christie) Es ist elend genug, einmal gliicklich gewesen zu sein- It is miserable enough to have been happy once. Die Frau hatte die Gabe, mit alten Damen, Hunden und kleinen Jungen wunderbar urngehen (consort) zu konnen- The woman had the gift of being able to consort wonderfully with old women, dogs, and young boys. 20.5. Sometimes verbs such as scheinen and versuchen call for a zu construction:
Wenn du Konigin bist, so brauchstdu nicht mehr zu Fug zu gehen - When you are
queen, you will no longer need to walk.
-
Wer die Sonne hat, braucht nicht nach den Sternen zu fragen sun (i.e. good things) need not ask about the stars.
20.8. Note also that it is even possible to have the zu construction subject:
function as a
Das Madchen schiensehr gliicklich zu sein- The girl seemed to be very happy. Fraulein Meier versuchtdem Brieftrager zu gefallen~ Fraulein Meier tries to please the mailman.
20.6. Three common phrases using zu: um
Cute Bucher lesenzu konnen ist eine Freude des Lebens- To be able to readgood booksis a joy of life. Ol ins Feuerzu gie.fen, ist nicht der Weg, es zu loschen- Topour oil onto thefire is not the way to extinguish it. weise zu sein Wlt leicht nach dem Geschehnis-It is easy to be wise after the event. 20.9. Zu in combination with sein. Note that this construction is confusing and non-intuitive, and you will often have trouble translating it because the infinitive is obviously not a participle, even though it is translated as if it were. Note that zu used with an infinitive following all forms of the verb sein will be translated into English with a passivemeaning. Here are examples:
Van einem Rind ist nicht mehr als Rindfleisch zu erwartenother than beef is to be expected. 1m Zoo war nur ein Flugpferd zu sehen-ln seen. From a cow, nothing
The most common of these constructions is urn. . . zu, which will alwaysmean in orderto. Here are examples:
Er will hier sein, urn den Professor kennenzulernen to meet the professor.
-
Er gibt einen Taler aus, urn einen Pfennig zu sparen - He spends a dollar in order
to save a penny.
The other two phrases are anstatt. . . zu which means instead of and ohne. . . zu which means without. Here are examples:
Anstatt das Schauspiel Sappho van Grillparzer zu lesen, ging der Student ins KinoInstead of reading Grillparzer's play, Sappho, the student went to the movies. Sie tat das, ohne ihren Freund zu fragen-She did that without asking her friend about it.
When used with a negation, this construction can be used to indicate something that cannot be done, and therefore should be translated passively with cannot. Here are examples: Die Antwort ist nicht zu verstehen- The answer cannot be understood. Der Tanzbar war nicht zu findenThe dancing bear could not befound.
However, whenever an adjective (rather than an adverb or a noun) follows any form of the verb sein, the clause will not be translated passively, but rather like a normal zu construction: Es ist klug, schlafende Hunde liegen zu lassen-It is wise to let sleeping dogs lie.
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The Zu Construction
153
20.10. Translate these sentences: I. 1m Haus eines Diebes ist es schwer zu stehlen. 2. Es kann kein Wahrsager (prophet) den anderen ansehen, ohne zu lachen. 3. Der Brieftrager geht manchmal zehn Schritte, urn einen zu sparen. 4. Der Wolf drlickte auf die Klinke, die Tlir ging auf, und er ging, ohne ein Wort zu sprechen, gerade zum Bett der c;rogmurter und verschluckte sie. (In the clause, die Tiir ging auf, is die Tiir nominative or accusative? How do you know?) 5. Gatt schliegt keine Tlir, ohne eine andere auJZumachen. 6. c;eschehene Dinge (things that have happened) sind nicht zu andern. 7. Man mug zeitig (on time) aufbrechen (leave); dann braucht man nicht zu rennen (run). 8. Drei Dinge sind nicht aufzuhalten: wasser, Feuer, die Menschenmenge. 9. Die Entstehung der Musik ist nicht van der Entstehung der Menschheit zu trennen. (Schonberg) 10. Auch im Paradies ist es nicht gut, allein zu sein. II. Der Journalist liebte es, die Schwachen anderer boshaft und treffend zu karikieren. 12. Fraulein Meier war in einem Zustand (condition) hochgradiger Erregung, und erregte Frauen pflegen (tend) immer etwas mehr zu sagen als notwendig. 13. c;ure Freunde zu haben ist eine Freude. 14. Curt zertrat seine Zigarette, und Nikolaus nlitzte den Augenblick, urn vor ihm einzusteigen (to get on [a bus]) und Recha die Hand zu reichen und ohne aufdringliche (urgent) Hast den Platz neben ihr zu nehmen. (Brigitte Reimann) 15. Nicht wenn es gefahrlich ist, die Wahrheit zu sagen, findet sie am seltensten Vertreter, sondern wenn es langweilig ist. (Nietzsche) (This sentence is especially difficult, as it requires some smoothing our. What part of speech is am seltesten? How do you know?) 16. Alles hat seine Stunde, und es gibt eine Zeit flir jegliche (every) Sache unter der Sonne. Eine Zeit flir die Geburt und eine Zeit flir das Sterben, eine Zeit zu pflanzen und eine Zeit, das c;epflanzte auszureigen, eine Zeit zu toten und eine Zeit zu heilen, eine Zeit einzureigen (rend) und eine Zeit aufzubauen, eine Zeit zu weinen und eine Zeit zu lachen, eine Zeit zu klagen (mourn) und eine Zeit zu tanzen, eine Zeit, Steine wegzuwerfen, und eine Zeit, Steine zu sarnmeln, eine Zeit zu umarmen und eine Zeit, sich der Umarmung zu enthalten (to refrain from), eine Zeit zu suchen und eine Zeit zu verlieren, eine Zeit aufzubewahren (protect) und eine Zeit fortzuwerfen, eine Zeit zu zerreigen und eine Zeit zu nahen (sew), eine Zeit zu schweigen und eine Zeit zu reden, eine Zeit zu lieben und eine Zeit zu hassen, eine Zeit des Krieges und eine Zeit des Friedens. (Ecclesiastes 3)
.. .
of
auf-bauen-to build up auf-bewahren-to protect auf-brechen (i)-to leave auf-gehen-to open auf-halten-to stop * auf-rnachen-to open aus-reiRen-to rip up boshaft-malicious * brauchen nicht-need not der Dieb (-es, -e)-thief driicken-to press ein-reiRen-to take down, rend enthalten (r)-to refrain from die Entstehung (-en)-origin die Erregung-excitement fort-werfen-to cast away * der Friede (-ns)-peace die Gabe-giEr, talent gar kein-not at all * die Geburt (-en) - birth gefahrlich-dangerous gerade-straight * geschehen (i)-to happen * hassen-to hate die Hast-haste heilen-to heal hochgradig-great karikieren-to caricature klagen-to mourn die Klinke (-n) -latch * der Krieg (-es, -e)-war langweilig-boring * rnanchrnal-sometimes die Menschenrnenge (-n)-crowd notwendignecessary
der Platz (-es, ::e)-place, * reden-to speak reichen-to reach die Sache (-n)-matter samrneln-to collect * schlieRen-to close
seat
der Schritt (-es,-e)-step die Schwache (-n)-weakness schweigen (i) - to be silent ** schwer-difficult * selten-seldom * sondern-but rather, on the contrary sparen-to save steMen (stiehlt)-to steal * die Stunde (-n)-hour * suchen-to seek toten-to kill treffend-accurate trennen-to separate * urn... zu-in order to urnarrnen-to embrace die Urnarrnung (-en)-embrace * verlieren-to lose verschlucken-to swallow
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Vocabulary Aid 1. Der alte Mann steht auf, urn etwas zu sagen. 2. HeUte abend scheint der Brieftrager viele E-Mails schreiben zu wollen. 3. Anstatt zu arbeiten, will Fraulein Meier ein Liebesgedicht schreiben. 4- Fraulein Meier braucht nicht zu viel zu studieren. 5. Fraulein Meier macht die Tur auf, um den Brieftrager zu grugen (greet). 6. Der Friede ist nicht zu verlieren.
21
Co-ordinating Conjunctions
21.1. Co-ordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of the same value. They do not have any effect on word order. The co-ordinating conjunctions are:
aberhowever
denn~ for, because oder-or sondern- but rather und-and Here are two word combinations entweder . . . oder weder. . . noch that also function as conjunctions:
21.2. The conjunctions must be memorized, as they are all very important. As you have already learned, German sentences can seem interminable, as several clauses can be connected with one another. Co-ordinating conjunctions often provide useful clues as to how to break a sentence up into manageable clauses: Der Brieftrager kauft eine rote Rose und gibt sie Fraulein Meier, denn solche Rosen gefallen ihr- The mailman buys a red rose and gives it to Fraulein Meier, because such roses please her.
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conjunction, part of the
Co-ordinating Conjunctions
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21.3. Often, if there is no comma before a co-ordinating first clause will continue into the second clause:
Man kann nicht die Kuh verkaufen und doch die Milch schliirfen-One sell the cow and nevertheless drink the milk.
cannot
3. Hor und sei nicht taub (deaf), aber langsam glaub. (Do you remember the imperative? If not, review 6.6.) 4. Nach seiner Entlassung (release from prison) hatte der Student 45 Pfund und einige politische lilusionen eingebiifk 5. ArmUt ist weder Schande noch Unehre (dishonor). 6. Such eine Frau nicht auf dem Ball, sondern im Stall (stable). (Unfortunately, most proverbs regarding women seem to have been created by male chauvinists!) 7. Ein alter Gott mu~ niitzen und schaden konnen. (Nietzsche) 8. Sie hat das gesagt und getan. 9. Die Lebensgeschichte Immanuel Kants ist schwer zu beschreiben. Denn er hatte weder Leben noch Geschichte. (Heinrich Heine) 10. Die Psychologie hatte unbekannte Tiefen und Abgriinde der Seele entdeckt, aber auch das feste zielsichere (unerring) Selbstbewu~tsein aufgelost. (Fritz Martini) II. ... ohne nach rechts oder links zu blicken, iiberschritt er die Stra~e und stieg die Stufen der Kathedrale hinan. 12. Das Kind ist bis zum funften Jahr der Mutter Herr, bis zum zehnten Jahr ihr Knecht (servant), bis zum funftehnten Jahr ihr Geheimrat (confidant), und dann ist es entweder ihr Freund oder ihr Feind. (Be careful with numbers!) 13. Das goldene Haar der Gro.fmutter war vielleicht nicht immer so golden gewesen, aber die blauen Augen waren sicher echt. 14- Der Kanigvon Frankreich ist ein Konig der Esel; denn seine Untertanen (subjects) miissen tun, was er ihnen auferlegt (imposes);der Konig in England ist ein Konig der LeUte; denn sie genehmigen (consent to) das, was er ihnen auferlegt; aber der Kaiser ist ein Konig der Fiirsten; denn sie tun, was ihnen gefallt. (Luther) Vocabulary * aber-bUt, however entdecken-to * entweder... discover oder-either
Er will DeUtsch studieren und ein Examen bestehen - He wants to study German
and pass an exam. Wolf machte die Tiir zum Hause der Gro~mutter auf und sprang in ihr Der base Bett- The evil wolf opened the door to the grandmother's house and leapt into her bed. Mache den Mund zu und die Augen auf-Close (zumachen) your mouth and open (aufinachen) your eyes. 1m Augenblick der gro~en Erderschiitterung versank der gra.fte Tei! der Stadt mit einem Gekrache und begrub alles unter seinen Triimmern-At the moment of the great earthquake, the greatest part of the city sank with a crash and buried everything under its ruins. 21.4. If there is a comma before a co-ordinating conjunction, the sentence consists of two separate yet equal clauses: it usually means that
Der base Wolf war im Haus ihrer Gro~mutter, aberRotkappchen sah ihn nicht sofort- The evil wolf was in her grandmother's house, but Little Red Riding Hood didn't see him immediately. Der Brieftrager hat einen Preis erhalten, undFraulein Meier war erfreut dariiberThe mailman receiveda prize, and Fraulein Meier was pleased by this. Ein Narr wirft einen Stein in den Brunnen, und zehn Verniinftige konnen ihn nicht herausholen-A fool throws a stone into the well, and ten wise people cannot get it oUt.
21.5. If other co-ordinating conjunctions are used, however, a comma may appear between clauses, even if the subject of the first clause is carried over into the second clause: Man lernt nicht fiir die Schule, sondern fiir das Leben-One for school, bUt for life. 21.6. Translate these sentences: 1. Osten oder westen, zu Hause ist es am besten. 2. Entweder bekennen (confess) oder brennen! does not learn (only)
der Abgrund (-s, ::e)-abyss auf-erlegen-to impose auf-lOsen-to dissolve bekennen-to confess * beschreiben- to describe * bis zu-until * blicken (i) - to look, glance brennen-to burn * dann-then ** denn-for, echt-genuine einbiissen-to because lose, forfeit
. . . or
der Esel (-s, -)-donkey * der Feind (-es, -e)-enemy fest-firm * das Frankreich (-s)-France fiinttehn-fifteen der Fiirst (-en, -en) - prince * gefallen (i)-to please der Geheimrat (-s, -e)-confidant hinan-steigen (i)-to climb * langsam-slow ** die Leute (pl.)-people
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* sondern-but, on the contrary der Stall (-es, '~e)-stable die StraBe (-n)-street die Stufe (-n)-step * suchen-to seek die Tiefe (-n) - depth liberschreiten-to cross over unbekannt-unknown, * weder-noch-neither... unfamiliar nor
* links-left der Magen (-s, -)-stomach nlitzen-to help * oder-or rechts-right schaden - to harm die Schande-scandal das SelbstbewuStsein (-s)-selfconfidence, self-awareness * sieher-certain, certainly
22
22.1. In an earlier chapter on "Basic Verb Placement," you were told that in indicative sentences, the conjugated verb appears in "second" place (cf. Chapter 6):
Oft geht der Student ins TheaterThe student often goes to the theater.
Since then, you have encountered more complex verbs, and you have discovered that part of the verb can also appear at the end of the clause in the following cases: 1. Whenever there is a separable verb prefix (cf. 13-1-13.7):
Er steht morgens friih auf-He gets up early in the morning. Sie macht die Tiir zu-She closesthe door.
2. Whenever there is a future tense (c 10.1-10.3): Sie wird nicht hier bleiben-She will not stay here. Vielleicht werden wir das tun- Perhaps we will do that. 3. Whenever the verb is in the present or past perfect tense (c Chapters 14-15):
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Er hat das nicht gewuJSt- He did not know that. Sie ist nach Berlin geflogen-She has Hawn to Berlin. Er hatte das oft getan- He had often done that. Sie war frtiher angekommen-She had arrived earlier. 4. Usually whenever a modal appears in a clause (c Chapter 19): Das Kind darfdas nicht sagen-The child is not permitted to say that. Sie kann gut schreiben-She can write well. Er mag nicht hier sein- He may not be here.
Sie werden das abschreiben miissen- They will have to copy that. 2 3 Sie hat den Aufsatz schreiben miissen-She 2 3 had to write the essay.
Er muJSvielstudieren-He has to study a lot. Du sollstnicht toten- Thou shalt not kill. Der Student will den neuen Film sehen- The student wants to see the new film. 22.2. Translation of complex verbs
Therefore, whenever you see most verbs, check the end of the clause for any prefixes, then, if there are any, attach them to the verb root, and look up the complete verb. Whenever you see werden, check the end of the clause for a verb infinitive. If there is one, then werden must be translated as will.
Man hatte das Ungltick nicht sehen wollen, weil es so schrecklich war-One
I 3 2 not wanted to see the accident because it was so horrible.
had
22.4. Whenever the zu construction is accompanied by auxiliaries, the auxiliary will always appear after the zu, and it will be translated first, while the verb appearing before the zu will be translated second. Here are examples: Es ist unangenehm, nicht schlafen zu konnen- It is unpleasant not to be able to sleep. Das Kind weckt die Katze, anstatt sie liegen zu lassen-The child awakens the cat, instead ofletting it lie (sleep). Lange Zeit hatte Siddhartha das Leben der Welt gelebt, ohne ihm anzugehorenFor a long time, Siddhartha had lived the life of the world without belonging to it. 22.5. Translate these sentences: 1. Aber es gehort mehr Mut (courage) dazu, ein Ende zu machen, als einen neuen vers: das wissen alle Arzte und Dichter. (Nietzsche) 2. Ierne Schweigen! Leben und Tad hangen davon ab. 3. Lob (praise) ist leichter zu erlangen (attain) als zu erhalten. 4. Vorschlage gehen mit der Sonne auf und nieder. 5. Wir kamen sofort und brachen die Ttir auf Der Mann lag tot auf dem Fugboden. Er hatte eine Schugwunde im Kopf und eine Pistole in der Hand. Es schien ein klarer Fall van Selbstmord. 6. Vor vielen Jahren hatte Fraulein Meier Schauspielerin werden wollen, aber ihre Mutter war dagegen. 7. Wie kein anderer Ktinstler seiner Epoche hat Paul Klee mit einer herb en (harsh) lntimittit das Wesentliche unserer Innen- und Augenwelt erfagt. (Note that there is a dash after lnnen because it also goes with Welt: lnnenwelt)
Whenever you see any form of diirfen, konnen, mogen, miissen, sollen or wollen, check the end of the clause for infinitives and translate accordingly: Er will Kafkas Romane lesen-He wants to read Kafka's novels.
22.3. Whenever three verbs occur in a clause, the conjugated verb is always translated first, the final verb is translated second, and the penultimate verb is translated last (c 19.7). Here are examples:
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8. Nur Gott sieht die geheimsten Gedanken. Aber warum sollen diese so wichtig sein? Manche sind wichtig, nicht alle. Und mlissen alle Menschen sie flir wichtig halten? (Wittgenstein) 9. (An optional, challenger sentence) In diesem Sinn hat der dionysische (Dionysian) Mensch Ahnlichkeit mit Hamlet: beide haben einmal einen wahren Blick in das Wesen (essence) der Dinge getan (taken), sie haben erkannt, und es ekelt (disgusts) sie zu handeln; denn ihre Handlung kann nichts am ewigen Wesen der Dinge andem, sie empfinden (perceive) es lacherlich oder schmachvoll (humiliating), daG ihnen zugemutet wird (is expected), die Welt, die aus den Fugen ist (that is out of joint), wieder einzurichten (to fix, to set right). Die Erkenntnis totet das Handeln, zum Handeln gehort das Umschleiertsein (veil-literally: being veiled) durch die Illusion -das ist die Hamletlehre. (Nietzsche-Die Geburt der Tragodie) Vocabulary
22.6. Verb Placement Practice (all of these sentences begin with a prepositional phrase so you must put the verb elsewhere in your sentences; the vocabulary is deliberately repetitive and easy):
1. In einem Park horte ein Freund der Frau mit vielen Katzen die schonen Lieder der Vogel. 2. In einem Park horte ein Mann die schonen Lieder der Frau mit vielen Katzen. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ro. II. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. In einem Park gab ein Freund der Frau einem Kind einen Apfel. In einem Park gab ein Freund einer Frau einen Bonbon. In einem Park gab ein Vater seinen Kindem einige Bonbons. In einen Park wollte ein Vater mit vielen Kindem gehen. In einen Park ist ein Mann mit seinen Kindem gegangen. In einem Park gab eine Frau einem Kind einen ihrer Bonbons. In einem Park gab eine Frau einem ihrer Freunde einen Bonbon. In einem Park konnte eine Frau mit vielen Kindem die Lieder der Vogel horen. In einem Park hat eine Frau jeden Tag mit ihren Kindem gespielt. In einem Park wird eine Frau ihren Freunden eine Geschichte erzahlen. In einem Park sind nur zwei Frauen zu sehen. In einem Park singt die Frau mit vielen Kindem ein Lied. Vor einem Jahr ging der Freund der Frau oft in den Park. Drei Jahre lang wohnte ein Student mit vielen Blichem in einer groGen Stadt.
ab-hangen Yon-to depend on die Ahnlichkeit (-en)resemblance * andern-to change auf-brechen-to break open auf-gehen (i)- to rise
die AuRenwelt-extemal world der Blick (-es, -e)-look, glance dazu-gehoren-to take depremiert - depressed * der Dichter (-s, -)-writer, poet * einmal-once ein-richten-to adjust, to fix ekeln-to disgust empfinden-to perceive erfassen-to seize, grasp erhalten-to keep, to preserve * erkennen-to recognize die Erkenntnis (-sse) - recognition erlangen-to attain ewig-etemal * der Fall-case, instance der FuRboden-floor
teaching
Reading Selection: Die zehn Jungfrauen (Matthaus 25.1-13) If you don't wish to use a dictionary, vocabulary for this section is given in Appendix K.
Das Himmelreich wird gleich zehn Jungfrauen sein, die (who) ihre Lampen nahmen und ausgingen, dem Brautigam zu begegnen (to meet the bridegroom). Aber flinf unter ihnen waren toricht (foolish), und flinf waren klug. Die Torichten nahmen ihre Lampen, aber sie nahmen kein 01 mit (with them). Die Klugen aber nahmen 01 in ihren GefaGen (vessels) samt (together with) ihren Lampen. Weil sich der Brautigam verspatete (was delayed), wurden alle schlafrig, und sie schliefen ein. Zur Mittemacht aber horte man ein Geschrei: Seht, der Brautigam kommt; geht, ihm entgegen! Dann standen die Jungfrauen alle auf und schmlickten (trimmed) ihre Lampen. Die Torichten aber sprachen zu den Klugen: Gebt uns von eurem 01, denn unsre Lampen verloschen (aregoing out). Da antworteten die Klugen und sprachen: Nein, das 01 reicht nicht flir uns
* scheinen - to seem
die SchuRwunde-shot wound sense schweigen (i)-to be quiet der Sinn (-es, -e)-meaning, der Vers (-es, -e) -verse * warum-why das Wesen (-s, -)-essence wesendich - essential * wieder-again
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und ftir euch; geht aber hin zu den Kramern (merchants) und kauft ftir euch selbst. Und als sie hingingen, zu kaufen, kam der Brautigam; und sie, die (who) bereit waren, gingen mit ihm hinein zur Hochzeit (wedding); und die Ttir wurde (was) verschlossen. Zuletzt kamen auch die anderen ]ungfrauen und sprachen: Herr, Herr, tue uns auf! Er antwortete aber und sprach: Wahrlich, ich sage euch, ich kenne euch nicht. Darum wachet; denn ihr wiGt weder Tag noch Stunde, in welcher des Menschen Sohn kommen wird.
23
A dependent clause is one that cannot function alone as a complete sentence. It can begin with a common subordinating conjunction (because,although, that, if, when, after, while, since), with an interrogative functioning as a subordinating conjunction (whoever, what, how, where, why), or with a relative pronoun functioning as a subordinating conjunction (who, whom, that, which). You should memorize these conjunctions, as they provide useful clues concerning where to break your sentences up.
In all dependent clauses, in contrast, the verb appears at the end of the German clause: Es mag wahr sein, dafJ groGe Fluten Gottes Ruten sindfloods are God's rods. It may be true that large
23.2. Whenever you have a dependent clause in German, the verb and any auxiliaries will appear at the end of the clause; the dependent clause will always be separated.from
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Here are some examples: Wenn der April Iwie ein Lowe kommt,
167
the main clause by a comma, even when this does not occur in English. You might also wish to look at Chapter 35, in which the use of commas is explained.
If April comes
Wenn du vor dem Frtihsttick singst, wirst du vor der Nacht weinen
Ich habe oft tiber das Pech nachdenken mtissen, dag der interessanteste deutsche S Biihnenfigur Ider Teufel ist (Friedrich Dtirrenmatt)-I V have often had to think
Note that if there are auxiliaries in the dependent end of the clause, after the infinitive or participle:
about our bad luck that the most interesting German stagefigure is the devil [Mephistophiles in Faust]. Wenn der Teufel IHeilige[angen will so steckt er Heilige an die Angel- If the devil S V wants to capturesaints, then he uses saints as bait. (Literally: . . . then he puts saints on the fishhook)
3. If the the first word of the clause is a subordinating conjunction (wenn-when, als- when, da.f- that, da-since, weil-because), the verb will be at the end of the clause. In these cases, you often will need to retrieve the verb and place it earlier in the clause. As usual, correct identification of case endings is crucial for deciding where the subject ends and the object begins. (Note: N is for nominative, A is for accusative, G is for genitive)
Uberquere die Brticke nicht, bevor du sie erreicht hast-Don't cross the bridge before you have reached it. Ich weig nicht, wie ich den Kindern entkommen kann-I don't know how I can escape from the children.
However, if the perfect tense of a modal is used, the auxiliary appears before the other verbs at the end of the clause: Was ich von der Geschichte des armen Werthers nur habe auffinden konnen, habe ich mit Fleig gesammelt . . .- What I have only been able to discover of the story of poor Werther, I have gathered with diligence (Goethe) 23.4. The key to translating a dependent clause
1. First identifY the dependent clause: (a) commas will always separate it from the main clause, (b) it will always begin with a subordinating conjunction, (c) and the verb will always be at the end of the clause. 2. Place the verb at the end of the clause along with any adverbs which modifY it after the complete subject (which may have prepositional phrases) and before any existing object. This is crucial for correct translation. Once you develop the habit of doing this, dependent clauses will seem quite manageable. But make sure you know exactly what the subject is before you move the verb. And remember to shift only the verb and any adverbs modifYing it. Then the rest of the clause will remain intact.
Wir wollten erfahren, wie wir (N) religiose (A) Zusammenktinfte in den Hinterzimmern billiger (G) Restaurants halten konnten- We wanted to find out how we couldhold religious meetings in the back rooms of cheap restaurants. Es gibt Parallelfalle,wo Odysseus (N) in anderen Situationen innerer (G) Erregung Iseine (A) Listen ftir einen Augenblick vergift- There are parallel cases in which Odysseus in other situations of inner excitement fOrgetshis intrigues for a moment.
If the entire sentence begins with a dependent clause, the verb will be the first word of the fOllowing clause; this verb must be tossed up, and placed after the subject in its respective clause: Als der Dichtet lin der Stadt Bern war, sah er I den Barengraben was in the city of Bern, he saw the bear pits.
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168
169
Als groge Teuerung /ins Land kam, konnte er [der Vater von Hansel und Gretel] / auch das tagliche Brat nicht mehr schaffin- When great famine came to the land, he could no longerprocure even the daily bread. 23.5. Here are common subordinating conjunctions:
a/s-when* (after a comparative, it means than) bis-until (as a preposition, it also means until) da-since* (as an adverb, it means there, then) damit-so that (as a da-compound, it means with it) nachdem-after* (as an adverb, it means afterwards) wiihrend-while (as a preposition, it means during) * See also Troublesome Words, Chapter 36. Here are examples of each of these conjunctions: Note that a/s as a subordinating conjunction when the verb is in the past should be translated as when and not as as. Als der Brieftrager Fraulein Meier besuchte, photographierte er ihre KatzenWhen the mailman visited Fraulein Meier, he photographed her cats. Manchmal schreibt der Professor Gedichte, bis er einschlaft-Sometimes the professor writes poetry until he falls asleep. Da Fraulein Meier nicht zu Hause war, suchte der Brieftrager sie in der BibliothekSince Fraulein Meier was not at home, the mailman looked for her at the library. Der Student studiert Finnisch jeden Abend, damit er finnische Philo sophie lesen
The first group is a list that can function only as conjunctions. They are:
W7ennwill mean when or whenever whenever it refers to a temporal action: W7enn der Brieftrager ihr ein Gedicht schreibt, wird Fraulein Meier sehr gliicklich- Whenever the mailman writes her a poem, Fraulein Meier becomes quite happy. W7ennwill mean ijif the verb is subjunctive (which will be examined in Chapter 31) or if the first phrase of the next clause is so or dann: W7enn die Armut zur Tiir eingeht, so fliegt die Liebe zum Fenster hinaus-lf poverty comes in the door, then love flies out the window. W7enneiner, was er tut, nicht mug, dann tut er es mit Hochgenug-lfone does not have to do what he is doing, then he does it with pleasure. Otherwise, there are no other ways to determine whether wenn means if or when, as long as wenn refers to the future. For example, "Wenn sie bei ihrem Freund ist, is! die Studentin gliicklich" can be translated as "When she is with her friend, the student is happy," or "If she is with her friend, the student is happy." 23.6. The following subordinating conjunctions also have other definitions when used as a different part of speech. Therefore, be particularly careful when you encounter them. The following can be recognized as subordinating conjunctions when: 1. they begin the clause, and 2. the verb appears at the end of the clause.
kann - The student studies Finnish every evening so that he will be able to read
Finnish philosophy. Nachdem er seinen Schicksalsschlagen gliicklich entronnen war, starb er-After he had luckily escaped his blows of fate, he died. Wahrend die zwei urn ein Ei zanken, steckt es der dritte ein- While the two quarrel over an egg, the third one is pocketing it.
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171
die Gewalt (-en)-power der Graben-ditch graben, grub, gegraben-to gutherzig-good-natured ** halten fur-to consider heilen-to heal das Heu (-s, -) - hay hinten - behind * kennen-to know * die Kraft C~e)-power, force, strength die Kriicke (-n)-crutch ** manche-some die Moral (-)-morality * nachdem-after * nachher-afterwards nach-rennen (i)- to pursue der Narr (-en, -en)-fool * nicht mehr-no longer niitzen-to be of use dig
* ob-if,
whether
* obwohl-although das pferd (-es, -e)-horse * das Recht-justice reiten-to ride * scheinen (i)-to seem, to shine scheuglich - dreadful schmerzlich-painful sobald-as soon as * solange-as long as iibrig- remaining um-werfen-to knock over verurteilen-to condemn * wahrend-while weg-werfen-to * weil-because throwaway
Conjunctions
173
Wem das Schaf gehort, dem gehort auch die Wolle-To whom the sheep belongs, to him the wool belongs, too. (Or: The wool belongs to whomever the sheep belongs.) 24.2. Was
24
was will usually (but not always) be the subject of the clause when it functions as a subordinating conjunction. Was will be translated as what or whatever when it does not have any specific antecedent. Here are examples:
was nicht ist, kann noch werden- Whatever does not exist can still come into being. Wasden Kafern entflieht, fressendie Raupen - The caterpillarseat whateverescapes the beetles. was should be translated as which or that which when it refers to the thought of a previous clause. Here are examples: Heute war das Kind piinktlich, was seiner Mutter gefiel- Today the child was punctual, which pleased his mother. was man gern tut, kommt einem nicht schwer an- That which one likes to do is not difficult for one to do. Moreover, there are three pronouns that take the pronoun was,and in this context, wasshould be translated as that. The pronouns are: affes(everything),etwas (something), and nichts (nothing). Here are examples of each: Fast alles, was wir lernen, ist doch niitzlich - Almost everything that we learn is nevertheless useful. Die Studentin erkliirte dem Professor etwas, was er nicht wufSte- The (female) student explained somethingto the professor that he did not know. Das Kind nimmt nichts, wasihm nicht gehort- The child takes nothing that does not belong to him. (Or: does not take anything that. . .) 24.3. Wie
Wie as a subordinating conjunction generally will be translated as as, but it also sometimes will be translated as how. Generally, the context will indicate how it should be translated. Examples are:
The interrogatives wer, was, wie, wo, and warum also can be used as subordinating conjunctions. Dependent clausesbeginning with any of these interrogatives are translated like any other subordinating conjunction, with the dependent verb being placed at the end of the clause. 24.1. Wer
W'ercan be translated either as he who or as whoever. Examples are:
W'ernichts im Glaubenssacklein hat, bekommt eine dreckige Himmelfahrt-He who has nothing in his little sack of faith will have a filthy ascension. W'ernicht arbeiten will, solI auch nichts essen- Whoeverdoes not want to work should also eat nothing. Because wer is always nominative, the verb will immediately follow it in your English translation.
In the few cases when wem or wen is used, the verb will be placed after any noun functioning as the subject. Here is an example:
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Conjunctions
175
TI7iedu mir, so ich dir! - As you are to me, so I am to you! Jeder Bar tanzt, wie er es versteht-Every music). bear dances as he understands it (the
15.
Whoever has sampled
Wer Ungliick gekostet hat, weig, wie es anderen schmecktmisfortune, knows how it tastes to others.
16. 17.
24.4. Wo
WOcan be translated either as where (when referring to a place) or as when (when referring to a time). Here are examples: WOder Zaun am niedrigsten ist, dort springt der Teufel hiniiber- Where the fence is the lowest, the devil springs over it. WOes an Liebe mangelt, erkennt man aIle Fehler- When love is missing, one notices all mistakes.
18.
(poisonous), giftigen Apfel. Augerlich sah er schon aus . . .; aber wer ein Stiickchen (little piece) davon ag, mugte sterben. Weisheit ist besserals Perlen,und alles,was man wunschenmag, kann ihr nicht gleichen. (Proverbs) Wer anderen eine Grubegrabt,filiit selbst hinein. (What is the case of anderen? Is it singular or plural?) Wer mit Ungeheuern kampft, mag zusehen, dag er dabei nicht zum Ungeheuer wird. Und wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein. (Nietzsche) Vielleicht weig ich am besten,warum der Mensch allein lacht; er allein leidet so tief, dag er das Lachen erfinden mugte. (Nietzsche) (How do you know that allein modifies Mensch rather than lacht?)
Vocabulary der Abgrund (-s, ::e)-abyss ** allein-alone, only * alles-everything die Armut-poverty * aussehen-to look, appear auBerlich-outwardly behalten-to retain * blicken (i)-to look der Blitz-lightning der Donner (-s, -)-thunder einsam -lonely * erfahren-to discover erfinden-to invent * etwas-something fangen-to capture fassen-to receive ** geschehen (i)-to happen, to occur giftig-poisonous * gleichen (i)-to compare with graben-to dig hinein-blicken (i)- to look into hinein-fallen (i)-to fall into die Jugend-youth kampfen (i)-to krank-sick lieb-dear fight, struggle
24.5. Warum Warum can be translated as why: Fraulein Meier weig nicht, warum ihre Katzen keinen Thunfisch fressenwollen-Fraulein Meier doesn't know why her cats don't want to eat tuna. 24.6. Translate these sentences:
1. Wer viel redet, mug viel wissen, oder lugen. 2. Wer in Hoffnung lebt, tanzt ohne Musik. 3. Wenn der Teufel ktank ist, will er Monch werden; wenn er gesund ist, bleibt er, wie er ist. 4. Der Gesunde weig nicht, wie reich er ist. 5. Was aus Armut geschieht, solI man leicht vergeben. 6. Was der Himmel schickt, ist der Erde ein Segen (blessing)-auch Donner. 7. 8. 9. IG. II. 12. 13. 14. Man muj die Leute nehmen, wie sie sind. Alles, was gegen das Gewissen ist, hat harte Stacheln. Am langsten behalt man das, was man in der Jugend gelernt hat. Wer Fraulein Meier liebt, liebt auch ihre Katzen. Wer nichts an die Angel (fishhook) steckt, fangt nichts. Was dir lieb ist, ist mir nicht zuwider (distasteful). Wer mit dem Teufel essen will, mug einen langen Loffel (spoon) haben. Als sie erfuhr, d~ Sneewittchen noch lebte, ging die Stiefmutter in eine ganz verborgene (hidden) einsame Kammer (room) und machte da einen giftigen
* Ingen (i) - to lie, fib * nichts-nothing die Perle (-n)-pearl * reden-to speak schicken-to send * selbst-himself der Stachel (-s, -n)-thorn stecken-to stick ** sterben - to die das Ungeheuer (-s, -)-monster vergeben-to forgive ** warum-why ** was-what, whatever, which, that * die Weisheit-wisdom ** wer-who, whoever, he who ** wie-as, how ** wo-where, when * wiinschen-to wish zu-sehen-watch, see to it zuwider-distasteful
Blitz und
-.
Dependent Clauses(Part lll)-Relative Clauses
177
Das Kind, das (neuter) der Wolf fraB,war Rotkappchen- The girl whom the wolf ate was Little Red Riding Hood. Die Frau, die (feminine) der Mann kennenlemen wollte, war eine bekannte Biirgermeisterin - The woman whom the man wanted to meet was a famous mayor. Die Jungfrauen, die (plural)der Brautigam nahm, waren klug- The virgins whom the bridegroom took, were clever.
25
25.3. Dative relative pronouns Der Mann, dem (masculine) die Frau einen Apfelkuchen backte, war der Brieftrager- The man for whom the woman baked an apple cake was the mailman. Das Kind, dem (neuter) die Stiefmutter einen giftigen, giftigen Apfel gab, war Sneewittchen- The child to whom the stepmother gave a poisonous, poisonous apple was Snow White. Die Frau, der (feminine) das Schulkind einen Apfel gab, ist Lehrerin - The woman
to whom the school child gave an apple is a teacher. Es gibt doch viele Menschen, denen (plural) der Name Fritz Martini unbekannt istThere are nevertheless many people for whom the name Fritz Martini is unfamiliar.
Relative Clauses
25.4. Genitive relative pronouns One of the most common forms of subordinate clauses is introduced by relative pronouns. A relative pronoun is one that refers to some noun which goes before it, and it also connects two clauses which together form a sentence. Here are all the possibilities. 25.1. Nominative relative pronouns Der Wolf, der (masculine)den Jager totete, war hungrig- The wolf who killed the hunter was hungry. Heute ist ein junges Madchen gekommen, das (neuter)mit mir sprechen wollteToday a young woman came, who wanted to speak with me. Die Alte war eine Hexe, die (feminine) den Kindem auflauerte- The old woman was a witch who lay in wait for the children. Die Jungfrauen, die (plural)bereit waren, gingen mit dem Briiutigamzur HochzeitThe virgins who were prepared, went with the bridegroom to the wedding. 25.2. Accusative relative pronouns
Morgen fliegt der Professor, den (masculine) ich kenne, nach Genfprofessor whom I know will fly to Geneva. Tomorrow the Note that these pronouns attach themselves to nouns that are in nominative, accusative, or dative case, and you can determine the case of the noun to which they are attached only by process of elimination:
Hier ist der Student, dessen(masculinenominative) Ideen mir wichtig scheinenHere is the student whoseideas seem important to me. Wo ist das Kind, dessen(neuteraccusative)Spielzeugich gefunden habe?- Where is the child whosetoy I have found? Die Frau, deren (feminine dative) Freundin der Brieftrager ein Gedicht schrieb, ist klug- The woman to whose friend the mailman wrote a poem is clever. Die Professoren, deren (plural nominative) Vorlesungen interessant sind, lehren gem - The professors whoselectures are interesting like to teach. 25.5. Note that the gender of the relative pronoun is determined by the noun to which it relates, and the case of the relative pronoun is determined by its place in the subordinate clause. The relative pronoun does not have to be in the same case as the noun to which it relates:
Der Mann (nominative), den (accusative) die Frau liebte, war Dichter-The whom the woman loved was a poet. man
178
Clauses
179
25.9. If the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause (it must be der, das, or die):
1. use it as the first word of your translation, 2. translate the verb at the end of the clause (as well as any adverbs modifYing it), and place it next to the subject pronoun, 3. finally translate the rest of the clause word for word. Here are examples:
Keine andere soll meine Gemahlin werden als die, an deren Fug dieser goldene Schuh pagt-No one else should be my wife than the one on whose foot this is a bride around which one dances. went to the . golden shoe fits. (Aschenputtel- Cinderella) Geld ist eine Braut, um die man tanzt-Money
Abraham ging an den Ort, von dem Gott ihm gesagt hat-Abraham place of which God had told him.
25.7. Here is a chart masculine der den *dessen dem neuter das das *dessen dem feminine die die *deren der plural die die *deren *denen
Fraulein Meiers Lieblingstier ist ein Elefant, der immer sehr trage ist-Fraulein Meier's favorite animal is an elephant that is always very sluggish. Der Mann, der die Freunde vorgestellt hatte, war gleich gegangen - The man who
the dative plural) relative pronouns are the same as the declensions of the definite article. Therefore the only new pronouns you need to learn are the genitive pronouns dessen (masculine and neuter) and deren (feminine and plural) and the plural dative pronoun denen.
Faustwar ein Drama, dasdurch alle Schuld des Lebens / zur transzendierenden Befreiung fiihrte- Faust was a drama that through all guilt of life led to a transcendent liberation. (Fritz Martini, abridged)
25.10. If the relative pronoun is not the subject of the clause (den, dem, denen):
Here are examples: Wer ist der Mann, den Fraulein Meier / vor vielen Jahren liebte?Who is the
man, whom Fraulein Meier loved many years ago? Schliemann war ein ziemlich niichterner Mensch, dem Dichtung als solche / unverstandlich war-Schliemann was a rather sober person fOr whom poetry as such was incomprehensible. (C.R. Goedsche) Die Kinder, denen die Hexe / ein Haus baute, waren Hansel und Gretel- The children fOr whom the witch built a house were Hansel and Gretel.
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Clauses
181
25.11. Note that the pronouns das and die can be either nominative or accusative, and you need to determine from other clues which case they are in:
Die Frau, die / den Mann liebte, war glucklich- The woman who loved the man was happy. Die Frau, die der Mann / liebte, war glucklich- The woman whom the man loved was happy. Das Madchen, das / den Brieftrager gruRte, war die Patentochter Fraulein Meiers- The girl who greeted the mailman was the goddaughter of Fraulein Meier. Das Madchen, dasder Brieftragerl gruRte, war die Patentochter Fraulein MeiersThe girl whom the mailman greeted was the goddaughter of Fraulein Meier. 25.12. Although derwill usually be masculine nominative, it can occasionally be feminine dative: Der Zug, der / punktlich ankam, fuhr nach Berlin- The train that arrived promptly went to Berlin. Die Frau, der der Brieftrager / einen Roman von Margaret Drabble schenkte, war Fraulein Meier-The woman to whom the mailman gave a novel by Margaret Drabble was Fraulein Meier. 25.13. Genitive relative pronouns will be attached to nouns which can be in nominative, accusative, or dative case. If they are attached to nominative nouns, they are to be translated like the sentences in 25.9: Mit Neid denkt [der Dichter] an den Maler, dessenSprache-die Farben (nominative}-/vom Nordpol bis nach Afrika gleichverstandlich zu alIen Menschen spricht (Hermann Hesse) - The poet thinks with envy of the painter whose languagecolors-speaks to all people, from the North Pole to Africa in a way immediately comprehensible. If the genitive relative pronouns are attached to dative or accusative nouns, they are to be translated like the sentences in 25-1. Kafka, dessen Romane (accusative) der Student (nominative) / gem liest, hat einen eigentumlichen Sinn fur Humor-Kafka, whose novels the student likes to read, has a unique sense of humor. Die Studentin, deren Freund (dative) wir (nominative) / eine E-mail (accusative) schickten, studiert Erdkunde- The student, to whose friend we sent an e-mail, studies geography.
25.14. Each relative clause is a unit unto itself as if it were set off in parentheses and having its own subject and its own verb. Therefore, you may wish to isolate it from the rest of the sentence by placing brackets around it so that it will not distract you from locating the subject and the verb of the main clause. Note how commas function as breaks. Here is a sentence that contains two relative clauses: In Ubereinstimmung mit den groRen Werken der expressionistischen Malerei, deren Schopf em ich/ in jener Zeit [the 1920'S] in Dresden begegnete,war es der Tanz,
25.15. Translate, noting the gender and case of each relative pronoun:
I. Die Kiihe, die am meisten brullen, geben die wenigste Milch. 2. Sie waren Freunde, denen man die Wahrheit sprechen konnte. 3. Das Feuer, das mich nicht verbrennt, losche ich nicht. 4. 5. 6. 7. Zeit ist der Stoff, aus dem das Leben gemacht ist. Ehre fOlgtdem Menschen, der sieflieht, und flieht den [Menschen], der sie jagt. Es gibt keine argeren Tauben als die, die nicht horen wollen. Das elektrische Licht beschien das Gesicht einer Frau, deren breite Zuge von einer dicken Schicht (layer) billiger Schminke (make-up) bedecktwaren. 8. Die erste Halfte des 19. Jahrhunderts steht stark unter dem Eindruck der Enttaus chung der politischen Freiheitsbewegung seit 1815, die die miRlungenen Revolutionen von 1830 und 1848 noch verscharften. (Fritz Martini)
9. Der grojte Schritt ist der aus der Tur. 10. Weh dem Land, dessen Konig ein Kind ist. II. Wir alle tragen Masken, und es kommt der Zeitpunkt, an dem wir sie nicht mehr abnehmen konnen, ohne dabei Stucke unserer Haut mit abzutrennen. (Andre Berthiaume) 12. E. T. A. Hoffmann war ein Artist des Unheimlichen, der bewuRt seine Traum-
bilder auskostete und sie zugleich ironisch spiegelte (portrayed, mirrored). (Fritz Martini) 13. Es gibt gewiR keine Sprache auf der Welt, die so systemlos ist, so schlupfrig, urn sie zu fassen. (Mark Twain about German) 14. Nicholas erlebte zum erstenmal die Reaktion eines jungen Kunstlers, der seine Arbeit einer kritischen Offentlichkeit ubergibt, und vielleicht war es schwieriger fur ihn, weil diese Offentlichkeit aus drei jungen Arbeitem bestand, die noch nie durch eine Gemaldegallerie (art gallery) gegangen waren. 15. (A challenging sentence, to say the least!) Herzog Wilhelm von Breisach, der seit seiner heimlichen Verbindung (alliance) mit einer Grafin (countess) namens
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Quickly
Clauses
183
Rang (rank) zu sein schien, mit seinem Halbbruder, dem Grafen Jakob dem Rotbart, in Feindschaft lebte, kam gegen Ende des 14. Jahrhunderts, als die Nacht des heiligen Remigius zu dammern begann, von einer Zusammenkunft zuriick. (Kleist) Vocabulary abnehmen-to take off der Herzog (-s, -e)-duke jagen-to hunt loschen-to extinguish miGlungen-unsuccessful * namens-by name of * noch nie- never before die Offendichkeit-public * ohne... zu-without . . . -ing ** scheinen (i)-to seem die Schicht (-en) -layer schlupfrig-slippery der Schritt (-s, -e)-step der Stoff (-es, -e) - material * seit-since spiegeln-to reflect * stark-strong * stehen (i)-to stand, to be das Stuck (-es, -e) - piece taub-deaf das Traumbild illusion (-es, -er) - vision, unearthly
1. Wenn die Katze, die jetzt schlaft, hungrig wird, wird sie vielleicht in die Kiiche laufen. 2. In einem Park, der viele Baume hatte, horte ein Mann die schonen Lieder der Vogel. 3. In einem Park gab ein Brief trager, der eine Geliebte hatte, einem Vogel ein Stiickchen Brot. 4. In einem Park gab ein Mann, der Schockolade hatte, seiner Geliebten einen seiner Bonbons. 5. In einem Park, in dem viele Kinder spielten, gab es schone Blumen und Baume. 6. Oft wollte ein Vater, der zwei Kinder hatte, in einen Park gehen. 7. Vielleicht ist die Mutter, die drei Kinder hatte, mit ihren Kindern in einen Park gegangen. 8. In einem Park sah eine Frau mit drei Kindern, die miteinander spielen wollten, schone Blumen. 9. In einem Zimmer (room) ist eine Katze, die gliicklich auf einem Sofa schlaft, zu sehen. ro. In einem Park wird Fraulein Meier mit ihrem Freund, der sehr fleigig ist, ein Lied singen. II. Vor einem Jahr ging ein Freund einer fleigigen Frau oft in einen Park, der schone Baume hatte. 12. Drei Jahre lang wohnte der StUdent, der viele Sprachen lernen wollte, in einer grogen Stadt.
abtrennen-to separate arg-wicked aus-kosten-to enjoy to the fullest bedecken - to cover bestehen (aus)-to beW1d~t-consciously billig-cheap breit-broad briillen (i)-to bellow, moo dammern (i)-to grow dark * dabei - in so doing, thereby * ehe-before die Ehre (-n)-honor der Eindruck (-es, ::e)-impression die Enttauschung (-en)disappointment erleben-to experience ewig-eternal consist of
Reading Selection: Aus dem Erdbeben in Chili (Heinrich von Kleist) (Vocabularycan be found in the humanities vocabulary in Appendix K) (The following selections are particularly difficult. However, if you work through each sentence carefully,you may find to your surprise and delight that you can actUallyunderstand them. Good luck!) I. Es war am Fronleichnamsfest (Corpus Ghristi Festival), und die feierliche Prozessionder Nonnen, welchen die Novizen ftlgten, nahm eben (just) ihren Anfang, als die ungliicklicheJosephe (a woman'sname) bei dem Anklang (ringing) der Glocken in Mutterwehen (birth-pangs)auf den Stufen der Kathedrale niedersank (collapsed).
II. In St. Jago, der Hauptstadt des Konigreichs Chili, stand gerade (just) in dem Augenblick der graBen Erderschiitterung (earthquake) vom Jahre 1647, bei
fassen - to grasp
die Feindschaft-animosity fliehen-to flee ** folgen (i)-to follow
die Freiheitsbewegung (-en) - independence movement * das Gesicht (-es, -er)-face * gewiG-certainly der GrafC-en, -en)-count der Halbbruder (-s, ::)-halfbrother die Haut-skin heilig-holy, saint heimlich-secret
heighten, to
** wenig-little, few der Zug (-es, ::e)-feature, characteristic zugleich-at the same time zuruck-kommen (i)-to return die Zusammenkunft (::e)-meeting
184
German Quickly welcher viele tausend Menschen ihren Untergang (demise) fanden, ein junger
. . . Spanier namens Jeronimo Rugera [the father of the child who had just been born in the previous reading passage] an einem pfeiler (column) des Gefangnisses (prison), in welches man ihn eingesperrt hatte, und wollte sich (himselfaccusative) erhenken (hang). III. [Jeronimo] stand an einem Wandpfeiler (pilaster) und befestigte (fastened) den Strick (rope), der ihn dieser jammervollen (sorrowful) Welt entreigen sollte (was to), an eine Eisenklammer (iron clamp), als plotzlich der grojteTeil (part) der Stadt mit einem Gekrache (crash) versank und alles (this is accusative! Note that ''der grojte Tei! der Stadt" is still the subject of this clause-if Leben atmete, unter seinen Triimmern (ruins) begrub. 2I.3), was
26
The Reflexive
IV Hier lag ein Haufen (heap) Erschlagene~, hier achzte (moaned) noch eine Stimme unter dem Schutt (rubbish),hier schrien Leute von brennendenDachern herab, hier kampften (battled) Menschen und Tiere mit den Wellen (undulations), hier war ein mutiger (courageous)Retter (rescuer)bemiiht, zu helfen; hier stand ein anderer, bleich wie der Tod, und streckte sprachlos zitternde (trembling)Hande zum Himmel. (However, in the midst of all this destruction, Jeronimo and Josephe, who had been condemned to death prior to the earthquake for producing an illegitimate child, manage to reunite.) V Indessen (in the meantime) war die schonste Nacht herabgestiegen, vollwundermilden (wondeifully mild) Duftes, so silberglanzend und still, wie nur ein Dichter davon traumen mag. VI. Sie [Jeronimo und Josephe] fanden einen prachtvollen (magnificent)Granatapfelbaum (pomegranate tree), der seine Zweige voll duftender (ftagrant) Fruchteweit ausbreitete; und die Nachtigall flotete (whistled) im Wipfel (treetop) ihr wolliistiges (delightfullypleasant) Lied.
(While Jeronimo and Josephe don't quite live happily ever after, they at least enjoy a few good moments together.)
A verb is considered reflexivewhen its subject and object are the same person(s) or thing(s): Sie kauft sich einen Laptop-She buys herselfa laptop; Das Kind wascht sich- The child washes himself 26.1. Accusative and dative reflexive pronouns: Singular accusative dative accusative dative accusatlve dative (I, you, he, she, it) mich-myself mir-myself dich-yourself dir-yourself sich- himself, herself,itself sich-himself, herself,itself Plural accusative dative accusative dative accusative dative (we, you, they) uns- ourselves uns- ourselves euch-yourselves euch- yourselves sich- themselves, eachother sich- themselves, eachother
The formal accusative and dative form (yourself, yourselves) is sich. This is the only time the formal pronoun (Sie, Ihnen, Sie) is not capitalized. The accusative and dative reflexive pronouns are identical for all persons (du) except the first person singular (ich) and the singular form of the informal you. The most common reflexive pronoun is sich.
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The Reflexive
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26.2. Some meanings which the reflexive may express are: 1. An action done by the subject to itself:
Ich amiisiere mich-I amuse myself Ich sehe mich in dem Spiegel-I see myselfin the mirror.
2. An action done by the subject to itself which also involves an object (in these cases, the dative reflexive pronoun will be used):
The sentences are grammatically incorrect in both languages because they contain an unnecessary extra indication of possession. In English, to myselfis eliminated because the adjective my already indicates that the hands are mine. In German, on the other hand, the adjective meine is omitted because the word mir already indicates that the hands belong to me. Therefore, whenever you see this construction in German, it is advisable to substitute the appropriate English possessive adjective (such as my) for the corresponding German reflexive pronoun (such as mir). Here are more examples: Sie putzt sich die Zahne (literally: She brushes to herself the teeth) -She teeth. brushes her
Ich kaufe mir ein Buch- I buy myselfa book. Sie schreibt sich eine Liste-She writes herselfa list.
3. A reciprocal action: Sie kiissen sich- They kiss each other. Sie lieben sich- They love each other.
Der beigende Hund ist dem Brieftrager ein Dorn im Auge (literally: The biting
dog is to the mailman a thorn in the eye)- The biting dog is a thorn in the mailman's eye.
Kiig mir den Ellbogen (literally: kiss to me the elbow)- Kiss my elbow!
(Luther was reputed to say this when he was being "polite.")
26.3. Occasionally the reflexive pronoun is used when only the direct object is used in English: Er nimmt seinen Pudel mit sich, wenn er in den Park geht-He takes his poodle with him when he goes to the park. Der Brieftragerhat eine Freundin bei sich- The mailman has a woman friend with him. But in other cases when sich is the object of a preposition, it will be translated reflexively,as it would be in English: Sie weig viel iiber sich-She knows a lot about herself Sie tun das fiir sich- They do that for themselves. 26.4. Reflexive pronouns also are used in German when English uses possessive pronouns instead:
Er wascht sich die Hande (literally: he washes to himself the hands) - He washes his
hands.
To understand how to translate this construction hypothetical sentences: correctly, consider the following 1. Was man zu sich selbst sagt, hart der Himmel wie Donner. (In other words, you can't have any secrets from God.) 2. Selbst ein Experte hat seinen Meister.
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The Reflexive Ich stelle mich ihnen vor (accusative)-I introduce myself to them. Ich stelle mir die fantastische Szene vor (dative) - I imagine the fantastic scene.
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3. 4. 5. 6.
Gegen Dummheit kampfen (struggle)Gotterselbst vergebens (in vain). Das Gluck hilft denen nicht, die sich selbst nicht helfen. Das Gluckfiel ihm in den Schog (lap). Wer dem anderenMenschen den guren Namen raubt, macht ihn arm und sich nicht reich.
26.8. Here are sentences illustrating the use of all the reflexive pronouns in conjunction with the reflexive verb, sich beeilen: ich beeile mich oft- I often hurry. du beeilst dich auch-you also hurry. er beeilt sich manchmal- he sometimes hurries. siebeeilt sichselten-she hurries seldom. esbeeilt sich abends-it hurries in the evenings. wir beeilen uns doch-we arehurrying. ihr beeilt euchtaglich - you hurry daily. siebeeilen sichmittags-they hurry at noon. Sie beeilen sichnicht-you do not hurry. 26.9. There are also several verbs that have both reflexive and non-reflexive meanings. The non-reflexive meaning will be listed first in your dictionary (unless the reflexivemeaning is more common). Therefore, if you encounter a sentence with a sichform in it in which there is no obvious reciprocal action of the subject, realize that the sich (or mich, dich, ete.) is only guiding you to the V.Ldefinition in your dictionary. Here are some common verbs that have both reflexiveand non-reflexivemeanings: non-reflexive denken-to think erinnern-to remind
setzen-to set unterhalten - to sustain verlassen-to leave verstehen-to understand Compare the following sentences: Sie erinnert den Brieftrager an die Aufgabe-She reminds the mailman of the task. (non-reflexive) Er erinnert sich jetzt an die Aufgabe- He now remembers the task. (reflexive) Er zieht nachste Woche nach Dusseldorf um- He will move to Dusseldorf next week (non-reflexive) Er zieht sich oft um-He often changes his clothes. (reflexive)
7. Wer sich bei einem Geizigen (miser)warmen will, mug das Feuermitbringen. (Note that you will want to translate bei as at the home of in this sentence.) 8. Fraulein Meier hat keine Lust, mit ihrem ehemaligen Geliebten in den Zoo zu gehen, denn sie muf sich die Haare waschen.(She also might need to sort her sock drawer.) 9. Der letzteStrohhalm bricht dem Kamel den Rucken. IO. Nachstenliebe fangt bei sich selbst an.
Vocabulary * an-fangen ---, to begin * bei-at the home of, with der Donner (-s, -)-thunder ehemalig- former der Geizige (-n, -n)-miser die Lust - desire mit-bringen-to bring with one die Nachstenliebe-charity der Riicken (-s, -) back
der SchoG (-es, ::e)-lap * seIber-self * selbst - self, even * sich - self der Strohhalm -straw vergebens-in vain
reflexive sich denken-to imagine sich erinnern-to remember sichsetzen-to sit down sich unterhalten-to converse sich verlassen-to rely upon sich verstehen-to get along with someone
sich freuen-to rejoice, to be pleased sich gewohnen an-to become accustomed to sich handeln um-to deal with, be a matter of sich irren-to err sich sich sich sich kiimmern um-to worry about, to be concerned with sehnen nach-to long for verlassen auf-to rely upon vorstellen-to introduce, to imagine
Note that sich vorstellen is translated differently depending on whether the reflexive pronoun is dative or accusative:
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The Reflexive
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Note: He reminds himself about the task - Er erinnert sich selbst an die Aufgabe. Note also that the sich does not need to appear right next to the verb: Das Herz ist arm, das sich nicht freuen kann - The heart is poor that can not reJOIce. Es bewahrt sich, an das Gute im Menschen zu glauben, aber sich auf das Schlechte zu verlassen (Alfred Polgar) -It is worthwhile to believe in the good in man, but to rely on the bad. 26.10. Translate these sentences (vocabulary is on pp. 191-192): 1. Wenn sich ein Igel (hedgehog) und ein Regenwurm (earthworm) paaren, was gibt das? Antwort: zehn Meter Stacheldraht. (Note that when two words are linked together, they do not need a genitive marker: ein Pfund Butter- a pound o/butter; zwei Meter Holz-two meters o/wood.) 2. Wer sich auf dem Schulwege verirrt, findet sich durch das ganze Leben nicht zurecht. 3. Hute dich vor denen, die Gott gezeichnet hat. 4. Seit es Menschen gibt (since mankind has existed), hat der Mensch sich zu wenig gefreut: das allein ist unsre Erbsunde (original sin). (Nietzsche) 5. Nietzsches Schriften stellten sich als eine gewaltige (powerful) Sammlung kuhnster Aphorismen dar, die durch eine einzigartige (unique) Wortkunst (artistic use 0/ words) fitszinierte Pragnanz erhalten. (Fritz Martini) 6. Auch in den geordnesten Familien ereignen sich Miggeschicke. 7. Fraulein Meier verlagt sich immer mehr auf den Brieftrager. 8. Gott versalzt uns dieses Leben, damit wir uns nach dem heiligen Feierabend sehnen. (What is the case of dieses Leben? How do you know?) This is probably the oddest proverb in German.
and in #2 whom she fixes the meal for. If the sich were left un translated, something serious would be missing from the sentences. In the second two sentences, however, sich is not translated because sich only serves to indicate that the German verb, unlike the English verb, is reflexive. This will obviously be the case because 1. a v.r. (or sich) definition will be listed in your dictionary, 2. adding a reflexive pronoun (such as herself) would make the sentence sound awkward. For example, no English-speaking person would ever say: "She wonders herselfabout her friend." 26.12. Translate this joke (it is not a very good joke, but it is excellent stylistically):
Ein bejahrter (old)Munchner kommt auf dem Viktualienmarkt (marketplace)mit einer netten Taube (pigeon)ins Gesprach. Beideverstehen sich ausgezeichnet (excellently)und mochten die Bekanntschaft (acquaintance)fortsetzen (continue),und so ladt der alte Herr die Taube fur den ndchstenNachmittag zu sich zum Kaffie ein. Die Stunde ist gekommen, er hat den Tisch nett gedecktund extra ein paar Blumen besorgt (gotten), aber wer nicht erscheint, ist die Taube. Habe ich mich so in meiner Taubenkenntnis (pigeon-knowledge) eirrt, fragt sich der alte Herr, wahrend g er vor seinem Kaffie sitzt, der langsam kaltwird. Unruhig schaut er immer haufiger auf die Uhr (watch}-endlich, eine Stunde spater, klingelt es. Die Taube stehtvor der Tur und sagt mit einem reizend verlegenen Lacheln: "lch bitte Sie, entschuldigen Sie, dag ich so spat komme. Aber es war ein so (sucha) herrlicher Nachmittag, und so habe ich mich entschlossen, zu Fug zu gehen!" Vocabulary ausgezeichnet
* bitten urn-to ** da-since, * damit-so
-
excellenrly
ask for
because that
dar-stellen (r)-to appear decken - to set, cover ein so-such a ein-Iaden-to invite ** endlich - finally entschlieGen (r)-to entschuldigen-to decide excuse
ereignen (r.)-to happen, occur erhalten-to keep, maintain, receive * erscheinen (i) - to appear extra (adv.)-specially der Feierabend-quitting time * &euen (r)-to rejoice, be happy ins Gesprach kornrnen-to converse with gewaltig- powerful haufig-frequent herrlich - glorious
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be on guard
klingeln (i)-to ring; es klingelt-the doorbell rings kiihn-bold das Uicheln-smile ** langsam-slow das Miageschick (-es, -e)-accident * mochte-would like to
(need) warst, sollst du hernach nicht verachten. (despise)" Da packte (took) sie ihn mit zwei Fingern, trug ihn hinauf und setzte ihn in eine Ecke (corner). Als sie aber im Bett lag, kam er gekrochen und sprach: "Ich bin mude, ich will schlafen so gut
wie du - heb mich herau oder ich sag'sdeinem Vater."Dann wurde sie bitterbose,
holte ihn herauf und warf (threw) ihn aus allen Kraften wider die Wand: "Nun wirst du Ruhe (peace, rest) haben, du garstiger Frosch!" Als er aber herabjiel, war er kein Frosch, sondern ein Konigssohn mit schonen und fteundlichen Augen.
sehnen (r) (nach)-to long (for) ** seit-since der Stacheldraht-barbed wire * die Stunde (-n)-hour die Taube (-n)-pigeon * die Uhr (-en)-clock unruhigrestless verirren (r)-to go astray verlassen auf (r)-to rely on verlegen - embarrassed versalzen-to spoil * verstehen (r)-to get along with * wahrend-while, during zeichnen - to mark, to distinguish
** mrchten (r)-to
garstig - nasty herabfallen- to fall down heraufheben-to lift up heraufholen-to pick up hernach - afterwards der Konigssohn-prince die Konigstochter-princess * die Kraft (::e)-strength
rem-pure die Ruhe-peace * setzen - to set * sondern - but rather * tragen - to carry die Wand (::e)-wall * wider-against zurechtmachen - make up
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In fact, the present participles are most often used as adjectives, and they are used as adverbs occasionally. They are never used as verbs.
27.2. German differs &om English to the degree that modifiers can be placed between the introdnctory word and the present or past participles.
27
For example, one can say: (von) einer nach dem langen Schlafwirklich iiberfliissigen Schliifrigkeit-an after the long sleep really superfluous sleepiness; or: . . . den wahrscheinlich ein fUr allemal fUr Gregor bestimmten Napf-the probably once and for all for Gregor designated bowl. (Kafka,Die Verwandlung)
27.3. Generally, an overloaded adjective can be identified as such when two words appear together in German, which cannot be consecutive in English.
The most common non-consecutive word combinations are: such as
The overloaded adjective constrnction (also known as the "extended adjective" or the "participial" construction) is one of the most difficult constructions in the German language. Therefore, be sure to read this section carefully, especially if you need to read German to do scholarly research.
mein / nach Europa oft fliegender Freund-my to Europe often flying friend ein schaner, / im Winter selten vorkommender Tag-a beautiful, in winter seldom appearing day die! in der Realitat unbefriedigt gebliebenen Wiinsche des menschlichen UnterbewuGten-the in reality unsatisfied remaining wishes of the human subconscious (Fritz Martini) 2. two articles (or similar strong adjectives) such as die/ dem Lehrer zuhorenden Studenten-the to the teacher listening students ein/ dem Studenten sehr interessantes Buch -a to the student very interesting book die neue, / den meisten Menschen noch fremde Idee-the new to most people still foreign idea
27.1. In this construction, one of two participles generally is used-the ent participle, or the past participle.
pres-
The present participle is formed by adding a "d" to any German infinitive. Singen (to sing) can be changed to singend (singing); lachen (to laugh) can be changed to lachend (laughing); and tanzen (to dance) can be changed to tanzend (dancing). (Review 18.1) The past participle is identical with other past participles-gesungen gelacht (laughed), getanzt (danced), geschrieben (written). Both present and past participles can be used as adjectives: (sung),
27.4. When you encounter an overloaded adjective construction, use the following four steps in order to transform it into idiomatic English:
1. Locate the modifier which begins the overloaded construction. the modifier will be an article: ein, eine, der, das, die.) (Generally,
2. Locate the noun, or the noun phrase, which the modifier describes. This noun will be the first "available" noun which agrees with the modifier. For
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The Overloaded Adjective Construction Step 2 will consist of finding the noun to which the adjective is attached: Der vom Schicksal verfolgte Mann Der vom Schicksal verfolgte Mann der kranken
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example, in the segment, die in der Realitat unbefriedigt gebliebenen Wiinsche des menschlichen UnterbewuJlten, Wiinsche (des menschlichen UnterbewuBten) agrees with die, and it is the first available noun. Realitat is not considered available because it is already the object of the preposition in. 3. Locate a participle and any accompanying adverbs; the participle will have a "second" adjective ending (usually either -e or -en (c 4.3); it will appear before the noun. In the above segment, unbefriedigt gebliebenen is an example. 4. Read the final clause; do not change the order of the words in this clause (in der Realitdt). The final clause will often end with a noun. Therefore, the segment: die I in der Realitdt I unbefriedigt gebliebenenl Wiinsche des menschlichen I 4 3 2 UnterbewuJlten should be translated as follows: the wishes of the human subconscious that have remained unsatisfied in reality. 27.5. Note: It is sometimes desirable to add a "which" or "that" or a "who" and an auxiliary to the participle in order to make the translation sound smoother. By adding a "which," etc., you are merely changing an adjectival clause into a relative one in the same way as you could change the clause "the often discussed topic" into "the topic, which has often been discussed" and retain the same meaning.
- The husband of the sick woman with many pains who was persecuted by fate Der vom Schicksal verfolgte alte Mann - The old man persecuted by fate
Step 3 will consist of finding the adjective, which is a kind of pivot for step 4. It will appear in front of the noun in step 2, and it will always have an adjective ending. It may be an adjective formed from a verb, or it may be a regular adjective:
Der vom Schicksal verfolgte Mann - The man persecuted by fate Der vom Schicksal oft verfolgte Mann - The man often persecuted by fate
Step 4 will consist of the words located after step 1 and before step 3; they may be translated in the order in which they are found. Der vom Schicksal verfolgte Mann - The man persecuted by fate Der von einem schrecklichen, fast unglaublichen Schicksal verfolgte MannThe man persecuted by a horrible, almost unbelievable fate Diese von Wahrheitenden Agyptern geschriebenen Erzahlungen enthalten wichtige These stories written bv the Egyptians contain important truths.
27.6. While this construction usually contains a participle functioning as an adjective, other adjectives sometimes occur instead. Here are examples:
eine mir sehr angenehme Idee-an idea very agreeable to me promise important to the young
27.8. When the overloaded adjective is found in the beginning of the sentence, the appropriate noun. to which the article belongs will be found immediately before the conjugated verb. For in this type of clause, as in all independent German clauses, the conjugated verb appears in "second" place (c "Basic Verb Placement," Chapter 6); therefore, all the words preceding it will have to belong together. Here are more examples: Ein junger,/ auf ein Verbrechen langeklagter ISpanier namens Jeronimo war der 143 2 Geliebte Josephes. A young Spaniard named Jeronimo (who was) accused of a crime was Josephe's lover.
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Die/ mit zwei Katzen/ wohnende/ Frau hatte einen guten Freund. I 4 3 2 The woman living with two cats had a good friend.
overload; they can never be carried over to any other part of the sentence. In fact, you may find it useful to place brackets around this construction to remind yourself that all these words consist of a single unit within the sentence. 27.12. When the participle preceding the noun is a past participle, you will have to look up the infinitive in your dictionary, even though the word is used as an adjective. Here are examples: das benutzte Beispiel-look up benutzen (the used example) die aufieklarten Zeiten-Iook up aufklaren (the enlightened times) die geschriebene Regel-look up schreiben (the written rule)
After the adjective ending (which generally will be either -e or -en) is removed, all such participles will end either in -t (when they are easy-cf. "benutzt" and "aufgeklart") or in -en (when they are hard-cf. "geschrieben").
Overloaded adjective constructions can be differentiated from relative constructions because they don't have commas preceding the article, and because they end with a noun rather than a verb. Compare
Der Elefant, der in die Luft stieg,war aus Gummi - The elephant that rose in the
air was made of rubber (relative)
Der/ in die Luft /steigende / Elefimt war aus Gummi - The elephant rising in the
air was made of rubber (overload)
Die Frau beendete den/ van ihrer Mutter /angefangenen / Satz. I 4 3 2 The woman ended the sentence begun by her mother
27.10. noun: It is even possible for several overloaded adjectives to precede the
27.11. Translate these sentences. Indicate the four steps for each overload: 1. Josephe (a woman) fand ihren Geliebten beschatteten Tal (valley). (Kleist) in einem dunklen, van Pinien
Der / wegen seiner Gedichte / gut bekannte, /bei vielen Studenten /beliebte, viele I 4a }a 4b 3b Sprachen /flid~end sprechende / Professor /wurde entlassen. 4C 3C 2 The professor who was well known because of his poems, who was popular with his students, and who was fluent in many languages was fired. 27.11. This overloaded adjective steps I have indicated, and these (1,4,3,2) which I have given you words included between the article construction will always contain the four steps will always follow the same pattern in the sample sentences. Moreover, all the and the noun must be included within the
2. Herzog Wilhelm van Breisach kam van einer in Worms mit dem deutschen Kaiser abgehaltenen (held) Zusammenkunft (meeting) zuruck. (Kleist) 3. Am Pufe der Alpen, bei (near) Locarno, im oberen ltalien befand sich ein altes, einem Marchese (marquis) gehoriges SchloK (Kleist) 4. 1st der Brieftrager ein vom Schicksal (fate) verfolgter Mensch? 5. Die Frau ergriff eine mit Lilien gefiillte Glasvase und schleuderte sie in den Kamin (fireplace), wo sie in tausend Stucke verschellte. 6. Verstohlen blickte sie die ihr gegenuber sitzende Dame an. 7. Poseidon wurde uberdrussig (bored with) seiner Meere (seas). Der Dreizack (trident) entfiel (fill from) ihm. Still saf er an felsiger (rocky) Kiiste, und eine van seiner Gegenwart (presence) betaubte (dazed) Mowe (seagull) zag schwankende (precarious) Kreise urn sein Haupt. (Kafka)
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The Overloaded Adjective Construction die Breite-expanse, prolixity die Biirgerlichkeit-middle class way of life dar-stellen-to represent der Drang (-es, ::e)-craving entfallen (i) - to fall away from neulich - recen tly nutzlos- useless
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8. Solche in seinem gegenwartigen Zustand (situation) ganz nutzlose Gedanken gingen ihm durch den Kop (Kafka) (What does nutzlose modify? Be careful.) 9. Das junge Madchen sag ganz still da, und versuchte mit aller Kraft, die ihr so ungewohnten Tranen zu unterdrlicken. ro. Der Mann, der die mit zwei Katzen wohnende Frau liebte, mugte oft mit ihr zum Tierarzt gehen. II. Trotz seines Pessimismus wurde der Roman [Thomas Manns Buddenbrooks} ein behagliches (cozy, agreeable), den Reiz (charm) der alten Blirgerlichkeit (middle-class way of life) mit Liebe und Humor, geduldiger (patient) Breite (prolixity) und kostlichem (exquisite) Detail ausbreitendes (depicting) Buch. (Fritz Martini) 12. Das dicke Kind ging in die Bibliothek an einem Freitag oder einem Samstag, jedenfalls nicht and dem zum Ausleihen (lending) bestimmten Tag. 13. E. T. A. Hoffmann war ein wegen seiner boshaften Karikaturen geflirchteter Zeichner (sketcher) und ein Dichter, der ohne . . . viele Getranke nicht zu arbeiten vermochte. (Martini) (Note that Zeichner is attached to the overload while Dichter is attached to the relative clause.) 14. Ein hoch in die Luft springender Kakerlak (cockroach) erschreckte Fraulein Meier, wahrend sie bei dem Brieftrager saK I). Der Brieftrager sah in dem mutigen (Plucky), vom Zoo neulich endlohenen (escaped) Flugpferd (hippo) ein Symbol des Drangs der Freiheitaller Menschen und Tiere. (The hippo's name was Bubbles.) 16. Gegenliber der Tlir . . . zeigte sich im Kerzenschein (candle light) eine grage, in heftigen (severe)Strichen (strokes, outlines) ausgeflihrte Kreidezeichnung (chalk drawing), die Napoleon darstellte (represented),wie er in plumper (awkward) und despotischer Haltung seine mit Kanonenstiefeln (gun-boots) bekleideten Flige an einem Kamin (fireplace) warmte. (Thomas Mann) (This is a hard sentence!) 17. (A challenging sentence) Am schmalen Bogenfenster (bay window) einer Zelle, die nach dem grauen, jetzt vom Morgenlicht beschienenen Schlogturm von Riedberg hinliberschaute, sag die schone Lukretia Planta. (c. F. Meyer) Vocabulary ab-halten-to an-blicken-to aus-breiten-to depict aus-fuhren -to out * befinden (r)hold look at spread out, to execute, to carry to be located behaglich-cozy, comfortable bekleiden - to dress, adorn beschatten - to shade bescheinen-to light up bestimmen-to determine betauben - to daze boshaft-malicious
ergreifen - to grasp
erschrecken - to frighten felsig- rocky geduldigpatient * gegeniiber-opposite * die Gegenwart-present gegenwartigpresent gehorig-belonging to geliebt -loved das Getrank (-es, -e)-drink gran-grey die Haltung - stance, manner * das Haupt (-s, ::er)-head hiniiber-schauen (i)-to look over * das Italien (-s)-Italy jedenfalls-in any case der Kaiser (-s, -)-emperor der Kamin (-s, -e)-6replace ** der Kopf (-es, ::e)- head kostlich - precious, exquisite * die Kraft (::e)-strength der Kreis (-es, -e)-circle kiinstlerisch - artistic die Kiiste (-n)-coast * die Luft (-e)-air ** manche-some das Meer (-es, -e) -sea, die Mowe (-n)-seagull mutig- courageous ocean
ober-upper die Pinie (-n)-pine plump-awkward * das Recht (-es, -e)-justice, right der Reiz (-es, -e)-charm, stimulus ** der Roman (-es, -e)-novel das Schicksal (-s, -e)-fate schleudem - to fling das SchloR (-sses, ::sser)-castle schmal- narrow * soleh - such die Tranen - tears treiben-to drive das Tal (-es, ::er)-valley das Tier (-es, -e)-animal der Tierarzt - veterinarian * trotz- in spite of der Turm (-es, ::e)-tower iiberdriissig-bored with ungewohnt - unfamiliar unterdriicken-to suppress verfolgen - to persecute * vermogen-to be able to
Reading Selection: Der Wolf und die sieben GeiRlein (little goats) (This is a Grimm fairy tale familiar in Germany, which I have spiced up with overloaded adjectives to give you additional practice with them.) I have bold-faced words that I think you should know or guess and I have italicized words that will be repeated.
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Words that are underlined mean that more than one word is included in the translation. (Vocabulary is in Appendix K.) Es war einmal eine alte Geij (goat), die sieben junge Geimein hatte. Eines Tages wollte sie in den Wald gehen, urn etwas zu essen zu holen (get). So rief (called) sie ihre Kinder ins Haus und sprach: "Liebe Kinder, ich will in den Waldo Wenn der Wolf kommt, durft ihr (you) ihn nicht in unser Hauslein lassen. Wenn er hereinkame (were to come in), so wurde er euch (you) alle fressen. Das bose Geschopf(creature) verstellt (disguises) sich oft, aber an seiner Stimme (voice) und an seinen schwarzen Fugen werdet ihr ihn gleich (immediately) erkennen." Die Kinder, die ihre Mutter sehr liebte, sagten: "Liebe Mutter, du brauchst keine Angst zu haben." So ging die uber die Sicherheit ihrer Kinder sehr beruhigte (confident) Alte glucklich in den Waldo Bald klopfie jemand an die Tur und rief: "Macht auf, liebe Kinder, eure Mutter ist da und hat jedem van euch etwas mitgebracht." Aber die Geimein erkannten, d~ es der Wolf war. "Wir machen nicht auf]" riefen sie, "du bist nicht unsere Mutter, sie hat eine feine Stimme, aber deine Stimme ist rauh; du bist der Wolf." Dann ging der im Wald ganz allein wohnende Wolf weg und kaufte ein Stuck (piece) Kreide (chalk); die aa er und machte damit seine Stimme fein. Er kam zuriick, klopfte an die Tur und rief: "Macht auf, liebe Kinder, eure Mutter ist da!" Aber der Wolfhatte seinen schwarzen Fug ins Fenster gelegt; den sahen die Kinder und riefen: "Wir machen nicht auf, unsere Mutter hat keinen schwarzen Fug wie du; du bist der Wolf." So lief (ran, went) der Wolf zum in der Nahe des Waldes wohnenden Miiller und fragte ihn, ob er etwas Mehl (Hour) auf seinen Fug streuen (sprinkle) konnte. Der Muller dachte: "Der Wolf will jemanden betrugen (deceive)," und wollte es nicht tun. Aber der Wolf sprach: "Wenn du es nicht tust, dann fresse ich dich." So furchtete sich der Muller und machte dem Wolf den Fug weiK Ja, so sind die Menschen. Nun ging der van alIen Geschopfen der Welt gefurchtete Wolf wieder zu der Tur, klopfte an und sprach: "Macht auf, Kinder, euer Mutterchen ist zuruck." Die Geimein riefen: "Du mugt uns erst deinen Fug zeigen, sonst (otherwise) wissen wir nicht, ob du unser Mutterchen bist." Dann legte er den mit Mehl bedeckten Fug ins Fenster, und als sie sahen, dag er weig war, so glaubten sie, es ware (was) alles wahr, was er sagte, und machten die Tur auf. Wer aber hereinkam, das war der Wolf] Dann litten (suffered) sie alle Todesangst. Obwohl sie sich gut versteckten (hid), fand der Wolf sie doch und fr~ eins nach dem anderen auf; nur die jungste Geig, die sich in dem Kasten (box) der Wanduhr (wall clock) versteckt hatte, fand er nicht. Nachdem (after) der Wolf die Sechs gefressen hatte, ging er weg, legte sich draugen (outside) unter einen der vielen Baume vor dem van Tannen (pines) beschatteten (shaded) Haus und begann zu schlafen.
Bald kam die alte Geig aus dem Wald wieder nach Hause. Ach! was hat sie da gesehen! Alles war umgeworfen (strewn about). Sie suchte (sought, looked for) ihre Kinder, aber sie fand sie nicht. Sie rief sie alle bei Namen, aber niemand antwortete. Endlich, als sie den Namen des jungsten rief, antwortete eine feine, seiner Mutter sehr willkommene Stimme: "Liebe Mutter, ich bin im Uhrkasten (clock box)." Sie holte es heraus und es erzahlte ihr, d~ der Wolf gekommen ware und die anderen gefressen hatte. So konnen Sie sich vorstellen (imagine), wie sie uber ihre armen, van dem Wolf gefressenen Kinder geweint hat. Endlich ging sie hinaus und das jungste Geimein lief mit. Als sie vor das Haus kamen, lag da der Wolf unter dem Baum und schnarchte laut. "Ach, Gatt," dachte sie, "vielleicht leben meine Kinder noch!" Dann muate das jungste Geimein ins Haus laufen und Schere (scissors), Nadel und Zwirn holen. Dann schnitt (cut open) die Mutter dem Wolf den Bauch il!Ji und kaum (hardly) hatte sie einen Schnitt getan, so steckte schon ein Geimein den Kopf heraus, und endlich sprangen alle sechs heraus, und alle lebten noch. Das war ihr naturlich eine Freude! Die Alte sagte: "Jetzt suchen wir Steine; mit denen fullen wir dem Wolf den Bauch, solange er noch schlaft." Die sieben Geimein taten das und die Alte nahte ihn wieder zu (sewed up). Als der Wolf erwachte, stand er auf, und weil ihn die van den Geimein in seinen Bauch gefullten Steine so durstig machten, wollte er zu einem Brunnen (well) gehen und trinken. Als er aber an den Brunnen kam und trinken wollte, zogen (pulled) ihn die Steine in den Brunnen hinein, und er mDte ertrinken. Als die Geimein, die jetzt iibergliicklich waren, das sahen, liefen sie herbei und riefen laut: "Der Wolfist tot!" und lachten und tanzten mit ihrer Mutter urn den Brunnen.
The Passive
205
However, a participle can also have a vowel other than 0: geschrieben, gefallen, gegeben, gegrifJen, gelungen.
28
28.3. In the passive construction, werdenwill be conjugated, and it will appear in "second" place, while the participle will appear at the end of the clause. The tense of werdenwill determine whether the tense of the passive is present, past, present perfect or past perfect. 28.4. Examples of the passive
The Passive
he is seen
es wird gesehen - it is seen sie wird gesehen-she is seen 28.1. Passive voice is formed in English by using the verb to be as an auxiliary:
He helpshis friend (active)-His friend is helpedby him (passive) He helpedhis friend (active)-His friend washelpedby him (passive) . He hashelpedhis friend (active)-His friend has beenhelpedby him (passive) He can help his friend (active)-His friend can be helpedby him (passive) 28.2. In German, passive is formed by using the verb werden as an auxiliary with a participle with the past participial form (such as gesagt,geschrieben)of another verb: Sein Freund wird van ihm gesehen - His friend is seen by him. Jeden Tag werden die im Wohnzimmer oft spielenden Katzen gestreichelt-Every day the cats who often play in the living room are patted. Ehrlichkeit wurde nie bereut- Honesty was never regretted. Reminder: On good days, German participles will have the prefixge-, and even on bad days, they will always have the suffix -t or -en: gemacht, gefragt, gekannt, geschrieben, etan, versprochen, rwartet. g e
Whenever you see a verb ending in
3. Here are all the examples of the present perfect passive: ich bin gesehen worden du bistgesehen worden er, es, sie ist gesehen worden wir sind gesehen worden ihr seidgesehen worden sie sind gesehen worden Sie sind gesehen worden NOTE THAT WORDEN ALWAYS I have beenseen you have beenseen he, it, she has beenseen we have beenseen you have beenseen they have beenseen you have beenseen MEANS BEEM!!
-twhen
must be a participle: wird verlernt;wird beliebt,wird erlaubt. Whenever you see a verb ending in -en and there is an 0 in the root (except for variations of kommen), the verb will be a participle: besprochen, mpflhlen, entflohen. e
4. Here are the other passive forms, which appear less frequendy: Das Bild war gesehen worden-The picture had been seen. (past perfect passive) Das Bild wird gesehen werden-The picture will beseen. (future passive)
206
German
Quickly
The Passive 2. If there is a simple infinitive, the sentence will be a simple future:
27
Das Bild wird gesehen worden sein- The picture will have been seen. (future perfect passive) 28.5. The passive construction can be confusing because werden also is used in two other ways with which you are already familiar: a. without an infinitive, werden simply means "to become: "
Er wird mit uns gehen- He willgo with us. Sie werdenden Film sehen- They will see the film.
Reminder: The infinitive is the verb form found in your dictionaries. It will always end in -n or -en. 3. If there are no verbs, translate werden as become: Das schonste Griin wird auch Heu- The most beautiful green also becomes hay. Die Studenten werden nie reich - The students never become rich.
Sie wird mit uns gehen-She will go with us. Sie wird das Gedicht schreiben-She will write the poem. c. Compare the sentences in (a) and (b) with the following passive:
Der Student wird von dem Professor gesehen- The student is seen by the professor. Das Gedicht wird von ihr geschrieben- The poem is written by her. Wrden used passively will always be translated as a form of the verb to be and never as the verb to become. If in doubt, translate wird as is and werden as are rather than becomes/become, as passive is used far more frequently than become. 28.6. W/orden will always be translated as been because worden is used only as the participial form of the passive. Compare the following two sentences: Der Hund ist alt geworden- The dog has become old. (regular) Der Hund ist dressiert worden-The dog has been trained. (passive)
Der Mann wird Professor- The man becomesa professor. Ein Gast wird zu einer Last-A guest becomesa burden. (Often, if you see werden accompanied by the preposition zu, it will mean become,and you will not translate the zu.)
28.8. Occasionally, however, a passive sentence should be translated as future passive, as can be shown by the following two sentences: Morgen wird der Film gesehen- Tomorrow the movie will be seen.
WannwirdderTanzbargesehen? When will the dancing bear beseen? In each sentence, wird makes the sentence passive only. The morgen in the first sentence and the wann in the second sentence rather than the verb point out that the sentences should be translated in the future tense. Otherwise, the "official" future will be written as follows: Der Film wird gesehen werden- The movie will be seen. 28.9. Sometimes the infinitive of the verb and its perfect are identical. However, you can generally differentiate the future from the passive by context. Here are examples:
28.7. Whenever you see a form of werden, therefore, check for possible verbs at the end of the clause.
1. If there is a past participle the sentence will be passive:
Der Krimi wird oft gelesen- The thriller is often read. Die Frage wurde oft gestellt- The question wasoften asked.
Also, sentences with the passive usually will have an inanimate noun (der Krimi, die Frage) for the nominative noun.
Er wird den toten Vogelbegraben-He will bury the dead bird. (fUture) Der tote Vogel wird von ihm begraben- The dead bird is buried by him. (passive) Er wird seine Kollegen empfangen- He will receivehis colleagues. (fUture) Er wirdvon seinen Kollegen empfangen-He is receivedby his colleagues. (passive)
Note that if you have wurde and a verb that could be either an infinitive or a participle, the verb will always be a participle, because the future cannot be fOrmed with the past of werden:
208
The Passive
209
(passive) Wo wurde Ulysses S. Grant begraben?- Where was Ulysses S. Grant buried? 28.10. Modals can be combined with the passive in the following way:
28.12. Because the various uses of werden are confusing, you should make a chart of the possibilities to use as a handy reference: 1. werden +participle (a verb ending in -en [with a vowel change] or -t, and usually with age- prefix) =passive (is, are, was, were, be):
Das Buch mufunbedingtgelesen werden-The book must definitely be read. Das Bild mufte gesehenwerden-The picture had to be seen. Das Bild hat gesehenwerdenmussen- The picture hashad to beseen. Das Bild hattegesehenwerdenmussen- The picture had had to be seen. Das Bild wirdgesehenwerdenmussen- The picture will have to be seen.
Whenever you have to translate a sentence with three or more verbs, the conjugated verb will always be translated first, the final verb will be translated second, the penultimate verb will be translated third, and any fourth verb will be translated last. Here is an example: Die Doktorarbeit wird von dem Professor gelesen werden mussen- The dissertation I 4 3 2
Die E-mail wird von dem Dichter geschrieben- The e-mail is written by the poet. Das Folgende wird oft gesagt- The following is often said.
Der Mann wurde erwartet
-
Die Frau ist endlich geliebt worden - The womanhasfinallybeenloved. Der Film mug besprochen werden - The film must be discussed.
This should be your first option!!! 2. werden + infinitive (a verb ending in -n or -en only with no vowel change) = will:
Der Mann wird mit der Frau singen- The man will sing with the woman. Der Brieftrager wird Fraulein Meier helfen miissen- The mailman will have to help Fraulein Meier.
3. werden + predicate adjective (or a predicate nominative) = become:
will have to be read by the professor. 28.11. Other cautions: wird when used as a passive should be translated as is; werden should be translated as are. It is extremely tempting to translate them as past tenses as they look deceptively past:
Der Mann wird unglucklich The man becomesunhappy. Der Mann wird zu einem Dichter- The man becomes a poet. Der Brieftrager kann glucklich werden-The mailman can become happy. 28.13. Translate these sentences, being particularly aware of how you are translating werden (not all of the sentences are passive):
1. An der Fruchtwird der Baum erkannt. 2. Hohe Klimmer und tiefe Schwimmer werden nicht alt. 3. Esel werden zur Hochzeit geladen (invited), nur urn Wasser zu tragen. 4. Beim (at the) Tanze wird die Unschuld (innocence) umgebracht (murdered); auf dem Heimwege wird sie begraben. (Obviously, this proverb is amazingly puritanical! I cannot imagine any German-speaking person ever saying it.) 5. Rom wurde nicht in einem Tag erbaut. 6. Kein Armer solI verachtet werden, denn Christus war auch arm auf Erden. 7. Unter Rdubern wird kein Mordbegangen. (There is honor among thieves.) 8. Wer im Friihling nicht sat (sows), wird im Herbst nichts ern ten (reap). (Be careful when translating nicht and nichts) 9. Freundschaft muiS vergolten werden.
Die Arbeit wird oft getan - The work is often done. Die Tur wird zugemacht- The door is closed. Die Katzen werden selten gehort- The cats are seldom heard.
When werden appears at the end of the clause, if the word to the left of it is an adjective, translate werden as become; if the word to the left of it is a participle, translate werden as a passive:
She can becomerich Wenn sie alt wird, wird sie viele Bucher lesen- When she becomesold, she will read many books. Sie will geliebtwerden - She wants to be loved
Sie kann reich werden
-
must be understood.
Wenn er gesehen wird, arbeitet er viel- Whenever he is seen, he works a lot. Der Wolf machte viele Versuche, urn von den GeiiSlein hereingelassen zu werdenThe wolf made many attempts to be let in by the little goats.
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German Quickly
The Passive
2II
10. Ein auf die Spitze (point, extreme) getriebenes Recht kann unter man chen Umstanden (circumstances) zu einem grolSen Unrecht werden. II. Wenn der Stein aus der Hand und das Wort aus dem Mund ist, konnen sie 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. nicht mehr zuruckgebracht werden. Die Tur wurde geoffizet, und ein beleibter Mann, der einen langen Bart hatte, erschien in der Turoffnung. Die liebevollen Katzen Fraulein Meiers sind oft gestreicheltworden. Die Erinnerung ist das einzige Paradies, aus welchem wir nicht vertrieben werden konnen. Qean Paul). Rache ist ein Gericht (dish, food), das kaltgegessen werden sollte. Aber die deutschen Revolutionare (urn 1830), die unter dem Sammelnamen
miBverstandlich
erroneous,
verachten - to despise
* die Vergangenheit
past
vergelten, vergalt, hat vergoitento reward * vgl.-vergieiche-compare (cO verhaftet-dependent, bound up with vertreiben, vertrieb, hat vertrieben-to drive away vorhanden - available * worden-(always) been
das Paketchen (-s, -) - parcel peinlich - embarrassing der Revolutionar (-s, -e)revolutionary der Sammelname tive name * seIber-self, even (-ns, -n)-collec-
"Junges Deutschland" milSverstandlich und unfreiwillig zusammengefalSt wurden, waren der Vergangenheit starker verhaftet, als sie selbst es ahnten und je zugeben wollten. (Martini) 17. Die Tanzenden werden von denen, die die Musik nicht horen, fur toll (mad, crazy) gehalten. 18. Wittgenstein war einmal krank. Da in der Hausapotheke (medicine chest) ein bestimmtes Medikament nicht vorhanden war, wurde mein Vater, der Kaufmann war, ersucht, das Medikament aus Neunkirchen (the name of a town) mitzubringen. Ich selber wurde beauftragt, Wittgenstein das Paketchen zu uberbringen . . . . Als ich hinkam, war Wittgenstein bettlagrig. Er bedankte sich vielmals und sagte: "Ich kann dir jetzt nichts geben, aber ich spiele dir etwas auf der Klarinette vor." Mir war das ziemlich peinlich. (A former pupil of Wittgenstein recalls his childhood experience with the philosopher.)
* ziemlich - rather zu-geben, gab zu, hat zugegeben-to admit zuriick-bringen, brachte zuriick, hat zuriickgebracht-to bring back zusammen-fassen - to combine
streichein-to stroke, pat toll- mad, crazy die Tiiroffnung-doorway iiberbringen-to deliver um-bringen, brachte urn, hat umgebracht-to murder unfreiweilliginvoluntarily 28.14. Practice with the forms of werden: I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Es wird getan. Es wurde getan. Es ist getan worden. Es war getan worden. Es mulS getan werden. Es mulSte getan werden. Es wird getan werden. Die Leute werden gehort. Es wird erkannt.
Vocabulary ahnen
-
to suspect
begehen, beging, hat begangento commit beauftragen - to commission bedanken (r.)-to thank (a person)
ersuchen-to request, ask der Friihling (-s)-spring das Gericht (-s, -e)-food (in this context) die der der die Hausapotheke-medicine Heimweg-way home Herbst (-es, -e)-fall Hochzeit (-en)-wedding chest
beleibt
stout
10. Es wird versprochen. II. Sie wird das Problem verstehen. 12. Das Problem wird von ihr nicht verstanden. 13. Das Problem wurde verstanden. 14. Die Bilder werden angesehen. 15. Die Studenten werden erwartet. 16. Die Studenten konnen gesehen werden. 17. Die Tur wurde zugemacht. 18. Die Grammatik wird studiert. 19. Vor acht Jahren wurde der Kritiker oft gelesen.
* je-ever der Kaufmann (-s '~er)-merchant der Klimmer (-s, -)-climber laden, Iud, hat geladen-to invite liebevoll-loving, affectionate das Medikament-medicine
212
German Quickly Sie wird in die Bibliothek gehen. Die Frucht wird gegessen. Er wurde begraben. Wird das Lied je gesungen? Ein mit vielen Hunden wohnender Mann wird eine mit vielen Katzen wohnende Frau kennenlernen.
29
29.1. Some constructions that are active in German may be translated into English as passive. The most common of these constructions are: 1. sentences in which man is the subject 2. some verbs that are active in German, but passive in English 3. some reflexive verbs should be translated passively; sich lassen is one of the most common of these reflexive verbs. 29.2. Sentences with man (one) Sentences with man as the subject can be translated either actively or passively, depending on personal preference. However, at times, a passive translation may sound smoother in English. Examples are: Man tut das nichtOne does not do that, or: That is not done.
Man hat Jeronimo Rugera in das Gefangnis eingesperri- One locked Jeronimo Rugera in prison, or: Jeronimo Rugera was locked in prison.
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German Quickly
215
29.3. Some verbs that are active in German must be translated into English with the verb "to be." The most common of these verbs are gelten (to be valid), heifen (to be called), schweigen (to be silent) and the modal durfen (to be permitted). Here are examples:
However, if the subject is a person rather than an abstraction, translated as has or even lets himself
Eine Unze guten Beispiels gilt mehr als ein Pfund Worte-An example is worth more than a pound of words.
ounce of a good Der Mann laft sichdie Haare schneiden - The man hashis hair cut. Man solI sich nicht zu viel traumen lassen-One should not let himself dream too much.
29.7. Translate these sentences (vocabulary is on p. 216-217): 1. 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Wer sich ilirchtet, sieht Gespenster. Der Teufel ist nicht so schwarz, wie man ihn malt (paints). Fur jeden Topf (pot) findet sich ein Deckel (cover). Fische fangt man mit der Angel (hook), Leute fangt man mit WOrten. Lieben und Beten (praying) lassen sich nicht notigen. Gluck lagt sich finden, Behalten (keeping it) ist eine Kunst. Der Expressionismus lagt sich nicht ohne Nietzsches Vorgang (precedence) begreifen. (Martini) 8. Was von Stroh ist, mug sich vor dem Feuer huten.
Der Hund heift Grimmelshausen - The dog is named (or called) Grimmelshausen.
Die Vogel schweigen im Walde- The birds are silent in the woods. Das junge Kind darfden gewalttatigen Film nicht sehen- The young child is not permitted to see the violent film. 29.4. Some reflexive verbs also should be translated with the verb "to be." Here are some examples: sich befinden to be located sichfinden to be found sichfreuen uber to be happy about sichfUrchten vor to be afraid of sich interessierenfUrto be interested in sich spiegeln to be reflected Here are sample sentences:
9. Ein zankisches (cranky) Weib und ein triefendes (dripping) Dach (roof), wenn es sehr regnet, lassen sich miteinander vergleichen. (Proverbs) ro. Alte Baume lassen sich nicht biegen. II. Leoparden brechen in den Tempel ein und saufen (guzzle) die Opferkruge leer. Das wiederholt sich immer wieder. SchliegJich kann man es vorausberechnen (calculate in advance), und es wird ein Teil der Zeremonie. (Kafka)
Hier findet sich ein interessanter Gedanke- Here an interesting thought isfound. Fraulein Meier interessiert sich fur Erdkunde- Fraulein Meier is interested in geography. 29.5. Sich wiederholen is translated passively whenever the subject is inanimate. Here is an example:
Das wiederholt sich immer wieder29.6. Sich lassen Sich lassen should be translated as can be in the present tense, or as could be in the past tense. Here are examples: That is repeated again and again.
216
German Quickly
Constructions to Be Translated Passively into English; the "Fake" Passive ** solange-as long as der Stall (-s, -e)-stable * das Teil (-s, -e)-part der Topf (-es, ::e)- pot * vergleichen-to compare verheiraten - to marry verkaufen - to sell voraus- berechnen - calculate in advance * wiederholen (r)-to zankisch - cranky be repeated
217
Die Tilr ist zugemacht (the door is closed), on the other hand, indicates that the door is closed (and your cat can't get through it unless you have a special cat door). The "fake" passive is easy to translate into English because the verb sein is translated literally as to be, while the participle is translated naturally as a participle. Examples are:
Reading Selection: Zwei Chassidische (Hasidic) Geschichten (Martin Buber) 1. Eine arme Apfelhandlerin (lady apple dealer), deren Stand nah am Hause Rabbi Chaims van Zans war, kam einst klagend zu ihm: "Unser Rabbi, ich habe noch kein Geld, um fiir den Sabbat einzukaufen." "Und dein Apfelstand?" fragte der Zaddik (wiseman). "Die Leute sagen", antwortete sie, "meine Apfel seien (are) schlecht, und siewollen keine kaufen." Sogleichlief Rabbi Chaim auf die Gasse und rief: "Wer will gute Apfel kaufen?" 1m Nu (immediately) sammelte sich die Menge um ihn, die Miinzen Bogen unbesehen und ungezahlt herbei, und bald waren alle Friichte zum doppelten und dreifachen Preis verkauft. "Sieh nur", sagte er zur Frau, als er sich zum Gehen wandte, "deine Apfel waren gut, die Leute haben es nur nicht gewuik"
II. Ehe Rabbi Mordechai van Neshiz seinen Beruf erkannte, betrieb er einen
Die Katze ist verloren- The cat is lost. Das Kind ist natiirlich sehr erregt- The child is naturally very excited.
Note that even though the participle is functioning as a predicate adjective, it still appears at the end of the clause.
kleinen Handel. Nach jeder Reise, die er unternahm, um seine Waren zu verkaufen, pBegte er ein wenig Geld zuriickzulegen, um sich fiir das Hiittenfest (Feast of Tabernacles) eine Etrogfrucht (a citron used in a religious service) zu erstehen (get). Als er mehrere Rubel beisammen hatte, fuhr er in die Kreisstadt * immer wieder-again * die Kunst (::e)-art * lassen (lagt) (r)-can & again be (town) und dachte unterwegs unablassig daran, ob es ihm wahl vergonnt (granted) wiirde (would be), unter den dart feilgebotenen (offered) Paradiesapfeln (literally: aparadise apple; here, an Etrog is meant) den schonsten zu erwerben. Da sah er mitten auf der Strage einen Wasserverkaufer stehen, der um sein gefallenes pferd jammerte. Er stieg ab und gab dem Mann all sein Geld, dag er sich ein anderes kaufe (might buy). "Was macht es aus?" sagte er lachend zu sich, als er sich auf dem Heimweg machte, "alle werden den Segen (blessing) iiber dem Etrog sprechen, und ich spreche meinen Segen iiber dies em pferd." Zu Hause fand er einen herrlichen Etrog vor, den ihm Freunde indessen gespendet hatten.
Vocabulary
die Angel (-n)-fishhook * begreifen-to comprehend behalten - to keep
to
leer-empty * die Macht-power, strength, might malen - to paint miteinander-with one another ** nachdem-after nwren-to nourish * noch nicht - not yet notigen-to force der Opferkrug (-s, ::e)-sacrificial vessel
fangen (fangt) - to catch * nnden (r)-to be found * freuen (r)-to be pleased das Gespenst (-es, -er)-ghost hiiten (vor) (r)-to be on guard (against)
saufen - to guzzle
schlieglich - finally * schwarz- black
Subjunctive I
indicative (gehen) ich gehe *du gehst *er geht wir gehen *ihr geht sie gehen Sie gehen subjunctive I (gehen) gehe gehest gehe gehen gehet gehen gehen subjunctive I (sein) sel sei(e)st sei selen sei(e)t selen selen subjunctive I (haben) habe habest habe haben habet haben haben
219
30
Subjunctive I
*For verbs except sein and the modals (diirfen, konnen, mogen, miissen, sollen, and wollen), present indicative and the Subjunctive I will be identical except for second and third person singular and the informal you plural.
30.3. The most common use of this subjunctive form is indirect discourse, which is, whenever a sentence includes what someone has said or thought without using his direct words. Examples are:
30.1. The German subjunctive is not too difficult to translate (although most explanations of the subjunctive, including this one, may seem long and confusing) because often the context forces the reader to use the subjunctive naturally, whether or not the form is recognized. There are two types of the subjunctive, one based on the infinitive root of the verb, and one based on the past tense. At this point, it will be crucial for you to learn the infinitive and the past subjunctive forms of sein (sei-infinitive; ware-past) and haben (habe-infinitive; hatte-past), as these are the verbs that appear most frequently in your reading.
Er sagt, er habe die Eintrittskarte- He says,he hasthe admission ticket. Sie glaubt, sie sprechedie Wahrheit-She believesshe is speakingthe truth.
The subjunctive I generally appears after verbs such as sprechen (speak), sagen (say), fragen (ask), antworten (answer), glauben (believe), denken (think), versprechen (promise), meinen (be of the opinion, suppose), erzahlen (explain), hoffin (hope), or even schreiben (write). A rough equivalent of this in English is shown by adding the word "that" after sim-
30.2. The subjunctive is formed ttom the infinitive root/stem of the verb (which I will call "subjunctive I," although it is sometimes called the present subjunctive).
Here are some examples of the subjunctive based on the infinitive stem of the verb in comparison with the present indicative:
220
Subjunctive I
vergessen wir nicht, das zu tun! - Let us not forget to do that! Gehen wir jetzt!-Let us go now! Seien wir gliicklich! - Let us be happy!
221
Sie glaubte, sie verstehe den komplizierten Begriff-She complicated concept. (past) Er sagt, er sei gliicklich - He sayshe is happy (present) Er sagte, er sei gliicklich-He said he was happy (past)
30.5. The present perfect is formed by using the subjunctive I form of either haben or sein with a participle. Here are examples: Er sagte, er habe den Begriff verstanden-He said he had understoodthe concept. Fraulein Meier glaubte, ihr Kindheitstraum sei Wirklichkeit geworden- Fraulein Meier believed, her childhood dream had becomea reality. 30.6. Note that the subjunctive I can be continued beyond the initial clause:
30.9. At other times, subjunctive I (which is not indirect discourse) should be translated into English with may, should, or even without an -s ending on the verb. Examples are: Obwohl es gut sei, gefallt es ihr nicht-Although her.
Man vergessenicht. . . - One shouldnot forget. . .
Gott helfeihm!-God
help him!
Note the difference between the indicative and the subjunctive I: K. erklarte Hans, daiS eine soIehe Hilfe nicht notig sei, Zanken (scolding) gehore wohl zu des Lehrers Natur. . ., iibrigens (moreover) wirke auf K. dieses Zanken nicht so wie auf einen Schiiler, er schiittele es ab, es sei ihm fast gleichgiiltig- K. eXplained to Hans that such a help was not necessary, chiding indeed belonged to the teacher's nature, moreover, this chiding did not affect K. as it would a pupil, he could shake it off, it was almost indifferent to him. (Kafka) Man glaubt das nicht-One Man glaube das nicht-One does not believe that (indicative) should not believe that (subjunctive I)
30.10. Summary:
1. If the sentence starts with a clause with a verb in it such as sagen (to say),ftagen (to ask), meinen (to believe), behaupten (to assert), erkldren (to eXplain) and the next clause has a verb in subjunctive I, do not embellish the subjunctive I with any auxiliaries. It is only indirect discourse:
30.7. Occasionally, this subjunctive will also be used as a command. A good example is the Lord's Prayer: "Unser Vater im Himmel. Dein Name werdegeheiligt. Dein Reich komme. Dein WillegescheheaufErden wie im Himmel." -Our Father in Heaven. Let thy name be hallowed. Let thy kingdom come. Let thy will be done. . . The expletive Gottseidank-let God be thanked, or Thank God-also command subjunctive within it. has the
This form can be recognized because the third person singular ends in -e rather than -t for present tense; moreover, the forms will always be either imperative or subjunctive I. Also, a straight indicative translation will seem somewhat inappropriate. Here are other examples:
Gott gnade dem, der mit faulen Leuten haushalt - Let God bless him who associates with lazy people. Besser, esfresse mich ein Wolf als ein Lamm -It is better that a wolf eat me, than a lamb (eat me). 30.8. When the verb is followed by wir and the sentence has an exclamation point, it is best translated by let us. Examples are:
Die Torheit anderer Leute sei deine Weisheit- The foolishness of other people should be your wisdom (Or: Let the foolishness of other people be your wisdom.)
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30.11. Translate these sentences: I. Ein boses (guilty) Gewissen denkt stets (constantly), der Wolf sei hinterm Ofen. 2. Der Fuchs meint, dag jeder Hiihner stehle, wie er. (How do you know that jeder does not modifY Hiihner?) 3. Hoch lebe der Konig. (You may translate hoch as long) 4. Wenn alle dir sagen, du seiest betrunken, geh schlafen! (Do you remember the imperative? See 6-4) 5. Kinder meinen, wenn es im Dorf regnet, es regne in der ganzen Welt. (How do you know that meinen is not an adjective?) 6. Die Wahrsager erinnern uns: Vergessen wir nicht die Zukunft! 7. Ein Durstiger traumt, dag er trinke, wenn er aber aufWacht, ist seine Zunge noch trocken (dry). 8. Der Bibelverkaufer schlagt vor: Lesen wir die Bibel! 9. Gott bewahre mich vor meinen Freunden! IO. Wer fUrchtet, er tue zu viel, tut immer zu wenig. II. Der Brieftrager glaubte, er habe viel von Fraulein Meier erfahren. 12. Die Gelehrten sind gute Uhrwerke: nur sorge man, sie richtig aufZuziehen (wind)! Dann zeigen sie ohne Falsch die Stunde an und machen einen bescheidenen (modest) Urm (noise) dabei. (Nietzsche) (Nietzsche's view of scholars tends to be as dim as his view of Christians!) Vocabulary an-zeigen - to show auf-ziehen - to wind bescheiden - modest bewahren vor-to protect from der Of en (-s, ::)-oven regnen (i)-to rain richtig-correctly schlafen (i)-to sleep * sei (from sein)-to be * selbst-self, even sorgen (i)-to take care stets - constan tly traumen - to dream das Uhrwerk (-s, -e)-clock, der Wahrsager (-s, -) - prophet ** wieder-again vor-schlagen-to suggest * die Zukunft-future
31
Subjunctive II
31.1. The subjunctive based on the past of the verb (subjunctive II)
The subjunctive II (which is also sometimes called the past subjunctive) usually is formed by adding an umlaut to the past of strong/hard verbs (if these verbs contain vowels a, 0, or u). When weak! easy verbs are encountered, the past indicative and the Subjunctive II are identical. Here are examples: Past indicative singen (strong) ich sang du sangst er sang Wlf sangen ihr sangt Sle sangen Sie sangen Subjunctive II sange sangest sange sangen sanget sangen sangen Past indicative sagen (weak) sagte sagtest sagte sagten sagtet sagten sagten Subjunctive II sagte sagtest sagte sagten sagtet sagten sagten
* dabei- in sodoing
das Dorf (-es, .~er)- village * erinnern - to remind (ohne) Falsch-without error der Gelehrte (-n, -n)-scholar der Larm (-es)-noise * meinen-to think be of the opinion,
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Subjunctive II
225
And here are the Subjunctive II forms ofsein, haben, and werden: sem ich ware du war(e)st er ware wir waren ihr war(e)t sie waren Sie waren haben hatte hattest hatte hatten hattet hatten hatten werden wiirde wiirdest wiirde wiirden wiirdet wiirden wiirden
Man sagte, Fraulein Meier ginge gern in den Zoo-It was said that Ftaulein Meier liked to go to the zoo. Sie behauptet, daB sie hilflos ware-She asserts that she is helpless. Sie behauptete, daB sie hilflos ware-She asserted that she was helpless. This is also used in newspapers to avoid libel: Nach Angaben der Polizei, hatte der Rauber den Mord begangen-According police reports, the robber had committed the murder. to
31.3. There are both present and past forms of the subjunctive II 31.2. Here are the most frequent uses of the subjunctive II 1. Expressions of events that did not occur: Es warenett gewesen,wenn er gekommen ware-It would have beennice, if he had come. Wenn er das gewult hatte, hatte er die richtige AntWortgegeben-If he had known that, he would havegiven the right answer. Wenn Fraulein Meier hier ware, gabe sie uns eine Erklarung- If Fraulein Meier werehere, she wouldgive us an explanation. 2. Different degrees of assumption or possibility:
Vielleicht ware das moglich-Perhaps that would be possible. Es ware nett, das zu tun-It would be nice to do that. Wenn ich nur reich ware-If only I were rich! 1. When there is only one subjunctive verb in a sentence, it usually will be translated as would, particularly if it appears in the main clause of the sentence: Es ware schon, einen neuen Wintermantel new winter coat. Meier would be quite sad. Vielleicht ginge er doch mit uns ins Kinous, after all. zu besitzen -It would be nice to own a Das ware moglich - That would be possible (present). Das ware moglich gewesen- That would have been possible (past). Wenn er das wiijJte, tate er das nicht-Ifhe were to know (or knew) that, he would not do that (present). Wenn er das gewujJt hatte, hatte er das nichtgetan-Ifhe had known that, he would not have done that (past). Note that in the past form the subjunctive of either sein (ware) or haben (hatte) is used as the auxiliary verb.
3. Clauses of conjecture that cannot be confirmed immediately, such as after als ob (asij), als wenn, and als: Er sieht aus, als ob er gliicklich ware-He looks as ifhe werehappy. Arbeite, als kiinntest du ewig leben-Work as if you couldlive eternally; Bete, als endete morgen dein Streben - Pray as if tomorrow your striving would end. 4. Desires: Ich wiinschte,ich kiinnte gehen-I wishI couldgo. (Note that wiinschte also is subjunctive in German, although it is indicativein English.)
5. Reported speech such as the words of a third person (the first person being the narrator and the second person being the listener). The subjunctive II is also used if there is the slightest doubt about the accuracy of the statements:
2. The subjunctive II also will be translated as would if the verb refers to some event which can happen only in the future:
Er glaubte, erfloge nachstes Jahr nach Berlin- He believed he wouldfly to Berlin next year.
Sie sagte, wir sahen sie morgen
-
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Subjunctive II
227
3. The subjunctive II will be translated as were (or a similar past) whenever itis part of an "if" clause: Er tat, als ob er das wufi'te-He acted as ifhe knew that. Zuviel schmeckt bitter, auch wenn es lauter Honig ware-Too even if it were pure honey. Wenn er nur hier ware! - If only he werehere!
Wenn das GeigJein sich nicht so gut versteckt hatte, ware es eher gefunden worden- If the little goat had not hidden so well, he would have beenfound sooner. When a subjunctive passive verb is part of an "if" clause, it should be translated as had been. . . Examples are: n7enn es nur eher erklart worden ware-Ifit had only been explained sooner! Sie sieht aus, als ware sie gekufi't worden-She looks as ifshe had been kissed.
31.5. If. . . then clauses (the conditional) 31.7. Translate these sentences: In most "if. . . then" sentences, both verbs will be subjunctive; in the "if" clause, the subjunctive verb should be translated as were (or a similar past), while in the main clause, the subjunctive verb should be translated as would. Examples are:
n7enn der Student hier ware, sange er ein Trinklied-If would sing a drinking song. the student were here, he
1. 2. 3. 4.
Ohne Musik ware das Leben ein Irrtum. (Nietzsche) Ein Esel bleibt ein Esel, auch wenn er nach Rom kame. Wenn er hier ware, ware sie gllicklich. Ware die Wahrheit ein Bach (brook), hatten die Menschen Wasserscheu
(hydrophobia).
Moreover, some subjunctive sentences begin with a verb, and they all follow an "if . . . then" pattern. Again, the verb in the "if" clause (which is the verb starting the sentence) should be translated as werewhile the other subjunctive II verb should be translated as would. Here are examples:
Gabe es keine Armut, so gabe es keine Kunst be no art.
-
5. Wenn er an den ehemaligen (former) Geliebten Fraulein Meiers denkt, sieht der Brieftrager aus, als hatte er einen Holzapfel gegessen. (He is looking quite annoyed!) 6. Wenn es ein Maul (mouth) hatte, so bifi" es dich. (It looks mean and hostile. Or, it is quite obviously right in front of you.) 7. Wenn Arbeit so lustig und leichtware, so tate es der Blirgermeister selbst. 8. Ich wliBte nicht zu leben, wenn ich nicht noch ein Seher ware dessen, was kommen muK (Nietzsche) 9. Wenn es moglich gewesen ware, den Turm (tower) von Babel zu erbauen, ohne ihn zu erklettern, es ware erlaubt worden. (Kafka) (Note: do not add a would to the if clause!) ro. Sneewittchen erzahlte den sieben Zwergen, daB seine Stiefmutter es hatte wollen umbringen lassen, der Jager (hunter) hatte ihm aber das Leben geschenkt, und da ware es den ganzen Tag gelaufen, bis es endlich ihr Hauslein gefunden hatte. (Note that es should be translated as she because the noun Sneewittchen is neuter.) II. Niemand auBer dem Brieftrager hatte erwartet, daB der einsichtsvolle, die Zukunh der Erde behandelnde Aufsatz (essay)von Fraulein Meier geschrieben worden war. 12. Warum kann der Hund Furcht, aber nicht Reue (repentance) empfinden? Ware es richtig zu sagen, "weil er nicht sprechen kann"? (Wittgenstein) (How do you know that kann and empfinden have to go together?) 13. Jeronimo war starr (rigid) vor Entsetzen; und gleich, als ob sein ganzes BewuBtsein (consciousness,mind) zerschmettert worden ware, hielt er sich jetzt an dem
Hatte ich das gewufi't, ware ich nicht dahingegangen-Ifl not have gone there.
228
Subjunctive II
(not all of these are subjunctive,
229
pfeiler (column), an welchem er hatte sterben wollen, urn nicht umzufallen. (Kleist) 14. Zarathustra iiber Jesus: Ware er doch in der Wiiste geblieben und feme von den Guten und Gerechten! Vielleicht hatte er leben gelernt und die Erde lieben gelernt-und das Lachen dazu . . . Er starb zu friih: er selber hatte seine Lehre widerrufen, ware er bis zu meinem Alter gekommen. (Nietzsche) (So ifJesus had only lived to be forty, he would have rhought just like Nietzsche!) Vocabulary * als ob-as if * gleich - immediately halten-to hold * h1itte-subj.ofhaben der Holzapfel (-s, '~)-crabapple der Iretum (-s, ~er)-error der Gerechte (-n, -n)-righteous one kame-subj.ofkommen laufen - to run, go * die Lehre (-n)-teaching, ** moglich - possible ** niemand - no one die Reue- repentance * seIber-himself das Sneewittchen-Snow
so be especially
Wenn er hier ware, ginge er mit uns. Wenn er hier gewesen ware, ware er mit uns gegangen. Wenn er ihr eine E-Mail schriebe, so ware sie gliicklich. Sie sieht aus, als hatte sie viel zu tun. Sie sah aus, als hatte sie viel getan. Sie glaubt, sie sei freundlich. Sie glaubte, sie sei freundlich. Sie sei freundlich.
9. Ware sie hier,'so ware er auch hier. IO. Er sagt, er habe viele Freunde. II. Er sagt, er hatte viele Freunde. 12. Sie wiinschte, sie hatte viele Freunde. 13. Er tat, als ware alles in Ordnung. 14. Gott helfe ihm. 15. Gott hilft him. 16. 17. 18. 19. Das lagt sich sagen. Das liege sich sagen, wenn es wahr ware. Wenn er seine Stimme nicht verloren hatte, so sange er mit uns. Es ware schon, deutsch lesen zu konnen.
dasAlter (-s, -)-age * auch wenn - even if der Aufsatz (-es, ~e)-essay * aus-sehen (i)-to seem, appear * auGer~except for der Bach (-es, ~e)-brook behandeln - to treat ** bis zu-to the point of bisse-subj. ofbeigen-to bite das BewuGtsein (-s)-consciousness, mind der Biirgermeister (-s, -)-mayor dazu - in addition * dessen-of that (review 25.13) ehemalig-former einsichtsvollinsightful empfinden-to feel, perceive das Entsetzen (-s)-horror erbauen-to build erklettern - to climb erlauben - to allow ** erwarten - to expect ** erzahlen-to explain, tell * fern - far * &iih-early gabe-subj. of geben geliebt -loved
doctrine
20. Nach Berichten (reports) der Polizei hatten die Rauber den Mord begangen (committed) . White 21. Wenn das jiingste Geig}ein sich nicht so gut versteckt hatte, ware es von dem Wolf gefunden und gefressen worden.
spr1iche-subj. of sprechen starr (vor)-rigid (with) urn-bringen-to kill urn-fallen (i)-to fall down * wace-subj. of sein * weil- because * welch-which, widerrufen-to what renounce
Other Subjunctive Forms The subjunctive diirfen diirfte diirftest diirfte diirften diirftet diirften diirften II (fonned &om the past stem of the modal) konnen konnte konntest konnte konnten konntet konnten konnten mogen mochte mochtest mochte mochten mochtet mochten mochten miissen miiBte miiBtest miiBte miiBten miiBtet miilhen miiBten sollen sollte solItest sollte sollten solltet solIten solIten wollen wollte wolltest wollte wollten wolltet wollten wollten
231
32
The subjunctive formed from the infinitive stem of the modal probably will not appear too often in your reading. Consequently I am giving you the chart primarily as a reference, in caseyou do come across it. 32.2. The subjunctive II of the modals appears more often; therefore, you should become familiar with it. Here are sample sentences:
he would bepermitted to drink brandy. Er muj?tedahin gehen, wenn er nicht krank ware-He not sick.
Mikhte generallywill be translated as would like to:Fraulein Meier mochteein Glas Schnaps trinken-Fraulein Meier would like to drink a glass of brandy. Konnte generally will be translated as could:Es ware gut, Biicher zu kaufen, wenn man die Zeit, sie zu lesen, mitkaufen konnte-It would be good to buy books if one couldbuy the time to read them along with them. (Schopenhauer) 32.3. Note the following possible meanings of subjunctive modals: durfte-might be; wollte-wished; sollte-should
Das durfte moglich sein - That might be possible. Ich wollte, ich konnte gehen - I wished I could go. Ich sollte studieren, anstatt einen Krimi zu lesen - I should study instead of reading a murder mystery. 32.4. Here is a comparison of the present indicative, past indicative, and subjunctive II of the modals durftn, konnen, mogen, and mussen. Note that the infinitive
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233
and the third person plural (they) present indicative have umlauts, as does the subjunctive. Therefore, whenever you see any of these modals with umlauts, be careful to note whether the verb is indicative or subjunctive, and try not to confuse them. Here is a chart: diirfen present indicative er , es, Sle Sle past indicative er Sle subjunctive II er Sle darf dtirfen durfte durfren dlirfte dtirfren konnen kann k6nnen k6nnte konnten k6nnte k6nnten mogen mag m6gen mochte mochten m6chte m6chten miissen muss mtissen mugte mugte mligte mtigten
Ich wiirdegehen, wenn ich die Zeit daflir harre- I would go if I had the time for It. Er wiirde das tun miissen,wenn er hier ware- He would have to do that if he were here. Es gibt eine Menge Dinge in der Welt, die ich gerne anders hatte als sie in Wirklichkeit sind; aber in einer Welt ohne B6ses wiirde das Leben nicht lebenswert sein- There are a number of things in the world that I would like to have different from what they are in reality, but in a world without evil, life would not be worth living. (T.S. Eliot) 32. 8. Note: do not confuse wiirde with its non-subjunctive form wurde, which means becamewhen used as the only verb: Es wurde dunkel- it becamedark or waswhen used passively:Es wurde oft getan-it was often done. The conditional will always have an umlaut: Er wiirdedas getan haben - he would have done that. . . 32.9. Translate these sentences:
1. Zarathustra sagte: "Ich wiirde nur an einen Gorr glauben, verstiinde." (Nietzsche) 2. Ware Narrheit (fOolishness) das Zipperlein beim Tanze sehen. der zu tanzen
Fortunately the definition for both konnte (indicative) and konnte (subjunctive) is could.
32.5. Hiitte in conjunction with a modal will always indicate something that could (would, should) have taken place, but which did not. Here are examples:
Er hiitte gehen konnen - He could have gone.
Fraulein Meier hiitte das dem Blirokraten nicht sagen sollen - Fraulein Meier
should not have said that to the bureaucrat.
3. Wenn Gatt ein Land strafen (punish) wollte, wiirde er den Herren die Weisheit nehmen. 4. Wenn die Keuschheit (chastity) zum Tanze kame, so wiirde sie auf gliisernen Schuhen tanzen. 5. Ware es nicht urn der Hoffnung willen, das Herz wiirde brechen. 6. Wenn Wiinsche pferde waren, so wiirden Bettler reiten. 7. Eine chassidische (Hasidic) Geschichte: Rabbi Chajim van Krosno (a place), ein Schiiler (disciple)des Baalschem (a name), sah einst mit seinen Schiilern einem Seiltanzer (tightrope-walker) zu. Er war so tief in den Anblick versunken, daG sie ihn fragren, was es sei, das seine Augen an die torichte Schaustellung (exhibition) banne (attracted). "Dieser Mann", antwortete er, "setzt sein Leben aufs Spiel (gambles with his lift), ich konnre nicht sagen
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235
weswegen. GewiiS aber kann er, wahrend er auf dem Seil (rope) geht, nicht daran denken, d~ er mit seiner Handlung (action) hundert Gulden (guilders) verdient; denn sowie (assoon as) er dies dachte, wiirde er abstiirzen" (jaIl off). (Buber) Vocabulary abfallen (i)-to fall off * mochte-would like to; might nachdriicklich-emphatic, firm der Schwer (-s, -) - disciple spielen - to play toricht-foolish iibel evil, bad, wicked iibersetzen - to translate verdienen-to earn
~
Aber die Kalte qualte (tormented) ihn immer mehr und vertiefte seine Einsamkeit. Schlidslich beschloiS er, zusammen mit dem Schwan in die Wirtschaft zu gehen. Selbst wenn jemand in den Park kame, um sich der schon en Natur zu erfreuen, wiirde er das Fehlen des Schwans nicht sofort bemerken. "Die Nacht ist sternklar, aber ohne Mondschein, nahm den Schwan mit. und wir kommen gleich zuriick", dachte er und
der Anblick (-es, -e)-spectacle bannen-to attract ** bauen-to build borgen-to borrow * dachte-subj. of denken * diirfte (sometimes)-might fraEe-subj. offressen-to an animal das Geheimnis ** geschehen - to happen ** gewiG-certain glasern - glass gleichwohl-nevertheless die Handlung (-en) -action * lassen (r.)-can be der Liigner (-s, -)-liar
Die Wirtschaft war voll Warme und Bratenduft {smell of baking). Der Alte setzte den Schwan sich gegeniiber auf einen Stuhl, um ihn im Auge zu behalten. Dann bestellte er ein bescheidenes (modest) Mahl und ein Glaschen Wodka, um sich aufZuwarmen. Als er sein Hammelfleisch (mutton) mit Lust und Zufriedenheit verzehrte (consumed), fiel ihm auf, daiS ihn der Schwan ganz eigenartig ansah. Der Vogel tat ihm leid. Solange dieser vorwurfsvolle (reproachfUl) Blick auf ihm ruhte, konnte er nicht essen. Er rief den Kellner (waiter) und bestellte fiir den Schwan eine in warmem, gezuckertem Starkbier aufgeweichte Semmel. Der Schwan wurde frohlich, und nachdem sie ihr Mahl beendet hatten, kehrten beide munter und zufrieden auf ihren Posten zuriick. Am nachsten Abend war es wieder kalt. Die Sterne glanzten besonders stark, und jeder Stern war wie ein kalter Nagel im warm en, einsamen Herzen des Alten. Aber er kampfte gegen die Versuchung. In der Mitte des Teichs schwamm als sanft leuchtender weiiSer Fleck (spot) der Schwan. Bei dem Gedanken, welch ein Schauer (shudder) jeden durchdringen miisse, der in einer solchen Nacht mit Wasser in Beriihrung (contact) kame, wurde der Alte ganz geriihrt. Sollte der arme Schwan gar nichts yom Leben haben? Bestimmt wiirde er lieber in einer warmen Ecke sitzen und etwas essen. Er nahm also den Vogel unter den Arm und begab sich (proceeded) in die Wirtschaft. Und wieder kam ein Abend, und wieder iiberfiel Melancholie den Alten. Aber diesmal war er fest entschlossen, nicht in die Wirtschaft zu gehen. Gestern auf dem Nachhauseweg hatte der Schwan getanzt und unglaubliche Sachen gesungen. Als er am Ufer (shore) saiS und in den Himmel oder in den leeren, beiiSend kalten Park blickte, fiihlte er plotzlich ein zaghaftes (timid) Zupfen (tug) an seinem Hosenbein (trouser leg). Der Schwan war ans Ufer geschwommen, um ihn an etwas zu erinnern. Da gingen sie. Einen Monat spater wurde der Alte zusammen mit dem Schwan endassen. Der Schwan torkelte (swayed) am hellichten Tage auf dem Wasser. Die Miitter, die mit ihren kleinen Kindern in den Park kamen, um sich zu erholen (relax) und den Vogel anzusehen, hatten sich beschwert (complained). Der Kinder wegen. Daraus ersieht man, dag moralische Halrung auch ftir den bescheidensten Posten erforderlich (necessary) ist.
be eat like
(-es, -sse)-secret
Reading Selection: Der Schwan (Slawomir Mrozek) (If you don't wish to use a dictionary, vocabulary for this section is given in Appendix K.)
1m Park befand sich ein Teich (pond). Seine Zierde (adornment) war ein Schwan. Eines Tages war der Schwan verschwunden. Halbstarke hatten ihn gestohlen. Der Vorstand der Stadtischen Griinanlagen (municipal park district) besorgte einen neuen Schwan. Um ihm das Los seines Vorgangers zu ersparen, wurde ihm ein eigener Wachter zugeteilt. Dieser war ein alter, seit Jahren vereinsamter Mann. Als er seinen Posten antrat, begann es abends bereits kalt zu werden. Niemand kam mehr in den Park. Der Alte ging um den Teich herum, paGte auf den Schwan auf und sah manchmal in die Sterne. Ihn fror. Er hatte Lust, auf einen Sprung (on a whim) in die kleine Wirtschaft (inn) in der Nahe des Parks zu gehen. Schon wollte er sich auf den Weg machen, als ihm der Schwan einfiel. Er beftirchtete, dieser konne wahrend seiner Abwesenheit gestohlen werden. Dann verlore er seinen Posten. Er verzichtete (gave up) also auf sein Vorhaben.
237
This type of sentence will always contain two clauses separated by commas; the first clause will begin with a verb and the second clause generally will begin with the word so or dann. Here are examples:
33
Sagt Gatt ja, sospricht die Schlange nein - If God saysyes, the snake says no. Findet der Teufel jemanden miigig, so wird er ihm Arbeit schaffen-If the devil finds someone idle, he will create work for him. 33.3. These sentences areto be translated in the following way:
If a Sentence
Starts with a Verb
1. Begin the sentence with if; 2. find the subject of the sentence; 3. place the verb (found at the beginning of the German sentence) after the subject; 4. either translate so (or dann) as then, or omit so fram your translation. 5. It is acceptable to add a "will" in the "then" clause if future is implied. Here are more examples: Hat der Fuchs den Schwanz verloren, so sagt er, er sei unniitz-If the fox has lost his tail, then he will say it is useless. Redet das Geld, so schweigt die Welt-If money talks (then) the world will be silent. 33.4. Translate these sentences: 1. Tanzt ein Alter, so macht er viel Staub (dust). (This is mean!) 2. Will die Katze nicht mausen ("to mouse"), so lag sie draugen (outside).
33.1. So far, yon have been told that a sentence can begin with a verb 1. if the sentence is a question (c 6.6) 1st Arbeit der beste Schlaftrunk
-
2. or if it is a command (c 6.6)
Ierne Geschichte, sonst bleibst du ewig ein Kind-Learn remain eternally a child.
3. or if the verb appears in the subjunctive I form and is followed by wir, the verb will be translated let us (cf. 30.8) Studieren wir jetzt-Let us study now!
3. Klopft die Not (need) an, so tut die Liebe die Tiir auf (At least the person in need hopes this will happen.) 4. Fallt das Brat, so fallt es auf die Butterseite. (Is this subjunctive or not? How do you know?) 5. Fiihrt ein blinder Mann den anderen, werden beide nicht weit wandern. 6. Bellt (bark) ein alter Hund, so soll man aufschauen. (Denn ein alter Hund bellt nicht leichtfertig [irresponsibly].) 7. Spricht man vom Wolf, dann lauert er schon hinterm Busch. (The English equivalent for this might be: "Speak of the devil.") 8. Fehlt es dir an Wein, so trinke Bier. 9. Kommt der Berg nicht zu mir, so gehe ich zu ihm. IO. Hab' ich keine Kiih', so hab' ich keine Miih'. (Is Kuh'singular or plural?) II. Gabe es keine Narren, so gabe es keine "Weisen.(If you wish to review esgibt, please turn to 9.1.)
33.2. However, a sentence beginning with a verb can also signal an if. . . then constrnction.
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12. Die welt ist ein trunkener Bauer; hilft man ihm rechts in den Sattel, so fallt er links hinab. 13. Bekommt der Arme ein Stuck Brot, so reift es ihm der Hund aus der Hand. (Das Gluck eines Armen ist allzu kurz!) 14. Fallt der Krug (jug) auf den Stein, so zerbricht er; und fallt der Stein auf den Krug, so zerbricht er auch. 15. 1st dein Feind auch nur wie eine Ameise (ant), so rechne ihn doch unter den Elefanten. (No Feind is harmless!) 16. Tonio Kroger ging den Weg, den er gehen mulSte, ein wenig nachlassig und ungleichmalSig . . . , und wenn er irrging, so geschah es, weil es fur etliche (many) einen richtigen Weg uberhaupt nicht gibt. Fragte man ihn, was in aller Welt er zu werden gedachte, so erteilte (imparted) er wechselnde Auskunft (information), denn er pBegte zu sagen (was in the habit of saying) . . . , daISer die Moglichkeiten zu taus end Daseinsformen in sich trage, zusammen mit dem heimlichen (secret) BewulStsein, daISes im Grunde (fundamentally) lauter Unmoglichkeiten seien. (Thomas Mann, "Tonio Kroger")
34
Other Pronouns
Vocabulary
an-klopfen (i)-to knock auf-schauen (i)-to look up auf-tun-to open die Auskunft - information der Bauer (-s, -n)-farmer das Bewuatsein -awareness die Daseinsform eXistence drauaen-outside (-en)-form of * lauter-nothing * links-left but
In addition to the pronouns ich, du, er,sie, es,wir, ihr, sie, and Sie, there are other pronouns which you have encountered already.Here is a summary of them. 34.1. Alles, etwas, and nichts
Three pronouns are undeclined, regardless of whether they are nominative, accusative, genitive, or dative. They are:
die Miihe (-n)-effort nachlassig - careless der Narr (-en, -en)-fool rechnen-to calculate, to consider * rechts-right reiaen-to rip, tear der Sattel (-s, ::)-saddle * das Stiick (-s, -e)-piece iiberhaupt-at all, generally; iiberhaupt nicht-not at all ungleichmaEigirregular wechselnd -changing ** weil- because * weit-far zerbrechen into pieces * zusammen
-
alles-everything; etwas-something;
Here are examples:
and nichts-nothing.
erteilen-to impart * fehlen (i)-to lack * fiihren - to lead gedenken (i)-to intend (im) Grunde-fundamentally heimlich - secret
(zerbricht)-to together
break
Alles Schone gefallt dem Brieftrager-Every thing (that is) beautiful pleases the mailman.
Wer will etwas Neues horen?
-
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Other Pronouns
241
Zu seiner Uberraschung geschah nichts AuJlergewohnliches auf seiner Reise- To his surprise, nothing (that was) unusual happened during his trip.
Moreover, ander (like viel and jeder can also be used as an adjective modifying a noun): Es kann kein Prophet den anderen [Propheten] ansehen, ohne zu lachen-No prophet can look at the other without laughing. (singular) Es kann kein Prophet die anderen ansehen, ohne zu lachen-No prophet can look at the others without laughing. (plural) Andere Fehler sind schwer zu entdecken - Other errors are difficult to discover. Eine Hand wascht die andere [Hand] -One hand washes the other.
aile *
alle aller alIen
is here.
wer alte Sacke mit Seide naht, der ist verruckt- Whoeversewsold sackswith silk is crazy.(For an idiomatic translation, eliminate the der.) Der ist weise, der die Zeit nimmt, wie sie ist-He (or that one) is wise, who takes time as it is. Die Gmen mussen den kreuzigen, der sich seine eigene Tugend erfindet- The good (i.e. the self-righteous people) must crucify him (or that one)-who invents his own virtue for himself (Nietzsche) Die Guten namlich, die konnen nicht schaffen! Die sind immer der Anfang vom Ende- The good namely, they cannot create! They are always the beginning of the end. (Nietzsche) 34.5. Articles also can be used as placeholders for a previously used noun. Here are examples: Es gibt keinen Stolz wie den eines reich gewordenen Armen - There is no pride like that [pride] of a poor person who has become rich. Ein Geiziger hat zwei Tochter; die eine heigt "Bringher", die andere heigt
"Tragher".
-
ander is especially difficult to determine whether or not it is singular or plural: Tadle anderenicht deiner Mangel wegen-Do not fault otherson account of your own failings. (plural) Anderer Fehler sind gute Lehrer- The errors of othersare good teachers. (plural) Wer anderen alles recht machen will, mug fruh aufstehen - Whoever wants to make everything rightfOr othersmust get up early. ander preceded by ein will always be singular: Er hilft einem anderen-He helps another.
A miser has two daughters; the one is called "Bring-here" and the other
242
Other Pronouns
243
Note that the noun following einer, eines, eine, etc. will be in genitive case: Here are examples:
** lassen (r)-can be (note 29.6) lauten-to go, to read, to sound die Lebensaufgabe (-n)-life's work lieb-dear die Mut-courage die Sache (-n)-matter schieben-to push schauen (auf) - to look at stiitzen - to support treffiich - excellen t verniinftigreasonable * vierzig-forty der Vordergrund (-es, -e) -foreground ** weiter-further * wirklich - real * wirtschaftlich-economic * wissenschaftlich - scientific
Eine der Idealforderungen des Christenrums lautet: Du sollst den Nachsten lieben wie dich selbst: One of the ideal commandments of Christianity is: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. .
Occasionally, einer can be used to refer to one specific person: Wenn zwei auf einem pferd reiten, mug einer hinten sitzen- When two ride on one horse, one must sit behind. Inzwischen rede ich als einer, der Zeit hat, zu mir selber. Niemand erzahlt mir Neues: so erzahle ich mir mich selber-Inbetween I speak to myself as one who has time. No one tells me anything new: so I will explain myself to myself (Nietzsche)
Wie, wenn (what if) dir eines Tages oder Nachts ein Damon in deine einsamste Einsamkeit nachschliche (crept)und dir sagte: "Dieses Leben, wie du es jetzt lebst und gelebt hast, wirst du noch einmal und noch unzahlige Male leben mussen; und es wird nichts Neues daran sein, sondern jeder Schmerz und jede Lust und jeder Gedanke und Seuher (moan) und allesunsaglich Kleine und Groge deines Lebens mug dir wiederkommen, und alles in derselben Reihe und Folge (order)-und ebenso diese Spinne (spider) und dieses Mondlicht zwischen den Baumen, und ebenso dieser Augenblick und ich selber. Die ewige Sanduhr des Daseins wird immer wieder umgedreht-und du mit ihr, Staubchen (little speck of dust) vom Staube!" Wurdest du dich nicht niederwerfen und mit den Zahnen knirschen (gnash) und den Damon verfluchen, der so redete? Oder hast du einmal einen ungeheuren (wonderous)Augenblick erlebt, wo du ihm antworten wurdest: "Du bist ein Gott und nie horteich Gottlicheres!"
12.
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35
Placement of Commas
Commas are crucial for determining how to break sentences up in order to translate them correctly. They are especially troublesome because sometimes they indicate that clauses should continue (when used in sequences and in appositional phrases) while other times they signal when the sentence should be broken up into a separate unit. Note the following ways in which commas are used: 35.1. Sequences: When commas are used in sequences, they are not breaking up the sentence, and you must continue with it in order to translate the sentence correctly. 1. Commas are used in lists to divide off items (but not before the und at the end):
Der Brieftrager ist fleifiig, kIug, verantwordich und nett- The mailman is hardworking, clever,responsible, and nice.
2. This can also happen when adjectives include overloaded adjectives: Ein junger, auf ein Verbrechen angeklagter Spanier-a a cnme young Spaniard accused of
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Plac.ement of Commas
247
Da in der Hausapotheke ein bestimmtes Medikament nicht vorhanden war, wurde mein \/ater, der Kaufmann war, ersucht, das Medikament aus Neunkirchen
mitzubringen
gemacht-Photo-voltaics, the transformation of light into current, had made headlines. Er lebte in Feindschaft mit seinem Halbbruder, dem Grafen Jakob dem Rotbart-He lived in animosity with his half-brother, the Count Jacob the Redbeard
chest, my father, who was a merchant, was requested to bring the medicine from Neunkirchen. Der moderne Mensch wird getadelt, dag er von der Technik, auf die er so stolz sei, nicht den richtigen Gebrauch mache-Modern man is scolded that he does not make the correct use of technology of which he is so proud. (C.R. Goedsche) 2. Commas separate main clauses joined by und or oder:
35.3. Clauses:
I. A comma is used before and/or after each subordinate clause to separate it from the main clause:
Drei leben freilich, wenn zwei nicht heim sind- Three live peacefully,when two aren't home Wo sich eine Tiir schlieRt, offnet sich eine andere-Where one door closes, another one opens Wer weiR, was der Abend bringt- Who knows what the evening will bring Der Mann, den Fraulein Meier liebt, ist gliicklich- The man whom Fraulein Meier lovesis fortunate.
Sometimes these sentences can seem interminable (and I have put a / where the
- He came and we ate. Bur not if an element in the first has to be understood in the second: Er kam und ag-He came and ate
3. Commas are always placed before the other co-ordinating conjunctions sondern, denn), whether they introduce a clause or a phrase: Liebe deine Nachbarn, aber lege den Zaun nicht niederbut don't take down the fence Warum kann der Hund Furcht, aber nicht Reue empfindenceive fear, but not repentance?
(aber,
breaks should be): Hartmann von Aues Versepos "Der arme Heinrich",! dessen Stoff in Gerhart Hauptmanns gleichnamigen Drama weiterlebt,! ist die Geschichte eines Ritters,! der vom Aussatz befallen wird, /den nur der freiwillige Opfertod eines unschuldigen Madchens heilen kann . . . ./Die Einsicht des Ritters,! dag es toricht sei, /sich dem entziehen zu wollen, /was iiber ihn verhangt ist, Irettet dem Madchen das Leben fund verschaffr dem Ritter Heilung durch gottliche GnadeHartmann von Aue's verse epic "Poor Heinrich," /whose material continues to live in Gerhart Hauptmann's drama of the same name, lis the story of a knight who is afflicted with leprosy,! whom only the voluntary sacrifice of an innocent girl can heal. . . ./The insight of the knight/ that it is foolish to want to withdraw from what is given to him [as an affliction]/ saves the girl's life/ and creates salvation for the knight through divine grace. Moreover, while everything within a relative clause is linked together, a relative clause can "split up" a main clause: Der Mann hart den Kindern, die Weihnachtslieder to the children who are singing Christmas songs. singen, zuThe man listens
4. Commas are sometimes used to join two main clauses when the equivalent English would normally have a semicolon:
Urn Spengler richtig zu verstehen, mug man begreifen, dag in seinem Werk der Versuch gemacht wird, eine Theorie geschichtlicher Entwicklungen zu finden-In order to understand Spengler correctly, one must realize that in his work the attempt is made to find a theory of historical developments. (C.R. Goedsche)
248
German Quickly these sentences (Because these are all hard, they are included in die Miidigkeit-exhaustion das Redeteil (-s, -e)-pan of speech der Schlupfwinkel (-s, -)-hiding corner die Schopfung-creation stets-contstantly die Stufe (-n)-stage iiberwinden - overcome umherblicken-to look around die Unterscheidung differentiation (-en)-
Placement of Commas
das Uneil (-s, -e)-judgment das Vergniigen (-s, -)-pleasure vernehmen - perceive vermitteln-to convey die Vorstellung (-en)-performance der Weltraum-world space der Wirrwarr-confusion
249
35.5. Translate
J).
1. Die Schule reift die Kinder wahrend der kostbarsten EntWicklungszeit aus dem Kreis der Familie, beraubt sie des Gltickes der Freiheit und macht aus dem Kinde ein abgehetztes, Furcht und Langweile einer fremden Sprache 2. In den hoheren Pariser gedrticktes Geschopf, dem ein Ausdruck der Mtidigkeit, anhaftet, wahrend es mit den Lippen fremde Wone in wiederholt. (Thomas Mann) Kreisen galt es als ein exklusives Vergntigen, die Vorstel-
lungen von dem Marquis de Sade in dem "Schlupfwinkel fiir den moralischen Auswurf der btirgerlichen Gesellschaft" zu besuchen. 3. Wenn man einmal glaubt, eine Regel [tiber die deutsche Sprache] gefunden zu haben, welche festen Grund bietet, urn einen Augenblick in dem allgemeinen Wirrwarr und Tumult der zehn Redeteile auszuruhen, so vernimmt man in der Grammatik: "Der Schiiler gebe acht auf folgende Ausnahmen." (Mark Twain) 4. Der Gelehrte war ein kleiner, schabig gekleideter Mann, dessen Augen stets in der Klasse umherblickten, aber niemals den Studenten ansahen, mit dem er sprach. 5. Die Offnung des Weltraums (by means of space travel) konnte unseren, die Erde zum Magstab machenden Provinzialismus tiberwinden und uns eine neue Vision von der Groge der Schopfung vermitteln, namlich die Einsicht, dag Erde und Menschheit, ihr Raum und ihre Zeit nur ein Teil des Ganzen sind. (Paul Tillich) 6. Das moralische Urteil gehorr, wie das religiose, einer Stufe der Unwissenheit zu, auf der selbst der Begriff des Realen, die Unterscheidung des Realen und Imaginaren noch fehlt: so dag "Wahrheit" auf solcher Stufe lauter Dinge bezeichnet, die wir heure "Einbildungen" Vocabulary abgehetzt-worn acht geben-to our pay attention to deception die Entwicklungszeit-time development gedriickt - oppressed * gelten-to be valid das Geschopf-creature der Kreis (-es, -e)-circle die Langweile-boredom * lauter-nothing but der M~stab (-s, :':e)-measure, standard nennen. (Nietzsche)
of
besuchen-to
attend, to visit
251
selbst - self, even so-thus, so, just, then so ein, ein so-such a stehen-to stand, be, to be written on um-at, around
urn. . . willen-for the sake of urn... zu-in order to voll-full, full of zu-to, too, closed
36
Troublesome Words
36.2. All is used with or without endings. When there is an ending, it is always strong. The strong singular ending is used rarely; it occurs mainly in stereotyped phrases and in proverbial expressions. Here is an example:
About the only thing that these words have in common is that they are all troublesome. I have included them here so that you can take special note of them. First, here is a list of the words discussed in this chapter (which are arranged alphabetically):
36.3. Aile often will mean everyone(c 34.2). Examples are: Es werden ~icht aile in das Himmelreich kommen - Not everyonewill come into the Kingdom of Heaven. Arm und reich, vor Gott sind aile gleich - Poor and rich, before God, all are equal. While
everyone in
36.4. Auch generally means also. However, auch preceding the noun it modifies means even. Auch Fraulein Meier ist manchmal fleigig- Even Fraulein Meier is hardworking sometimes. Auch wenn and wenn auch mean evenif(c 23.6). Auch wenn es Bratwurste (sausageslcats nd dogs)regnet, hat Fraulein Meier sich a
nicht mehr-no longer nichts- nothing noch - yet, still noch nicht-not yet weder... noch-neither.
. . nor
entschieden, den Brieftrager zu begleiten - Even ifit rains cats and dogs, Fraulein Meier has decided to accompany the mailman.
252
Troublesome WOrds
253
36.5. Als is tricky because it can mean when, than, and as. As a conjunction, als means when and it introduces dependent clauses referring to a single event or an action in the past. In these clauses, the verb will always be at the end, and will never be in the present tense. Here is an example:
Er hat einen schonen, mit Edelsteinen besetzten Fuller, und er schreibt immer damitHe has a beautiful jewelled pen, and he always writes with it.
Als der Student junger war, fuhr er oft mit seinem Fahrrad - When the stUdent was
younger, he often rode his bicycle (cf. 23.3)
Als means than when used with a comparative (cf. 11.4):Er ist groger alsich-He taller than 1. Als means as when it is followed by a noun:
is
As a subordinating conjunction, da will mean since, because, in as much as, while, although (cf. 23.6): Da Fraulein Meier nicht zu Hause war, konnte ihre Mutter sie nicht besuchenSince Fraulein Meier was not at home, her mother could not visit her. When the verb appears at the end of a clause beginning ordinating conjunction! with da, da will have to be a sub-
36.8. Denn generally means because,jOr 2U). It rarely means then. (d. Fraulein Meier kennt den Brieftrager als einen sehr sensiblen Mann-Fraulein Meier knows the mailman as a very sensitive man. Bei seinen Freunden gilt er als groger Dichter-Among his friends, he is considered (as)a great writer.
Alswhen used with the subjunctive can also mean as if(cf. 31.4): Fraulein Meier ist oft mit dem Brief trager, denn seine Gesellschaft gefallt ihrFraulein Meier is often with the mailman, for she likes his company. Sometimes denn will appear in the middle of a sentence, in which case it will be used as a flavoring particle: Wo ist er denn-Where (on earth) is he? Was ist denn los- What's going on?
Fraulein Meier sieht aus, als hatte sie viel zu tUn - Fraulein Meier looks as ifshe had a lot to do.
Der Student tat, als wareer glucklich - The stUdentactedas ifhe werehappy.
36.6. Also will always mean thus, so. Remember Nietzsche's Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra).
36.9. Doch means however,yet, still, nevertheless, nd after all. It can be used in a a sentence in the following ways:
Das ist doch wahr- That (really) is true (even though you don't believe me). Das kann doch nicht dein Ernst sein- You don't really mean that, do you? Er ist dumm, aber sie liebt ihn doch- He is dumb, but she loves him nevertheless. Doch (like the French si) also can be used as a one word contradiction questions. Here is an example: Haben Sie Tante Lotte immer noch nicht geschrieben? Lotte yet? Doch! - I have toowritten her!
-
36.7. Da is one of the most troublesome German words because it is so versatile. As an adverb, da can mean hereor there. Da bin ich - Here I am.
to negative
Da lachte der Brieftrager- Then the mailman laughed. Van da an-from that time on hier und da-now and then.
36.10. Einige means some.Einige Menschen lesen gem-Some people like to read. Do not confuse this word with einig, which means at one, united, in agreement, unantmous.
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Troublesome WOrds
255
36.11. Erst when used with age or time references will always mean only or not until. Here are some examples: Es wurde erstheute fertig-It was not ready until today. Erst nach seinem Tode wurde der Dichter weltberiihmt- Only after his death did the poet become world-famous. Otherwise, erst will mean first: Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergniigen-First the work, then the pleasure. 36.12. Pehlen,gefallen,gehen andgelingen: Some verbs in German require an esas the subject of the clause, while in English the German noun in the dative case would seem to make a more appropriate subject. Here are examples: Esfihlt dem Zoo an einem Elefanten (Literally:it lacks to the zoo on an elephant)The zoo lacks an elephant. Die Katzenminze gefiilltder Katze (Literally:the catnip is pleasing to the cat)- The cat likes the catnip. Es geht mir gut (Literally:it goes to me well)- I am fine. Es gelingt der Katze, den Spielzeug zu fangen (Literally: it succeeds to the cat to catch the toy)- The cat succeeds in catching the toy. 36.13. Geradeas an adjective means straight,direct, honest. However, when used adverbially,gerademeans quite, exactly,ust, directly.Here is an example: j Das geschah gerade in dem Augenblick des grogen Erdbebens- That happened just at the moment of the great earthquake. 36.14. Gleichas an adjective means equal same. Die Studenten sind gleichenAlters- The students are the sameage. However, when used adverbially, gleich means immediately. Ich komme gleich wieder- I will return immediately.
36.15. Kennen (to be acquainted with) and konnen (to be able to) are often confused. Remember that kennen generally will be the only verb in the sentence, while konnen usually will function as a modal. Here are two sentences each containing the two verbs in both present and past tense:
Der Student kannte das Kind - The student knew the child.
Der Student konnte viel essen - The student was able to eat a lot. 36.16. Lauter as an adjective means pure, genuine, true. Von lauteren Brunnen flief~en lautere Wasser-Pure water flows from pure wells. However, as an adverb, /auter means nothing but.
Er trinkt /auterWein - He drinks nothing but wine. Er sieht den Wald vor lauter Baumen nicht-He does not see the forest for the trees. (Literally:He does not see the forest on account of nothing but trees.) 36.17. Mehr usually means more.Das Flugpferd wiegt mehr als der Elefant- The hippo weighs morethan the elephant. Immer mehr means moreand more.An example: Fraulein Meier und der Brieftrager bleiben immer mehr zusammen - Fraulein Meier and the mailman are together moreand more.
However, nicht mehr can mean both no more and no longer.
Er hat kein Geld mehr- He has no moremoney. Die Tochter des alten Mannes ist kein Kind mehr- The old man's daughter is no longera child. 36.18. Nachdem generally is used as a subordinating conjunction meaning after. Nachdem er seinen neuen roten Sportwagen gewaschen hatte, fuhr der Brieftrager mit Fraulein Meier in die Stadt-After he had washed his new red sportscar, the mailman drove to the city with Fraulein Meier. 36.19. Nicht and nichts. Remember that nicht is always an adverb, while nichts is alwaysa pronoun. Do not confuse them! Compare:
Wer nichts an die Angel steckt, fangt nichts- Whoever puts nothing on the fishhook captures nothing. Der Brieftrager ist nicht pessimistisch- The mailman is not pessimistic.
Der Student kennt das Kind - The student knowsthe child. Der Student kann viel essen- The student is able to eat a lot.
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German Quickly
Troublesome WOrds 4. So can also mean according to: So Nietzsche sind die Gelehrten werke-According to Nietzsche, scholars are (like) good clocks.
257
36.20. Noch generally will mean yet, still, in addition to. But it has the following meanings as well: noch einmal-once more
gUte Uhr-
5. So is often used in "if. . . then" clauses to mean then (cf. 23.3 and 33.2). Bezahlen wir die Musik, so wollen wir dazu tanzen we also want to dance to it. Neither Fraulein Meier
-
noch nicht- not yet noch nie-never (before) weder. . . noch-neither . . . nor (c 2U) n7eder Fraulein Meier noch der Brieftrager ist zu Hausenor the mailman is at home.
Wenn die ArmUt zur Tilr eingeht, so fliegt die Liebe zum Fenster hinaus-If poverty comes to the door, then love flies oUt the window. 36.23. Stehen usually means to stand. BUt it can also mean be upright, be situated, be, stand still, and stop. Hete are examples: Tranen stehen ihm in den Augen - Tears are in his eyes. Es stehtin ihren Kraften - It lies in her powers. Ich stehe nicht allein mit meiner Meinung-l am not alone in my opinion. Orangensaft stand im Eisschrank-Orange juice was in the refrigerator. Perhaps the most common meaning of stehen which may seem strange to you is to be written. Here is an example: Auf dem Zettel steht "Entschuldigung" -On 36.24. Um (a review) the note is written "excuse me."
36.21. Selbst (cf. 26.5) generally is used with the reflexive pronouns to emphasize their meanings. Examples are:
1. As a preposition, um can mean either around, or at (c 5.7).Er geht um die Ecke- He goes around the corner.
In reference to time, um means at: Fast jeden Abend um zehn Uhr studiert Fraulein Meier Erdkunde-Almost studies geography. every evening at ten o'clock Fraulein Meier
2. However, um. . . willen means fOr the sake of(c 5.13). Er ist hier um seines Freundes willen - He is here fOr the sake ofhis friend.
258
German Quickly
Troublesome WOrds
259
36.25. VoIImeans full, jilled, complete, entire. It can be used as an adjective in front of a noun to mean fulL,
6. Auf einem von dem Brieftrager an Fraulein Meier geschriebenen Zettel steht: "lch liebe Dich." 7. Lieber zweimal fragen als einmal irregehen. 8. Gesundheit schatzt man erst, nachdem man sie verloren hat. 9. Unter der Brucke war der wetterbraune, weiJfbiirtige Kopf eines Ruderers zum Vorschein gekommen, der, aus seinen ungelenken Bewegungen zu schlid~en, mit der Lagune nicht vertraut war. (c. F. Meyer) 10. Und in der Tat schien mitten in dies en gramichen (horrible) Augenblicken, in welchen alle irdischen Guter der Menschen zugrunde gingen und die ganze NatUr verschuttet zu werden drohte, der menschliche Geist selbst wie eine schone Blume auhugehen. (Kleist) II. Fraulein Meier und der Brieftrager sind in die Stadt gefahren, urn sich zu verheiraten! Vocabulary * als ob-as if * an-sehen-to look at malen - to paint der Ruderer (-s, -) - rower, oarsman ruhig-quiet schatzen-to schliegen-to value conclude, infer
36.26. Zu is encountered most frequently as a preposition (cf. 5.4). However, it has the other following meanings:
1. When used as a participle with infinitives, it means to (Chapter 20): Die Studenten haben viel zu lernenThe stUdents have much to learn.
2. As an adverb, zu means to, closed, towards, shut. Die Tur des Autos ist noch nicht zuThe car door is not yet shut.
Man kann nicht zu viellachen-One cannot laugh too much. Es ist zu schon, urn wahr zu sein - It is too good to be true. 4. When zu appears with a form of the verb to be, the verb following the zu must be translated passively(cf. 20.9): Viel ist noch zu tun-Much is still to bedone.
* fahren (i)-to drive, to go * der Friede (-ns, -)-peace * genug-enough das Gut (-s, :':er)-property irdische Giiter-worldly goods irre-gehen (i)-to go astray * lieber-preferably das Pech - bad luck Final Sentences
36.27. Translate these sentences: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wie man ilk so arbeitet man auch Kommt einmal das Gluck, so kommen funf Sturmwinde (ill-winds) danach. Unter Gleichen ist der beste Friede, Wer Pech hat, den beiJ5tein Hund, auch wenn er ein Kamel reitet. Jedem Lapp' (native of Lapp land) gefallt seine Kapp'.
1. 1st jedes Ende so schwer wie aller Anfang? 2. Fast (almost) alles, was Fraulein Meier tut, ist ihrem Brautigam angenehm (agreeable). 3. Bei der Hochzeitsfeier (wedding celebration)wird viel Sekt (champagne) getrunken.
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4. Nach meiner Erfahrung (experience) braucht man zum Erlernen (for the learning) des Englischen 3 Srunden, des Franzosischen 30 Tage, des Deutschen 3 Jahre. Entweder reformiere man also diese Sprache, oder man lege sie zu den toten Sprachen, denn nur die Toten haben heutzutage noch Zeit genug, sie zu erlernen. (Mark Twain)
APPENDIX A
Strategies for Reading German; Suggested Schedule for Covering German Quickly
1. Reading for structure and reading for meaning Effective reading is a combination of two processes, which involves looking at the specifics (trees) and the general meaning (forest) of the passage. The exercise sentences in German Quickly are essentially "tree" sentences because they are meant to help you focus on the specifics of grammatical constructions. The reading passages are "forest" sentences because they require you to take all of the information within the passage into consideration. In individual ("tree") sentences, you focus on the forms and structures at a very basic level, such as identifYing pans of speech, including determining the subject and the verb of each clause, and then you build up the message of the text from these units. To do this, you need to be able to recognize both individual words and larger structures, such as phrases and clauses; you also need to know how to break up interminable sentences into reasonable units. Your familiarity with case endings
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263
and verb placement is often crucial for correct translation. By learning principles of German grammar, we have been mostly concentrating on "tree" processing.
General ("forest") processing involves "reading for meaning." While reading longer passages, you focus on the meaning, remembering the meanings which have been expressed so far, and making predictions about what meanings might be expressed next. You need to use "forest" processing to check the accuracy of your assumptions about the "tree" sentences within the text.
g. Punctuation, especially commas, which also giv~ you information about how to break the sentence up. h. You will probably find it helpful to keep a list of grammar rules near your dictionary to use as a reference when you are reading.
2. First impressions Even before you start reading the text, you will probably have a rough idea of what it is about. Ideally,the passagewill have a title, and it will concern a subject within your field of study. Instead of beginning to read it as if it contained English syntax, it is generally advisable to make some predictions about the content and the key words.
4. Although a sentence may seem interminable, it is often composed of several smaller units; it is crucial to tackle a sentence bit by bit to determine its meaning. Breaks usually consist of commas, semi-colons, colons, or conjunctions such as und, denn, aber,sondern,da.f, als, wenn, wie.A relative clausewill be indicated by a relative pronoun (der, das, die, den, dem, denen, dessen,deren) mid-sentence preceded by a comma and with a verb at the end, which will have either a comma or a period after it. Each complete clause will have a subject and a verb within it; it is crucialtofind the subjectand the verband place the verb after the subjectand before the objectin your Englishtranslation.(Seechapters 6,22, and 23.) 5. Taking care in deciding where to break clanses up It is important to realize that conjunctions such as und and that commas can be treacherous with regard to deciding where to break up clauses, as they sometimes function as connectors and sometimes as dividers. If a clause does not have a comma before an und, it will continue beyond the und: Sie hat gesungen und getanzt-she has sung and danced. If a clausedoeshave a comma before an und, the comma and the und combined indicate a break: Sie hat schon gesungen, und er hat sie stolz angesehen-She sang beautifully,and he looked at her proudly. (SeeChapter 21.) Commas sometimes indicate sequential adjectives: Die gliickliche, junge, mit vielen Feunden umgebene Frau war Studentin - The happy young woman surrounded with many friends was a student. However, they can also indicate breaks between clauses:Als siesiebzehn war, war sie beinah ein Star- When she was seventeen, she was almost a star. Als Zarathustra dreiBig Jahre alt war, ging er in das Gebirge- When Zarathustra was thirty years old, he went to the mountains. Der Mann, der die Frau liebte, war der Brieftrager- The man who loved the woman was the mailman. In German, whenever you see a comma followedby a form of der and a verb at the end of the clause, you will be dealing with a relative clause, and everything between the commas will belong together. (See chapters 23-25 and 35.) 6. Predicting the meaning
In addition to pre-reading skills, make a mental note of the content of the larger stretches of the text-paragraphs, for example (provided that they are a reasonable length). This makes it easier to follow the overall message oflonger texts and the way the meanings are developed section by section.
3. Skimming
Look over the text without making any special effort to read particular words or sentences. In the process, you will notice some words that you can recognize or guess. .roumay alsonoticethat a certain unftmiliar word occursrepeatedlyand decide to look it up beforeyou start readingthe text closely. he information gained in this T way can help you make better predictions about the text. .roushould also mark thesewordsin your dictionaryin case you needto return to them to refineyour original definition. When skimming, it can be useful to pick out certain features:
a. Cognates and proper Drama, Nietzsche b. Nouns and pronouns-it names-Organisation, organisch, Fundamentalismus,
that pronouns can also be subjects. c. Verbs-especially auxiliaries such as haben, sein, werden, and the modals, as well as verbs at the end of a clause preceded by a zu: zu gehen, verstanden zu haben, etc. d. Words that you already know and are sure of e. Negatives- nicht, kein, which can drastically affect the meaning of your reading f. Logical connectors-aber, doch, denn, und, and subordinating or relative pronouns such as wenn, als, was, wer, die, das, der, which give important information about the connections between different parts of the text. Because they can also tell you how to break up clauses these words are all extremely important to know.
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7. Guessing
a. Look at the word closely to see whether you recognize parts of the word which you know or which you can find in the dictionary. A knowledge of word-formation patterns in German might be necessary here. (Nachbar-neighbor; Nachbarschaft-neighborhood; einsichtsvoll-insightjUl; see also 17.7.) b. Look at the context for clues and make basic guesses about the kind of meaning the word could have. Do not stop reading when you come across an unftmiliar word, since valuable clues as to its meaning are often fOund in the rest of the sentence, or in the next sentence. Focus on meaning rather than structure, and to look fOr clues in the following words and the following sentence. It is often not necessary to understand the exact meaning of a word in order to comprehend the text. 8. Although the text is linear, your reading of it does not have to be. You can move through the text as you begin to understand its content. Do not become fixated on anyone word or anyone sentence! German does not adhere to English word order, as you realize quite well by this point; therefore, you need not stick to English word order to translate correctly. 9. Do not panic! Sometimes, when you come across an especially difficult sentence, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that you nevertheless do know German. It is the linguistic equivalent of runners "hitting the wall," and it happens to most students, regardless of how well they might know German. If this happens to you, take a break from German, then return to it. Acquiring a reading knowledge of German is not a linear process; it involves progress and plateaus and then more progress. Often, a grammar explanation will not seem clear until after you have more of a conceptual framework to understand it. Learning to read German is like constructing a jigsaw puzzle: the more pieces you have in place, the easier it is to fit in the final pieces.
or be able to find it quickly. You might find it helpful to paste my Important Word list into the front of your dictionary. b. Items of specialized vocabulary in your own field. c. I have given suggestions for memorizing words in Chapter 2, section 2.10. You may wish to review these. Note: For other strategies for reading German, consult Reading German (Waltraud Coles and Bill Dodd, Oxford University Press, 1997)
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28. chapters 34 & 35 29. chapter 36 3. review (You may wish to skip reading selections or exercises at the end of chapters and use them when you review the entire book. Once you review the book, many questions you have about the grammar might fall into place.)
APPENDIX B
Important Words
(* = most important words; boldficed words are those which are especiallyproblematic) arm-poor die Art- manner, way, kind der Arzt-doctor, physician * auch-also, even auch wenn-even if * auf(a,d)-up, upon, at aufinachen-to open aufitehen-to get up der Augenblick- moment * aus (d)-out of, of, from aussehen-to look, appear aufJer (d)-except for, outside, in addition bald-soon bauen-to build der Baum-tree
der Abend-evening * aber- however, but aktuell-modern, all-all, every alle- everyone allein-alone alles- everything * als-than, when als ob-as if * also-thus, alt-old so up-to-date
* an (a, d)- of, at, on * ander-other andere-others andern-to change anfingen-to begin ansehen-to look at anstatt (g) - instead of die Antwort-answer die Arbeit-work
to
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* der-the (mas. nom., fern. dat. &
Important
WOrds
269
* beide- both das Beispiel-example; z.B.-for example bekommen, bekam, bekommen-to receive, get beschreiben-to describe
gen., pI. gen.) deren-whose * derselbe-the same deshalb-therefore, dessen- whose * deutsch-German der Dichter-poet die Dichtung-writing, * dieser- this for that reason
besonders- especially bevor-before die Bewegung-movement das Bild- picture, image die Bildung-education, development bis (a)-until, as far as bitten (um)-to ask (for) blicken-to look bleiben, blieb, ist geblieben-to remaIn bose- bad, evil, guilty brauchen nicht-need not brechen (bricht), brach, gebrochento break breit- broad, wide bringen, brachte, gebracht-to der Christ-Christian bring
poetry
* die-the (fern & pI. nom. & acc) das Ding-thing * doch- nevertheless dort-there drei-three du-you (informal) dunkel-dark durch (a)-through, by durfen (darO-to be permitted eben-just, flat ehe- before eigen-own, particular, unique eigentlich-actually an-a, one einfich- simple * einige-several, some einfillen-to occur to einmal- once einsam-lonely einzig- only, sole, unique das Ende-end endlich- finally entstehen, entstand, ist entstandento originate entweder. . . oder-either er- he, it die Erde-earth erfthren (erfahrt)-to learn, discover, experience erhalten, erhielt, erhalten-to receive . . . or
erinnern (r)-to remember erkennen,erkannte, erkannt-to recoglllze erscheinen-to appear * erst-only, not until, first erwarten-to expect * esgibt-there is, there are essen,af, gegessen-to eat etwa-about, approximately etwas-something fihren-to travel, go der Fall-case, instance, trap, fall fillen, jie!, istgefallen-to fall * fist-almost fiul-lazy (people); rotten (food) fehlen-to lack der Fehler-error der Feind-enemy fern-far, afar jinden, fand, gefunden-to find; sichjinden-to be located fleifig- hard-working folgen-to follow die Frage-question fragen (nach)-to ask (about) das Frankreich- France die Frau-woman die Freiheit-freedom die Freude-joy freuen (r)-to be pleased der Friede-peace die Frucht-fruit fruh- early luhlen (r)-to feel die Furcht-fear fUrchten-to fear fUhren-to lead * fUr (a)-for * ganz-whole, complete, entirely, quite * geben (gibt), gab, gegeben-to give
gefallen, efiel,gefallen to please g gegen (a) -against, toward, approximately gegenuber (d)-opposite, vis-a.-vis die Gegenwart-present * gehen, ging, ist gegangen-to go; es geht urn - it is a matter of gehoren-to belong to der Geist-spirit, intellect geistig-spiritual, intellectual das Geld- money gelingen, gelang, ist gelungen-to succeed * gelten (gilt), galt, gegolten-to valid, considered, true be
genau-exact, accurate genug-enough gerade-just, straight die Gerechtigkeit-justice gern-gladly; er tut das gem-he likes to do that geschehen, geschah, ist geschehento happen die Geschichte- history, story die Gesellschaft-society das Gesicht-face gestern - yesterday gesund- healthy gewesen (p. part. of sein)-been gewif-certainly gewohnlich- usually glauben- believe * gleich-equal, immediately gleichen (i)-to compare das Gluck-happiness, luck, fortune glucklich- happy, lucky, fortunate der Gott-God, god * grof-great, large der Grund- reason
* da-since (as a subordinating conjunction); (as an adverb) there, then, it dabei-besides, moreover in so doing, thus,
* dagegen-on the contrary damals-at that time damit-so that, with it danken-to thank * dann-then d.h. -das hei~t-that is, i.e. das Dasein-being, existence * daf-that dein-your denen-to or for whom denken, dachte, gedacht-to * denn-for, because think
270
German Quickly jung-young * knn-no,none,notany * kennen, kannte, gekannt-to klar-clear * klein-little, kommen-to das Mal-time (einmal-once) * man-one * manche-some manchmal-sometimes derMann-man,husband be able to, can power * mehr-more (comparative of vie~ * mehrere-several mem-mllle meinen-to think, say, mean die Meinung-opinion * meist-most (superlative of viel) meistens- mostly * der Mensch (-en, -en)-person, human being merken-to notice * mit(d)-with, by die Mitte- middle * mogen (mag)-may, like * moglich- possible der Monat- month * morgen-tomorrow der Morgen-morning * mussen (mug)-must; to teaching
Important
WOrds
271
gut-good * haben (hat) hatte, gehabt-to have * halten (halt), hielt, gehalten-hold; support; stop; halten jUr-consider handeln-to act, deal with; sich handeln um-to be a matter of hassen-to hate das Haupt- head, chief, main heij5-hot * heij5en, hid~, gehiegen-to be called; das heigt-that is (i.e.) helfen,(hilft), half, geholfen-to help her- motion towards someone der Herr (-n, -en)-mister, master das Herz- heart lord,
know
nicht mehr- no longer * nichts- nothing * nie- never * niemand- no one * noch-still, yet; noch nicht-not yet; noch einmal-once again * nun- now * nur- only * ob-whether, oben-above if
small
come
* konnen (kann)-to
obwohl-although oder-or oft-often ohne (a)-without paar- couple, few der Pfund-pound pldtzlich-suddenly * recht-right, correct, rather das Recht-right, justice rechts-to the right; on the right side reden-to speak die Regel- rule das Reich- empire reich- rich der Roman-novel rufen, rief, gerufen-to sagen- to say der Satz- sentence schauen-to look at * scheinen, schien, ist geschienen
to
heute-today hin-motion away from someone der Himmel-sky, heaven hinter (a, d)-behind * hoch, hoher, am hochsten - high die Hoffnung-hope horen-to hear ich- I ihr-(pron.) you; her; (poss. adj.) her, their, its * immer-always; and more immer mehr-more
* lachen-to laugh das Land-country * lang-long; 10 Jahre lang-for years lange-for a long time langsam-slow sich lassen - can be lauter-nothing leben-to live das Leben-life legen-to place but
ten
mugte-had
immer wieder-again and again * in (a, d)-in, within, into, at indem-while das Italien- Italy ja-yes, indeed das Jahr- year das Jahrhundert- century je-ever je. . . desto-the . . . the * jeder-each, every * jemand-someone * jetzt-now
lesen (liest), las, gelesen-to letzt-Iast * die Leute- people die Liebe-love lieben-to love
read
* nach (d)-after, according to nachdem (subordinating conjunction) - after nachher- afterwards nachst-next die Nacht-night nah-near die Nahe-viciniry (cf. "nearness") namens-by name of namlich- namely neben (a, d)-next to, near * nehmen (nimmt), nahm,
call
* lieber- rather, preferably liegen, lag, gelegen-to lie, be situated links-left die Luft-air lugen-to lie, fib * machen- to make, do die Macht-power, strength
appear, seem; to shine schlecht-bad, poor, wicked schlie/en-to close schnell- quick * schon-already schon- beautiful schreiben,schrieb,geschrieben-to write schwarz- black die Schweiz- Switzerland * schwer- heavy,difficult
genommen - to take
nezn- no nennen - to call, name neu-new * nicht- not
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German Quickly sehen (sieht), sah, gesehen-to see sehr-very, much sei (imperative, subj. r) - be, is, was sein (ist), war, ist gewesen-to be sein-his, its for suchen-to search for, seek * van (d)-of, from, about * vor (a,d)-before, of, with; vor IO Jahren-ro above all years ago; vor allem-
Important W0rds
wert-worth; nicht der Miihe wert-not worth the trouble der wert-value wert-worth * wichtig-important wider-against * wie- how, like, as * wieder-again wiederholen-to der Wille-will * wir-we repeat
273
* * * *
der Ttzg-day taglich- daily die Ttzt-deed die :Technik-technology das :Teil- part teuer- expensive tief - deep der :rod-death tot-dead tragen (tragt), trug, getragen-to carry, wear tre/fin (r) -to meet treten (tritt), trat, getreten -to walk, step, enter trotz (g)-in spite of trotzdem - nevertheless * tun, tat, getan-to do * iiber (a, d)-over, about die Uhr-o' clock; watch * um (a)-around, at; urn. . . willen-for the sake of; urn. . . zu - in order to * und-and ungefiihr- approximately unser-our * unter (a,d)-under, among die Vergangenheit-past vergessen,vergaj5,vergessen-to forget vergleichen-to compare; vgl.-cf. verlieren, verlor, verloren-to lose * verstehen, verstand, verstanden- to understand versuchen-to * viei-much try, tempt
vorsichtig -cautious vorstellen (v.r.)-to imagine, introduce * wahr-true, real die Wilhrheit-truth * wahrend (g)-during; (subordinating) while wahrscheinlich- probably * wann-when warten (aufJ-to wait (for) * warum-why * was-what, that, which weder . . . noch- neither. . . nor der weg-way weg-away wegen (g) - because of * weil- because, since wetSe-Wlse
* selbst-even, self selten-seldom, rare setzen-to put, set, place sich- himself, herself, itself, themselves sicher-sure, safe, certainly * sie-she, they, her, them, it Sie- you (formal) der Sinn-meaning sitzen, saj5,gesessen-to sit so-then, so; so . . . wie-as . . . as softrt- immediately sagar-even, indeed solange-as long as solch-such * sollen (soIl) - is to, should * sondern- rather, on the contrary spat-late die Sprache-Ianguage sprechen-to speak * der Staat-state * die Stadt-city stark-strong statt (g) - instead of * stehen, stand, ist gestanden-to stand, to be stellen-to put, place, lay, impose * sterben (stirbt), starb, ist gestorbento die still-quiet, quietly * die Strafe-street das Stiick- piece die Stunde-hour
wirklich-real, genuine, really die Wirklichkeit-reality die Wirtschaft-economy * wissen (wei.f), wugte, gewugt-to know die Wissenschaft-science * wo-where, when * wohl- indeed, probably, well wohnen-to live * wollen (will)-to want to * worden-been der Wunsch-wish wiinschen-to wish zeigen- to show, point * die Zeit-time ziehen, zag, gezagen-to raise, attract ziemlich- rather * zu (d)-at, to, too die Zukunft-future zumachen-to close * zuriickback, behind zusammen- together zwar- indeed zwischen (a, d)-between draw, pull,
die weise- manner, custom, way die weisheit-wisdom weijJ-white (also third person sing. of wissen) * weit-far, wide * weiter-further welch-which die welt-world die weltanschauung-world view * wenig-little; wenige-few * wenn-when, if * wer-who * werden, wurde, ist geworden - most frequently: is 28.rffi to become; will
* viele- many * vielleicht-perhaps * vieimehr- rather das 1/oIk-people, nation * voll- full, filled with
APPENDIX C
If you are unfamiliar with English grammar, please use this section as a reference. You will need it. If you would like to buy an English grammar book, I would recommend The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar fOr the Innocent, the Eager and the Doomed (Karen Elizabeth Gordon).
Clause
A clause is a unit within a sentence that has both a subject and a verb. German sentences may contain multiple clauses, much to the chagrin of many readers. Nouns (See Chapter 3) A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or abstraction. Nouns have cases. German has four cases: nominative (English subjective), accusative (English objective), genitive (usually, but not always, English possessive), and dative (usually, but not always, English indirect object). Nominative is the subject; all sentences have subjects: The man is friendly. The bear dances. I am happy.
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is a noun after the verbs "to be," "to become," "to re-
277
A predicate nominative
main," and similar verbs. The predicate nominative indicates that the subject and the object are one and the same: The poet is a great man. The woman becomes a professor. (This will not generally affect your translation.) A direct object answers the question what or whom after the verb:
Usually, adjectives are preceded by articles: a good idea; the hungry cat. However, when adjectives precede plural nouns, they often do not need an article: loyal friends; difficult ideas. Adjectives after the verbs "to be," "to become," "to remain," and verbs involving the senses are predicate adjectives: She isfunny. He became rich. They remained angry for a long time. She seems sad. He looks happy. Adjectives can also appear in comparative and superlative forms (see chapter II): A better idea; a nicer cat; a more beautiful child; the dog is friendlier than the cat (comparative) The best idea; the nicest cat; the most beautiful child; "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the ftirest of them all?" (superlative) Two verb forms (present participles-singing, climbing-and past participlesstolen, admired) can be used as adjectives if they appear directly before a noun (usually after an article): They gazed at the dancing bear. The frightened elephant hid in the forest.
The man kills the wolf The woman writes apoem. He likes me. * I like him. * * In English, some pronouns reveal the difference between nominative (L he, she, we, they) and accusative (me, him, her,us, them) cases.
A possessive noun is in an inextricable relationship with another noun: The man's friend is nice. (Or: The friend of the man is nice.) He loves the woman's sister. (Or: He loves the sister of the woman.) An indirect object is an object for which the prepositions "to" or "for" are understood: The man writes his girl friend a love letter. (Or: The man writes a love letter to his girlfriend.) The woman sends her mother a Mother's Day card. Note: Even when a sentence begins with prepositional phrases, the verb will appear directly after the subject and before the object: During the dark and stormy night, in the middle of the woods, the storyteller frightened the campers.
Adverbs (seeChapter 4)
Adverbs modifY verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs: He runs quickly; The beautifully singing woman is homely; He speaks German
quite fluently.
Adjectives (SeeChapter 4)
Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns: A nice man; a certain someone Adjectives usually appear beftre the noun they modifY: An interesting concept; a uselessanimal; an engaging woman; good friends Articles and numbers are also adjectives: A kind woman; the interesting book; three blind mice; ten partridges
Typical adverbs are; mostly, usually, perhaps, moreover, especially, thus, thereftre, still yet, certainly, consequently, very, however, quite, really, also, now, only, soon, then, just, even, rather, indeed, probably, immediately, yesterday, too, here, there, tomorrow, often. rarely, nearly, always, never, not A noun and an adjective, or a prepositional phrase can also have an adverbial function in a sentence: to be sure; last week; some day;fOr years; to the right; first of all
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German Quickly
Pronouns are:
279
Like adjectives, adverbs can also have comparative and superlative forms: She runs more quickly than he does. He is the least likely to succeed. The most beautiful grapes hang the highest. Prepositions (See Chapter 5)
Personal (1, you, he, she, it, we, you, they): I am happy. (Chapter 2) Interrogative (who, whom, which, what, or whose): Who loves him? (Chapter 6) Indefinite (such as: one, someone, many, everyone, some, nobody, everything, nothing, something): Everyone likes her; Something is missing. (Chapter 3) Demonstrative (this, that, these, those): This is wonderful. (Chapter 3) Relative (who, whom, whose, what, which, that [Chapter 25]: Everyone who knows her likes her Everyone whom she knows is brilliant. Everything that she said was interesting. The anecdote, which she had heard many times, still amused her. Note that that has a variety of functions in English. 1. It can be a demonstrative pronoun: I know that. 2. It can be a relative pronoun: He recommended the book that helped him learn German quickly.
Prepositions indicate the relation of a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. A prepositional phrase consists of the preposition, the noun or pronoun that follows it, and any modifiers of the noun: She walks through the park. She walks around the beautiful park with the red geraniums. She walks across the park, which is in the center of the city. He is upset with her. There are also some compound prepositions, word: because oft instead oft with regard to: She walks outside of the park. those consisting of more than one
Common prepositions are:for, to, of, through, between, on,from, beside,against, without, by.There will not be a one-to-one correlation between German and English prepositions.
Pronouns (See Chapter 7) Pronouns take the place of nouns. They also have cases. Nominative (subjective): He is rich. Accusative (objective): The wolf devours him. Dative (indirect object): The woman gives him a big smile. Pronouns in front of nouns are possessive adjectives: His friends are nice. Her cat seems playful. Our goals are difficult to attain. Note that her can be both a personal pronoun and a possessive adjective: He likes her. (her is merely a pronoun.) He likes her friends. (her is a possessive adjective) Although he likes her (pronoun), he dislikes her iguana (possessiveadjective).
It can also be a subordinating conjunction: I know that he is trustworthy. (Chapter 23) Reflexive:He looked at himselfin the mirror. (Chapter 26)
Verbs (Chapter 2) A verb is a word or group of words stating something about the subject of the sentence. This statement can describe an action or an identity or a state of being: The mouse roared (action). The elephant is enormous (state of being). Verbs can be either transitive or intransitive. They are transitive when they are followed by a direct object: He loves the woman. The obese man ate the entire pizza.
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German Quickly
English Grammar Necessary fOr Learning German Verbs will sometimes require auxiliary (i.e. helping) verbs. Here are examples: Present perfect: They have gone to the zoo. Past perfect: They had gone to the zoo. Future: They will go to the zoo. (Chapter 10) Future perfect: They will have gone to the zoo.
281
They are intransitive when they cannot be followed by a direct object, and instead are followed by a preposition or an adverb or another clause:
Modals, words that change the aspect of the verb, are also auxiliaries (Chapter 19): The wolf kills the sheep. The bears dance in a circle. I am hungry. He is singing loudly. She does not know German yet. Does he want to go with us? Verbs have the following forms: present, past, present perfect, past perfect. (Chapters 14 and 15) He He He He stares at the spectacle. (present) stared at the spectacle. (past, also called preterite) has stared at the spectacle. (present perfect) had stared at the spectacle. (past perfect)
,
II
He He He He
must learn German. wants to learn German. should learn German. can learn German
They should be able to learn German. A modal with the future tense: She will be able to learn German. The passive voice is formed by using the verb "to be" as an auxiliary along with the main verb in its participial form (Chapter 28): The man is eaten by the wolf. (C active: The wolf eats the man.) The apple was stolen by a child. (C active: The child stole the apple.) The song has been sung by thousands of people.
Note that the present and past perfect are formed by using an auxiliary (have, had) with a participle. A participle is a verb form that always requires an auxiliary: He has helped her; He is helped by her. When the three main forms of the verb are given, they are listed as the infinitive (the form that appears in the dictionary), the past, and the perfect form. Verbs in English, as well as in German, can be either "strong" or "weak." They are weak (easy to determine) when -edis added to their past and perfect forms: look, looked, has looked,' ask, asked, has asked; hope, hoped, has hoped They are strong (their pattern can be hard to determine) when their past and perfect forms do not end in -ed; often a vowel change is involved. Many strong participles will end in -n, -en, -d, or -t: write, wrote, has written; bring, brought, has brought; cut, cut, has cut; lose, lost, has lost; find, found, has found; fall, fell, has fallen; do, did, has done; sing, sang, has sung
282
German Quickly
283
The dean of students thinks that he is extremely insightful. Here are examples of the subjunctive used as a conditional or a conjecture (Chapters 31-32): If he were wise, he would save his money. lfhe had been wise, he would have saved his money. If he had saved his money, he would have been rich. The dancing bear looks as if it were hungry. He wished he had learned German sooner. Conjunctions (Chapters 21, 23-25)
Until now, he did not want to learn German. (preposition) He did not want to learn German until he met a beautiful Austrian woman. (subordinating conjunction) After many years of intense effort, he could speak German like a native. (preposition) After he had lived in Germany, he became more interested in German culture. (subordinating conjuncrion.) Relative pronouns are forms of subordinating conjunctions. (Chapter 25) When the relative pronoun is the subject of the clause, the verb follows it immediately: I know the man who loves her. When the relative pronoun is the object of the clause, the verb follows the subject: The man whom she loves is quite intense. Note that who is also an interrogative pronoun: Who wants to go to the movies with me? Punctuation (Chapter 35)
Conjunctions can be either co-ordinating or subordinating. They are extremely important in German grammar, because they link together clauses, some of which occasionally seem interminable. Co-ordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance in the same sentence. (Chapter 21) Common co-ordinating conjunctions are: and, or, either. . . or, neither. . . nor, but, however: She She She She studies philosophy and music. studies philosophy and ponders various theories. studies philosophy, and she enjoys it. is beautiful, but she doesn't know it.
Neither the student nor the teacher wants to read the boring book. Subordinating conjunctions change clauses into dependent clauses, which means they are unable to exist without the help of independent clauses. They still need to have a subject and a verb, however. They generally begin the clause (Chapters 23-25): Because he was happy, he hugged her. Ifhe has any sense, he will marry her. When she was in Switzerland, she saw thousands of cows. He was not happy until he saw her again. Although she had many friends, she was still sometimes lonely. He suffered a great deal when he was young. After she had learned German, she felt as if she could do anything. Note that until and after can be either a preposition or a subordinating conjunction:
You will find that German uses commas more frequently than English does. Commas have two main uses: 1. To show sequences: Men, women, and children are all fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. Roses, geraniums, irises, marigolds, and begonias grew in her garden. 2. To show how sentences should be parsed: He had many children, and he was always quite busy. Whenever he went to Germany, he bought liqueur-filled chocolates. He sent her flowers, which pleased her. My wife, Roger, is a complex woman. (If there were no commas, it would seem as if the man's wife's name were Roger!)
APPENDIX D
I. Declensions of the definite (der) and indefinite (ein) articles (For a review of case endings, see Chapter 3, parts I and II, and 5.r6.)
masculine der ein den elllen des ellles dem elllem neuter das ein das ein des ellles dem elllem feminine die ellle die ellle der elller der elller plural die die der den
Except for masculine and neuter nominative and neuter accusative, the der article and the ein article have the same endings. Note: dieser (this one),jener (that, that one),jeder (each, every), mancher (some, many a), solcher (such), and welcher (what, which) follow the paradigm for derwords. Kein and the possessive adjectives mein (my), dein (your), sein (his, its), ihr (her, their), unser (our), euer (your), and Ihr (your) follow the paradigm for ein words.
286
German Quickly we you (informal) they you (formal) masculine gutes Brat gutes Brat guten Brats gutem Brat feminine gute Milch gute Milch guter Milch guter Milch plural gute Tage gute Tage guter Tage guten Tagen wlr ihr Sle Sie uns euch Sle Sie
Summary of German Grammar (us) (you) (them) (you) uns euch ihnen Ihnen (to us) (to you) (to them) (to you)
287
II. Adjective endings (For a review of adjectives, see Chapter 4) A. Strong adjective endings neuter nominative accusative genitive dative guter Wein guten Wein guten Weins gutem Wein
Do not worry about pranouns that take the genitive, as they appear rarely, and you will know how to deal with them if you should come upon them. Here are examples: Sie tut das urn seinetwillen-She does that for his sake; Er ist hier urn ihretwillen-He is here for her (or their) sake.
Adjectives are more likely to be strang when preceding plural nouns: schone Blumen guter Gartner - beautiful flowers of good gardners
B. Relative pronouns (SeeChapter 25) masculine der den dessen dem neuter das das dessen dem feminine die die deren der plural die die deren denen
B. Weak adjective endings (after der or a similar article) 1. nominative masculine, neuter, and feminine; accusative neuter and feminine weak adjectives will end in -e: der gute Wein, das gute Brat, die gute Milch 2. All other weak adjectives (masculine accusative,all genitives, all datives, and all plurals) will end in -en: den guten Wein, des guten Brats, dem guten Mann, die guten Ideen, ete.) c. Adjectives following ein words in nominative masculine and neuter and accusative neuter will be strong: ein guter Mann, ein gutes Kind D. Possessive adjectives (See Chapter 7) mem dein sem ihr (my) (your) (his, its) (her) unser euer ihr Ihr (our) (your) (their) (your-formal)
C. Reflexive pronouns (SeeChapter 26) singular (I, you, he, it, she) accusative mich (myself) dative mir (myself) accusatIve dative accusatIve and dative dich dir sich (yourself) (yourself) plural (we,you, they) accusative uns (ourselves) dative uns (ourselves) accusative dative euch euch
(yourselves) (yourselves)
sich accusative (himself, and dative itself, herself) sich is also the accusative and dative for the formal you (Sie).
IV: Prepositions (For more definitions, see also listings in Appendix K, the General and Humanities Vocabulary.)Prepositions can also be dictated by the verb
they are connected with:
sit zen
an-to
believe in.
ich du er es Sle
(her)
(to me, me) (to thee, you) (to him) (to it) (to her)
'
A. Prepositions
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German Quickly
Summary of German Grammar D. Prepositions taking the genitive (cf. 5-13) trotz-in spite of statt-instead of wiihrend-during wegen-because of um . . . willen-fir the sakeof
289
flir- fir, insteadot halten flir-to consider;wasflir- what kind of gegen-against, towards;gegen acht Uhr-around8:00 ohne-without um-at, around;um sechs Uhr-at 6:00; esgeht um-it wider-against, contraryto entlang-along; den Plug entlang-along the river B. Prepositions taking the dative (cf. 5.9) is a matter of
v: Conjunctions
aus-out of of from; aus Berlin-from Berlin; aus diesem Buch-from this book; aus der Tiir-out of the door aufler-out of except(jOr),asidefrom, in addition to bei-near, with, among, at the houseof at; beim-bei + dem; (bei rarely means by) mit-with, by,at nach-after, accordingto, to (with regard to direction); nach der Vorlesung-after class; meiner Meinung nach-in my opinion; fragen nach-to ask about; fahren nach-to go to seit-since, fir; seit Jahren studierr sie deutsche Philosophie-fir years, she has beenstudying German philosophy von-from, of by,about; vom-von + dem zu-to, at, in addition to;zum Beispiel-fir example;zu Hause-at home; zurzu + der; zum-zu + dem gegeniiber-vis-a-vis, opposite,in relationto; dem Nachsten gegeniiber-vis-a-vis the neighbor C. Prepositions taking either dative or accusative (cf. 5.n) an-at, on, to, in, near to;denken an-to the table; am-an + dem think of an dem Tisch sitzen-to sit at waitfir A. Co-ordinating conjunctions (SeeChapter 2I) aber-but, however
denn-fir, because oder-or sondern-rather, on the contrary und-and entweder. . . oder-either . . .or weder. . . noch-neither. . .nor B. Subordinating conjunctions (SeeChapter 23) als-when (alwaysin the past tense) auch wenn-even if bevor-before bis-until da-since, because damit-so that dafl (ordass)-that ehe-before nachdem-after ob-if, whether obschon, obwohl-although sobald-as soonas solange - as long as wiihrend-while weil-because wenn-when,
auf-on, upon, on top of in, at, to;warren auf-to hinter-behind; hinterm-hinter + dem in-in, into; ins-in + das; im-in + dem neben-beside, near,next to
iiber-above, over,about, across; prechen iiber-to speak about s unter-under, beneath,among, below;unter den Blinden- among the blind vor-before, infront of ago;vor sechs Stunden -six hours ago! vor allem-above all; vor Freude-with joy zwischen-between
if
290
German Quickly wlr ihr Sle Sie sind seid sind sind
291
C. Subordinating relative pronouns (SeeChapter 24) wer-he who, whoever was-what, whatever,which, that which, that wie-how, as wo- where,when warum-why VI. Verb conjugations-present, Chapters 14and 15.) past, and present perfect (For a review, see
waren waret
waren waren
A. Conjugation of a weakleasy verb and of a strong/hard verb; present, past, present perfect, and subjunctive II
1. a weakleasyverb: present lache lachst lacht lachen lacht lachen lachen lachen (to laugh) past lachte lachtest lachte lachten lachtet lachten lachten present perfect habe gelacht hast gelacht hat gelacht haben gelacht habt gelacht haben gelacht haben gelacht subjunctive lachte lachtest lachte lachten lachtet lachten lachten II
C. Conjugation of haben (to have) ich habe hatte habe gehabt du hast hattest hast gehabt er hat hatte hat gehabt wir haben hatten haben gehabt ihr habt hattet habt gehabt sie haben hatten haben gehabt Sie haben hatten haben gehabt
D. Conjugation ich werde du wirst er wird Wlr werden ihr werdet Sle werden Sie werden of werden (to become; to be) wurde bin geworden wurdest bist geworden wurde ist geworden wurden sind geworden wurdet seid geworden wurden sind geworden wurden sind geworden
VII. Modals (for a review, see Chapter 19) to be subjunctive fande fandest fande fanden fandet fanden fanden II permitted diirfen ich du er Wlr ihr Sle Sie darf darfst darf diirfen diirft diirfen diirfen can konnen kann kannst kann konnen konnt konnen konnen may, like to mogen mag magst mag mogen mogt mogen mogen should, is to sollen solI sollst solI sollen sollt sollen sollen
verb: find en (tofind) past fand fandest fand fanden fandet fanden fanden of sein (to be) past war warst war present perfect bin gewesen bist gewesen ist gewesen subjunctive ware warest ware II present perfect habe gefunden hast gefunden hat gefunden haben gefunden habt gefunden haben gefunden haben gefunden
VIII. werden (See Chapters 10 and 28, especially 28.10). (A) When werden appears with a participle, it will mean is (passive): Es wird selten getan- It is seldom done. This is the most common use of werden!!!
ich du er
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German Quickly
293
Die Alten werden selten emst genommen- The old people are seldom taken seriously. (B) When werdenappears with an infinitive, it will mean will (future): Er wird nicht gehen- He will not go. (C) When werdenappears alone in a sentence, it will mean to become,to grow: Er wird alt- He isgrowingold.
IX. Verb placement (See Chapters 6, 22, 23-25, 33)
(B) When the verb appears with an auxiliary (such as a form ofsein or haben or werden or a modal), the auxiliary will be conjugated, and it will appear in "second" place in the clause (if it is a standard main clause-c A-I), while the other verb infinitive or participle will appear at the end of the clause: Er kann nicht gehen - He cannot go Sie hat das oft gesagt-She has often said that. Hoffnung ist in den Brunnen gefallen- Hope hasfallen into the well.
(A)When there is only one verb in the clause: (1)In a standard main clause, the verb will appear in "second" place: Er kennt Fraulein Meier-He knows Fraulein Meier. Heute geht er mit uns ins Theater- Today he is going to the theater with us. Den Freund erkennt man in der Not-One recognizes a (true) friend (when one is) in need. Auf dem FuBpfad wachst kein Gras-No grass grows on the footpath.
(2) If the clause begins with a verb,
The auxiliary will appear at the beginning of the clause if the clause is a question, or if it is an "if. . . then" construction (cf. A-2), while the other verb infinitive or participle will appear at the end of the clause: Darferdas tun-Is he permitted to do that? Hatte sie das gewu.fJt,so hatte sie dariiber gelacht-If she had known that, she would have laughed about it. In dependent clauses, the auxiliary will appear at the end (c A-3), while the other verb infinitive or participle will be the penultimate word in the clause: Ich glaube, daB wir gehen werden- I believethat we will go Nachdem der Brieftrager Fraulein Meier einen Ring geschenkthatte, war sie sehr gliicklich- After the mailman had given Fraulein Meier a ring, she was very happy. (C) Whenever there arethree or more verbs in a clause, the conjugated verb will be translated first, the verb at the end of the clause will be translated next, the penultimate verb will be translated third, and any other possible verb will be translated last: Er wird das getan haben - He will have done that. 2 3 Man hat mich oft tamen sehen konnen (Nietzsche)-One was often able to see me 1 4 3 2 dance.
In dependent clauses that have three or more verbs, the conjugated verb will precede the other two verbs:
1. It may be a question: Kennt er den Brieftrager?- Does he know the mailman? Schreibtsie eine E-mail an ihn? - Is she writing him an e-mail? 2. It may be a command: Tuedas sofort!-Do that immediately!
vergessen Sie ihren Geburtstag nicht! - Do not forget her birthday!
3. When the verb appears in the subjunctive I form and is followed by wir, it will be translated let us: Seienwir tapfer!- Let us be brave! 4. It can signal an "if. . . then" construction: Fehlt es dir an Bier,so trinke Wein - If you lack beer, then drink wine Fallt das Brot, soflillt es auf die Butterseite - If the bread falls, it falls on the buttered side. Wareer reich, so arbeiteteer nicht-Ifhe wererich, he would not work.
(3) If the clause is a subordinate clause, the verb will appear at the end: Es ist wahr, daB sie viel studiert-it is true that she studies a lot.
Er war gliicklich, weil er oft hat tamen konnen - He was happy because he was
132 often able to dance.
294
295
X. Verb tenses: here are some verb combinations of the infinitives sagen (to say) and singen (to sing):
(Note some of the possibilities are extremely confUsing; don't worry about them. I am omitting many possibilities because they are simply too rare and too difficult)
present past present perfect past perfect future present (with a modal) past (with a modal) present perfect (+ a modal) past perfect (+ a modal) future (+ a modal) present passive past passive present perfect passive past perfect passive future passive present passive (+ modal) past passive (+ modal) present perfect passive (+ modal) past perfect passive (+ modal)
er sagt-he says er sagte- he said er hat gesagt-he said or has said er hatte gesagt- he had said er wird sagen- he will say er willsagen he wants to say er wollte sagen - he wanted to say er hat sagen wollen-he (has) wanted to say er hatte sagen wollen - he had wanted to say er wird sagen wollen-he will want to say es wird gesagt-it is said es wurde gesagt - it was said es ist gesagt worden - it has been said es war gesagt worden - it had been said es wird gesagt werden - it will be said es will gesagt werden - it wants to be said
present passive past passive present perfect passive past perfect passive future passive present passive (+ modal) past passive (+ modal) present perfect passive (+ modal) past perfect passive (+ modal)
er konnte singen - he could sing er hat singenkonnen- he could (or:has been able)to sing er hatte singen konnen - he had been able to smg er wird singen konnen - he will be able to smg es wird gesungen-it is sung eswurdegesungen it was sung es ist gesungen worden - it has been sung es war gesungen worden-it had been sung
es wird gesungen werden- it will be sung es kann gesungen werden-it can be sung es konnte gesungen werden-it could be sung es hat gesungen werden konnen - it is able to have been sung es hatte gesungen werden konnen - it was able to have been sung er singe-he may sing, sings, sang er sange-he sang, he would sing, if he were to sing
eswolltegesagtwerden- it wanted to be
said es hat gesagt werden wollen-it wanted to be said es hatte gesagt werden wollen-it wanted to be said has had
er sage- he may say, says, said er sagte- he would say, he had said, if he were to say er singt - he sings er sang-he sang er hat gesungen - he has sung er hatte gesungen-he had sung er wird singen - he will sing er kann singen - he can sing
present past present perfect past perfect future present (with a modal)
APPENDIX E
(If you say these repeatedly, you may become more familiar with the ways in which verbs change.) infinitive (and irregular third singular person group I: ei-ie-ie or ei-i-i bleiben scheiden scheinen schreiben steigen welsen greifen leiden reiGen schneiden streiten blieb schied schien schrieb stieg Wles griff !itt riG schnitt stritt geblieben geschieden geschienen geschrieben gestiegen gewlesen gegriffen gelitten genssen geschnitten gestritten stay, remain part, depart shine, seem write climb point grasp suffer tear cut fight past (first and third person singular participle definition
298
299
infinitive (and
participle
definition
group V: e-a-e (note that sitzen is somewhat different) essen iBt gibt geschieht liest sieht tritt aB gab geschah las sah trat saB gegessen gegeben geschehen gelesen gesehen getreten gesessen eat gIVe happen read see enter, step sit
I
I
I
i
f
I
'I
group VII: a-ie-a (note that heij?en,laufen, and rufen vary) biasen fallen fangen gefallen halten lassen raten heiBen laufen rufen blast fallt fangt gefallt halt laBt rat lauft blies fiel fing gefiel hielt lieB riet hieB lief rief geblasen gefallen gefangen gefallen gehalten gelassen geraten geheiBen gelaufen gerufen blow fall catch please hold let, permit advise be called run call
I
befiehlt bricht gilt hilft
nimmt spricht stiehlt
irregularstrong verbs
ist tut
go be stand do
300
Patterns fOr Strong/Hard verbs II. Strong/hard verbs and some troublesome check definitions in your dictionaries)
30I
infinitive
backen (backt), buk (or backte), gebacken-to bake bediirfen (bedarf), bedurfte, bedurft (with genitive)-to require befehlen (befielt), befahl, befohlen-to command begehen, beging, begangen - to commit beginnen, begann, begonnen - to begin begraben, begrub, begraben - to bury
begreifen, begriff, begriffen - to comprehend
weiB
beiBen,biB/biss,gebissen to bite bekommen, bekam, bekommen - to receive benehmen (benimmt), benahm, benommen (vr.)-to bergen, borg, geborgen - to conceal beschreiben, beschrieb, beschrieben - to describe bestehen, bestand, bestanden - to exist, consist, insist betragen (betragt), betrug, betragen-to amount to behave
verbs with an umlaut in their stem, which are strong (note that they do not have umlauts in their past or participial forms): infinitive betriigen gebaren hangen Iiigen schw6ren triigen wagen past betrog gebor hing log schwor trog wog participle betrogen geboren gehangen gelogen geschworen getrogen gewogen definition cheat, defraud bear hang lie, fib swear to be deceptive weigh
to take awayfrom
32
33
entstehen, entstand, ist entstanden-to originate erwachsen (erwachst), erwuchs, ist erwachsen-to grow essen (igt), ~, gegessen-to eat fahren (fahrt), fuhr, ist gefahren- to travel fallen (fallt), fiel, ist gefallen-to fall fangen (fangt), fing, gefangen-to catch finden, fand, gefunden - tojind fliegen, flog, ist geflogen- tofly fliehen, floh, ist geflohen- toflee fliegen, flog/floss, ist geflossen-to flow fressen, frag, gefressen - to eat like an animal frieren, fror, gefroren- tofreeze gebaren, gebar, ist geboren -to bear(geboren-born) geben (gibt), gab, gegeben-to give gebrauchen, gebrauchte, gebraucht-to use
gedeihen, gedieh, ist gediehen - to thrive gefallen, gefiel, hat gefallen - to please gehen, ging, ist gegangen- to go gehoren, gehorte, gehort-to belong to gelangen, gelangte, gelangt-to reach gelingen, gelang, ist gelungen - to succeed gelten (gilt), galt, gegolten-to be valid geniegen, genog/genoss, genossen-to enjoy geraten (gerat), geriet, ist geraten-to fall land geschehen, geschah, ist geschehen - to happen gestehen, gestand, gestanden - to confess gewinnen, gewann, gewonnen - to win gewohnen, gewohnte, gewohnt (r.)-to accustom onese/fto giegen, gog, gegossen - topour gleichen, glich, geglichen - to compare graben (grabt), grub, gegraben-to dig greifen, griff, gegriffen - to seize haben (hat), hatte, gehabt-to have halten (halt), hielt, gehalten-to hold, consider, stop
laden, Iud, geladen - to invite lassen, lieg, gelassen-to let, to leave; sich lassen-can laufen (lauEr), lief, ist gelaufen-to run leiden, litt, gelitten-to suffer leihen, lieh, geliehen - to lend lesen (liest), las, gelesen-to read liegen, lag, ist gelegen - to lie
loschen, losch, geloschen
-
be
- to extinguish
to jib
to, must
hit
- to creep
schliegen, schlog, geschlossen - to close schneiden, schnitt, geschnitten - to cut schrecken, schrack, geschrocken - to shock
schreiben, schreien, schreiten, schrieb, schritt, geschrieben-to ist geschritten-to
-
schrie, geschrie(e)n-to
to be silent
-
34
German Quickly
werfen (wirh), war geworfen-to throw wiegen, wog, gewogen - to weigh wissen, wugte, gewugt-to know (aftct) wollen (will), wollte, gewollt-to want
35
schwinden, schwand, ist geschwunden - to vanish sehen (sieht), sah, gesehen-tosee sein (ist), war, ist gewesen - to be senden, sandte, gesandt-to send
singen, sang, gesungen- to sing sinken, sank, ist gesunken - to sink sinnen, sann, gesonnen - toponder
sitzen, sag, ist gesessen-to sit sollen, sollte, gesollt-shou/d, is to sprechen (spricht), sprach, gesprochen-to speak stehen, stand, ist or hat gestanden - to stand stehlen (stiehlt), stahl, gestohlen - to steal steigen, stieg, ist gestiegen - to rise sterben (stirbt), starb, ist gestarben-to die stagen, stieg, gestossen -push, shove streichen, strich, gestrichen - to stroke,to spread,to cancel streiten, stritt, gestritten-to quarrel tragen (tragt), trug, getragen-to wear, to carry treffen (trifft), traf, getroffen-to hit; (v.r.) to meet treiben, trieb, getrieben - to drive (with haben); to drift (with sein) treten (tritt), trat, hat or ist getreten-to step, enter, tread trinken, trank, getrunken - to drink triigen, trog, getrogen - to be deceptive
zeihen, zag, hat or ist gezagen - to pull, to draw zwingen, zwang, gezwungen - toforce
APPENDIXF
1. Days of the week Sonntag Montag Dienstag MittWoch Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Donnerstag Freitag Sonnabend Samstag Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday
HeUte in acht Tagen-a week from today II. Names of the month Januar Februar Marz April Mai Juni January February March April May June Juli August September Oktober November Dezember July August September October November December
308
German Quickly
III. The cardinal numbers neun I elns 9 10 zehn 2 zwel II elf drei 3 zwolf 12 VIer 4 dreizehn flinf 13 5 vierzehn 6 sechs 14 flinfzehn sieben 15 7 sechzehn 16 8 acht
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 30
4 5
60
vlerzlg
fiinfzig
APPENDIX
Also: null-zero; die Million- million; die MiOiarde- billion; die Billion- trillion IV;The ordinal numbers
I. Numbers 1-19 will have a te added to the cardinal number: der zweite, der
Time Phrases
fUnfte, der achtzehnte, etc. Exceptions are: der erste (first), der dritte (third), and der achte (eighth). The seventh can be either der siebte or der siebente. 2. Numbers 20 and above will have a -ste added to the cardinal number: der zwanzigste (tWentieth), der einundfUnfzigste (fifty-first), der hundertste (hundredth), etc.
German idioms for time are a nuisance because few of them correspond to English idioms. Here are some of the most common time phrases. I. Times of day um acht Uhr-at eight o'clock; um halb acht-at gegen acht Uhr-around eight o'clock zu Mittag-at noon; zu dieser Zeit-at this time II. Note how dates are expressed am 4. Juli-on the 4th ofJuly Navalis starb I8oI-Novalis died in I80I die sechziger Jahre-the sixties III. Two prepositions relating to time
vor drei Jahren - three years ago
seven thirty
Seit drei Jahren studiert (present tense) sie Erdkunde- Forthree years she has been
studying (present perfect progressive) geography. IV; Other time phrases to watch for drei Jahre lang-for three years
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German Quickly
in acht Tagen - in a week am anderen Tag-on the next day Erst gestern bekam er den wichtigen important letter. v: Note also
Brief-Not
1. When definite time is being expressed, the accusative case is used when there is no preceding preposition: Jeden Tag liest er eine Zeitungper every day.
APPENDIX H
He reads a newspa-
2. But when indefinite time is being expressed, the genitive is used: Eines Tagesmiissen wir ein geregeltes Leben anfangen - One day we must get organized (literally: begin a well-ordered life).
3. Adverbial expressions of time end in -s and are not capitalized. Examples are:
mar gens, abends, freitags, ete.
ending -chen (Madchen) -e (Blume) -e Qunge) -el (Regel) -el (Titel) -er (Dichter) -heit (Wahrheit) -ion (Situation) -ist (Novellist) -ium (Studium) -keit (Moglichkeit) -lein (Hauslein) -ling (Liebling) -nis (Kenntnis) -nis (Verhaltnis) -schaft (Gemeinschaft) -tat (Universitat) -ung (Obung)
gender n. f. m. f. m. m. f. f. m. n. f. n. m. f. n. f.
f.
f.
plural -(die Madchen) -n (die Blumen) -n (desJungen) -n (die Jungen) -n (die Regeln) -s (des Titels) -(die Titel) ** -s (des Dichters) -(die Dichter)* -n (die Wahrheiten) -en (die Situationen) -en (des Novellisten) -en (die Novellisten) -s (des Studiums) -ien (die Studien) -en (die Moglichkeiten) -s (des Hausleins) - (dieHauslein) -s (des Lieblings) -e (die Lieblinge) -se (die Kenntnisse) -ses (des Verhaltnisses)-se (die Verhaltnisse) -en (die Gemeinschaften) -en (die Universitaten) -en (die Obungen)
* While this is not the only possible ending, it is definitely the most common ending. ** The plural mayor may not have an umlaut over the medial vowel (der Apfelsingular; die Apfel-plural).
APPENDIX I
The following is a list of various German dictionaries as of 2002, and the information may change as other dictionaries are published or revised after this dite. It is not complete, but it does include the most commonly used dictionaries. More current information can be found on Amazon.com, although the reviews should not be the only factor in making a final decision about buying a dictionary. Unfortunately (but logically enough), there is no perfect dictionary. In order to translate German competently, you will need a hardback dictionary such as the Harper Collins or the Oxford Duden or, the Langenscheidts. But, if you have never had German before, you will find that using only a large dictionary will slow down your readingltranslation time. Therefore, I would recommend that you use two dictionaries~a hardback dictionary for compound or obscure words, or for a more precise definition of a word, and a paperback dictionary for more common words that you tend to look up over and over again. There are also several mid-size dictionaries, which work as good compromise Collins College Dictionary. dictionaries, such as the Harper
Because each German dictionary has a slightly different layout, I would advise you to check out the introductions of your particular dictionaries to discover the specific abbreviations used and the rationales of their formats. Note that it is difficult to determine how many words are actually in the dictionary, as each dictionary lists the number of entries differently. Oddly, the Harper Collins boasts of 800,000 entries, while the Langenscheidts notes that it has 220,000 references, yet the Langenscheidts seems to have more words than the Harper Collins College Edition with 380,000 entries. Evidently, an "entry" is shorter than a "reference."
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boxes, which can be informative for students interested in learning more about Germany. There is also useful information in the middle of the dictionary, giving false cognate warnings, verb tables, numbers, and games. In the beginning of the dictionary, there is also a summary of German grammar and a caution not to overuse one's dictionary. The post 1996 orthography is used, so that readers have to know that da.f can be found only under dass, or that they should consult the German spelling reform list at the back of the dictionary. This dictionary has disappointingly few words, and oddly leaves out words such as Gemeinschaft (community), Abschnitt (section), Haupt (head) and several meanings of wohl, although some of them can be intuited in examples. Moreover, the definitions of konnen and sollen are incomplete. It is probably a handy dictionary for people more interested in going to Germany than it is for people interested in reading scholarly German. Thus Bildungsroman (a novel in which the hero develops from childhood to maturity) is omitted, while Bierzelt (beer tent) is listed.
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that it has an emphasis that students interested in music would find especially helpful. The large Langenscheidts was revised in 1995. If stUdents are working with scholarly materials prior to this time, it might be a good dictionary to have on hand, but it also needs to be revised. Although the spelling reform took place in 1996, the Langenscheidts at least refers to this at the very end of the dictionary.
APPENDIX]
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Hutte-hut,
kussen-to kiss
spat-late; Ol-oil,- Buffel-buffalo Wein-wine, Mai-May Maus-mouse, Haus-house neu-new, Fraulein-Miss, Nachteule-night bevor-before, Baumwolle-cotton halb-half Grab-grave ich- mich-me, Licht-light Nacht-night, Macht-might, power Christus- Christ, Charakter-character sechs-six, Lachs-lox owl, Feuer-fire
2.8. er nimmt-he
breaks
2.9. Sentence translations: 1. Man is what he eats. 6. Beautiful faceshave many judges. 7. A new doctor needs a new graveyard. ro. A burned child avoids the fire. II. It is raining sausages. 2.10. Vocabulary aid: 5. I do not know. 7. Often they say (or speak) the truth. 8. He eats the bratwurst(sing.). 2.11. Geographical names Mittelamerika-Central Wien - Vienna Venedig- Venice Chapter 3- The case endings Chapter 3, part I 3.5. Sentence translations-the accusative: America
Donnerstag- Thursday Hund-dog, Gesundheit-health Goldfisch-goldfish: Regen-rain Tag-day, Weg-way Konig-king, hungrig-hungry, durstig-thirsty Konigin-queen, hungriger-hungrier, durstiger-thirstier horen-to hear, he/ftn-to help, harmlos-harmless, aha-aha jung-young, ja-yes, jahrhundert-century laut-loud, Lippe-lip langer-longer, Fingerhut-thimble Apfel-apple, PfUnd-pound, pfUi-pfooey Quecksilber-quicksilver, mercury; Qualitat-quality studieren-to study, reparieren-to repair, klar-clear senden-to send, Suppe-soup, Sanduhr-hourglass Gast-guest, Fledermaus-bat Klasse-class, besser-better Kuft-kiss, muft-must Erdnuft-peanut, barjUft-barefoot spanisch-Spanish, Spinne-spider, Staat-state, Stinktier-skunk Theologie-theology Volk-folk, Vorwort-foreword, vier-four, VergijJmeinnicht-forget-me-not Wald-woods, Worterbuch-dictionary, Wassermelone-watermelon Axt-axe, Vexierbild-jigsaw puzzle Zickzack-zig zag, Zigarre-cigar; Quecksilber Zigarre-thermometer
3. A beginning (mas. nom.) is no masterpiece (neut. nom.). 4. Effort (mas. nom.) breaks the ice (neut. ace.) (The infinitive of bricht is brechen.) 5 Truth (fern, nom.) has a beautiful face (neut. ace.), but torn clothing (ace. pI.) 6. A dwarf (mas. nom.) always remains a dwarf (mas. nom.). II. The farmer (mas. nom.) kills the wolf (mase. ace.)
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genitive:
I. The lion (mas. nom.) is the king (pred. nom.) of the animals (pI. gen.) 2. The will (mas. nom.) is the soul (fern, nom.) of work (neut. gen.). 3. Self-knowledge (fern. nom.) is the beginning (mas. nom.) of self-improvement (fern. gen.). 6. The goat (fern, nom.) is the cow (fern, nom.) of the small man (mas. gen.). (Do not confuse klein-small with kein-no) 8. The disorderly life (neut. nom.) of the people (pI. gen.) is the well-being (neut. nom.) of the doctors (pI. gen.). 9. The shadow (mas. nom.) of virtue (fern, gen.) is honor (fern. nom.). II. Rest is the daily reward (mas. nom.) of the workers (gen. pi.) (singular would have been des Arbeiters)
12. The stolen bread (neut. nom.) tastes good to the man (mas. dat.); but finally he has a mouth full of pebbles (pI. gen.). 13. We are the children (pred. nom.) of God (mas. gen.) 14. What flies (pI. nom.) are to idle knaves (pI. dat.), that (neut. nom.) are we to the gods (pI. dat.).
3.22. Vocabulary aid: 2. This proverb (neut. nom.) is not true. 3. The meaning of this proverb (neut. gen.) is unclear. ro. The mother sends the son an e-mail. Chapter 4-Adjectives and adverbs
4.12. Translate these sentences: 2. 3. 6. 7. 9. II. 14. 16. 18. Old churches (pI. nom.) have dark windows (pI. ace.). Thin (adj.) gnats (pI. nom.) sting wickedly (adv.). Poverty is the inventor of all things (pI. gen.). Mute (adj.) dogs (pI. nom.) and still (adj.) waters (pi. nom.) are dangerous (pred. adj.). Compare: stilles Wasser (sing.) with stille Wasser (pI.) Dark thoughts (pi. nom.) are the children (pi. nom.) of a melancholy head (mas. gen.). Note that Kopfes is singular! Children are the wealth of poor people (pi. gen.). Death is the doctor of the poor man (gen. masc.). The historian looks backwards (adv.);finally he also believes (or thinks) backwards (adv.). A foolish son (mas. nom.) is his father's (mas. gen.) suffering (neut. nom.), and a cranky wife (neut. nom.) is like a constantly (adv.) dripping (adj.) roof (neut. nom.). Standig must be an adverb because it does not havean adjectival -esending.
2. Patience (fern. nom.) is a shield (mas. nom.) for the soul (dat. fern.). 3. The work (fern. nom.) is difficultfor the woman (dat. fern.) 5. The meaning (fern. nom.) of the drama (neut. gen.) remains a riddle (neut. nom.) to the viewers (pi. dat.). 8. The professor (mas. nom.) explains the problem (neut. ace.) to the students (pI. dat.). 9. The work (fern. nom.) of the woman (gen. fern.) is difficult. ro. The learning (neut. nom.) of the German language (fern. gen.) ideally pleases the students (dat. pl.). 3.18. More sentence translations:
I. The friend of the engaged couple sends an e-mail to the bride's mother. 4. The wife (fern. nom.) of the doctor (mas. gen.) doubts the truth (fern. ace.) of the proverb (neut. gen.). 7. The mailman (mas. nom.) gives FM (fern. dat.) a red rose (fern. ace.) 3.21. Translate these sentences, indicating the gender and case of each noun:
4.13. Vocabulary aid: 3. The children of old people (pI. gen.) often have problems (pI. ace.). 5. Many people like to drink wine. 7. The work (fern, nom.) of the historian (mas. gen.) interests the professor (mas. ace.).
2. The earth (fern. nom.) covers the mistakes (pi. ace.) of the doctors pI. gen.). (
3. The sun (fern. nom.) illuminates the entire world (fern. dat.) 5. The blessing (mas. nom.) of the parents (pI. gen.) builds houses (pi. ace.) for the children (pI. dat.).
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8. The collected works (pI. nom.) of the American historians (pI. gen.) are also in a library in Berlin. (If Historiker had been singular, it would have been des Historikers. )
II. Old friends (pI. nom.), old wine (mas. nom.) and old money (nem. nom.) have value (mas. acc.) in all the world (fern. dat.). 12. FM lives like God in France. Wie Gott in Frankreich leben means "to lead a wonderful life" because it originated at the time of atheism in France, when it was good to be God because you could be omnisicent, yet you had no responsibility because people did not believe in you!
5. Forfiveyears the professor (mas. nom.) fought against windmills (pI. ace.).
6. Fraulein Meier (fern. nom.) wraps the mailman (mas. acc.) around her little finger (mas. acc.). 8. The health fanatic (mas. nom.) swims against the stream (mas. ace.) every morning at (not around) six o'clock.
5.10. Prepositions-dative
2. Laziness (fern. nom.) is the key to proverty (fern. dat.). 6. For three years, the student has been reading Kant's philosophy. 8. Pride (mas. nom.) breakfasts with abundance (mas. dat.), eats at noon (or lunches) with poverty (fern, dat.) and eats in the evening with shame (fern. dat.). 10. From "thrift-mountain" one easily (adv.) gets to "fat city." 12. With regard to God (mas. dat.) the Christian (mas. nom.) has the heart (nem. ace.) of a child (nem. gen.); with regard to the neighbor (mas. dat.) he has the heart (nem. ace.) of a mother (fem, gen.); and with regard to himself he has the heart of a judge (mas. gen.).
happy people (pI. ace.) in the following way (fem, dat.): they work a lot, they fear
God, and they distrust the easy life. But Fraulein Meier works little, she does what she wants to, and she is happy, nevertheless. Perhaps she has a better idea (mas. ace.) of reality (fem. dat.) than the proverb-tellers.
2. An old fox (mas. nom.) never goes into the trap (fem. acc.). 3. Virtue (fem, nom.) does not sit at the tables (pI. dat.) of great lords (pI. gen.). 5. Many years ago (dat. pI.) the mailman studied the philosophy of Schopenhauer. 10. The mailman (mas. nom.) hits (present tense) the nail (mas. ace.) on the head (mas. acc.) with his observations (pI. dat.) abom Fraulein Meier (fem. ace.).
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6. No goal (neut. nom.) is too high for virtue (fern. dat.). 8. One does not find poison in the kitchens of poor people (pI. gen.) (Or: poison is not found. . . .)
The islands lie like dreams In the fog, upon the sea.
I hear the secret sound Of the swirling sand. Lonely birdcallIt was always like that. Once again the wind shudders Softly and then is silent; The voices (which are) over the depth Are becoming clear.
6.7. Translate-questions 1. 2. 3. 5. 8.
and commands:
Peacock, lookat your legs! Ask no questions, and you will hear no lies. Be a snail in advice, a bird in deeds. Don't take your worries with you into the bath. Do not be a friend (to or of-both fern. dat. and gen. are acceptable) all the world. 10. Learn German! II. Are you learning Russian? 13. Drink, drink, little brother drink/Just leaveyour worries at home. . . 6.9. Vocabulary aid:
1. For the sake of the whole truth (fern. gen.), Fraulein Meier lets the cat (fern, ace.) out of the bag. 3. In a summer garden, a romantic young man with an inclination for idealism picks a flower. 4. At five o'clock, a nice friend of the mailman visits an interesting woman with many cats. 6. In the neighborhood of the old university with great libraries and strange professors, an insightful student writes a very interesting book. 9. Always be friendly with good people.
Note: this is quite a literal translation. If you feel like it, you may make it more poetIC. Chapter 7- The pronouns 7.4. Replace all the nouns: 3. Es ist gliicklich mit ihr (dat. fern.). 4. Er sieht sie mit ihnen (dat. pl.). 5. Auger ihnen sind sienicht hungrig. 6. Sie sitzt ihm nicht gegeniiber. 8. Es trinkt sie. (Even though this is improbable, it is correct because Madchen is neuter and Milch is feminine.) 7.6. Translate the following sentences: 3. When do theyspeak with her? 4. She knows him. 6. Promises are like pie crust; one breaks them. (or: they are broken) 7. When the daughter sings a song, the mother likes to hear it (the song). 7.11. Translate these sentences:
1. Follow my words (pI. dat.), not my deeds (pI. dat.). 3. Learn order, practice it; order saves you (dat.) time and effort. 5. A wise son makes joy (fern. ace.)for hisfather (mas. dat.), a foolish one makes trouble for his mother (fern. dat.). 7. The listener by/at the wall hears his own disgrace (fern. acc).
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8. When the mailman sees FM, he asks her about her basket-weaving course. (It is going well.) 12. The mailman is the favorite son of his parents (pI. gen.). IJ. God sends us (dat.) poor guests (pI. ace.) 18. Thy shepherd's crook and staff, they are my comfort - You set for me a table in the face of my enemies (pI. gen.) You anoint my head with oil My cup is overflowing. (From the twenty-third psalm)
8.9. Translate
I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The new is always interesting to modern (trendy) people. Nothing (nom.) is agreeable to the sick one (mas. dat.). The world belongs to the bold one (mas. dat.). It is always a holiday in the house of a lazy person. Other people have saints; the [Ancient) Greeks have sages. No wise one (mas. nom.) despises [i.e. underestimates] small enemies and small wounds.
9. The lazy one's work day is tomorrow; his day of rest is today. ro. New saints throw the old ones into the junk pile. (If die alten had been capitalized-die Alten, the sentence would have been translated: New saints throw old people into the junk pile!) II. Everything (nom.) is pure to the pure one (mas. dat.).
ro. They help her often. II. Is that clear toyou (formal you, dative)? 15. Where do you (informal you, nom.) find the answer? IJ. They believe him. 18. He does not understand their, her, or your answer.
Chapter 8-Weak
den Guten - mase. ace. or dat. pI. der Guten-gen. pI. or gen. or dat. fern.
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Paragraph 5: The small animals (for example the lamb and the calf) for the most part symbolize human children: "The wolf eats an impertinent little sheep;" "A good cow sometimes has a bad calf;" "Whoever goes abroad as a calf comes home as a cow." (In proverbs, only some animals are capable of spiritual growth. The goose, the donkey, and the ape always remain fools while the cow can develop spiri tually.)
10. Experience is a Longway. (Weg is mas. nom.; thus Langeris not comparative.) 14. Convictions are more dangerous enemies a/truth (fem, gen.) than lies. 11.12. Vocabulary aid:
J !I I
I. Old friends and old wine (mas. nom.) are best. 2. A hand full of gold is heavier than a sack full of justice and truth. 6. An ounce of (a) good example is worth more than a pound of words. 7. [It is] better to be alone than in bad company (fem. dat.). 9. The chain is not stronger than its weakest link.
11.13. Comparative (or superlative) or not exercise: the following are regular: ein armer Mann; die Freunde schoner Leute; ein freundlicher Brieftrager; Tom ist bei schlechter Laune; ein groger Hund; teuerer Wein (comparative would have been: teuererer Wein); die Eltern kleiner Kinder. If you are still having problems identifying case endings, I would advise you to review chapters 3, 4, and 5-16.
Chapter 12-Da-
and wo-compounds
12.2. Translate the following: 2. Do you believe in it? 4. Do theywrite about it? 5. We help her with it. 6. Don't they have any time for it? 8. She hopes for it. 9. There is no water in it. 12.6. Translate these sentences:
I. Wealth resembles sea water; the more one drinks (of) it, the thirstier one becomes.
10.5. Vocabulary aid: I. 5. 6. 8. I will never understand the dramas a/Georg Kaiser. No one among these students will read the entire book. Tomorrow they wiLLfty Europe. to Tell me with whom you associate, and I'll tell you who you are. of adjectives and adverbs
Chapter II-Comparison
11.11. Translate these sentences: 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. More peopLedrown in wine than in the Rhine. One dumb person finds ten dumber ones. There is no sweeter suffering than hope. The love a/the citizens (pI. gen.) is the country's strongest wall. The cows a/other peopLe (pI. gen.) have larger udders. The most mud (mase. nom.) always belongs to the laziest sow (dat. fem.) Note that der gro.fte Dreck has to be the subject because Dreck is masculine. Also, der ftulsten . . . can never be nominative.
3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10.
The hen likes to lay (eggs) in the nest, in which eggs already are. The mouth says it, but the heart knows nothing a/it. Whoever strives for a wreath gets a flower from it. Hear (or heed) what others say, and reflect before you speak. Fear of the Lord is a blessed garden; the most beautifuL flowers grow in it. For what is Fraulein Meier waiting? For whom is the mailman waiting?
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Reading Selection: Der Elefant Paragraph 2: The zoo lies in a small village, and it lacks some o/the most important animals. For example, it lacks an elephant. (Three thousand rabbits are not a good substitute for it!) But finally the zoo gets the money for the purchase of an elephant. All the inhabitants of the village await the arrival of the elephant with joy.
Paragraph7-' But during the lecture of the teacher, something happens. The wind
sets the elephant in motion, and so it rises (springs) higher and higher into the air. For a while the schoolchildren observe the four circles of the feet, the bulging belly and the trunk. But then the animal vanishes over the tree tops. Even the apes are astonished by it.
Poverty has built many cities. Whoever trusts in hope has built on [thin] ice. Fraulein Meier did not expect the mailman's answer. Mter the student had lived in Germany, he studied the novels of Grimmelshausen.
9. Pussycat, pussycat, what did you do there? I frightened a little mouse under her chair. II. Previously, a nice woman waited on you the whole time. (Note that Sie cannot be the subject because the verb hat is singular.) 12. I have now, alas/ thoroughly studied, with ardent effort/ philosophy, law and medicine/ and unfortunately even theology.! Thus stand I now, I poor fool! and am none the wiser. . . 14.21. State the infinitives of the following strong verbs: bleiben, fliegen, lesen, stehlen, versprechen, nehmen, erfinden, trinken, tragen, beschreiben, fallen, erscheinen, fliegen, essen, kommen, miEverstehen. '
Paragraph9: The schoolchildren of the village now do no more schoolwork. And they become scoundrels. Probably they now drink vodka, and they smash windows. And now they no longer believe in elephants. Chapter 13- Verbprefixes
13.8. Translate these sentences (separable verbs): 1. 4. 5. 7. II. 13. 14. The stupid ones never die out. (aussterben) Where one sows love, there joy grows forth (hervorwachsen) This picture portrays a woman with two cats. Closeyour mouth and open your eyes (zumachen and aufmachen) The evil wolf (mas. nom.) kills the poor child (neut. acc.). (umbringen) Bad news always comes too soon. No one finishes/stops learning until the grave is his home.
Chapter IS-Verb tenses (part II) 15.5. Give the infinitive of the following separable verbs:
ausholen (weak), aufstehen (strong), absteigen (strong), zumachen (weak), aufbauen (weak), niederschreiben (strong), einbrechen (strong), umdeuten (weak), umbringen (irr. weak), mitgehen (strong), vorweisen (strong), ausflippen (weak), ausdeutschen (weak). 15.6. Translate these sentences: 2. Thankfulness (mitnehmen). has climbed (steigen) to heaven and has taken the ladder with it
1. The father of the mailman complains about the behavior of his son. 2. Good swimmers drown first of all. 5. The mouse frightens the elephant (mas. acc.). 7. The fear magnifies the danger. (Becauseboth nouns could be in either nominative or accusative case, the first noun has to be nominative.) 8. The father of the mailman distrusts FM. (Note that der vater will always be nominative.) ro. The student stomps on the cockroach.
3. When the day broke (anbrechen), still before the sun had risen (aufiehen), the mailman wrote (schreiben) a long, romantic poem. 4. A wolf in sleep never captured (fangen) a sheep. 6. A sweet song has deceived (betrugen) many a bird. 8. No fool (mas. nom.) has invented learning. (If "fool" had been accusative, the form would have been: keinen Narren.)
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9. When he became angry, the father of the mailman presented an image of strongwrath (mas. gen.), and he frightened Fraulein Meier. 15.9. Translate these sentences: 2. A tamed tongue is a rare bird. 5. With each newlylearned language, you gain a new soul. 15.10 Verb practice:
9. IO. 16. 19. 20. Did she say the truth? She did not say the truth. Why didn't she go there? He has often been here. He will be here.
I. Fraulein Meier has problems with her Venetian blinds. (Be wary of false cognates!) 2. A large tree grows from a small twig. 3. The book consists of three volumes. 4. By no means will Fraulein Meier give up her cats. 5. Idleness is the beginning of all vices. (Laster is vice, while Last is burden, load.) 6. The early bird gets the worm. (literally: The morning hour has gold in its mouth.)
17.8. Compound nouns die Unabhangigkeit/ s/erklarung- Declaration of Independence; die Erd/entstehung/s/lehre-doctrine of the origin of the earth; die Sein/s/erfahrung-experience of being; die Form/veranderung-change of form; die Wasser/versorgung/s/gesellschaft-the society for the procurement of water; der Leben/s/erhaltung/s/trieb-the drive for the preservation of life (or: survival instinct); das Liebling/sltier- favorite animal; der Liebling/s/stier-favorite bull; die Einwanderung/s/politik-immigration policy; der Ausdruck/s/tanz-dance of expression; die Automobil/s/eile-haste of an automobile; die Sattigung/s/punkt/s/ bestimmung-designation of the saturation point. 17.11. Prepositions
21. He needed (brauchen) his laptop. 22. He broke (brechen) the vase. 23. She brought (brachte) him a glass of water. 25. The poem pleased (gefallen) her.
Chapter 16-The
plurals
16.4. Translate these sentences: 3. The dumbest farmers have/harvest the largest potatoes. 4. Dogs, farmers, and nobles close no doors. 6. The errors of others(pI. gen.) are good teachers. 9. The worm sees the most beautifUlapplesfirst. 15. Fleasget even into the fur of an aristocrat's dog. Chapter 17-How to use a German dictionary 17.13. Verbs 17.4. Adjectives and adverbs I. The student wasjust here. 2. Half a loaf is better than no bread at all. 3. Fraulein Meier nevertheless looks happily at the mailman. 4. The gentlebreezes are agreeable to her. (angenehmcannot be a participle because it doesn't end in either -en or -t) i
~
I. During the tug of war three children died. 2. The mailman insists on the truth. 3. Kant had an important influence on Kleist. 4. Nicholas brought Recha tea in an aluminum cup and looked at her hair while she drank.
'!
I. Last night, the sensitive professor gave a speech about the origin of pacifism. 2. Suddenly it occurred to the soldier that he didn't have any money. 3. It was a matter of the honor of the famous professor. (gehen with the preposition um means to be a matter of, to concern. Although it is hard to find in dictionaries, it is often used in scholarly writings.) 4. Blessed are the peaceful, for they will be called the children of God.
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18.2. Translate these sentences: 1. 2. 3. 6. Everything is fleeting, only the eternal is important. Money comes in (eingehen) limping and goes away (fortgehen) dancing. Build a golden bridge fOr the fleeing enemy. If one bends justice (then) it (nom.) breaks. If sie had been accusative, the clause would have been: so bricht man sie-then one breaks it.
Paragraph I: He was afraid, and when he said to someone: "It has become colder" he expected comfort. Paragraph 7: One does not notice how the trees let the leaves fall. Suddenly they have no more. In April, they will have leaves again, perhaps already in March. One will see how they get leaves. Paragraph 9: There will be no snow, there is no longer snow. Paragraph II: "One must accustom oneself to the snow," he said, "one must breathe more deeply and go more quickly. "- "What should I buy the children for Christmas?" he asked.
ro. Poets are shameless with regard to their experiences; they exploit (ausbeuten) them. (Schamlos cannot modifY Erlebnisse because it is not right in front of the noun, but rather at the end of the sentence.
Affe is
a weak noun-see
ChapterS)
to
fiddle. 12. A critic pointed out to H that the historical facts did not correspond with his philosophy. H is reputed to have said: "All the worse for the facts." 14. The mailman had to help Fraulein Meier with her homework. 16. Do you want to roam farther and farther? See, the good lies so near. Only learn to grasp fortune. For fortune is always there.
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Partial Answer Key a friend of the woman gave a bon bon to the child. a friend gave a woman some bon bans. a woman gave a child one of her sweets. a woman gave a bon bon to one of her friends.
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Chapter 21-Co-ordinating
21.6. Translate these sentences: Hear and be not deaf, but believe slowly. Mter his release, the student had lost 45 pounds and several political illusions. An old god must be able to help and harm. The life story of Immanuel Kant is difficult to describe. For he had neither life, nor story. 10. Psychology had discovered unknown depths and abysses of the soul, but had also dissolved the firm, unerring self-awareness. 13. The golden hair of the grandmother perhaps had not always been so golden, but the blue eyes were definitely genuine. 14. The King of France is a king of donkeys; for his subjects must do what he imposes on them; the King in England is a king of the people; for they consent to that which he imposes to them; but the Kaiser is a king of princes, for they do what pleases them. 3. 4. 7. 9.
13. In a park, only tWo women can be seen. (Review 20.9 if you have problems with this sentence.) 16. For three years, a student with many books lived in a large city. Chapter 23-Dependent clauses (part I)
Chapter 22-Basic
Chapter 24-Dependent
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second clause lets you know that allein is connected than the verb. with the man rather
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Chapter 25-Dependent
25.15. Translate, noting the gender and case of each relative pronoun: 2. They were friends to whom (dat. pI.) one could say the truth. 5. Honor follows the person (mas. dat.) who flees it, and flees him, who hunts it. 6. There are no more wicked deaf ones than those who do not want to hear. 7. The electric light illuminated the face of a woman whose broad features were covered with a layer of cheap make-up. 8. The first half of the 19th century stands strongly under the impression of the disappointment of the political independence movement since 1815, which (acc.) the unsuccessful revolutions of I830 and I848 (nom.) still intensified. 10. Woe to the country whose (neut. gen.) king (mas. nom.) is a child. 12. E. T. A. Hoffmann was an artiste of the uncanny, who consciously enjoyed his visions to the fullest and at the same time ironically reflected them (pI. ace.) 14. Nicholas experienced for the first time the reaction of a young artist who gives over his work to a critical public, and perhaps it was harder for him because this public consisted of three young workers who had never before gone through an art gallery. 15. Herzog Wilhelm von Breisach, who (mas. nom.) since his secret alliance with a countess named Katharina von Heersbruck from the house of Alt-Hiiningen-who (fern. nom.) seemed to be beneath his rank-lived in animosity with his half-brother, the count Jacob the Redbeard, returned (zuriick-kommen) from a meeting towards the end of the 14th century when the night of Saint Remigius began to grow dark. 25.16. More verb placement practice:
Chapter 26- The reflexive 26.6. Translate these sentences: 2. Even an expert has his master. 5. Luck fell into his lap. 6. Whoever robs the other person of his good name makes him poor and himself not rich (or: does not enrich himself). 7. Whoever wants to warm himself at the house of a miser must bring the firewith him. 9. The last straw breaks the camel's back.
26.10. Translate these sentences: I. When an earthworm and a hedgehog mate, what do you get? Answer: Ten meters of barbed wire.
I. When the cat who is now sleeping becomes hungry, she will perhaps go to the kitchen. 3. In a park, a mailman, who had a loved one, gavean little piece of bread to a bird. 4. In a park, a man who had many bon bons gave his beloved one of his sweets. 5. In a park, in which many children played, there were beautiful flowers and trees. 9. In a room, a cat can be seen who is sleeping happily on a sofa.
4- Since mankind has existed, man has rejoiced too little: that alone is our original sm. 5. Nietzsche's writings appeared (sich darstellen) as a powerful collection of boldest aphorisms, which through a unique artistic use of words maintain(a) fascinating preCISiOn.
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26.12. Translate this joke (common mistakes are indicated by italics): An old inhabitant of Munich gets into a conversation at the marketplace with a
II. In spite of its pessimism, the novel became an agreeable (I) book (2) depicting (3) the charm of the old middle-class way of life with love and humor, patient prolixity and exquisite detail (4). 12. The fat child went to the library on a Friday or a Saturday, in any case, not on the (I) day (2) designated (3) for lending. (4) 13. E. T. A. Hoffmann was a (I) sketcher (2) feared (3) because of his malicious caricatures (4) and a writer who was not able to work without many drinks. 16. Opposite the door, a large (I) chalk drawing (2) executed (3) in bold strokes (4) was shown in the candlelight, which represented Napoleon,as he, in an awkward and despotic demeanor warmed by a fireplace his (I) feet (2) clad (3) in gun-boots (4). (Note: in order to avoid a misplaced modifier, you may put the verb elsewhere in the sentence.) 17. The beautiful LP sat by the narrow bay window of a cell that looked out towards the gray (I) castle tower ofRiedberg (2) illuminated (3) now by morning light. (4)
nice pigeon. Both get along excellently and would like to continue the acquaintance, and so the old man invites (einladen) the pigeon for the next afternoon for coffee at his place. The hour has arrived, he has set the table nicely and specially gotten afew flowers, but the one who does not appear is the pigeon (or: but the pigeon does not appear). Have I so erred in my pigeon-knowledge? the old man asks himself, while he sits with his coffee, which slowly grows cold. Restlesslyhe looks at his watch more and more frequently-finally, an hour later, the doorbell rings. The pigeon [a young chick!] stands in front of the door and says with a charmingly embarrassed smile: "I beg you, excuse me that I have come so late. But it was such a glorious afternoon, and so I decided to walk!"
Reading Selection: The Frog King Reading Selection: The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats Finally, the frog spoke: "I have eaten and am tired; now carry me into your little room and make up your silk little bed, than we can lie [down] to sleep." The king's daughter/princess began to cry and was afraid of the cold frog, whom she dared not to touch and who now was to sleep in her beautiful, pure little bed. The King grew angry, however, and spoke: "Whoever has helped you when you were in need you should not despise afterwards." Then she took him with two fingers, picked him up and placed him into a corner. When she lay in bed, however, he came crawling and spoke: "I am tired, I want to sleep, just like [aswell as] you-lift me up, or I'll tell your father." Then she became bitterly angry, picked him up and with all her strength she threw him against the wall. "Now you will have peace, you nasty frog!" But when he fell down, he was not a frog, but rather a prince with beautiful and friendly eyes. Chapter 27-The overloaded adjective construction
(Paragraph 3) Then the (I) wolf (2) living (3) entirely alone in the woods (4) went away and bought a piece of chalk; he ate it and made his voice fine (high) with that. He returned, knocked at the door of the little house and called, "Open up, dear children, your mother is here!" But the wolf had placed his black fOot (singular!) in the window; the children saw it and called, "We won't open up, our mother does not have a black foot, as you do; you are the wolf." So the wolf went to the (I) miller (2) living (3) in the vicinity of the forest (4) and asked him ifhe would sprinkle some flour on his foot. The miller thought, "The wolf wants to deceive someone," and did not want to do it. But the wolf said, "If you don't do it, I'll eat you." So the miller was afraid and made the wolf's foot white. Indeed, people are like that. Now the (I) wolf (2) feared (3) by all creatures of the world (4) went to the door again, knocked. . . . .Then he placed the [his] (I) foot (2) covered (3) with flour (4) in the window, and when they saw that it was white, they believed that everything he said was true. . . . Mter the wolf had eaten the six, he went away, lay outside under one of the many trees in front of the (I) house (2) shaded (3) by pines (4) and began to sleep. So you can imagine how she wept for her poor (I) children (2) eaten (3) by the wolf (4).
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Partial Answer Key 28.13. Only the following are infinitives: gehen, sehen, machen Chapter 29-Constructions to be translated passively in English
345
4. 7. 8. ro.
Innocence is murdered at the dance; on the way home, it (or she) is buried. No murder is committed among thieves. Whoever does not sow in the spring will reap nothing in the fall. A (I) justice (2) driven (3) to the extreme (4) can under some circumstances become (do not translate the zu) a great injustice. II. When the stone is out of the hand and the word is out of the mouth, they can no longer be brought back. The door was opened and a stout man who had a long beard appeared in the doorway. Memory is the only paradise from which we can not be driven out. Revenge is a dish [food] that should be eaten cold. But the German revolutionaries (around 1830), who were erroneously and involuntarily combined under the collective name "young Germany" were more strongly bound up with the past (dat.) than they themselves suspected and ever wanted to admit.
29.7. Translate these sentences: 1. Whoever is aftaid sees ghosts. 4. Fish are caught with the hook, people are caught with words. 5. Loving and praying cannot be forced. 7. Expressionism cannot be understood without Nietzsche's precedence. 8. Whatever is of straw must be on guard against the fire. 9. A cranky wife and a dripping roof when it rains a lot can be compared with one another. ro. Old trees cannot be bent. II. Leopards break into the temple and drink the sacrificial vessels (plural) empty. This is repeated again and again. Finally, it can be calculated in advance, and it becomes part of the ceremony.
17. The ones dancing are considered mad by those who do not hear the music. 18. W was once sick. Because a specific medicine wasn't in the medicine cabinet, my father, who was a merchant, was requested to bring the medicine from N. I, myself, was commissioned to deliver the little package to W. At that time, he lived in a small room at the R's. When I came in, W was lying in bed. He thanked me repeatedly and said, "I can't give you anything now, but I will play for you something on my clarinet." It was rather embarrassing for me.
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347
14. Had he only remained in the desert and far from the good and the just! Perhaps he would have learned to live and would have learned to love the earthand laughter besides. He died too early: he himself would have renounced his teaching, had he reached my age.
12. The scholars are good clocks: only let one take care to wind them correctly! Then they indicate (anzeigen) the hour without error and in so doing make a modest noise.
20. According to police reports, the robbers had committed the murder. 22. If the youngest little goat had not hidden so well, it would have been found and eaten by the wolf.
Chapter 31-The
subjunctive II:
Chapter 32-0ther
subjunctive forms
31.7. Translate these sentences (subjunctive II): 2. A donkey remains a donkey, even ifhe came (or: were to come) to Rome. 4. If truth were a brook, people would have hydrophobia. 5. When he thinks about Fraulein Meier's former sweetheart, the mailman looks as if he had eaten a crabapple. 6. If it had a mouth, it would bite you. 8. I would not know how to live, were I not still a seer of that (dessen) which must come. lO. Snow White told the seven dwarfs that her stepmother had wanted to have her killed, [that] the hunter had saved her life [literally: had given her life to her], than then she had gone the entire day until she finally had found their little house. II. No one except for the mailman would have expected that the insightful (I) essay (2) treating (3) the future of the earth (4) had been written by Fraulein Meier. 12. Why can the dog experience fear, but not repentance? Would it be correct to say, "Because he cannot speak?" 13. Jeronimo was rigid with horror; and immediately, as ifhis entire consciousness had been shattered, he now held onto the column on which he had wanted to die, in order not to fall off
32.6. Translate these sentences (modals): 1. If all liars ate (or: were to eat) oats, the horses would have to starve. 2. The historian reports what has happened; the poet [reports] what could happen. 5. The lazy one says: There is a lion outside; I could be killed on the street. 6. The German language has a great wealth of proverbs. Nevertheless, it might not be bad to borrow proverbs from other languages as well, which can be translated briefly and emphatically (i.e. which prove a point).
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349
the fact that he is earning a hundred guilders with his action, for as soon as he thought this, he would falloff"
4. If the bread falls, then it falls on the buttered side. (Fallt is not subjunctive because it ends in a -t.) 5. If a blind man leads the other, both will not wander far. 8. If you lack wine, then drink beer. IO. If! have no cows, then I have no effort. II. If there were no fools, then there would be no wise ones. 12. The world is a drunken farmer; if one helps him into the saddle on the right, he falls off on the left. 13. If the poor person gets a piece of bread, then the dog tears it from his hand. 15. If your enemy is even only like an ant, then consider (or rank) him among the elephants, nevertheless. 16. T K went the way that he had to go, a little carelessly and irregularly, and if he went astray it happened because for many there is absolutely no right way. If one asked him what in all the world he intended to become, then he imparted changing information, for he was in the habit of saying that he carried within himself the possibilities for a thousand forms of existence, together with the secret awareness, that fundamentally they were nothing but impossibilities.
Paragraph4: But the cold tormented him more and more and deepened his loneliness. Finally he decided to go to the inn together with the swan. Even if someone came to the park in order to enjoy the beautiful nature, he would not immediately notice the absence of the swan. "The night is starlit, but without moonlight, and we will return immediately," he thought and took the swan with him.
Paragraph 5: When he consumed his mutton with pleasure and contentment, it occurred to him that the swan looked at him quite strangely. He was sorry for the bird. As long as the latter reproachful glance rested on him, he couldn't eat. He called the waiter and ordered for the swan a (I) roll (2) dipped (3) in warm, sugared strong beer (4). The swan became joyous, and after they had ended their meal, both returned to their post (sing.) cheerful and satisfied. Paragraph 8: With the thought of what a shudder must penetrate each one who in such a night came into contact with water, the old man became quite (emotionally) moved. Should the poor swan have nothing at all of life? Certainly he would rather sit in a warm corner and eat something. Paragraph II: When he sat by the shore and looked at the sky or at the empty, bitingly cold park, he suddenly felt a timid tug on his trouser leg. The swan had swum to the shore in order to remind him of something. So they went. Chapter 33-When the sentence starts with a verb
Chapter 34-0ther
pronouns
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sounded with joy like a lyre, then all eternities (pI.) were necessary in order to bring about this One occurrence-and in this single moment of our affirmation (or: saying yes) all eternity was redeemed, justified and affirmed. (So if you have had even one good moment while reading German Quickly, all your hard work was worth it!)
9. Under the bridge, the weather-browned, white-bearded head of an oarsman had appeared, who-to infer from his awkward movements-was not familiar with the lagoon. 10. And in fact, in the middle of these horrible moments in which all earthly goods of people perished and all of nature threatened to be buried, the human spirit itself(nom.) seemed to rise (schien . . .aufzugehen) like a beautiful flower.
Chapter 35-Placement
of Commas
1. School tears children during their most precious time of development from the circle of the family, robs them of the joy of freedom and makes out of the child a worn out, oppressed creature to whom (dat.) an expression of exhaustion, fear and boredom clings while he repeats with his lips foreign words in a foreign language. 2. In the higher Parisian circles it was considered an exclusive pleasure to attend the performances of the M d 5 in the "hiding place for the moral scum ofbourgeois society." 3. If one at one point believes to have found a rule that offers firm ground to rest for a moment in the general confusion and tumult of the ten parts of speech, then one perceives in the grammar: The student should pay attention to the following exceptions. 4. The scholar was a small, shabbily clothed man whose eyes constantly looked around in the classroom, but never looked at the student with whom he spoke. 5. The opening of space could overcome our provincialism that makes the earth the standard and [it could] give us a new vision of the greatness of creation, namely the insight that earth and humanity, their space and time are only a part of the whole. 6. Moral judgment, like the religious, belongs (note: zugehoren) to a stage of un-
certainty to whic1 even the concept of the real, the differentiation of the real and the imaginary is still missing, so that "truth" at such a stage designates nothing but things that we today call "illusions."
APPENDIX K
The General and Humanities Vocabulary consists of about 3,325entries, excluding the abbreviations following the vocabulary. In addition to the vocabulary words found in the exercise sentences and reading selections it includes several words you are likely to encounter in scholarly readings as well as the definitions most appropriate for such readings. Many of the words (especially those marked **) have been chosen because (I) they have a wide range of radically different meanings (absetzen, zugehen), (2) they are easily confused with other words (fordern, fordern), or (3) they are false cognates (konkurrieren, Pragnanz, sensibel). While it is not necessary to memorize such words, you may wish to mark them in YOut dictionary. Also, take special note of words (bringen, gehen, stellen, Zeit) that you know already, but which have a variety of idioms associated with them. Words marked * are on my important parentheses. word list. The post 1996 orthography is often noted in
Note the following abbreviations: adj. - adjective adv. - adverb aux.s. - auxiliary is sein conj. - conjunction pref - prefix
prep. - preposition suff - suffix v.i. - verb, intransitive v.r. - verb, reflexive V.t. - verb, transitive
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General and Humanities am 4. Juli-on the 4th ofJuly; an sich-in itself; (acc.)-on, onto an-beten-to an-bieten-to worship offer
Vocabulary
For most nouns, the genitive and the plural endings are given in parentheses. When verbs are separable, the prefix is hyphenated. Strong verbs are conjugated. Note that all verbs with sein as an auxiliary are intransitive. ab (adv.)-off, down, from; (sep. motion, attriab-weichen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to
** an-nehmen (irr. v.t.)-to take; to assume, suppose die Anrede (-n) -speech, address
deviate, digress, depart die Abwesenheit-absence ab-ziehen (irr. v.t.)-to take off, remove; (v.i.)-to depart ach-alas go away, leave,
* der Abend (-s, -e)-evening * aber (conj.)-but, however, yet; (emphasis)-indeed ab-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to depart, leave; deviate, diverge der Abgrund (-s, :.:e)-abyss ab-halten-to hold (a meeting) ** ab-hangen (von)-(irr. v.i.)-to depend on abhetzen-to wear out ** ab-Iaufen (irr. v.i.)-to elapse, lapse, expire; flow or run off, ebb ab-Iehnen (v.t.)-to decline, refuse; reject remove, take off; (v.i.)-to decrease ab-nehmen decline (irr. v.t.)-to diminish, para* * * *
acht geben-to take care, heed achten (v.t.)-to consider; respect; (v.i.) (auf)-to pay attention or regard or heed to, take notice of der Advokat (-en, -en) -lawyer der Affe (-n, -n)-ape ahneln (v.i.) (dat.)-to resemble ahnen (v.t.)-to suspect, surmise ahnlich (adj.) -alike aktuell (adj.)-relevant, up-to-date all- all, every alle (pn.) -everyone allein (indecl. pred. adj.)-alone; (adv.)-only, merely, solely; (conj.)-but, however, nevertheless allerdings (adv.)-to be sure alles-everything allgemein (adj.)-general allzu-all too when; as;
der Anblick (-s, -e)-sight, view an-brechen-to begin, start * ander (adj., pron.)-other; am anderen Morgen-on the next mornmg; nichts anderes als-nothing else but * andern-to alter, change anders (adv.)-differently der Anfang (-s, :.:e)-beginning * an-fangen (irr. v.t.)-tO begin, to do der Angeklagte (-n, -n)-accused die Angel (-n)-fishhook angenehm-agreeable das Angesicht-face, countenance ** an-fuhren (v.t.)-to lead, to quote; deceive ** an-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.) to commence; (v.t.)-to concern an-greifen (irr. V.t. & i.)-'-to seize, grasp; undertake; attack die Angst (:':e)-fear, anxiety an-haben-to have on anhaften der Anhang addendum; an-klopfen ** an-kommen to cling (-s, :':e)-appendix, supporters (i.)-to knock (irr. v.i. aux.s.)-to
** der Anschlag (-es, :':e)-stroke; plan; estimate der AnschlU (-sses, :':sse)-connection, contact * an-sehen-to look at an-setzen (v.t.)-to attach, estimate; (v.i.)-to start der Anspruch demand (-s, :.:e)-claim,
anstandig-decent, respectable * anstatt (prep., gen.)-instead of an-stecken-to contaminate, be catching die Antike-antiquity der Antrag (-s,:':e)-proposition, proposal, petition der Antrieb (-s, -e)-impulse, drive * die Antwort (-en)-answer antworten (tr. & i.)-toanswer an-wenden - to use die Anzeige (-n) - notice; announcement; review an~zeigen-to show an-ziehen-to pull; to attract der Apfel (-s, :':)-apple * die Arbeit (-en)-work der Arbeiter (-s, -) - worker arg-wicked der Arm (-es, -"e)-arm *arm - poor die Armut-poverty * die Art (-en) - species; class, type, kind; behavior ** -artig (suff.)-like, sembling * der Arzt (-es, :':e)-doctor, physician der Ast (-es, :':e)-branch
** der Absatz (-es, :':e)-pause, graph ab-schlieen (irr. v.t.) - to conclude, to settle
** der Abschnitt (-s, -e)-paragraph ** ab-setzen (v.t.)-to put down; to dismiss; to delete; (v.i.)-to pause, stop; (v.r.) -to settle, contrast die Absicht (-en)-intention, purpose; mit Absicht-on purpose, deliberately ab-sitzen-to get down, dismount ab-sondern (v.t.)-to separate, isolate ab-stiirzen (i.)-to falloff
das Alter (-s, -) - age das Altertum (-s,:.:er)-antiquity die Ameise (-n)-ant amiisant-amusing * an (prep.)-with dat. or ace. (dat.)
arrive; (auf)-to depend on, be a matter of; come upon die Anlage (-n) -structure; outline; predisposition der Anla (or Anlass) (-sses, :.:sse)cause an-Iegen (irr. v.t.)-to apply; to invest; to use; to arrange, establish
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die Aufnahme (-n)-adoption, acaus-driicken oneself (v.r.)-to express
Vocabulary
357
der Atem (-s, -) - breath atmen---to breathe *auch (adv.)-also, too; (emph.); even; auch wenn---even if * auf (prep.) with dat. or acc-on, onto, on top of; auf diese Weise-in this way; auf jeden Fall- in any event auf (pref) - up, upward, opening; end something; sudden or brief action auf-bauen (v.i.)-to erect, construct; (v.r.)-to be based on auf-bewahren---to protect auf-blasen---to inflate auf-brechen-(i., aux.s.)-to leave ** auf-bringen (irr. v.t.)-to raise, bring up; procure, summon; enrage auf-erlegen (i.)-to impose ** auf-fallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to attract notice or attention; to strike auf-fassen (v.t.)-grasp, view, comprehend, regard, interpret ** auf-fiihren (v.t.)-present, perform; quote die Aufgabe (-n) -task; giving up auf-geben (irr..v.t.)-to give; to give up, surrender auf-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to rise; to open; to become apparent auf-halten---to delay, to stop ** auf-heben (irr. v.t.) - to lift or raise up; to terminate, to repeal auf-horen (v.i.)-to stop die Aufldarung---the Enlightenment die AuHage (-n)-edition auf-Iosen (v.t.)~to dissolve, resolve; (v.r.)- to disperse * auf-machen -to open
ceptance; inclusion auf-passen (v.i.)-to pay attention to auf-pragen (v.t.)-to impress auf-raumen (v.t.)-to do away with ** der Au&ia (-sses, -sse)-outline, summary der Aufsatz (-es, ::e)-essay, treatise article,
** auseinander-setzen
(v.t.)-to
ex-
plain; (v.r.)-to come to terms with; to argue ** der Ausfall-result, outcome; attack aus-fuhren-to to explain carry our, execure;
-
ausfuhrlich
detailed
auaem (v.t.)-to express; (v.r.) to express oneself auaerst (attrib., adj.)-farthest, utmost, extreme; (adv.) extremely aus-sprechen (irr. v.r.)-to speak one's mind; to grant aus-stehen (irr. v.t.)-to endure, bear; (v.i.)-to be overdue aus-strecken---to extend aus-teilen-to distribute, share resigder Austritt (-s, -e)-escape, nation, withdrawal aus-iiben (v.t.)-to out; to exert
auf-schauen (i.)-to look up auf-schieben (irr. v.t.) - to delay der Aufstand (-es, ::e)-revolt, rebellion * auf-stehen auf-stellen (i., aux.s.)-to get up (v.t.)-to erect, assemor position oneself;
** die Ausgabe (-n)-giving our, distribution; edition (of a book) ** aus-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to go our; to end;... auf-to aim at; ... Yon-to start with ausgezeichnet (adj.)-excellent aus-hacken-to peck our aus-kosten-to experience die Auskunft (::e) - information das Ausland (-s) - foreign countries
tread; to appear; to occur auf-tun---to open auf-warmen---to warm up auf-wecken---to wake up auf-weichen-to soften auf-ziehen---to wind aufs Spiel setzen---to gamble das Auge (-s, -n)-eye * der Augenblick (-es, -e)-moment * aus (prep.) with dat. out of, from; aus Berlin kommen---to come from Berlin; aus Erfahrung lemen---to learn by or from experience; aus verschiedenen Griinden---for various reasons; von Grund aus---thoroughly aus (pref.)~movement away from; movement f9rward; completion; choice from several possibilities aus-beuten---to exploit aus-breiten---to stretch (v.r.)-to extend
B der Bach (-es, '~e)-brook backen, backt, backte, hat gebacken-to bake das Bad (-es, ::er)- bath die Bahn (-en)-path; arena; train, course
* bald (adv.)-soon; almost ** der Band (es, ::e)-volume das Band (-es, '~e)-tie, bond ** bannen (v.t.)-to banish; to charm; to captivate; to excommunicate der Bar (-en, -en) - bear barfua-barefoot der Bart (es, ::e)-beard der Bauch (-es, -e)-stomach * bauen (v.t.)-to build, construct; (v.i.)-to build; to depend on der Bauer (-n or -s; -n)-farmer, peasant die Baukunst (::e)-architecture
aus-Iegen (v.t.)-to layout; to explain, interpret aus-Iemen (i.)-to finish learning aus-machen (v.t.)-to make up, form; decide, determine, agree on; to make a difference die Ausnahme (-n)-exception aus-reichen (i.)-to be enough aus-reiaen-to pull out der Ausruf (-s, -e)---exclamation; proclamation ausruhen - to rest, relax der Ausschnitt (-s, -e)-extract, excerpt, detail (from an illustration) * aus-sehen (irr. v.i.)-to appear * auaer (prep.) with dat.-out of, outside, except * auaerdem (adv.)-besides,
moreover das A.uaere--outward appearance
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behaglich-comfortable, cozy behalten, behalt, behielt, hat behalten-to retain behandeln (v.t.)-to treat, deal with behaupten (v.t.)-to maintain, assert die Behauptung (-en)~assertion beherrschen (v.t.)-to rule over, to control, govern, dominate behindert-handicapped * bei (prep.) with dat.-at, while, during bei (pref.) - beside, additional; nearness; tendency toward; add something in addition * beide- (adj. & pron.) both; die beiden - the two der Beifall (-s)-approval, applause bei-Iegen (v.t.)-to add, join; to attribUte, ascribe, bestow beinah (e) (adv.)-almost beisammen - together beiseite (adv.)-aside * das Beispiel (-s, -e)-example; zum Beispiel (z.B.)-for example beien, biss, hat gebissen - to bite der Beitrag (-s, ::e)-contribution; article bejahen-to affirm bekannt (adj.)-known, bekennen (irr. v.t.)-to confess beklagen-to aboUt * bekommen get bekiimmer~ (v.t.)-to worry; (v.r.)-to concern oneself with bekunden (v.t.)-to express, state; (v.r.)-to become evident belasten (v.t.)-to burden beleben-to animate familiar admit, belegen (v.t.)-to to take, enroll in
359 occupy
* der Baum (-es, ::e)-tree die Baumkrone (-n)-treetop be- (pref.)-turns v.i. into V.t.; completion; around, on all sides; supply beachten-to notice, regard, heed beanspruchen (v.t.)-to have a claim to claim,
beleuchten (v.t.)-to minate, to elucidate beliebt (-s, -e)-popular bellen (i.)-to bark
der Bescheid (-es, -e)information, answer bescheiden-modest beschlieen * beschreiben (r.)-to conclude (irr. v.t.)-to describe
der Becher (-s, -)-cup, mug bedauerlich-deplorable bedenken (irr. v.t.)-to consider, remember (v.r.)-to reflect bedeuten (v.t.)-to mean, signify * die Bedeutung (-en) - meaning, significance; importance bedingen (v.t.)-to cause, determine, condition; to demand bediirfen (v.i.)-to need, want, rehurry occupy or conquire (with gen.) beeilen (t. & r.)-to beenden - to end befassen (v.r.)-to
bemachtigen (v.r.)-to seize bemerken (v.t.)-to notice bemiihen (v.t.)-to trouble; (v.r.) to concern oneself benachbart-neighboring benehmen (v.r.)-to behave das Benehmen (-s)-conduct, agreement beneiden - to envy benutzen (v.t.)-to use beobachten (v.t.)-to observe; to adhere to die Beobachtung (-en)-observation berechnen (v.t.)-to calculate; to mean, intend der Bereich (-s, -e)-district, region; field, range, extent bereit (adj.)-willing, prepared bereiten (v.t.)-to make ready, to prepare; to give, offer, cause bereits-already der Berg (-es, -e)-mountain der Bericht (-es, -e)-report, survey, commentary beriicksichtigen (v.t.)-to consider, take into account der Beruf(-es, -e)-vocation, be based or calling, profession beruhen (v.i.)-to founded on
cern oneself with, engage in befehlen, befiehlt, befahl, hat befohlen-to command * befinden (irr. v.t.)-to find, deem, consider; (v.r.)-to be, to be situated befiirchten - to fear
grant; to designate; to allocate; to specify, define bestimmt-definitely besuchen-to visit betatigen (v.t.)-to operate, bring aboUt betauben-to daze beten (i.)-to pray betonen (v.t.)-to emphasize ** der Betracht-in Betracht kommen-to be possible; auEer Betracht lassen - to disregard;
beriihmt (adj.)-famous beriihren (v.t.)-to touch, allude or refer to; concern; (v.r.)-to touch; to be in accord with die Beriihrung (-en)-touch, contact
360
German Quickly
to take into look at; to
General and Humanities bieten (irr. v.t.)-to offer; to present * das Bild (-es, -er)-picture, image; portrait; metaphor bilden (v.t.)-to form, shape; to educate, develop; (v.r.)-to arise, be created der Bildhauer (-s, -)-sculptor * die Bildung (-en)-education, culture; form, organization; formation der Bildungsroman-novel of someone's growth from childhood to matunty billig (adj.)-just, fair; cheap, reasonable binden, band, hat gebunden-to bind binnen within (prep.) with gen. or dat.die Blume (-n)-flower das Blut (-es)-blood bluten (v. i.)-to bleed der Boden (-s, -)-ground, foundation; zu Boden schlagento strike down, to shatter der Bogen (-s, -or ::)-sheet of paper; curve; arch borgen-to borrow * bose (adj.)-bad, evil, wicked, angry boshaft-malicious botanisch-botanic der Bote (-n, -n)-messenger die Botschaft (-en) - message; news das Brandopfer-burnt sacrifice offering,
Vocabulary
361
examme betreffen (irr. v.t.)-to concern der Betrieb (-es, -e)-business, work, operation betriigen, betrog, hat betrogento deceive der Bettler (-s, -)-beggar beurteilen (v.t.)-to judge, assess die Bevolkerung (-en)-population * bevor (conj.)-before bevorzugen (v.t.)-to prefer, to favor ** bewahren (v.t.)-to guard; to preserve; to keep, to protect ** bewahren (v.r.)-to prove one's ability; to prove effective * die Bewegung (-en) - movement der Beweis (-es, -e)-proof bewilligen (v.t.)-to grant bewuGt (adj. & adv.)-conscious, deliberate, aware das BewuGtsein (-s)-consciousness bezahlen (v.t.)-to pay bezeugen (v.t.)~to attest bezeichnen - to mark, describe, denote ** beziehen (irr. v.t.) - to enter, to adopt; to get; beziehen auf-to late to die Beziehung (-en)-relationship ** der Bezug (-es, ::e)-reference die Bibel (-n)-Bible der Bibelverkaufer (-s, -)-Bible salesman bieder (adj.)-honest, conventional, conservative biegen, bog, hat gebogen - to bend re-
thing; zu Ende bringen-to finish; etwas zustande bringen-to get something done das Brot (-es, -e)-bread die Briicke (-n)-bridge briillen (i.)- to roar der Brunnen (-s, -)-spring, well * das Buch (-es, .~er)-book die Biihne (-n)-stage, scene, arena der Bund (-es, ::e)-agreement, bond, alliance Bundes- (in compounds)-federal der Biirger (-s,-) -citizen, bourgeois biigerlich (adj.)-civic, civil; middle class die Biirgerlichkeit-conventionality, plainness der Biirgermeister (-s, -)-mayor der Busch (-es, ::e)-bush die BuGe (-n)-penitence C ** der Chef (-s, -s)-boss, chief ** der Christ (-en, -en)-Christian das Christentum (-s)-Christianity D
** der Biograph (-en, -en)-biographer die Biographie (-n)-biography * bis (prep.) with ace. -as far as; until; (conj.)-until bisher (adv.)-until now bisschen (adj.)-little bit * bitten (irr. v.t.)-to ask (um) for bitter-bitter ** blank (adj.)-shining, bright das Blatt (-s, ::er)-page, leaf; newspaper * bleiben, blieb, ist geblieben (v.i.) to remain, stay, continue; to be left over bleich-pale der Blick (-es, -e)-look, glance. * blicken (v.i.)-to blind-blind view view,
der Bratenduft-smell of cooking die Bratwurst (::e)-sausage * brauchen (v.t.)-to need, want, require; brauchen have to nicht zu-to not
* da (adv.)-there;
for that reason; (conj.)-since, because * dabei (adv.)-near it, at the same time; in addition, moreover; yet das Dach (-es, ::er)-roof dafiir (adv.)-for it or them; for that reason; in favor of * dagegen (adv.)-against it or them; (conj.)-on the contrary daher (adv.)-from that place; therefore; that is why
der Blitz (-es, -e) -lightning ** bloG (adj.)-bare; (adv.)-merely, only, solely, simply bliihen (v.i.)- to blossom
der Brieftrager (-s, -) - mailman die Brille (-n)-eyeglasses * bringen, brachte, hat gebracht (v.t.)-to bring, to take; to produce; an den Tag bringen - to expose; in Gang bringen - to start; in Verdacht bringen-to cast suspicion on; ihn urn etwas bringen-to deprive him of some-
362
German Quickly
dementsprechend (adj.)-appropriate; (adv.) correspondingly demnach (adv., conj.)accordingly, consequently; therefore * denken, dachte, hat gedacht (v.t. or i.)-tothink; consider; imagine; mean; (v.r.)-to think, imagine, believe * denn (conj.)-for, because; es sei denn-unless, except dennoch (conj.)-yet, still, however, nevertheless * der, das, die -the derart (adv.)-in manner such a way or diese (pl.)-these ** die Diktatur-dictatorship * das Ding (-es, -e)-object, matter
Vocabulary
363
dahin (adv. and pref.)-there, to that place dahinter-kommen (v.i., aux.s.)-to get at the truth of damalig (adj.)-of that time, then * damals (ad~)-then; erst damals-only then; schon damals-even then * die Dame (-n)-woman, lady damit (adv.)-with it or them; thereupon; (conj.)-so that dammern (i.)-to dawn; to grow dark die Dammerung-twilight der Damon (-s, -en)-demon danach (adv.)-after that, towards it; accordingly die Dankbarkeit-thankfulness * danken owe (v.i.)-to thank; (v.t.)-to at that time, represent, de-
thing,
der Direktor (-s, -en)-director der Diskurs (-es, -e)-discourse * doch (conj.)-but, theless; (adv.)-of though, nevercourse; (part.) dome
just; wenn doch-if only der Dom (-s, -e)-cathedral, der Donner (-s)-thunder das Donnerwetter-scene doppelt twICe (adj.)-double;
* durch (prep.)-with acc.through, throughout, as a result of, by means of; (adv.)-thoroughly durch- (pre)-through; across; thoroughness durchaus (adv.)-throughollt, thoroughly, by all means; quite; durchaus nicht-by no means durch-dringen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to penetrate; win accceptance; (v.t.
(adv.)-
(v.t.)-accomplish,
* derselbe (dieselbe, dasselbe, dieselben)-the same * deshalb (adv.)-on this account; (conj.) -therefore despotisch-despotic desto (adv.)-all the (more); je... desto-the ... the * deren -'- whose * dessen -whose deswegen-for that reason deuten (v.t.) - to explain, interpret; (v.i.) -to point, indicate, signifY deudich (adj.)-distinct, clear * deutsch (adj.)-German Deutschland - Germany dicht (adj.)-dense, compact; (adv.)-near, close der Dichter (-s, -)-poet, writer * die Dichtll":g (-en)-poetry, literary works; fiction; imagination dick - thick, fat der Dieb (-es, -e)-thief dienen (v.i.)-to serve * dieser (m.), diese (f.), dieses (n.) (dem. adj.)-this;
das Dorf(-s, ::er)-village der Dorn (-s, -en)-thorn * dort (adv.)-there, over there das Drama (-s, -men)-drama der Drang (-es, ::e)-pressure; craving draugen-outside drehen (v.t.)-to turn; (v.r.) urge,
* drei -
pict; (v.r.)-to appear, to be apparent or obvious darum (adv.)-around it or them; (conj.)-therefore, on that account, that's why * das Dasein (-s)-existence, being die Daseinsform (-en)-form of existence * daE or dass (conj.)-that; dauern (v.i.)-to last; lange dauern-to time dazu (adv.)-for in addition so that
is a question of
durch-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to pass through; durchgehen lassen-to let pass, to overlook; (v.t. sep.)-read over or through; to check durchgehend (adj.)-continuous durch-kommen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)to pass or get through; to appear, to reveal itself; to succeed durch-Iesen-to durch-machen read through (v.t.) -to finish,
dreiragig-three day ** dringen, drang, ist gedrungen (v.i.)-to penetrate, enter; (aux.h.)-to beg, plead, insist on drohen (i.)-to threaten drucken (v.t.)-to press; to push stamp; (v.i.)-to be oppressive der Druckfehler (-s, -) - misprint * du- you (informal) der Duft (-es, ::e)-scent, smell dumm-dumb die Dummheit (-en)-stupidity dumpf (adj.)-dull; vague; stifling * dunkel (adj.)-dark, dim,gloomy, sinister; vague; dubious diinken (v.i.)-to seem, look, appear
accomplish; undergo, suffer der Durchschnitt (-s, -e)-crosssection, profile durchschnitdich -average ** durch-setzen (v.t.)-to accomplish; (insep.)-to permeate, pervade; (v.r. sep.)-to be successful durchsichtig (adj.)-clear * diirfen (modal v.)-may, might; be allowed or permitted to; diirfte (subj. II)-(conjecture)might, could diirsten-to thirst; to be thirsty durstig-thirsty
364
German Quickly E
eignen (v.r.)-to be suitable; (v.i.) -to be characteristic of ein- (pre) - motion into * eln-a, an, one; ein so-such a * einige (adj.)-some, a few ein-kaufen - to buy der Einklang-harmony, agreement ein-Iaden-to invite
Vocabulary
365 affect
.ein-wirken (v.i.)-influence,
die Ebbe (-n)-ebb * eben (adj.)-even, level; (adv.)just, precisely,exactly; eben erst-only just, just now ebenso (adv.)-likewise, in the same way echt (adj.)-genuine, authentic die Ecke (-n)-corner edel (adj.)-noble die Edelleute-nobles, noblemen egal (adj.)-equal, alike, all the same die Egaliriit-equality der Elfenbeinturm (-s ::e)-ivory tower * ehe (conj.)-before die Ehe- marriage ehemalig-former eher (adv.)~sooner; more likely; rather; eher als-rather than; more die Ehre (-n)-honor die Ehrfurcht- reverence ehrlich (adj.)-honest das Ei (-s, -er)-egg die Eiche (-n)-oak der Eid (-es, -e)-oath der Eifer (-s)-eagerness, zeal die Eifersucht -jealousy * eigen (adj.)-own; peculiar, characteristic eigen (suff.)-propertyof, belonging to eigenartig-peculiar, odd die Eigenschaft (-en)-quality, attribute * eigendich (adj.)-actUal; (adv.)actUally,really eigentiimlich (adj.)-belonging to; peculiar to; strange
** der Einwurf (-s, ';e) -objection; insertion einzeln (adj.) -single, individual; isolated; (adv.)-separately, one at a time; im einzelnen-in detail * einzig (adj.)-only, (adv.)-only das Eis (-es)-ice absolute;
ein-Iassen (irr. v.t.) - to let in; (v.r.)-to become involved with * einmal (adv.)-once; auf einmalat once; nicht einmal-not even; noch einmal-once again ein-nehmen, nahm em, hat eingenommen (v.t.)-to take in; seize, to take up ein-ordnen (v.t.)-to arrange; classify, fit in ein-pragen (v.t.)-to imprint, Impress ein-reiBen-to pull down ein-richten (v.t.)-to arrange, to to to
die Einbildung-illusion, deception, imagination ein-brechen-to break in einbiillen-to lose, forfeit eindeutig (adj.) -clear, plain; definite; unequivocal ** ein-dringen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to penetrate; to study closely; to attack; to entreat der Eindruck (-es ::e)-impression * einfach (adj.)-simple; single der Einfall (-s, ::e)-sudden idea ** ein-fallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to occur to; to collapse, to invade ein-6.nden (r.)-to appear der EinfluB (or Einfluss) (::sses, ::sse)-influence ein-fiihren (v.t.)-to introduce; to insert in die Einfiihrung-introduction der Eingang (-s, ::e)-entrance; introduction; beginning ** ein-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to understand; to arrive; to die; to be credible to; to consider carefully; (v.t.)-to e~ter into ein-greifen ,(irr.v.i.)-to influence; to interfere in; to intrude die Einheit (-en)-unity ein-holen-to catch up with; to gather einig (adj.)-united
ad-
just; (v.r.)-to settle down, to establish oneself; to prepare for einsam-Ionely die Einsamkeit-Ioneliness ein-schlafen (i.) - to fall asleep ** ein-schlieBen, schloB ein, hat eingeschlossen (v.t.)-to lock up; to surround; to include, to contain ein-sehen (irr. v.t.)-to realize, see einsichtsvoll-insightful ein-sperren-to lock up **ein-setzen (v.t.)-to appoint; to use; (v.i.)-to start einst (adv.)-once; some day **ein-stellen (v.t.)-to stop, to discontinue; to adjust; (v.r.)-to appear; to adopt einstimmig (adj.)-unanimous ein-treten (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to occur, happen; to enter, step in; eintreten flir to intercede for cler Einwand (-s, ::e)-objection
die Eltern (pl.)-parents empfanglich (adj.)-susceptible, receptive empfehlen, empfahl, hat empfohlen (v.t.)-to recommend; (v.r.)to recommend oneself emp6.nden, empfand, hat empfunden (v.t.)-to feel, perceive * das Ende (-s, -n)-end, conclusion; letzten Endes-in the long run; Ende der zwanziger Jahre-in the late 20'S * endlich (adj.)-ultimate, final; (adv.)-finally eng-narrow engagiert (adj.)-committed, involved der Engel (-s, -)-angel ent- (pref.)- negation, reversal,removal; separation; emergence; initiation; intensification entbloBen (v.t.)-to uncover
entdecken (v.t.) - to discover entfallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to not apply; jemandem one's mind entfalten develop (v.t.)-to entfallen-to unfold; to slip
366
German Quickly
* entweder... entwerten entwickeln evolve oder-either (v.t.)-to (v.t.)-to ... or develop, to devalue come
VOcabulary
367
entfernen (v.t.)-to move away; to remove; (v.r.)-to withdraw, to depart ent&emden (v.t.)-to alienate
das Ergebnis (-ses, -se)- result, outergreifen-to seize, to grasp erhaben (adj.)-elevated, lofty * erhalten, erhielt, erhalten-to preserve; to receive erheben(irr. v.t.) - to raise, ascertain; (v.r.)-to rise up, revolt erhohen-to elevate erholen (r)-recover, relax * erinnern (v.t.)-to remind; (v.r.)to remember die Erinnerung-memory erkaufen-to buy * erkennen, erkannte, hat erkannt (v.t.) -to recognize; erkennen lassen-to make clear; es laRt sich nicht erkennen-one cannot tell die Erkenntnis (-se)-knowledge; perception, realization erklaren (v.t.)-to explain, interpret; to declare, state erkundigen (v.r.)-to inquire erlauben (v.t.)-to permit erl1iutern (v.t.)-to explain, comment erleben (v.t.)-to experience das Erlebnis (-sses, -sse) -occurrence, expenence erledigen (v.t.)-to deal with; settle erlosen (v.t.)-to save, free, redeem; liberate erniedrigen-to lower, humble ernst (adj.)-earnest, serious eroffnen (v.t.)-to open, to start; to disclose or make known erregen (v.t.)-to excite, provoke erreichen (v.t.)-to reach, attain der Ersatz (-es)-substitute ersaufen (i., aux.s.)-to drown
* erscheinen
entgegen (adv., prep.) with dat.towards; against entgegen- (pre)-approach or opposition entgegen-setzen (v.t.)-to oppose entgegen-stellen (v.t.)-to contrast; (v.r.)-to oppose entgegen-treten (irr. v.i. aux.s.) - to oppose, to confront entgegnen (v.t. and v.i.)-to answer entgehen, entging, ist entgangen (v.i.)-to escape, avoid, elude enthalten (t.)-to contain; (r.) -to refrain (from) entlang (adv. prep) with acc'along entlassen-to dismiss, fire entnehmen, entnahm, hat entnommen (v.t.)-to deduce, infer; to take from entreiRen from entrinnen (with dar.)-to (i., aux.s.)-to tear away escape
entziehen, entzog, hat entzogen (v.t.)-to remove, withdraw, to deprive; (v.r.)-to elude der Epigone (-n, -n)-undistinguished descendent or follower er- (pre) - to produce, bring about, die, kill * er-he, it erbauen-to build der Erbe (-n, -n)-heir, successor das Erbe (-s)-heritage, inheritance erbleichen (i., aux.s.)-to turn pale * die Erde (-n)-earth, ground, world das Ereignis (-sses, -sse)-event * erfahren, erfuhr, hat erfahren (v.t.)-to experience, discover, undergo, learn die Erfahrung (-en)-experience; empirical knowledge erfassen (v.t.)-to seize, grasp; to understand; to include erfinden, erfand, hat erfunden (v.t.)-to invent result, der Erfolg (-es, -e) -success, outcome, effect
erschlagen (past participle)-slain erschlieRen (irr. v.i.)-to develop, infer erschrecken (t. &i.)-to frighten * erst (adj.)-first; (adv.)-not until, only; eben erst-just now erstaunlich-astonishing erstechen, erstach, hat erstochen - to stab erstehen, erstand, ist erstanden (v.i.)-to arise, to result erteilen (v.t.)-to give; impart erwachsen, erwuchs, ist erwachsen
entsagen (v.i.)-to renounce entscheiden (irr. V.t., i. & r.)-to decide entschlieRen (irr. v.r.)-to decide entschuldigen-to excuse das Entsetzen (-s) - horror, terror entsetzen (v.t.)-to horrifY entsprechen, entsprach, hat entsprochen (v.i.)-to agree, to correspond * entstehen, entstand, ist entstanden (v.i.)-to originate; to result; to develop die Entiliuschung-disappointment
erforderlich
necessary
erforschen (v.t.)-to investigate erfreuen-to delight, (r) (with gen.) to enjoy . erfiillen (v.t.)-to fill; to fulfill (v.r.)-to come true erganzen plement ** ergeben, (v.t.)-to be result (v.t.)-to complete, sup-
die Erzahlung (-en) -story, tale erzeugen (v.t.)-produce, beget erziehen, erzog, hat erzogen (v.t.)-to bring up, educate * es-it; es gibt-there is, there are der Esel (-s, -)-donkey * essen, iRt, aR, hat gegessen-to eat die Ethik (-en)-ethics, moral philosophy etlicher (m), etliche (f), etliches (n)-quite a few
368
German Quickly fallen-to fell, chop down das Falsch-error (adv.)der Fisch (-es, -e)-fish der Fischer (-s, -)-fisherman fix (adj.)-fixed, firm; quick die Flache (-n)-surface, area
Vocabulary
369
* etwa (adv.)-approximately, perhaps; for instance * etwas (pron.)-something; somewhat, a little euer-your das Europa (-s)-Europe das Euter (-s, -)-udder
fangen, fing, hat gefangen (v.t.) to capture; (v.r.)-to take hold die Farbe (-n)-color fassen (v.t.)-to grasp, seize, apprehend; include; understand ** die Fassung (-en)-draft, formulation; setting, frame; composure * fast-almost, nearly * faul (adj.)-lazy; rotten die Faulheit-Iaziness die Feder (-n)-feather, quill * fehlen (v.i.)-to be missing or wanting; to be absent; es fehlt ihm an - he lacks get caught, to
Hechten,Hocht,hat geHochtento weave der Fleck (-es, -e and -en)-spot das Fleisch (-es)-flesh, meat der Flei (-sses)-diligence; Flei-intentionally * Heiig-diligent die Fliege (-n)-fly mit
das Evangelium (-s)-gospel ** eventuell (adj.)-possible ewig (adj.)-eternal; (adv.) always die Ewigkeit-eternity das Exemplar (-s, -e)-copy (of a book), sample existieren (i.) -to exist der Experte (-n, -n) -expert der Expressionismus-ExpressionIsm ** extra (adj.)-extra; (adv.)specially die Extrapost-special delivery
to
fly
Hiehen, Hoh, ist geHohen - to flee Hieen, Ho, ist geHossen (v.i.) to flow; Hieen aus-to proceed or result from Hieend-flowing; fluent der Floh (-es, '~e)-flea der Fluch (-es, ::e)-curse die Flucht (-en)-flight, escape Hiichtig-fleeting Hiissig (adj.)-flowing, fluid die Flut (-en)-flood, flow die Folge (-n)-sequence, series; consequence; zur Folge haben -to lead to * folgen (v.i., aux.s.)-to follow, ensue; (aux.h.)-to obey, to listen to folgend-following folgerichtig (adj.)-consistent der Folgeschlu (-sses, ::sse)-logical consequence ** fordern (v.t.)-to demand, challenge ** fordern (v.t.)-to further, promote die Formel (-n)-formula forschen (v.i.)-search, do research on der Forscher-research scholar investigate, worker,
F
** das Fach (-es, ::er)-field, division -fach (suff.)-fold das Fachgebiet (-s, -e) -specialty das Fachwort (-s, ::er)-technical term subject;
der Feiertag (-s, -e)-holiday fein (adj.)-fine, precise; acute * der Feind (-es, -e)-enemy die Feindschaft-animosity das Feld (-es, -er) -field, area felsig-rocky das Fenster (-s, -)-window * fern (adj.) -far, distant fertig (adj.)-ready, finished fest (adj. and adv.)-firm, solid; permanent fest-stellen (v.t.) - to establish; to discover, to stress fett - fat feucht-damp
fort (adv.)-away, gone, forth ** fort-fahren, fort-fiihren-to go away; to continue fort-gehen (i., aux.s.)-to go away der Fortschritt (-s, -e)-progress fort-setzen-to continue; Fortsetzung folgt-to be continued fort-werfen-to throwaway * die Frage (-n)-question, problem, Issue; &agen (nach)-to ask about die Fraktur-Gothic print * Frankreich-France der Franzose (-n, -n)-Frenchman * die Frau (-en)-woman, Mrs. * das Fraulein (-s, -s)-young woman, Miss &ei (adj.)-free, independent; die &eien Kiinste-the liberal arts * die Freiheit (-en)-freedom die Freiheitsbewegung (-en)-freedom movement &eilich (adv.)-to be sure; indeed fremd (adj.)-someone else's; strange; foreign die Fremde-foreign country; in der Fremde-abroad die Fremdsprache (-n)-foreign language &essen-to eat like an animal * die Freude (-n)-joy * &euen (r)-to be pleased der Freund (-es, -e)-friend die Freundschaft (-en)-friendship &eveln (i.)-to violate, blaspheme der Friede (-ns, -n)-peace &iedfertig- peaceable friedlich-peaceful &ieren, &or, hat ge&oren (i.)-to freeze frisch (adj.)-fresh, bright
matter, affair; auf jeden Fall-in any case; fall, decline, ruin
to
37
General and Humanities das GefiiW (-es, -e)-feeling, touch, instinct, intuitive grasp * gegen (prep.) with acc.-towards; against; gegen fiinfUhr-around five o'clock
371
froWich -joyous * die Feucht (::e)-fruit fruchtbar (adj.)-fruitful, prolific * friih (adj.)-early; friiher-former der Friihling-spring das Friihsriick (-s)-breakfast ** mgen (v.t.)-to ordain; formulate; to add; (v.r.)-to comply; to be proper, to come to pass * fiihlen (v.t. & r.)-to perceive * fiihren (v.t.) - to lead, direct die Fiille-abundance, wealth fiillen-to fill der Fund (-es, -e)-finding mnf-five * mr (prep.) with acc.-for die Furcht-fear (vor)-of mrchten (v.t.)-to fear; (v.r.) -to be afraid der Fiirst (-en, -en)-prince; ruler der FuB (-es, ::e)~foot, base die FuRspur (-en)-footprint die FuBnote-footllote G
die Gabe (-n)-gift gackern (i.)-to cackle der Galgen (-s, -)-gallows ** der Gang (-es, ::e)-motion;
to
* das Geld (es, -er)-money, capital ** gelegen (adj.)-situated, located; convenIent, opportune die Gelegenheit (-en)-opportunity gelehrt-educated, scholarly * gelingen, gelang, ist gelungen (v.i.) -to succeed, to be successful;
give, impart, grant; es gibt-there is, there are; (v.r.) -to submit, yield, abate, to pass oneself off as das Gebet (-s, -e)-prayer das Gebiet (-es, -e) -district, territory, area; field gebieten (irr. v.t.)-to demand (v.i.)-to govern, rule over geboren (adj.)-born das Gebot (-es, -e)-command der Gebrauch (-es,::e)-use; custom
es gelingt ihr - she succeeds * gelten, galt, hat gegolten (v.i.)-to mean; be valid; count; gelten mr or als-to be considered as; das gilt nicht-that is not allowed; (v.t.)to be worth
gemaR (adj.)-appropriate; (prep.) with dat. according to gemein (adj.)-common, general; low, vulgar, mean die Gemeinde (-n)-community; municipality gemeinhin (adv.) - generally gemeinsam (adj.)-common die Gemeinschaft (-en) -communIty das Gemiit (-s, -er) -disposition, soul gemiidich (adj.) -good-natured; agreeable; cosy, comfortable genannt (adj.)-called *genau (adj.)-exact, precise, in detail; (adv.) -just, exactly, precisely; quite genehmigen (v.t.)-to approve, to grant, authorize geneigt (adj.)-inclined; willing ** genial (adj.)-gifted; brilliant genieRen, genoR, hat genossen (v.t.)-to enjoy * genug (adv.)-enough
gebrauchen
to use
* die Geburt (-en)-birth das Gedachtnis (-ses, -se)-memory * der Gedanke (-ns, -n)-thought, conception, idea, notion gedeihen, gedieh, ist gediehen (v.i.)-to develop; prosper gedenken, gedachte, hat gedacht (v.i.)-to bear in mind; recall (with gen.) das Gedicht (-es, -e)-poem die Geduld-patience geeignet (adj.)-suitable die Gefahr (~en)-danger, risk gefahrlich-dangerous * gefallen, geliel, hat gefallen (v.i.)to please; es hat ihm gefallen-it pleases him or he likes it ** gefallen (adj.)-killed in action das Gefangnis (-sses, -sse)-prison
gehorsam
obedient
im
Gang bleiben-to keep going; in Gang setzen or bringen-to set in motion; path, aisle, passage die Gans (::e)-goose * ganz (adj.)-whole, entire, complete; (adv.)-very, quite, entirely; ganz anders-quite different gar (adv.)-entirely; even
die GeiR-goat * der Geist (-es, -er)-spirit, wit, intellect, genius, essence, ghost die Geistesgeschichte-history of ideas geistig-spiritual, intellectual geizig-avaricious, stingy das Gelande (-s, no pl.)-tract land, area, region
of
372
German Quickly
gesellen (v.t.)-to join, ally * die Gesellschaft (-en)-society, community das Gesetz (-es, -e)-law, act, decree, principle gesetzt (adj.)-fixed, established (conj.)-granted, supposing * das Gesicht (-s, -er)-face, countenance, appearance der Gesichtspunkt (-en)vIewpOInt die Gesinnung (-en)-disposition gespannt (adj.)-strained; tense; gespannt sein-to be in suspense das Gespenst (-es, -er)-ghost das Gesprach(-es, -e)-conversation, discourse; discussion die Gestalt (-en)-form, shape, figure; manner; character das Gestiindnis (-ses, -se) -admission, confession gestatten (v.t.)-to permit, allow gestehen, gestand, hat gestanden (v.t.)-to confess * gestern (adv.)-yesterday gestohlen-stolen * gesund (adj.)-healthy die Gesundheit-health das Getrank (-es, -e)-drink gewahren (v.t.)-to grant, give die Gewalt (-en)-power, authority, control, violence; force das Gewerbe (-s, -)-trade, profession grav* gewesen-b<;en (see sein) das Gewicht (-es, -e)-weight; gewissermaEen extent (adv.)-to
Vocabulary
373
* gerade (adj.)-straight, direct, sincere; (adv.) -just, exactly, precisely geradeaus (adv.)-straight ahead geradezu (adv.)-immediately; virtually; frankly das Gerat (-es, -e)-implement geraten, geriet, ist geraten (v.i.)to get, fall, land gerecht (adj.) -just, fair * die Gerechtigkeit-justice das Gericht (-es, -e) -court of justice; law-court, judgement gering (adj.)-small, petty * gern (adv.)-with pleasure; gern haben-to like to das Geriicht (-es, -e)-rumor gesamt (adj.)-whole, entire der Gesang (-s, ::e)-song das Geschaft (-es, -e)-business, trade, transaction; duty die Geschaftigkeit-activity, industriousness * geschehen, geschah, ist geschehen (v.i.)-to take place, happen, to occur; es ist um uns geschehenwe are doomed das Geschenk (-s, -e)-gift * die Geschichte (-en) - history, story geschickt (adj.)-skillful das Geschlecht (-es, -er)~sex, species, race, generation gescWossen (adj.)-closed, unified der Geschmack united;
das Grab (-es, ::er)-grave, tomb; end graben, grub, hat gegraben (v.t.)to dig, excavate der Grad (-es, -e)-degree; extent der Graf (-en, -en)-count grau - grey grausam (adj.)-cruel; dreadful greifbar (adj.)-ready, on hand; tangible, obvious greifen, griff, hat gegriffen (v.t.)to seize,grasp; (v.i.)-to touch; be effective die Grenze (-n)-boundary, limit, border der Grieche (-n, -n)-Greek das Griechentum (-s)-Hellenism griechisch-Greek grob (adj.)-rough, crude, coarse * groa (adj.)-tall, high; large, great, immense; eminent groaartig (adj.)-great, grand, splendid die Groae-height; stature groaenteils (adv.)-mainly, mostly groatenteils (adv.)-mostly der Groavater (-s, ::)-grandfather die Griinanlage (-n)-green area * der Grund (-es, ::e)-foundation, basis; ground, earth; land im Grunde-fundamentally; reason, cause; aus diesem Grunde-for this reason; der Grundbegriff (-s, -e)-fundamental concept griinden (v.t.)-to establish, set up; base; (v.r.)-rest, rely,be based on die Grundlage (-n)-foundation der Grundsatz (-es, ::e)-principle der Grundzug (-s, ::e)-essential feature or characteristic
gewohnen (v.t.)-to accustom; (v.r.)-to become accustomed (an) to die Gewohnheit (-en)-habit, custom * gewohnlich (adv.) - usual (adj.); usually poison, toxin
* * *
(-es, ::er)-taste
glatt (adj.)-smooth, even, flat; plain, clear; (adv.)-quite der Glaube (-ns, -n)-faith, belief glauben (t. & i.)-to believe gleich (adj.)-same, like, equal; (adv.)-just; immediately, at once gleichen (v.i.)-to resemble, equal das Gleichgewicht (-s, -e)-balance gleichgiiltig-indifferent das Gleichnis (-ses,-se)-image, simile, allegory, parable, metaphor gleichviel (adv.)-nonetheless gleichwohl (adv.)-nevertheless, yet gleichzeitig (adj.)-simultaneous die Glocke (-n)-bell, chime das Gliick (-es)-happiness, fortune, luck gliicken (v.i., aux.s.)-to succeed gliicklich-happy, lucky die Gnade-grace, mercy gonnen (v.t.)-to grant die Gotik-Gothic
das Geschopf(-s, -e)-creature das Geschrei (-s)-cry, scream das Geschwatz (-es)-chatter ** geschweige (denn)-not tion gesegnet-blessed to men-
ity, importance gewinnen, gewann, hat gewonnen (v.t.)-towin, gain, get * gewia (or gewiss) (adj.)-sure, certain; (adv.)-certainly, to be sure das Gewissen (-s, -) -conscience
* der Gott (-es, ::er)-God, god das Gotterbild (-s, -er)-idol die Gottheit-divinity; godhead gottlich (adj.)-divine gotdos- godless der Gotze (-n, -n)-idol
374
German Quickly der Handel (-s, -)-trade, transaction; deal; action * handeln (v.i.)-to act; to bargain (um) for; (v.r.)-es handelt sich urn-it is a question or matter of die Handlung-action, deed; plot hangen-to hang; caught hart (adj.)- hard, difficult, troublesome; (adv.)-hard; (an)-close by die Harte-harshness, severity hartnackig-stubborn; persistent der Hase (-n, -n)-rabbit * der Haa (or Hass) (-sses)-hatred; hassen - to hate haalich (adj.)-ugly, hideous, repulsive; nasty die Haaliebe-Iove-hate relationship die Hast-haste, hurry der Hauch (-es, -e)-breath; tinge, trace; aura haufig (adj.)-frequent; (adv.)frequently, often * das Haupt (-es, ::er)- head, leader, chief, principal die Hauptabsicht (-en)- main obJect die Hauptfigur (-en)-main or central figure die Hauptsache (-en)-main point
or issue die Hauptstadt (::e)-capital das Haus (-es, ::er)-house hauslich (adj.)-domestic die Hausmacht (::e)-power die Haut-skin to lift; accentuate; (v.r.)-to improve der Hebraer-Hebrew das Heer (-es, -e)-army base
General and Humanities ** das Heft (-es, -e)-paperback book, pamphlet, brochure; handle heftig (adj.)-violent, severe heil (adj.)-whole, uninjured das Heil-well-being, welfare, salvatIon heilen-to heal heilig (adj.)-holy, heim-home sacred
Vocabulary
375 climb
die Gruppe (-n)-group, category der GruB (-es, ::e)-greeting griillen (v.t.) -to greet giiltig (adj.)-valid, effective der Gummi (-s)-rubber die Gunst-favor; advantage * gut (adj.-good; (adv.)-well das Gut (-es, ::er)-property, possession, estate; good thing die Giite-kindness, goodness das Gute-good (thing or part) die Gutheiaung-approval gutherzig-good-natured
heran (adv. and pre)-movement into the proximity of the speaker; near heran-kommen come near ** heran-ziehen (v.i.)-to (v.t.)-to draw or draw near;
die Heimat (-en) - home, native country heimlich (adj.)-secret, heim-suchen (v.t.)-to hidden afflict home
H
das Haar (-s, -e)-hair * die Habe-property, goods haben, hatte, hatgehabt (v.t.)-to have der Hafen (-s, -)-harbor; haven * haft (suff.)-designates a type or quality; wesenhaft-essential der Hahn (-s, ::e)-rooster halb (adj.)-half; (adv.)-by halves -halber (suff.)-on account of halbstark-rowdy die Halfte-half der Hals (-es, ::e)-neck, throat * halten, hielt, hat gehalten (v.t.) to hold, keep, retain; to think, deem, consider; (v.i.)-to stop, hold out; (v.r.)-to hold out, last; behave; follow; adhere to die Haltung-bearing, attitude; behavior; position das Hammelfleisch - mutton die Hand (::e)-hand; handwriting; side; source; mit der Hand-by hand
to procure; to quote; to enlist; to attract; to raise, bring up; (v.i.) to approach, draw near heraus (adv. and pre)-movement from inside a place as seen by the person outside; out; forth heraus-finden (v.t.)-to find out, to discover; (v.r.)-to extricate oneself die Herausforderung-challenge, provocatIon der Herausgeber (-s, -)-editor heraus-holen (v.t.)-to get or take or draw out, to extract; to elicit; to gam heraus-nehmen (v.t.)-to take out,
* helfen, half, hat geholfen (v.i.) to help, aid, support hell (adj.)-clear, bright; light; hellichter Tag -broad daylight henken-to hang * her (adv.)-here, this way; hin und her-to and fro; yon weit herfrom afar; (time)-since, ago; wie lange ist es her-how long ago is it
to remove; (v.r.)-to presume heraus-stellen (v.t.)-to expose, to set forth; (v.r.)-to appear, to turn out herbei (adv., sep. pre)-indicates a movement from a remoter place to a nearer one; near, here herbei-fiihren (v.t.)-to bring about or produce der Herbst (-es, -e)-autumn die Herde (-n)-flock, herd; crowd herein (adv. and pref.)-indicates movement into a place as seen by a person inside; in, in here her-kommen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to come here, to approach das Herkommen (-s)-origin, traction ex-
376
German Quickly
* hier (adv.)-here, occasIOn; now hierher-to present; on this
General and Humanities der Hintergrund (-s, ::e) -background; (pI.) hidden difficulties hinterlassen (irr. v.t.)-to leave, to leave behind, to bequeath hiniiber (adv., pref.)-over there, across, beyond hiniiber-Iaufen (i., aux.s.)-to walk past hinweg (adv., pref.)-away, off hin-weisen (irr. v.i.)-to point to, indicate; point out, allude to hinzu (adv., pref.)-to, towards, besides, in addition hinzu-rogen (v.t.)-to add, append; to enclose der Historiker (-s, -)-historian die Hitze (-n)-heat, ardor * hoch (adj.)-high, tall, lofty, sublime; hoher Gemill-great enjoy-
Vocabulary
377
die Herkunft (::e)-origin or descent; derivation (of a word) * der Herr (-n, -en)-master, lord, God, ruler, gentleman, Mr. der Herrenhund (-s, -e)-aristocrat's dog herrlich (adj.)-magnificent die Herrschaft (-en)-dominion, power; command, domination; manor; master and mistress herrschen (v. & i.)-to rule, reign, prevail, be in vogue; dominate der Herrscher (-s, -)-ruler, governor her-stellen (v.t.)-to set up, establish, create; place here herum (adv. and pref.)-indicates a movement around, or an approximate time or amount herum-gehen (i. aux.s.)-to go around, associate herunter-kommen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to deteriorate, decay; to come down(stairs); to get over hervor-bringen (irr. v.t.)-to bring forth, produce; utter hervorragend (adj.)-prominent, protruding, outstanding hervor-treten (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to come forward; stand out; to become evident; emerge from * das Herz (-ens, -en) - heart, feeling, soul das Herzeleid-suffering herzlich (adj.)-hearty, cordial der Herzog (-es, -e or -e)-duke die Heuchelei (-en) - hypocrisy * heute (adv.)-today; heute abend-this evening; heute friihthis morning
das Holz (-es, ::er)-wood der Holzapfel (-s, ::)-crab apple horchen (v.i.)-to listen (auf) to * horen (v.t., v.i.)-to hear, to listen; horen auf- to listen to, heed, obey das Horensagen-hearsay das Horn (-s, ::er)-horn das Hosenbein (-s, -e)-pant leg das Hufeisen (-s, -e)-horse shoe das Huhn (-s, ::er)-hen, fowl huldigen (v.i.)-to do homage ** human (adj.)-humane der Humanismus-Humanism der Hund (-es, -e)-dog hundertjahrig (adj.)-centenary hundertprozentig (adj. and adv.)hundred per cent; completely der Hunger-hunger das Husten (-s, -)-coughing ** der Hut (-es, ::e)-hat, cover, lid ** die Hut-protection, shelter; auf der Hut sein-to be on guard hiiten (v.t.)-to guard, take care of; (v.r.)-to watch out (vor) for die Hiitte (-n)-hut, cottage die Hypothese (-n)-hypothesis
das Himmelreich
heaven
kingdom of
motion away
* hin (adv.)-expresses
from the speaker; expresses duration of time into the future; hin und her -to and fro; hin und wieder - now and then hinab (adv. and pref.)-down hinab-fallen (i., aux.s.)-to fall off
hinan-steigen (i., aux.s.)-to climb (up) hinauf(adv. and pref.)-up hinaus (adv. and pref.)-outside, forth hinaus-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.) -to surpass; to go out; hinaus-gehen auf-to aim at hinaus-kommen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to come out; to go beyond; hinauskommen auf (acc.)-to come or amount to hindern-to hinder hinein (adv. and pref.)-into hinein-passen (v. i.)-to fit in hin-geben (irr. v.t.)-to give up, surrender, sacrifice hin-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to go to that place; to elapse, to pass hinken (v. i.)-to limp hinsichdich (prep.)-with regard to, concernmg hinten (ad.)-behind * hinter (prep, and pref.) with dat. or ace. - behind; after hintereinander (adv.)-one after the other, in succession
ment; (adv.)- highly die Hochachtung-high esteem, admiration; deep respect hochachtungsvoll- respectfully hochgestellt (adj.) - high-ranking der Hochmut-pride, arrogance hochst (sup. adj.)-highest, utmost; (adv.)-extremely die Hochzeit (-en)-wedding hoffen (v.i.)-to hope (auf) for die Hoffnung (-en)~hope, anticipation hoflich (adj.)-polite die Hohe-height, loftiness, summit, level or price or volume, musical pitch der Hohepunkt (-s, -e)-highest or culminating point, peak, climax holen (v.t.) - to get, fetch; holen lassen-to send for die Holle-hell
I
* ich-I; Ich-self, ego die Idee (-n)-idea, notion; fixe Idee-obsession die Iden - Ides der Ideologe (-n, -n)-ideologist * ihr-you, to her, her, their (its, when referring to a feminine noun) * immer (adv.)-always, constantly; noch immer-even now; immer wieder-again and again; immer & comparative is an intensifier-
378
German Quickly intim (adj.)-intimate jenseits (prep.) with gen. -on other side of
VOcabulary
379
immer mehr-more and more; immer hoher-higher and higher; (part.) in any case, after all; er ist doch immerhin dein Bruderafter all, he is your brother imponieren (v.i.)-to be impressive or Imposmg imstande (pred. adj.)-capable of * in (prep.)-with dat. or acc. -in, into der Inbegriff-perfect example * indem (conj.)-as, while; by der Inder (-s, -)-Hindu, Indian indessen - meanwhile
das Indien-India infolge (prep.) with gen.-as sult of; owing to * der Inhalt (-s, -e)-contents, a reca-
karg (adj.)-scanty, stingy, sparse die Karikatur (-en)-caricature Karl der Gro:Se-Charlemagne die Karriere (-n)-career die Karte (-n)-card, ticket die der die die map, chart,
* jetzt (adv.)-now, at present; fur jetzt-for the present jeweilig (adj.)-at the moment, respective; or jeweils (adv.)-at times, from time to time der Jude (-n, -n) - Jew
die Jugend-youth, young people * jung (adj.)-young, new, recent der Junge (-n, -n)-boy, youth der Junger (-s, -)-disCiple, follower die Jungfrau (-en)-virgin, maiden
Kartoffel (-n)-potato Kasten (-s, -) - box, chest Kathedrale (-n)-cathedral Katze (-n)-cat
J
* ja (adv., part.)-yes; indeed, certainly, of course, after all ja sagen-to affirm, say yes jagen (v.t.)-to hunt, chase, pursue * dasJahr (-es, -e)-year; nach Jahren-after many years; seit Jahren-for years; vor einem Jahr-a year ago der Jahrgang-age-group, year of publication * dasJahrhundert (-es, -e)-century der Jammer (-s)-misery * je (adv., conj.)-ever, at any time; je nach - according to; je ...destothe ... the * jede (adj.)-each, each, everyone' every; (pron.)
** jiingst (sup. adj.)-youngest, latest, (adv.) - recently, lately Jura (no article)-law K kahl (adj.)-bald; bare, naked, empty; bleak der Kaiser (-s, -)-emperor kaiserlich (adj.)-imperial das Kalb (-es, :;er)-calf der Kalender (-s, -)- calender kalt -cold das Kamel (-s, -e)-camel der Kamerad (-en, -en)-companion, colleague, comrade der Kamin (-s, -e)-fireplace der Kampf (-es, :;e)- battle, fight, struggle, contest kampfen (t. & i.)-to fight die Kanone (-n)-cannon die Kanzlei (-en)-chancellery die Kapelle (-n)-chapel das Kapitel (-s, .c)-chapter; topic; period die Kappe (-n)-cap
der Kauf (-s, -e)-purchase kaufen (v.t.)-to buy, purchase kaum (adv.)-hardly, scarcely kehren (v.t.)-to turn (over); (v.r.)-to heed; (v.i.)-in sich kehren-to be lost in thought, meditate der Keim (-es, -e)-germ, gm * kein (adj.)~no,not keiner-no one seed, ori-
pacity, volume; subject, substance, gist das Inhaltsverzeichnisindex das Inland (-s)-inland; country inne (adv. pre)-within innehalten (tr. v.i.)-to stop innen (within)-within inner (adj.)-inner, ulterior, domestic, spiritual innerhalb (adv., prep.)-within innerlich (adj.)-mental, spiritual innig (adj.)-hearty der Insasse (-n, -n)-inmate insbesondere (adv.)-in particular die Insel (-n)-island insofern (adv. and conj.)-(in) so far as; if ** die Instanz (-en)-authority das Interesse (-s, -n)-interest interessieren (v.t.) - to interest (fiir)-in; (v.r.)-to be interested native
a; (pron.) -
keinesfalls, keineswegs (adv.) - by no means; under no circumstances keinmal-no time der Kellner (-s, -)-waiter * kennen, kannte, hat gekannt (v.t.)-to know, be acquainted with, to understand kennen-Iernen acquainted with (v.t.)~to become
pause; to
das Kennzeichen (-s)- distinguishing marks or features der Kern (-es, -e)-kernel, die Kernforschung-nuclear ence die die der der Kern&age-central issue Kette (-n)-chain, series Ketzer (-s, -) - heretic Kieselstein (-s, -e)-pebble core sci-
380
German Quickly knirschen (i.)-gnash der Koch (-es,:e)-cook kochen-to cook derKohl-cabbage ** die Kombination-surmise, inference; combination; scheme komisch - funny * kommen, kam, ist gekommen (v.i.)-to come, arrive, approach, occur, happen, arise; mir kam der Gedanke- it occured to me; hinter die Wahrheit kommen-to discover the truth; kommen iiber (acc)-to fall upon, to befall; urns Leben kommen - to die; zu sich kommen-to recover one's senses die Komodie--comedy komponieren (v.t.)-to compose der Konig (-s, -e)-king das Konigreich-kingdom ** die Konjunktur (-en)-economy ** der Konkurrent (-en, -en) -competitor, rival ** konkurrieren (v.i.)-to compete * konnen (modal)-to be able to; to be allowed to; er kann nichts dafiir-he can't help it ** konsequent (adj.)-consistent ** konstatieren (v.t.)-to see, notice konstruieren (v.t.)-to construct, design; der konstruierte Fall-hypothetical case ** der Konvent (-es, -e)-gathering,
das Kind (-es, -er)-child kindisch (adj.)-childish kindlich (adj.)-child-like die Kirche (-n)-church die Kirchenglocke (-n)-church bell die Kirchenlehre (-n)-church doctrine die Kirchenmaus (:e)-church mouse der Kirchhof(:e)-churchyard, graveyard kirchlich (adj.)-ecclesiastical, religIOUS
l
I
Vocabulary
381
kosten (v.t.)-to taste, enjoy; (v.i.)-to cost; require kosdich (adj.)-exquisite, wonderful; priceless * die Kraft (:e)-strength, power, force; energy,validity; auGer Kraft setzen-to annul; in Kraft treten-to become effective kraft (prep.) with gen.-by virtue of, on the strength of die Krahe (-n)-crow der Kramer (-s, -)-merchant krank (adj.)-ill, sick, ailing kranken (v.t.)-to offend der Kreis (-es, -e)-circle, district, sphere das Kreuz (-es, -e)-cross, crucifix, burden * der Krieg (-es, -e)-war, warfare kriegen - to get die Krankheit (-en)-illness der Kranz (-es, :e)-wreath die Krise (-n)-crisis, turningpoint die Kritik (-en)-criticism, review, critique der Kritiker (-s, -)-critic die Krone (-n)-crown die Kriicke (-n)-crutch der Krug (-es, :e)-jug krumm (adj.)-crooked die Kiiche (-n)-kitchen die Kuh (:e)-cow kUhl- cool kiihn (adj.)-bold, brave, daring die Kultur (-en)-culture, civilization der Kulturfilm-documentary kulturgeschichdich (adj.)- referring to the history of civilization kiimmern (v.t.)-trouble; concern,
worry; (v.r.)-to mind, to take care of, to worry (urn) about ** die Kunde (-n)-information, news ** der Kunde (-n, -n)-customer, client kundig (adj.)-versed, skilled, expert kiinftig (adj.)-future, next * die Kunst (:e)-art, skill; die schonen Kiinste--the fine arts
die Klage (-n)-complaint,lament; action, suit klagen-to complain; to sue; to wail der Klang (-es, :e)-sound * klar (adj.)-clear, plain; an sich klar-self-evident die Klassenlage--class position die Klassik-classical period die Klaue (-n)-claw das Kleid (-es, -er)-dress, clothes * klein (adj.)-little, small, tiny, short (size),insignificant, petty; exact; die kleinen Leute the lower middle-
class, the common people; (adv.) klein denken -to have narrow views; im Kleinen-on a small scale, in detail der Kleriker (-s, -) -cleric, priest, clergyman klingeln (i.)-to ring, chime die Klinke (-n)-latch die Kluft (:e)-crevice, crack, chasm klug (adj.)-clever, intelligent der Knabe (-n, -n)-lad, boy knapp (adj.)-narrow; scant(y), scarce; accurate; (adv.)-barely, only just
convention
'
** das Konzept (-es, -e)-draft; (pI.) notes * der Kopf (-es, :e) - head; top; heading; ability, sense das Kopfweh (-s)-headache der Korper (-s, -) - body; bulk; substance
382
General and Humanities * lernen (v.t.)-to learn, study * lesen, las, hat gelesen (v.t. & v.i.)to read; to lecture * letzt (adj.)-last, final, extreme letztens (adv.)-recently leuchten (v.i.)-to shine, illuminate * die Leute (pl.)-people, folk, public das Licht (-es, -er)-light; genius lieb (adj.)-dear; (when used as a pred.)-agreeable; es ist ihr liebshe is glad ...; der liebe Gott-God (Almighty) die Liebe (-n)-love, fondness * lieben-to love * lieber (adv. compo of gem) -rather, preferably; sooner; better liebevoll-affectionate die Lieblingsmeinung (-en) -favorite opinion das Lied (-es, -er)-song, poem, tune liefern (v.t.)-to deliver; to supply; to yield * liegen, lag, hat gelegen (v.i.)-to locken (v.t.)-to
Vocabulary entice
383
* lang (adj.)-long, tall, high; (adv.) -for, during; vier Jahre lang-for 4 years; sein Leben lang-all his life * lange (adv.)-for a long time die Lange-length; size; height langen (v.i.)-to be sufficient; langen nach-to reach for die Langeweile-boredom * langsam (adj.)-slow langst (adv.)-long ago; langst nichts-not by a long way der Larm (-s)-noise, din, uproar * lassen, liel~, hat gelassen (v.t.)-to leave; let go; let (do), allow, permit; make (do), cause (to do), have (done); sich lassen-can be; das laBt sich sagen-that can be said die Last (-en)-load, burden das Laster (-s, -)-vice das Latein-Latin lauern (v.i.)-to lurk der Lauf (-es, ~e)- run, circulation; course * laufen, lief, ist gelaufen (v.i.) -to run, walk, work, extend, elapse; be ill progress laufend (adj.)-current, running, steady, consecutive die Laune-mood; whim die Laus (~e)-louse laut (adj.)-loud; (adv.)-aloud; laut werden-to become public ** laut (prep.)-with gen. or dat. according to lauten (v.i.)-to sound; to be; to read; to go * lauter (adj.)-clear, pure; (adv.) nothing but * leben (v.t.)-to live, exist, dwell, stay
lebendig (adj.)-living, animate, alive, lively die Lebensaufgabe (-n)-life's task die Lebensgeschichte-life history, story der Lebenslauf-career, vitae das Lebensmittel-food lebhaft-lively, vivacious; vivid leer (adj.)-empty, vacant * legen (v.t.)-to lay, put, place; (v.r.)-to lie down, cease, die legitim (adj.)-legitimate die Lehre (-n)-doctrine, lehren-to teach teaching
der Logiker (-s, -) -logician lohnen (v.t. & v.i.)-to reward, to be worth los (pred. adj., adv.)-loose, free, disengaged; was ist los-what's the matter? los- (pre) -separation; ment, violence commence-
-los (suff.)-less; hilflos-helpless loschen - to extinguish ** losen (v.t.)-to release; to solve, answer; to loosen; to cancel los-lassen (irr. V. .) - to set free t ** die Losung (-en)-solution; denouement; cancellation der Lowe (-n, -n)-lion die Lucke (-n)-gap * die Luft (~e)-air, breeze die Luge (-n)-lie, fib * lugen, log, hat gelogen (v.i.)-to lie, to fib der Lugner (-s, -) -liar lukullisch (adj.)-epicurean die Lust-pleasure, desire die Lyrik-Iyric poetry
doc-
der Leib (-es, -er)-body * leicht (adj.)-easy, effortless;light; insignificant; (adv.) -easily; lightly leichtfertig (adj.)-careless, irresponsible leid-es tut mir leid-I am sorry das Leid (-es)-suffering leiden, litt, hat gelitten (v.t.) -to suffer, bear, tolerate; to allow,admit; ich kann sie nicht leiden - I can't stand her; (v.i.) -leiden (unter)-to be afflicted (with) die Leidenschaft (-en)- passion leider (adv.)-unfortunately leise (adj.)-low, soft, gentle leisten (v.t.)-to do; accomplish die Leistung,(-en)-achievement leiten (v.t.) - to lead der Leiter (-s, -)-leader, conductor die Leiter (-n) -ladder lenken (v.t.)-to turn, guide, direct
to be due to, to depend on liieren (v.t.)-to bring together lind-gentle lindern (v.t.)-to mitigate, soften die Linie (-n)-line; in erster Linie-in the first place * links (adv.)-to the left; linksgerichtet (adj.) -leftist ** die List (-en)-cunning, craft die Liste (-n) -list, catalogue die Literatur (-en)-literature, bibliography das Lob (-es)-praise loben (v.t.)-to praise das Loch (-es, ~er)-hole,
M
* machen (v.t.)-to make, do; produce, form; cause; das macht nichts-that's all right; (v.r.)-to come about, happen; es laBt sich nichts machen-it cannot be done;
gap
384
German Quickly
der MaEstab (::e)-standard; ure; scale der Mast (-es, -e & -en)-mast matt (adj.)-faint, weak, dull die Mauer (-n)-wall die Maus (::e)-mouse die Medien-media die Medizin (-en) - medicine das Meer (-es, -e)-ocean * mehr (adv.)-more; nicht mehrno longer; nichts mehr -'-nothing more * mehrere (adj., pron.)-several mehrfach (adj.)-multiple, numerous meiden-to avoid * mein-my meinen (v.i.)-to * die Meinung vIew believe, think meas-
VOcabulary
385
mager-thin, lean der Magistrat (-es, -e)-town or city or municipal council das Mahl (-s, -er)-meal mahnen (v.t.)-to remind, warn, admonish, urge * das Mal (-es, -e)-time, occasion; zum ersten Mal-for the first time * -mal (suf.)-einmal-once; dreimal-three times; manchmal-sometimes malen (v.t.)-to paint, portray * man (pron., always nom.)-one, someone manch (adj.)-many * manche-some * manchmal a;
(adv.)-sometimes
der Mangel (-s, ::)-lack, need mangeln (v.t.)-to want, to be deficient * der Mann (-es, ::er)-man, mannigfach or mannigfaltig (adj.) -diverse, manifold der Mantel (-s, ::)-coat die Mappe (-n)-briefcase, der Markt (-s, ::e)-market M1irz-March das MaE (-es, -e)-measure, file husband
(-en)-opinion,
* meist (sup. adj.)-most; die meisten the majority of them; * meistens (adv.)-mostly, generally der Meister (-s, -)-master das Meisterstiick (-es, -e) -masterpIece melden (v.t., v.i.)-to announce; to recount, to tell; (v.r.)-to announce oneself, to register die Menge (-n)-quantity, tude, crowd multi-
menschlich (adj.)-human, humane * merken (v.t.)-to observe, realize, feel, perceive; (v.i.)-merken (auf)-to pay attention (to) das Merkmal (-s, -e)-sign, characteristic; indication merkwiirdig (adj.)-odd, curious messen, maE, hat gemessen (v.t.)-to measure die Miene-countenance, expression das Messer (-s, -)-knife mildem (v.t.)-to soften, ease minder (adj. & adv.)-less mindem (v.t. & v.r.)-to diminish mindest (adj. & adv.)-least; mindestens-at least (adv.) mischen (v.t., v.r.)-to mix, mingle die Mischung-mixture die Misere (-n)-plight, misery miG- (or miss) (pref.)-mis, dis, bad der MiGbrauch (-s, ::e)-misuse; abuse der MiGerfolg (-s, -e)-failure das MiGgeschick (-es, -e)-misfortune miGgliicken (v.i.)-to fail das MiGverstandnis (-ses, -se)discrepancy miGlungen-unsuccessful miGverstandlich,-misleading miGverstehen (i.)-to misunderstand * mit (prep.) with dat.-with, along with, by means of; (adv.)-together with mit- (pre)-fellow, joint, codie Mitarbeit (-en) - collaboration bring with one one another mit-bringen-to miteinander-with
mit-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to accompany das Mitglied (-s, -er)- member das Mideid-pity, compassion mit-nehmen (irr. v.t.)-to take along with; to affect; to wear out der Mittag (-es, -e)-noon * die Mitte-middle, center, midst mit-teilen (v.t., v.r.)-to communicate das Mittel (-s, -)-means, measures; (pl.)-means, resources, funds das Mittelalter-Middle Ages mittels (prep.) with gen.-by means of die Mitternacht-midnight mit-wirken (v.i.)-to collaborate die Mode-fashion, vogue die Modeme-modern age * mogen (modal)-want, wish, be inclined; das mag sein-that may be * moglich (adj.)-possible die Moglichkeit (-en)- possibility * der Monat (-s, -e)-month der Mond (-es, -e)-moon der Mondschein-moonlight das Moos-moss die Moral-morals, morality, ethics der Mord (-s, -e)-murder * der Morgen (-s, -) - morning; dawn
* morgen (adv.)-tomorrow das Morgenland (-s)-Orient die Morgenrote-sunrise das Motiv (-s, -e)-motive; subject; motif die Mowe (-n)-sea gull die Miicke (-n)-gnat miide (adj.)-weary, tired die Miihe (-n)-trouble, effort, difficulty
extent;
in hohem MaEe- in a high degree die Masse (-n)-mass, heap; the masses, the people; substance die Massenbeeinflussung-propaganda maEgebend (adj.)-decisive, authoritative maBig (adj.)-moderate; mediocre -maBig (suff.)-like (having the quality of); -wise die MaEnahme (-n)-measure, action
* der Mensch (-en, -en)-person, human being; (pl.)-people, mankind das Menschenalter-generation der Menschl?nfreund-philanthropist die Menschenkunde-anthropology die Menschenmenge-crowd die Menschheit-humanity
386
German Quickly
der Nachkomme dent nach-kommen (-n, -n)-descen(irr. v.i., aux.s.) -to
General and Humanities der Nagel (-s, ::)-nail * nah (adj.)-near, forthcoming, close on, impending die Nahe-nearness; vicinity nahe-liegen (irr. v.i.)-to be obvious nahern (v.r.)-to approach nahezu (adv.)-nearly, almost, virtually nahren (v.t.)-to feed, nourish der Name (-ns, -n)-name namenlos (adj.)-nameless; indescribable; unspeakable * namens (adv.)-called; (prep.)-on behalf of
Vocabulary
387
der Mund (-es, -e or -er) -mourh, opemng miindig-miindig sein-to be of age die Miinze (-n)-coin, coinage miirbe (adj.)-mellow; weary die Musik-music der Muskel (-s, -n)-muscle * miissen (sie mua or sie muss)-to have to, must; muate or musstehad to miiaig (adj.)-idle, vain das Muster (-s, -) - model, ideal, example der Mut (-s)-courage, spirit conjec-
* nehmen, nahm, hat genommen (v.i.)-to take (from); auf sich nehmen-to assume (a burden) der Neid-envy, jealousy neigen (v.i.)-to lean or incline (zu) to; (v.t.) to bend; (v.r.)-to slant, bow die Neigung-inclination; tendency; fondness * nein (adv.)-no * nennen, nannte, hat genannt (v.t.)-to name, mention die Nessel (-n)-nettle nett (adj.)-nice, neat * neu (adj.)-new, recent, latest, novel; neuere Sprachen-modern languages; in neuerer Zeit-in recent times die Neuerung-innovation
come after; to comply with der NachlaR (-sses, ::sse)-legacy; posthumous works; rebate nachlassig (adj.)-careless der Nachmittag (-s, -e)-afternoon nach-rennen (i., aux.s.) - to chase, pursue nach-priifen (v.t.)-to check, verify die Nachricht (-en) - news, message nach-sagen (v.i.) -to credit with nach-schlagen (irr. v.t.)-to refer to, to look up nach-schleichen (i., aux.s.)~to creep after die Nachschrift-copy; postscript nach-sehen (irr. v.t.)-to examine, inspect; to overlook, pardon nach-sinnen (irr. v.i.) -to reflect * nachst (adj.)-next, nearest; (prep.)-next to or after; aside from nachstens (adv.)-very soon, shortly * die Nacht (::e)-night der Nachteil (-s, -e)-disadvantage die Nachtigall (-n)-nightingale das Nachdied (-es, -er)-night song der Nachtrag (-es, ::e)-supplement der Nachweis (-es, -e)-proof die Nachwelt-posterity nach-wirken (v.i.)-to be felt afterwards das Nachwort (-s, ::er)-epilogue nach-zahlen,-to check, count agam nach-ziehen follow (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to
mutig-courageous mutmaRen (v.t. & v.i.)-to ture die Mutter (::)- mother
**namendich (adv.) especially * namlich (adv.)-namely der Narr (-en, -en)-fool die Narrheit (-en) - foolishness die Nase -nose die Nationalokonomie-political economy die Natur (-en)-nature; character, disposition; von Natur aus-by nature naturgetreu (adj.)~true to nature die Naturlehre-natural philosophy, (physical) science natiirlich (adj.)-natural, innate; (adv.)-of course, naturally naturwidrig (adj.)-unnatural der Nebel-fog; veil * neben (prep.) with dat. or acc.beside, next to die Nebenabsicht (-en)-secondary objective die Nebenbedeutung-secondary meanmg nebeneinander (adv.)-side by side nebeneinander-stellen (v.t.) - to compare
N
* nach (prep.)-with dat.-according to, after, following, towards; nach wie vor-as usual nach-ahmen (v.t.)-to imitate der Nachbar (-s, -n)-neighbor nach-bilden (v.t.)-to reproduce, copy * nachdem (conj.)-after, when; (adv.)~afterwards, subsequently nach-denken (irr. v.i.)-to ponder der Nachdruck (-s, ::e)-emphasis; repnnt
nieder-driicken (v.t.) - to depress; to press or weigh down nieder-gehen (i., aux.s.)-to descend, set die Niederlage-defeat; nieder-Iegen-to up der Niederschlag outcome, result nieder-werfen-to failure lay down; to give (-s, ::e)throw down
nachdrUcklich
die Nachfolge ceSSiOn
emphatic,firm
suc-
(-n)-sequence;
nach-forschen (v.t.)-to investigate nach-geben (irr. v.i.)-to yield nachgelassen (adj.)-posthumous * nachher (adv.)-afterwards; later
388
German Quickly der Oberbau-superstructure obere (adj.)-situated above, supreme oberHacWich (adj.)-superficial oberst (adj.)-uppermost; supreme obgleich (conj.)-although das Obst (-es -arten)-fruit (mainly central-European fruit such as apples and plums, but not oranges and bananas) obwohl-although ode (adj.)-empty, desolate; dull oder-or; entweder... oder-either... or der Ofen (-s, ::)-oven offen (adj.)-open, frank, outspoken offenbar (adj.)-apparent, evident; obvious offenbaren (v.t.)-to reveal offenkundig (adj.)-clear, overt offensichtlich (adj.)-obvious offendich (adj.)-public die Offentlichkeit-public offnen (v.t. & v.r.)-to open oft (adv.)-often oftmals-often ohne-without; ohne zuwithout... -ing die Ohnmacht-impotence, faint das Ohr (-s, -en)-ear die Okonomie (-s, -)-economy, economics das 01 (-s, -e)-oil der Opferkrug (-es, ::e)-sacrificial vessel
-~ /
Vocabulary
389
* niemand (pron.)-no one nimmer (adv.)-never nirgendwo (adv.)- nowhere * noch (adj.)-still, yet; in addition; noch einer-one more; noch einmal-once again; noch nicht-not yet die Nonne (-n)-nun nordIich (adj.)-northern, northerly (adv.)-to the north nordosdich (adj.)-north-east(ern) die Not (-e)-need; aus Not-from necessity;not- (pred. adj.)necessary notig (adj.)-necessary notigen (v.t.)-to force die Nodage-predicament der Notstand (-es, ::e)-state of distress notwendig (adj.)-necessary die Novelle (-n)-short story, short novel niichtern (adj.)-sober; temperate null (adj.)-nil, zero die Nummer (-n)-number, issue (of a journal) * nun (adv.)-now, at present; (part.)-now, well * nue (adv., part.)-only, alone; just; simply; wenn nue-if only nutzen or niitzen (v.i.)-to be of use; es niitzt nichts- it is no use niitzlich (adj.)-useful 0
* ob (conj.)-whether, * oben (adv.)-above, if on the surface or
ordich (adj.)-local, endemic * der Osten (-s)-east; Orient; East Germany (prior to 1989) das Ostern (-)- Easter, Passover das Osterreich - Austria osdich (adj.)-eastern, easterly die Ostsee-Baltic Sea der Ozean (-s, -e)-ocean P das Paar (-es, -e)-pair * paar (indecl. adj.)-couple; a few; some; ein paar Blumen-a few flowers paaren (t. & r.)-to mate ** der Pair (-s, -s)-peer der Pakt (-s, -e)-pact das Papier (-s, -e)-paper, document der Papst (-es, ::e)-pope das Paradies (-es, -e)-paradise der Park (-es, -e)-park die Partei (-en)-faction, party; Partei ergreifen or nehmen mrto side with someone ** parteiisch, parteilich (adj.) -partial passen (v.i.)-to be suited to; (v.r.)-to be proper passieren (v.t.)-to pass; (v.i., aux.s.)-to happen ** pathetisch (adj.)-lofty, solemn, expressive,overemotional das Pech (-es)-Pech haben-to have bad luck die Pein-pain peinlich (adj.)-painful, embarrassing; meticulous der Pelz (-es, -e)-fur, pelt der or das Pendel (-s, -)-pendulum
die Perle (-n)-pearl ** das Personal (-s)-personnel personlich (adj.)-personal die Personifizierung-personification ** die Pest-plague der pfarrer (-s, -)-minister die Pfefferminze-peppermint das pferd (-es, -e)-horse das Pfingsten-Pentecost die PHanze (-n)-plant die PHanzenkunde-botany pHegen (v.i.)-to be in the habit of (v.t.)-to care for; cultivate die PHicht (-en)-duty, obligation * das Pfund (-es, -e)-pound, half a kilogram die Phantasie-imagination der Philosoph (-en, -en)-philosopher die Philosophie- philosophy ** der Photograph (-en, -en)-photographer der Pilger (-s, -) - pilgrim die Pinie (-n)-pine die Plage (-n)-nuisance; plague das Plakat (-s, -e)-sign, placard der Plan (-es, ::e)-scheme, plan; chart, diagram platt (adj.)-flat, dull, trite der Platz (-es, ::e)-place, site, localiry; Platz nehmen-to sit down * plotzlich (adv.)-suddenly ** plump (adj.)-clumsy, awkward der Pobel (-s)-mob, rabble das Polen-Poland die Politik-politics, policy der Posten (-s, -) - post, position prachtig (adj.)- magnificent,
splendid
* *
* *
...
opfern-to sacrifice ordendich (adj.)-orderly ordnen (v.t.)-to arrange, classifY die Ordnung-classification, order, arrangement; routine * der Ort (-es, -e)-place, site
39
General and Humanities der Rausch (-es, :':e)-intoxication, frenzy; ecstasy der Realismus-Realism rechnen (v.t. & v.i.)-to culate; estimate; rank count, cal-
Vocabulary
391
pragen (v.t.)-to stamp, emboss, impress; mold; shape, form, imprint ** die Pragnanz-precision, terseness prahlen (i.)-to brag die Praktik (-en) - practice predigen (v.t.)-to preach die Predigt (-en)-sermon der Preis (-es, -e)-price; prize ** preis-geben (irr. v.t.)-to surrender; to reveal; to expose; to abandon der Priester (-s, -)-priest der Prinz (-en, -en)-prince das Prinzip (-s, pi. -e or -pien) principle die Probe (-n)-trial, test; sample probieren (v.t.)-to test; to try der Prophet (-en, -en) - prophet die Prosa-prose das Prozent (-s, -e)-per cent der Prozea (-sses, -sse)-legal proceedings, procedure, process die Prozession (-en) - procession priifen (v.t.)-to examine, investigate, scrutinize; consider das Publikum (-s, no pi.)-public der Pudel (-s, -)-poodle das Pult (-es, -e) -desk, lectern der Punkt (-es, -"e)-point, item, subject piinkdich (adj.)-punctual ** punktuell (adj.)-selective place,
quellen, quoll, gequollen-to originate quer (adj.)-diagonal; (adv.)crossWIse der Querschnitt (-s, -e)-cross-section; profile die Quittung-receipt R
rachen (v.t.)-avenge; (v.r.)-to take revenge der Rahmen (-s, -) - background, setting, framework, scope ** die Rakete (-n)-rocket, missile der Rand (-es, :.:er)-edge, border ** der Rang (-es, :':e)-rank, degree, quali ty; ersten Ranges-first -class ** der Rapport (-s, -e)-report rar (adj.)-rare rasch (adj.)-quick; fast rasen (v.i.)- to rage die Rasse (-n)-race der Rat (-es, pi. Ratschlage)-advice raten, riet, hat geraten (v.i. & v.t.)-to advise; to guess, to conjecture; to solve das Ratsel (-s, -) - riddle, mystery, enIgma die Ratte (-n)-rat raub en (v.t.)-to steal, rob der Rauber (-s, -)-robber der Rauch (-es)-smoke rauh (adj.)-rough, coarse uneven,
reichen (v.t.)-to reach; give; (v.i.) -to reach, extend, suffice der Reichtum-wealth reif(adj.)-ripe, die Reihe-row; mature, ready rank; series
* recht (adj.)-right-(hand); right, proper, fitting; (adv.)-well, rightly, rather, quite, very * das Recht (-es, -e)-right; law; privilege; justice; mit Recht-with good reason rechtfertigen (v.t.)-to justifY rechts (adv. prep.)-on the right, to the right
rein (adj.)-pure, sheer, clean die Reise (-n) -journey, trip reiaen, ria (or riss), hat gerissen (v.t.) -to rip, tear; snatch, seize reiten, ritt, ist geritten-to ride der Reiter (-s, -) - rider der Reiz (-s, -e)-attraction, incentive, stimulous ** reizen (v.t.)-to stimulate; to charm, appeal to; to irritate reizend-charming ** rentieren (v.i. & r.)-to while be worth-
** der Rest (-es, -e)-remains; rest retten (v.t.)-to save; (v.r.)-to escape die Reue-repentance, remorse der Revolutionar (-s, -e) -revolutIonary richten (v.t.)-to set right; to prepare; to direct; (v.i.)-to judge; to execute; pass sentence on der Richter (-s, -)-judge richtig (adj.)-right, correct, real; (adv.) -duly, properly die Richtung (-en) -direction riesig (adj.)-gigantic, enormous ringen, rang, hat gerungen (v.i.)to struggle (for) rings (adv.)-all around ** der Ria (or Riss) (-sses, -sse)-gap, split; plan, sketch, outline der Ritter (-s, -)-knight roh (adj.)-raw, unrefined, rough die Rolle (-n)-role, roll, part das Rom-Rome
das Redeteil- part of speech redlich (adj.)-honest das Referat (-es, -e)-lecture, report, reVIew * die Regel (-n)-rule, principle; in der Regel-as a rule regeln (v.t.)-to regulate, control der Regen (-s, -)-rain regieren (v.t. & i.)-to rule, govern die Regierung (-en)-government reguen (v.i.)-to rain * reich (adj.)-rich, abundant, copious * das Reich (-es, -e) -empire, realm, kingdom
Q
die Qual (-en)-torment qualen (v.t.)-to torture, torment; (v.r.) -to toil, struggle das Quartal (-s, -e)-quarter of a year or of a day die Quelle (-n)-source; origin; aus
der Raum (-es, :':e)-room, space; scope, sphere raumen (v.t.)-to remove; to clean
392
German Quickly *der Roman (-s, -e)-novel die Romantik-Romanticism romisch (adj.)-Roman die Rose (-n)-rose das Roa (or Ross) (-sses, -sse)horse, steed rot-red der Rowdy (-s, -s) -scoundrel die Ruhrik (-en)-category; column, rubric riicken (v.t.)-to move, shift; (v.i., aux.s.)-to move die Riickkehr-return die Riicksicht (-en)-respect, regard der Riicktritt (-s, -e)-resignation, withdrawal, retirement riickwarts (adv.)-backwards der Ruf (-es, -e) -call; repute, reputation, name
Vocabulary
393
S
die Saat (-en)-seed der Sahhat-Sabbath die Sache (-n)-thing, marrer, cause, subject; business sachlich (adj.)-facrual, objective der Sack (-es, ::e)-sack * sagen-to say, tell die Saite (-n) -lyre; string sammeln (v.t.)-to gather, collect; (v.r.)-to assemble; to concentrate der Sammelname (-ns, -n)-collective name die Sammlung (-en) - collection; composure samt (prep.)-with dat. -together with, including samdich (e) Werke-complete works die Sanduhr-hourglass sanft (adj.)-gentle, soft satt (adj.)-full, satiated der Sattel (-s, ::)-saddle * der Satz (-es, .~e)-sentence, proposition die Sau (::e or -en)-sow sauher (adj.)-clean, honest sauer (adj.)-acrid, tart saufen-to drink; to drink to excess die Saule (-n)-column, pillar sauseln (v.i.)-to rustle, whisper die Schahlone (-s)-stencil; routine; cliche schade (pred. adj.)-pity schaden (v.i.)-to harm; damage das Schaf(-es, -e)-sheep schaff en, schuf, hat geschaffen (v.t. & i.)-to create, to procure; to do, accomplish, provide
schamen (v.r.)-to be ashamed of schamlos-shameless die Schande-disgrace die Schar (-en)-crowd scharf (adj.) -sharp, biting, caustic, precise, exact der Schatten-shadow, shade der Schatz (-es, .~e)-treasure; love schatzen (v.t.)-to value, assess die Schau (-en)-sight, view, show * schauen (v.t.)-to see, perceive; (v.i.)-to look, gaze das Schauspiel (-s, -e) -spectacle, drama der Schauspieler (-s, -)~actor; die Schauspielerin (-nen)-actress scheiden, schied, ist geschieden
schief (adj.)-oblique; inappropriate; (adv.)-aslant, askew schieaen, schoa (or schoss); hat geschossen (v.i.)-shoot; burst forth das Schiff (-es, -e)-ship der Schild (-es, -e)-shield, schildern describe (v.t.)-to portray, emblem
schimpfen (v.t.)-to insult,scold die Schlacht (-en)-battle schlachten (v.t. & i.)-to slay der Schlaf (-es) - sleep schlafen, schlief, hat geschlafen (v.i.) - to sleep der Schlag (-es, ::e)-blow, stroke schlagen, schlug, hat geschlagen (v.t.)-to hit; (v.t. & i.)-to beat, strike das Schlagwort (-s, -e or ::er)-slogan die Schlange (-n)-line; snake schlank (adj.)-slim, slender schlau (adj.)-sly, clever * schlecht (adj. & adv.)-bad, wicked schleichen, schlich, ist geschlichen-to creep der Schleier (-s, -) - veil, haze schleudern - to fling schlicht (adj.) - plain, simple schlichten-to arrange, adjust * schlieaen, schloa, hat geschlossen (v.t.)-to close, end; conclude; to strike a bargain schlieGlich (adj. & adv.)-final, finally; after all das SchloG (or Schloss) (-sses, ::sse) -lock; castle der Schlupfwinkelhiding place der Schlua (or Schluss) (-sses, ::sse)-end, conclusion; closing der Schliissel (-s, -)-key
* rufen, rief, hat gerufen (v.t.) -to call; to send for die Ruhe-rest, peace, calm rOOen (i.)-to rest, sleep der ROOetag (-es, -e) -day of rest der Room-fame, glory riihmen (v.t.)-to praise; (v.r.)-to boast riihren (v.i.)-to touch, to come into contact with; (v.t. & r.) -to stir, move; to touch, set in motion rund (adj.)-round; circular; (adv.) rund heraussagen-to say straight out der Rundfunk (-s)-radio, broadcasnng das Russland - Russia die Riistung-armaments, ment, preparations ruts chen (v.i., aux.s.)-to move equipslide, to
clause,
das Schema (-s, -s or -ta)-scheme, model, pattern, diagram schenken (v.t.)-to give, present die Scherhe (-n)-fragment scherzen (v. i.)-to joke, kid scheu (adj.)-shy die Scheu-shyness; awe, dread scheuen-to shun, avoid die Schicht (-en)-layer; SIOn shift, divi-
schicken (v.t.)-to send, dispatch; (v.r.)-to happen, to be fitting * das Schicksal (-s, -e)-destiny, fate schieben, schob, hat geschohen (v.t., r. & i.) to push, shove, delay
-~
394
German Quickly schrumpf en (v.i., aux.s.)-to shrink, depreciate, decline der Schuh (-es, -e)-shoe die Schularbeit (-en)-school work das Schulbeispiel (-s, -e)-classic example die Schuld (-en)-debt, obligation; guilt, sin; blame, responsibility schulden (v.t.)-to owe, be indebted to schuldig- guilty die Schule (-n)-school, college, school of thought der SchUler (-s, -) - schoolboy; disciple, follower ** der SchnB (or Schuss) (-sses, ::sse)-shot; in SchuB kommento get going; im SchuB sein-to be in full swing der Schuster (-s, -)-cobbler der Schutz (-es, no pl.)-shelter, refuge; in Schutz nehmen-to defend schiitzen (v.t.)-to protect (vor) (from) schwach (adj.)-weak, poor, sparse die Schwache (-n)-weakness, shortcoming schwanken (v.t.)-to sway,waver; oscillate;hesitate der Schwarmer (-s, -)-dreamer, visionary; fanatic, zealot * schwarz (adj.)-black, gloomy; illicit; der schwarze Markt -the black market schweben (v.i.)-to soar; hang (in the air); be pending schweigen, schwieg, hat geschwiegen (v.i.)-to be silent das Schwein (-s, -e)-swine; Schwein haben-to be quite lucky
I
Vocabulary
395
schmachvoll-disgraceU1 schmahlich (adj.)-ignominious ** schmal (adj.)-narrow, slim schmecken (v.i.)-to taste schmeicheln (v.i.)-to flatter der Schmerz (-es, -en)-pain schmerzlich-painful der Schmutz (-es)-dirt, filth der Schneeball-snowball schneiden, schnitt, hat geschnitten (v.t. & i.)-to cut * schnell (adj. & adv.)-fast, quick ** der Schnitt (-es, -e)-cut, section; style; editing * schon (adv.)-already; even; before; certainly; really;just; as early as * schon (adj.)-beautiful; good (adv.)-beautifully, very der Schopfer (-s, -)-creator die Schopfung-creation der SchoB (-es, ::e)-lap schrag (adj.)-slanting; suspicious schrecken-to frighten, scare schrecklich (adj.)- frightful der Schrei (-es, -e)-cry, shout * schreiben, schrieb, hat geschrieben (v.t. & i.)-to write schreien, schrie, hat geschrien (v.t. & i.)-to cry, shout schreiten, scheitt, ist geschrittento stride, to proceed (zu) to; to march die Schrift (-en)-writing, script, publication; die Heilige Schrift-the Holy Scriptures der Schriftsteller (-s, -)-author, writer der Schritt (-es, -e)-step, pace; den ersten Schritt tun - to make the first move schroff (adj.)-rough, abrupt; curt
* die Schweiz-Switzerland die Schwelle (-n)-threshold; brink schwellen, schwoll, ist geschwollen (v.i.)-to swell,expand * schwer (adj.)-heavy, serious; difficult; severe schwerlich (adj.)-hardly die Schwermut-melancholy der Schwerpunkt (-s, ::e)-center of gravity; main focus die Schwester (-n)-sister schwierig (adj.)-difficult; die Schwierigkeit (-en)-difficulty schwimmen, schwamm, ist or hat geschwommen-to swim der Schwindel (-s)-dizziness; fraud schwinden, schwand, ist geschwunden (v.i.)-to shrink, dwindle; to disappear; fade schwingen, schwang, hat geschwungen (v.t.)-to swing, wave; (v.r.)-to leap, soar; (v.i.)-to swing; linger schworen, schwor, hat geschworen (v.t. & i.)-to swear Schwung (-s, ';e)-verve, momentum sechs-six ** der See (-s, -n) -lake, pond ** die See (-n)-sea, ocean die Seele (-n)-soul, spirit, heart; human being seelisch (adj.)-spiritual, emotional, mental der Segen (-s,-)- blessing;prosperity * sehen, sah, hat gesehen (v.t.)-to see, perceive, watch; sehen lassento show; sich sehen lassen-to appear; sehen auf (acc.)-to look over; to pay attention to * * * *
sehnen (v.r.)-to long, yearn (nach)-for die Sehnsucht (::e)-yearning sehr (adv.)-very, most; very much sei (imperative)-be sein (adj.)-his, its sein, war, ist gewesen (v.i.)-to be, exist, occur, be alive; der Ansicht or der Meinung sein - to be of the opinion; es ist mir, als ob-I feel as if, it seemsto me
:1
das Sein - being, existence seinesgleichen (indecl. adj., pron.)-people like him seinethalben, seinetwegen, seinetwillen (adv.)-on his account, for his sake * seit (prep.) with dat.-for; since seitdem (conj. and adv.)-since die Seite (-n)-side; page; feature seither (adv.)-since (then) * selber, selbst (indecl. adj.)-self; das versteht sich von selbst-that goes without saying;selbst (adv.)even selbstandig (adj.)-self-reliant, independent
die Selbsterkenntnis
- self-
knowledge selbstgef:illig (adj.) - self-satisfied selbstsicher (adj.)- self-assured die Selbstsucht-egoism, selfishness die Selbstiiberwindung-selfconquest; will-power selbstvergessen (adj.)-absentminded selbstverstandlich (adj. & adv.)obvious * selten (adj.)-rare, unusual; (adv.)-seldom selig- blissful
396
German Quickly
peculiar deathly die Sittenlehre-ethics, losophy sitdich (adj.)-moral, der Sitz (-es, -e)-seat; moral phiethical residence sonst (adv.)-else, over
VOcabulary
397
seltsam (adj. & adv.)-odd, die Semmel (-n)-roll die Sendepause-interval; silence
senkrecht (adj.)- perpendicular ** sensibel (adj.)-sensitive ** sensitiv (adj.)-hypersensitive * setzen (v.t.) -to place, set; den Fall setzen-to suppose; Grenzen setzen-to set limits; gesetzt, es ware so-supposing it were so; (v.r.)-to seat oneself; to settle seuaen (v.i.)-to sigh * sich (refl. pron.)-himself, herself, itself, themselves, yourself; es fragt sich-it is a question whether * sicher (adj.)-secure, safe; sure; certain, confident sicherlich (adv.) - surely, certainly sichern (v.t.)-to secure, make safe; (v.i.)-to be watchful die Sicht-sight, view sichtbar (adj.) -visible, evident * sie-she, her; they, them; it (when referring to a feminine noun) * Sie -you der Sieg (-es, -e)-conquest, victory sinken, sank, ist gesunken (v.i.)to sink, subside; decline, decrease * der Sinn (-es, -e)-sense, tendency; meaning, significance das Sinnbild (-es, -er) -symbol sinnen, sann, ist (or hat) gesonnen-to think, brood, muse sinnlich (adj.)-sensual; perceptible die Sitte (-n)-custom, tion; practice sensuous,
* sitzen, saR (sass), hat gesessen (v.i.)-to sit; to be, to be situated die Sitzung (-en) -session, ence * so (adv.)-so, confer-
die Sorge (-n)-concern, worry sorgen (i.)-to take care, attend to sorgfaItig (adj.)-careful souveran (adj.)-sovereign soviel (conj.)-as far as; soviel ich weiR-as far as I know sowieso (adv.)-anyway der Sowjet (-s, -s)-Soviet sowohl (conj.) als-both ... and; as well as der Soziologe (-n,-n) -sociologist der Spalt (-es, -en) -cleft, fissure spannend (adj.)-exciting, tense die Spannung (-en) -suspense, tension; stretching, strain ** sparen-to save sparlich (adj.)~scanty, sparse sparsam (adj.)-economical der SpaR (-es, -e)~fun; es macht mir SpaR- I enjoy (it) * spat (adj. & adv.)-late spatestens (adv.)-at the latest spenden-to buy sperren (v.t.)-to barricade; to lock up; to spread or stretch out; to ban
der Spion (-s, -e)-spy die Spitze (-n)-point, peak; summit; auf die Spitze treiben -to carry to extremes ** splendid (adj.)-generous; handsome
der Spott (-es)-mockery, sarcasm scorn,
way; ein so-such a; so etwassuch a thing; so sehr-to such a wie -as ... as; degree; so (conj.) - therefore, consequently sobald (conj.)-as soon as sofern (conj.)-inasmuch as; provided that
...
* die Sprache (-n)-language; speech der Sprachforscher (-s, -) -linguist, philologist sprachlos-speechless * sprechen, sprach, hat gesprochen (v.t & v.i.) - to speak, talk (mit) to or with; (tiber, yon) -about das Sprichwort (-es, ::er)-proverb springen, sprang, ist (or hat) gesprungen-to spring, leap; to gush, burst der Spruch (-es, .~e)-maxim; verdict der Sprung (-es, -e)-jump, leap; auf dem Sprung sein, etwas zu tun-to be about to do something spucken (t. & i.)-to spit spiiren (v.t.)-to feel, perceive, to expenence * der Staat (-es, -en)-state, nation; die Staatskunst-politics;
sofort (adv.) - immediately * sogar-even, in addition, besides sogenannt (adj.)-so-called sogleich-at once, immediately der Sohn (-es, ::e)-son solang(e)-as long as * soleh (adj.)-such der Soldat (-en, -en)-soldier * sollen (modal)-to be obliged to; is to; to be said to; should; er soll es geschrieben haben - he is said to have written it; man sollte meinen-one would think; Jahre sollten vergehen, bevor-years were to pass before ... somit (adv.)-consequently die Sonderausgabe (-n)-special edition . sonderbar (adj.) - singular, strange ** sondern (v.t.)-to separate; to distinguish * sondern (conj.)-on the contrary die Sonne (-n)-sun der Sonnenschein (-s)-sunshine
das Spiegelbild (-es, -er) - reflection spiegeln (v.t.) -to be reflected reflect; (v.r.)-to
Staatswissenschaft
SCience der Staatsstreich d' etat
political
(-s, -e)-coup
das Spiel (-es, -e)-play, sport, game; aufs Spiel setzen-to risk spielen-to play das Spielkind (-es, -er)-playmate der SpieRbiirger (-s, -)~narrowminded person, bourgeois die Spinne (-n)-spider
der Stabreim (-s, -e)-alliteration der Stachel (-s, -n)-thorn, der Stacheldraht-barbed quill wire
* die Stadt (::e)-city, town der Stall (::e)-stable ** der Stamm (-s, ::e)-tribe, race, stem; core; regular customer
398
German Quickly
stehlen, stahl, hat gestohlen t.)-to steal (v.i. &
Vocabulary
399
der Stand (-es, -e or no pl.)foothold; situation, condition, state; gut im Stand sein-to be in good condition; Leute von Stand-people of rank das StandesbeWtilltsein - classconsclOusness
steif(adj.)-stiff, rigid (vor) with; clumsy, awkward steigen, stieg, ist gestiegen (v.i.) to climb; to increase; rise; to advance; to take place, be held steigem (v.t.)-to raise, increase; to heighten; (v.r.)-to become greater or intensified der Stein (-es, -e)-stone; Stein des AnstoRes-stumblingblock; Stein der Weisen-philosopher's stone der Stein(ab)druck-lithograph die Stelle (-n)-position, site; passage (in a book); auf der Stelle-on the spot * stellen (v.t.)-to put, place, lay, set; impose (conditions on); einen Antrag stellen-to make a motion; Bedinguugen stellen-to impose conditions; in Frage stellen-to call into question; zur Diskussion stellen -to throw open to discussion; (v.r.)-to place or post or position oneself; to appear; to surrender; to pretend to be; sich stellen gegen-to oppose; die Probleme, die sich alien Gelehrten stellenthe problems confronting all scholars die Stellung-position; attitude; post; situation; social position; supply die Stellungnahme Vlew . (-n)-point of
standig (adj. & adv.)-fixed, constant, permanent der Standpunkt (-es, ::e)-viewpoint * stark (adj.)-strong, thick, heavy (adv.)-greatly, very much die Starke (-n)-strength, power; magnitude; greatness starr (adj.)-rigid, inflexible,stubborn * statt (prep.)-with gen.-instead of; (conj.)-instead of die Statt (-)-place, stead die Sriitte (-n)-place, abode statt-finden (irr. v.i.)~to take place, happen der Staub (-es)-dust stechen, stach, hat gestochen (v.t. & i.)-to prick, pierce stecken (v.t.)-to put, place, insert; (v.r.)-sich hinter eine Sache stecken-to get behind something; (v.i.)-to be, stay, remain; to lie hidden * stehen, stand, hat (ist) gestanden (v.i.)-to stand; to be situated; to be written; to stand still, to stop; auf einem Zettel stehen - to appear on a note; essteht bei ihnen-it is in their power; fest stehen-to be firm stehen-bleiben (irr.v.i., aux.s.) -to remain standing; to stand still;to stop stehen-Iassen (irr. v.t.)-to ignore; to forget; overlook
stets (adv.)-constantly, always die Steuer (-n)-tax steuern (v.t.)-to steer; to drive; to control; (v.i., aux.s.)-to put a stop to; to head ** der Stich (-es, -e)-stab, prick; tinge; hint; suggestion der Stichel-style, graving tool stichhaltig (adj.)-sound, valid, lasting; conclusive
sich stoRen an-to take offence at; (v.i.) to border, touch, adjoin; (aux. s.) -swoop down, encounter die Strafe (-n)-punishment, penalty, retribution straff(adj.)-stretched, taut; austere, stern das Strafrecht-criminallaw strahlen (v.i.)-to radiate, shine; glow * die StraRe (-n)-street, road, highway, route; auf der StraRe liegen-to be there all around us strauben (v.r.)-to struggle against streben (v.i.)-to strive,.to struggle, to aspire strecken (v.t.)- to stretch, extend, elongate, spread out der Streich (-es, -e)-stroke; prank streichen, strich, hat gestrichen (v.t.)-to stroke, touch; (v.i., aux.s.)-to extend, stretch, roam; (v.t.) to strike, cut, erase, cancel; to paint streiten, stritt, hat gestritten (v.i.)-to quarrel, argue; dariiber laRt sich streiten
* sterben, stacb, ist gestorben (v.i.)-to die sterblich (adj.)-mortal der Stem (-es, -e)-star das Stemchen-asterisk stemenklarstarlit
that is a moot point die Streitschrift (-en)-polemic streng(e) (adj.)-severe, strict; (adv.)-sich streng halten an-to adhere strictly to strengglaubig (adj.)-orthodox der Strich (-es, -e)-stroke, line, dash; sketch; region das Stroh (-es)-straw der Strom (-es, ::e)-stream, current, crowd die Strophe (-n)-stanza, verse * das Stiick (-es, -e)-piece, part; extract (from a book)
400
German
Quickly
General and Humanities die Siinde (-n)-sin, transgression der Siindenbock (-s, ::e)-scapegoat die Suppe (-n) -soup suE (adj.)-sweet, charming, dear der Symbolismus-Symbolism (in art) sympathisch (adj.) -congenial, likeable; pleasant die Szene (-n) -scene; in Szene setzen-to stage tarnen (v.t.)-to camouflage; disguise, mask die Tastatur (-en) - keyboard tasten (v.i.)-to touch, feel * die Tat (-en)-deed, act; in der Tat - in fact tatig (adj.)-active, effective tatsachlich real busy, engaged,
Vocabulary
401
der Student (en, -en)-student die Studie (-n)-sketch, study studieren-to study die Stufe (-n)-stage, phase; degree; nuance stufenartig (adj.)-gradual derStuhl (-es, ::e)-chair stumm dumb (adj.)-mute, silent, obtuse; dull, current
derTeufel (-s, -)-devil der Teufelskreis-vicious circle die Textkritik-textual criticism das Thema (-s, pI. -ta or -men) theme, subject; topic der Theologe (-n, -n)-theologian der Theoretiker (-s, -) - theorist die These (-n)-thesis, postulate derThron (-es, -e)-throne
T der Tadel (-s, -)- reprimand, reproach; criticism, die Tafel (-n)-board, blackboard, tablet, table, chart, diagram * der Tag (-es, -e)-day, daylight; aIle Tage-every day; an den Tag bringen-to bring to light, to disclose; dieserTage (past)-recently, (fut.) -one of these days; in acht Tagen-in a week; der Jiingste Tag -Doomsday; das Tagebuch (-s, ::er)-diary, journal tagelang (adj. & adv.)-for days tagen (v.i.)-to hold a meeting; es tagt bei ihr-it dawns on her das Tageslicht (-s)-daylight; ans Tageslicht kommen-to become known die Tagesordnung-agenda * taglich (adj.)-daily ** der Takt (-es, -e)-time (music), rhythm; tact das Tal (-es, ::er)-valley der Tanz (-es, -e)-dance, ball tanzen (v.t. & v.i.)-to dance das Tapet-aufs Tapet bringen to introduce (a subject) tapfer (adj.)-brave, heroic
* die Stunde (-n)-hour; zu guter Stunde-in good time stundenlang (adj. & adv.)-lasting for hours der Sturm (-es, ::e)-storm; turmoil; tumult;
taub (adj.)-deaf; oblivious der Taube-deaf one die Taube (-n)-pigeon tauchen-to immerse, dip taugen (v.i.)-to be of use (zu) for; zu nichts taugen-to be worthless ** tauschen (v.t. & i.)-to exchange; to swap ** tauschen (v.t. & i.)-to deceive, betray; (v.r.)- to be mistaken tausend (adj.)-thousand * die Technik (-en)-technical or applied science, engineering; technology; technique der Teich (-es, -e)-pond * der or das Teil (-s, -e)-part, portion, share; zum Teil- to some extent, in part teilen (v.t.)-to share; (v.r.)-to divide, separate, participate in teil-haben (irr. v.i.)- participate teil-nehmen (irr. v.i.) -to participate, collaborate teils (adv.)-partly, part der Tempelraub-sacrilege der Termin (-s, -e)-appointed or fixed time or term of date or day; deadline expensive,
der Thronrauber-usurper * tief (adj.)~deep, profound, low, innermost, utmost, extreme; (adv.)-deep, deeply; profoundly; tiefer begriinden-to substantiate more fully die Tiefe (-n) -depth, profundity, abyss tiefgreifend (adj.)~far-reaching, through-going, fundamental der Tiefsinn-pensiveness; profundity das Tier (-es, -e)-animal, beast der Tierkreis-zodiac die Tierkunde-zoology tilgen (v.i.)-to extinguish, to obliterate, cancel; to payoff derTisch (-es, -e)-table der Titel (-s, -) - title, heading, claim; section die Tochter (::)-daughter * der Tod (-es, most commonly with no pI.)-death, decease die Todesangst--mortal terror todlich (adj.)-fatal, deadly, mortal
Sturm und Drang-Storm and Stress; emotion; movement in German literature from 1770 to 1784 emphasizing the subjectivity and unease of people in their society. stiirzen (v.i., aux.s.)-to fall or tumble down, plunge; (v.t.)-to throw down, overturn, upset
stiitzen (v.t.)-to support; (v.r.) to rest, lean on; to rely, depend, be based on * suchen (v.t. & i.)-to search (nach) for die Sucht (-e)-passion; der Siiden (-s)-South seek, desire, obsession
siidlich (adj.)-south, southern, southerly; siidosdich (adj.) -southeasterly; siidostwarts (adv.)-southeasterly siidwesdich (adj.) -southwestern die Summa (pI. Summen)-in summa-in short, to sum up die Summe (-n)-sum; total
dasTohuwabohu (-s,-s)- hullabaloo, chaos toll (adj.)-mad, wild, crazy (colI.) - terrific der Ton (-es, ::e)-sound; note (mus.); den Ton angeben-to the note, to set the tone give
402
German Quickly
General and Humanities to take action; das Ungliick traf ihn-he had the misfortune; (v.r.)-to meet; es traf sich, daE it so happened that...; treffen auf (acc.)-to come upon treffend (adj.)-appropriate treffiich-excellen t treiben, trieb, hat getrieben (v.t.) -to drive, set in motion, operate; impel, induce; pursue, cultivate; to pursue a eine Politik treiben policy; sich treiben lassen-to take things as they come trennen (v.t. & r.)-to separate, divide, sever * treten, trat, ist (or hat) getreten (v.i.)-to step, stride; ans Licht treten-to come to light, appear; zur Seite treten-to step aside; zutage treten-to dent appear, become evitiichtig (adj.)-fit, able; (adv.)well, thoroughly . die Tngend (-en)-virtue * tun, tat, hat getan (v.t.)-to do, perform, execute, make; es tut nichts-it does not matter; (v.i.)to act, do; er tut, als ware er gliicklich-he acts as if he were happy; das will getan sein-that needs to be done; das laBt sich tun-that mayor can be done die Tiir (-en) -door; vor der Tiir
Vocabulary
403
der Uberbau (-es, -e)-superstructure der Uberblick (-es, -e)-overview, survey, synopsis; perspective iiberdies (adv.)-besides, moreover iiberdriissig-bored with der Uberdrua (or Uberdruss) (-sses)-boredom, ennui iibereinander (adv.)-one upon the other, about each other iiberein-kommen (irr. v.i.) &
iiberein-stimmen (v.i.) to agree, to reach an agreement iiber-fallen-to come over der Uberflua (or Uberfluss) (-sses)-abundance, plenty, wealth, superfluity iiberfliissig (adj.)-superfluous iiberfragen (v.t. & i.)-to overwhelm with questions; ich bin iiberfragt-I don't know der Ubergang (-s, ~e)-transition, . .
converSlOn; crossmg iibergeben (irr. V.t. insep.)-to hand over; to entrust; to surrender iibergehen (kr. v.i., aux.s.)-to overflow, to merge; to change; (sep.
** das Tor (-en, -e)-gate, portal toricht (adj.)-foolish torkeln (i.)-to stagger * tot (adj.)-dead, defunct, extinct; das Tote Meer-the Dead Sea toten (v.t.) - to kill totgeboren abortive (adj.) -stillborn,
U
iibel (adj.) -evil, bad, wrong, ill iiben (v.t.)-to exercise, practice; Geduld iiben-to have patience; Nachsicht iiben-to show consideration; geiibtes Auge-trained eye * iiber (prep.)-with dat. or ace. over, above, about; (adv.) -over, above, too much iiber- (pre to nouns and adjs.)over, super, hyper, ete. iiber- (verb pref.)-in intransitive verbs, the prefix is usually inseparable; with most compound transitive verbs, the prefix may be both separable and inseparable; when the verb is separable, the meaning is usually literal (iibersetzen-sep.to set over); when the verb is inseparable, the meaning is usually figurative (iibersetzen -insep.-to translate)
* tragen, trng, hat getragen (v.t.) to carry, bear, wear (clothes); to support, sustain, uphold, endure; (v.r.)
-
treu (adj.)-faithful, loyal der Trieb (-es, -e) - impulse, urge, desire trinken, trank, hat getrunken (v.t.)-to drink, absorb das Trinklied (-es, -er)-drinking song trocken (adj.)-dry, dull, uninteresting, tedious der Trost (-es, no pl.)-comfort, consolation, solace * trotz (prep.) with gen.-in spite of der Trotz (-es)-defiarice * trotzdem (adv.)-nevertheless; (conj.)-even though, although triibe (adj.)-muddy, cloudy; gloomy, melancholy; bleak triiben-to pollute triigen, trog, hat getrogen (v.t.) to deceive, delude
to have on
one's mind die Tragik - tragedy die Tragodie (-n)-tragedy, calamity die Trane (-n)-tear (drop) die Traube (-n)-grape trauen (v.i.)-to trust; (v.r.) -to venture, dare; (v.t.)-to marry die Traner-mourning, grief der Traum (-s, ~e)-dream, vision das Traumbild (-es, -er) - vision traumen (t. & i.)-to dream traurig (adj.)-sad, melancholy * treffen, traf, hat getroffen (v.t.) to hit, strike, affect, concern, encounter; MaEnahmen treffen-
v.t.)- to overlook
iiberhaupt (adv.) -on the whole, generally; iiberhaupt nicht-not at all
boil over
iiberlassen (irr. V.t., insep.)-to relinquish, abandon iiberlaufen (irr. V.t. insep.)-to overrun, to seize; (sep. i., aux.s.) -to overflow
404
German Quickly iiberleben outlive (v.t., insep.)-to survive, reflect on; iiberwaltigen (v.t., insep.)-to feat; overcome; overwhelm iiberwinden (irr. V.t., insep.)-to overcome, prevail over die Uberwindung-overcoming, self-control iiberzengen (v.t.)-to convince, persuade die Uberzeugung (-en)-conviction iiblich (adj.)-usual, customary iibrig (adj.)-left over, remaining iibrigens (adv.)-by the way, moreover die Ubung (-en)-exercise, practice das Ufer (-s, -)-shore * die Uhr (-en)-clock, watch, o'clock, hour; nm ronfUhr-at five 0' clock das Uhrwerk clock (-es, -e) -clockwork; de-
General and Humanities die Umgebung-surroundings, environment, background urn-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to circulate; umgehen (mit)-to deal with, associate with; mit etwas umgehen-to be occupied with; (v.t., insep.)-to evade, avoid umgekehrt (adj.)-opposite, reverse; (adv.)-on the contrary um-gestalten (v.t.)-to alter, transform; to reform; to reorganize umher (adv.)-about, around; all around um-hiillen (v.t., insep.)-to envelop, cover; to veil um-kehren (v.i" aux.s.)-to around, to reform; (v.t.)-to turn urn-kommen urn-werfen-to um-werten reassess
45
(v.t.)-to
** iiberlegen (adj.)-superior to iiberliefern (v.t. insep.) -to deliver, hand over, hand down die Uberlieferung-tradition iiberma&ig (adj.)-excessive
arrogance iibernehmen
accept, receive, to take charge of; (v.r., insep.)-to overexert, take on too much iiberparteilich (adj.)-non-partisan iiberraschen (v.t.) -to surprise iiberreden (v.t. insep.)-to persuade; sich iiberreden lassento let oneself be persuaded iiberschatzen (v.t.) ~ to overestimate (insep,) der Uberschlag (-s, ::e)-'- (rough) estimate iiber-schreiten-to cross over
turn over-
unbeholfen (adj.)-clumsy unbekannt-unfamiliar unbesehen-indiscriminately * und (conj.)-and; und zwar-that is; und so weiter (usw.)-and so on (ete.) unendlich (adj.)-infinite unersattlich-insatiable der Unfall (-es, '~e)-accident unfreiwillig-involuntarily der Unfug (-es)-nonsense; mischief ungeachtet (prep.) with gen.-despite, notwithstanding * ungefahr (adj.)-approximate, casual; (adv.)-about ungeheuer (adj.)-huge, immense, monstrous; outrageous ungelenk (adj.)-awkward ungemein (adj.)-immense ungern (adv.)-reluctantly unglaubwiirdig (adj.)-implausible ungleichma&ig-irregular das Ungliick (-es, -e)-misfortune, unhappiness unheimlich (adj.)-frightening, eerie, sinister
* urn (prep.) with acc.-at (with time), around (with place); urn ... willen (prep.) with gen.-for the sake of; urn... zu-in order to (conj.); die Zeit ist urn-the time is up die Umarbeitung-adaptation umarmen-to embrace um-bringen (irr. v.t.)--'-to kill um-deuten (v.t.)-to give a new meaning or interpretation to urn-drehen (v.t.)-to turn, rotate urn-fallen (i., aux.s.)-to fall down der Umfang (-es, ::e)-circumference, extent, range, volume urn-fassen (v.t.)-to enclose, to surround; to include urnfassend-complete, slVe die Umfrage-survey der Umgang-contact; acquaintances comprehenI
perish der Umrig (or Umriss) (-sses, -sse) -sketch, outline ** der Umschlag (-s, ::e)-sudden change; envelope urn-schliegen (irr. v.t.) - to enclose, surround; include
umst1indlich (adj.) - circumstantial; complicated, intricate urnwalzend (adj.)-involved; radical der Umweg (-es, -e)-roundabout way; auf Umwegen-indirectly die Umwelt-environment
406
German Quickly
der Unterricht (-s, -e)-instruction
General and Humanities das Venedig- Venice ver- (insep. pref to some verbs, and pref to some nouns)-removal, loss; reversal; expenditure; alteration; intensification; changing nouns or adj. into verbs verabreden (v.t.)-to agree upon, arrange; (v.r.)-to make an appointment verderben,
Vocabulary
407
die Universiriit (-en)-university * unmittelbar (adj.)-immediate; (adv.) -directly unnutz (adj.)-useless, superfluous * unmoglich-impossible unruhig-restless * uns-us unsaglich-unspeakable die Unschuld-innocence unser-our unten (adv.)-below, underneath
-
unterscheiden (irr. v.t.) - to distinguish, differentiate der Unterschied (-s, -e)-difference die Unterschrift (-en)-signature, caption die Untersuchung-examination, investigation; scrutiny unterwegs (adv.)-on the way, en route die Unterwelt-underworld unterziehen (irr. v.t.)-to submit; (v.r.)-to submit, undergo unumganglich (adj.)-essential unverhofft (adj.)-unexpected unverkennbarundeniable unvollkommen (adj.)-incomplete unzahlig-countless die Unze (-n)-ounce iippig (adj.)-abundant; lush opulent;
(v.t.)-to spoil, corrupt, demoralize; (v.i., aux.s.)-to spoil, deteriorate, perish verdichten (v.t.)-to condense; concentrate; (v.r.)-to take shape (in one's mind) verdienen (v.t.)-to earn, gain, deserve verdrangen (v.t.)-to drive out der VerdruB (or Verdruss) (-sses, -sse) -displeasure, frustration verdunkeln (v.t.)-to darken, to obscure; to grow dim verehren (v.t.)-to admire, to honor der Verein (-s, -e) -organization, society; union, club vereinbaren (v.t.)-to agree upon vereinigen (v.t.)-to unite, combine; die Vereinigten Staaten-the United States; sich vereinigen lassen-to be compatible vereinsamen (i., aux.s.)-to become isolated verewigen (v.t.)-to immortalize verfahren (irr. v.i.)-to act, behave, proceed; (v.t.)-to spend; (v.r.)-to lose one's way der Verfall (-es) -decay, decline ** verfallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.) -to deteriorate; to expire; to come into the power or possession of die Verfassung (-en)-state or frame of mind; constitution verfechten (irr. v.t.)-to defend verfeinern (v.t.)-to refine, improve verHuchen-to curse verfolgen (v.t.)-to follow, persecute die Verrogung-disposal; decree; arrangement; ihr zur Verrogung stehen-to be at her disposal
among other things; unter diesem Gesetz stehen-to be subject to the law; unter diesem Gesichtspunktfrom this point of view; unter vier
Augen - face-to-face
unter- (noun and verb pref.)-usually, when the verb has a literal meaning, it is separable, and when it has a figurative meaning, it is inseparable unterbrechen (irr. v.t.)-to interrupt unter-bringen (irr. v.t.)-to shelter unterdrUcken (v.t.)-to oppress; suppress; repress untereinander (adv.)-between or with each other der Untergang (-s, '~e)-setting, sinking; ruin, decline, end unterhalten (irr. v.t.)-to support; (v.r.)-to converse die Unterlage (-n)-support; proof, evidence, voucher; document unterlassen (irr. v.t.)-to discontinue, refrain, neglect (to do something) unternehmen (irr. v.t.)-to undertake
verbindlich (adj.)-binding verbliiffen (v.t.)-to amaze verbliihen (i., aux.s.)-to wither ** verborgen (v.t.)-to lend out; verborgen (adj.)-hidden, concealed der Verbrauch (-s) - consumption, expenditure verbrechen (irr. v.t.)-to commit (a crime or an offence) verbreiten (v.t.& r.)-to spread, circulate, propagate; (v.r.)-to hold forth verbrennen-to burn die Verbundenheit-solidarity der Verdacht (-s)-suspicion, distrust
v
die Variante-variant reading der Vater (-s, ::)-father das Vaterland-native country
408
German Quickly verfiihren (v.t.)-to lead astray; to verheiRen (irr. v.t.)-to Land der VerheiRungLand promise; Promised
General and Humanities vermeiden, vermied, hat vermieden (v.t.)-to avoid, shun, escape from vermitteln (v.i.)-to mediate;
Vocabulary
409
seduce; to prevail upon vergangen (adj.)-past, gone * die Vergangenheit-past ** vergeben (irr. v.t.)-to award; to give away; to forgive vergebens (adv.)-in vain ** vergehen (irr. v.i., aux.s)-to pass or fade away; to die off; (v.r.)-to err, offend, transgress vergelten-to repay, reward * vergessen, vergaE, hat vergessen (v.t.)-to forget; in Vergessenheit geraten-to fall into oblivion * vergleichen, verglich, hat verglichen (v.t.)-to compare; (v.r.)-to reach a settlement der Vergleich-comparison vergniigen (v.t.)-to amuse, delight; (v.r.)-to enjoy oneself vergonnen (v.t.)-to permit, allow, grant vergottern (v.t.)-to deifY, idolize vergroRern (v.t.)-to enlarge, magnifY; to exaggerate; (v.r.)-to grow larger, increase
verschieden (adj.)-different verscWieRen-to close; lock up verscWingen (irr. v.t.)-to entwine; devour verschmahen (v.t.)~to disdain, to reject verschiittet-buried, submerged verschwinden (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to vanish, disappear **versehen (irr. v.t.)-to provide; (v.r.)-to make a mistake versetzen (v.t.) - to transfer, displace; to put, place; die Versetzung-mixing, transfer die Versicherung-insurance, assurance; affirmation versohnen (v.t.)-to reconcile verspaten (v.r.)-to be delayed versprechen (irr. v.t.)~to promise der Verstand (-s)-mind, intellect; understanding, reason * verstehen (irr. v.t.)-to understand,
** der Verkehr-traffic;
tion; sexual or social intercourse; trade verkehrt (adj.) - wrong verkennen (irr. v.t.)-to misjudge verkorpern (v.t.)-to embody, typifY,represent verkiind(ig)en (v.t.)-to announce, publish, proclaim; to preach derVerlag (-s, -e)-publishing house verlangen call for (v.t.)-to demand, claim,
(v.t.)-to adjust, arrange, settle; to impart das Vermogen (-s, -)-ability; fortune; property vermogen (irr. v.t.)-to be able to; er vermag - he is able to vermudich (adj. & adv.)-presumably, probably vernachlassigen (v.t.)-to neglect vernehmlich (adj.)-perceptible vernichten (v.t.)-to annihilate, eradicate; to destroy die Vernunft-reason, understand-
ing; common-sense; verniinftigreasonable, sensible veroffendichen (v.t.)-to publish die Verpflichtung-obligation verraten (irr. v.i.)-to betray, divulge verrichten-to execute, to do verriickt (adj.)-mad, crazy verrufen (adj.) -disreputable der Vers (-es, e)-verse, poetry, line versagen(v.t.)-to fail versammeln deny; (v.i.)-to assemble, to
verlangern-to lengthen verlassen (irr. v.t.)-to leave, quit, abandon; (v.r.)-to rely upon; depend on der Verlauf (-s, ::e)-course; issue end;
comprehend, grasp; (v.r.)-to be in agreement with; das versteht sich yon selbst-that goes without saying verstellen (v.t.)-to adjust; to disguise, to block verstricken (v.t.)-to involve * versuchen (v.t.)-to attempt, try die Versuchung (-en)-temptation versunken-lost; sunk
(v.t.)-to
verleugnen (v.t.) - to deny, disown, (v.r.)-sich nicht verleugnen-to become clear * verlieren, verlor, hat verloren (v.t. & i.)-to lose verloschen (v.t.)-to extinguish der Verlust (-es, -e) -loss vermehren (v.t.)-to increase
gather, collect; die Versammlungassembly, collection versaumen (v.t.)-to miss, omit das Versaumnis omiSSiOn (-ses, -se)-failing,
die Versunkenheit
verteidigen defend
engrossment
justifY, to
vertiefen-to deepen; sich vertiefen in-to become absorbed in der Vertrag (-es, -e) -treaty, tract, covenant con-
verscharfen (v.t.)-to heighten, to intensifY verschellen-to shatter verschieben (irr. v.t.)-to change (v.r.)-to shift move,
vertragen (irr. v.t.)-to endure, tolerate (v.r.)-to get on well vertraut (adj.)-familiar
410
German Quickly vertreiben (irr. v.t.)-to drive away; * Volks- (in compounds)-popular, national; public * voll (adj.)-sometimes with gen. or with yon-full, filled, complete, whole voll- (pref.) - signifying completion, accomplishment vollbringen (irr. v.t.)-to accomplish, achieve vollenden (v.t.)-to complete vollig (adj.)-full, complete vollkommen (adj.)-perfect, comder Vorbericht
Vocabulary
4II
disperse, scatter; banish vertreten (irr. v.t.)-to replace, represent; to support der Vertreter (-s, -)-adherent, resentative verurteilen (v.t.)-to condemn die Verwaltung-administration die Verwandlung-change, transformation; metamorphosis verwandt (adj.)-related; allied verweigern (v.t.) - to refuse verwenden (v.t.)-to use, employ verwirren (v.t.)-to confuse verzehren (v.t.)-to consume; (v.r.)-to languish das Verzeichnis (-ses, -se)-list, table, schedule, catalogue verzeihen (irr. V.t. & i.)-to verzerren (v.t.)-to distort verzichten (v.i.) (auf)-to renounce, abandon forgive rep-
tion, preface das Vorbild (-s, -er)-model, example vorder (adj.)-fore, forward der Vordergrund (-s, -e)foreground vorderhand (adv.)-for the present voreingenommen (adj.)prejudiced vor-fallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to occur, happen vorfinden-to find; to discover
der Vorschlag (-s, ::e)-proposition, proposal, suggestion vor-schlagen-to suggest die Vorschrift (-en)-regulation vor-sehen (irr. v.t.)-to provide for; (v.r.)-to be careful die Vorsicht-caution, care, prudence * vorsichtig-careful, cautious vor-singen (i.)-to sing to der Vorstand (-es, ::e)-committee vor-stecken-to ward * vor-stellen poke out or forintroduce; to
plete die Vollmacht (-en) - (legal) power of authority vollziehen (irr. v.t.)-to carry out; accomplish, execute * yon (prep.) with dat.-of; from; by * vor (prep.) with dat. or acc.-before, in front of, in the presence of; ago; in preference to; vor allemabove all; vor Angst-with fear; vor Freude-with joy; Achtungvor dem Gesetz-respect for the law; vor dreiJahren-three years ago; vor Hunger sterben-to die of hunger; vor Zeiten-formerly vor-arbeiten (v.t.)-to prepare; (v.i.)- to pave the way voraus (adv.)-in advance voraus-berechnen-to calculate in advance die Voraussage (-n)-prediction voraus-setzen (v.i.)-to presuppose, to suppose, assume; die Voraussetzung-the presupposition; prerequisite vorbei (adv.)-along, by, past, gone vor-bereiten (v.t.)-to prepare
der Vorgang (-s, ::e)-proceedings vor-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to take precedence; to take action; to happen, occur vorgenannt (adj.) -aforementioned die Vorgeschichteprehistory, past or previous history vor-haben (irr. v.t.)-to have in mind; to be engaged in; to intend vorhanden (adj.)-at hand; available vorher (adv.) -previously, before vorig (adj.)-former, previous vor-kommen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to occur; to seem, appear die Vorlage-model, pattern, copy vorlaufig (adj.)-preliminary; (adv.) -temporarily die Vorlesung-lecture, course vorn (adv.)-in the front vornehm noble (adj.)-distinguished; (v.r.)-to resolve
(v.r.)-to
verzogern (v.t.)-to defer, delay der Verzug (-es)-delay, postponement verzweifeln (v.i., aux.s.)-to despair * viel (adj., adv.)-much, a great deal; viele (pl.)-many * vgl. (vergleiche)-cf. (compare) vielfach (adj.)-multiple repeated; (adv.)-often vielfaltig (adj.)-varied * vielleicht (adv.)-perhaps, possibly; really * vielmehr (adv.)-rather das Viertel (-s, -)-quarter der Vogel (-s, ::)-bird * das Yolk (-es, '~er)-people, masses die Volkerkunde-ethnology maybe,
imagine, to suppose die Vorstellung-representation; notion, conception; performance vor-tauschen-to feign der Vorteil (-es, -e) -advantage der Vortrag (-es, -e)-lecture voriiber (adv.)-along, by, past das Vorurteil (-s, -e)-prejudice vorwarts (adv.)-forward vor-weisen (irr. v.t.)-to show, display; possess vorwitzig-impertinent das Vorwort (-s, ::er)-preface, troduction
in-
der Vorwurf (-s, ::e)- reproach, rebuke vorwurfsvoll-reproachful die Vorzeit-antiquity, past ages vor-ziehen (irr. v.t.)-to prefer der Vorzug (-es, ::e)-preference
vor-nehmen
nation;
der Vorrang (-s)-preeminence, precedence der Vorschein-zum Vorschein kommen-to appear, to turn up
412
German
Quickly
General and Humanities waschen,wascht,wusch,hat gewaschen (t. & r.) - to wash das Wasser (-s, -)-water die Wasserscheu-hydrophobia derWechsel (-s, -)-change, alteration, variation wechseln-to change * weder... noch (conj.)-neither... nor * der Weg (-es, -e)-way, road, path, course; den Weg bereiten-to pave the way; ihr im Wege stehen-to be or stand in her way * weg (adv.)-away, gone weg- (pre)-away, ete. weg-bleiben (i., aux.s.)-to stay away * wegen (prep.) with gen. -because of weg-werfen-to throwaway weh-alas!; ihnen weh tun-to hurt them, to grieve or wound or offend them wehren (v.r.)-to defend oneself das Weib (-es, -er)-wife, woman, spouse weiblich (adj.)-female; feminine
Vocabulary
413
der Weintrinker (-s, -)- wine drinker * weise (adj.)-wise * die Weise (-n)-manner, custom, way ** weise (adj. & n. & suff.) -denotes manner
weisen, wies, hat gewiesen (v.t.) to show, point out, indicate; to refer to * die Weisheit-wisdom * weia (adj.)-white, clean, blank * weia (v.) -er, sie, or es weia -see wissen-to know * weit (adj.)-wide, broad; (adv.) far off, widely, by far; bei weitemby far, much
der Wendepunkt (-s, ::e)-turning point * wenig (adj. & adv.)-little; ein wenig-a little; with pl.-few; die wenigen Male, daa-the few times that wenigstens (adv.)-at least * wenn (conj.)-when, whenever; if; wenn with subjunctive is always if; wenn auch-even if * wer (pron.)-who, which; wenwhom; wem-whom, to whom; wessen-whose * werden, wurde, ist geworden (irr. v., aux.s.)-to become, to grow, to turn, to get; es wird dunkel-it is getting dark; es wurde dunkel-it grew dark; es ist dunkel geworden - it has become dark; werden & an infinitive denotes the future-sie wird hier sein-she will be here; sie werden das tun konnen-they will be able to do that; werden & a participle is the passive-es wird oft gesagt-it is often said; es wurde oft getan-it was often done werfen, warf, hat geworfen (v.t. & i.)-to throw, cast, fling; to overthrow, upset das Werk (-es, -e)-act, deed; undertaking; publication, book, work der Werktag (-s, -e)-workday * wert (adj.)-valued, useful; with
weich (adj.)-soft, mild, yielding die Weiche stellen-to set the course weichen, wich, ist gewichen (v.i.) -to move; to retreat weigern (v.r.)-to refuse, decline weihen (v.t.)-to consecrate, inaugurate die Weihnachten (literally: holy
die Warnung (-en)-warning die Warte-viewpoint * warten (v.i.)-to wait (auf) -for; (v.t.) - to attend to * warum-why * was (inter, pron.)-what, whatever; (reI. pron.)-what, that, which; alles (everything), etwas (something) and nichts (nothing), was-that
weitgehend (adj.) -far-reaching, extensive; (adv.)-largely * welch (indecl. pron.)-welch eine Frau-what a woman!; (inter, adj.) -which (inter. pron.)-which, who; (reI. pron.)-which, what, who, whom; (reI. adj.)-which, whichever; whatever * die Welt (-en)-world * die Weltanschauung (-en) - philosophy oflife, view; outlook, ideology der Weltkrieg (-s, -e)-world war der Weltraum- (in compounds) space die Wende-change, turn wenden, wandte, hat gewandt (v. r.)-to turn
nights) - Christmas
* weil (conj.)-because, since die Weile (-n)-while derWein (-s, -e)-wine weinen (v.i.)-to cry
price; die Werte (usually)-the values das Wesen (-s, -e)-essence; nature, entity, being, creature; state, condition, nature, character; conduct
414
German Quickly (adj.)-real; intrinsic; immer wieder-again & again wieder- (noun and verb pref., usually sep.)- re-, back- (again), in return (for) wieder-aufbereiten cle (v.t.)-to recy-
General and Humanities * wirklich (adj.)-actual, real * die Wirklichkeit-reality wirksam (adj.)-effective die Wirkung (-en) - result, effect, consequence, impact der Wirrwar-confusion * die Wirtschaft (-en)-economic system, economy; state of affairs; freie Wirtschaft-free enterprise; mn wirtschaftlich-economic der Wirtschaftsplan (-s, '~e)budget * wissen, wugte, hat gewugt (v.t.) - to know, be acquainted with, understand; er will davon nichts wissen - he'll have nothing to do with it; (v.i.)-to know (urn) of or about; ich weig nicht recht-I don't really know das Wissen-knowledge; learning, education; meines Wissens -as far as I know * die Wissenschaft knowledge der Wissenschaftler tist, scholar (-en) -science; (-s, -) -scien-
Vocabulary
415
wesendich (adj.)-essential, substantial, fundamental, intrinsic weshalb (inter pron.)-why; (conj.)-on account of which; which is why
wessen
* woW (pred. adj. & adv.)-well; indeed; possibly; presumably; das ist wohl moglich-I suppose that is possible woWbedacht (adj.) -deliberate, well-considered * wohnen (v.i.)-to live, dwell die Wohnung (-en)-apartment der Wolf (-es, ::e)-wolf die Wolke (-n)-cloud die Wolle (-n)-wool * wollen (modal)-to be willing; to wish, want, desire; to be about to do; to claim, require, demand; ich wollte, ich ware-I wish I were worden (past. perf. of werden)been * das Wort (-es, ::er or -e) ('~erwith unconnected words, in all other cases, the pI. is -e)-word, term, expression; mit anderen Wortenin other words das Worterbuch (-es, ::er)dictionary wordich (adj.)-literal das Wortspiel (-s, -e)-pun die Wortstammkundeetymology die Wunde (-n)-wound wundern (v.r.)-to be surprised by der Wunsch (-es, ::e)-wish, desire * wiinschen (t. & i.)-to wish wiinschenswert-desirable die Wiirde-dignity, propriety; akademische Wiirde-academic degree; unter meiner Wiirde-beneath my dignity wiirdigen-to value der Wurm (-es, ::er)-worm die Wurzel (-n)-root wiist (adj.)-desolate, wild die Wiiste (-n)-desert
whose
-resur-
weswegen-on what account die Wette (-n)-wager das Wetter-weather; bad weather * wichtig (adj.)-important, serious wickeln (v.t.)-to wind; to wrap * wider (prep.) with acc.-against, in Opposltlon to wider- (sep. and insep. verb pref., & noun pref.) -counter-, contra-, anti-, re-, withwiderlegen (v.t.)-to refute widerlich (adj.)-loathsome, repugnant widerrufen (irr. v.t.)-to revoke widersprechen tradict der Widerstand tion, resistance hateful, offensive widmen (v.t.)-to to devote oneself (irr. v.i.)-to con-
** wieder-geben (irr. v.t.)-to return; (art)- to reproduce; to interpret; to quote (from a text) wiederholen (v.t.)-to repeat; (v.r.)-to be repeated, to recur die Wiederholung (-en) - repetition die Wiederkehr-the return, recurrence wieder-kehren (i., aux.s.)-to re-
turn wieder-kommen (i., aux.s.)-to return wiegen, wog, hat gewogen (v.t.)to weigh; to carry weight wieviel-how much * derWille (-ns, no pI.)-will, volition; intent, wish; mit Willen-on purpose; willen (prep.)-with gen. -urn... willen-for the sake of; urn seinetwillen-for his sake willkiirlich (adj.)-arbitrary, despotic der Wind (-es, -e)-wind die Windmiihle (-n)-windmill der Wink (-es, -e)-sign, wink, hint, suggestion
.
(-s, '~e)-opposi-
wissenschaftlich
wittern (v.t.)-to
scientific
smell; to sense
derWitz (-es, -e)-joke * wo (inter.)-where; (rel.)-where, in which; (conj.)-where, when... wobei (reI. adv.)-through which, whereby, in the course of which die Woche (-n)-week woher (reI. and inter, adv.)-from where; from what or which place wohin (reI. and inter, adv.)-where to; -(inde adv.) somewhere when; es
* wie (adv.)-how?, to what extent?; however; wie dem auch sei - however that may be; (conj.)-as, like, such as; wie gesagt-as has been stated; wie oben-as above; how; ich weig nicht, wie ich das tun kann-I don't know how I can do that * wieder (adv.)-again, once more;
winken (v.i.)-to signal, wave; wink der Winter (-s)-winter winzig (adj.)-tiny, * wir-we wirken (v.t.)-to minute cause, to work;
416
General and Humanities der Zettel (-s, -)-note, slip of paper das Zeug (-es, -e) -stuff zeugen (v.i.) -to bear witness, to testify; (v.t.)-to procreate, beget; to create das Zeuguis (-ses, -se)-evidence dieZiege (-n)-goat
Vocabulary anstatt
417
x
x-mal (adv.)-any number of times
formerly; in jiingster or neuester Zeit--quite recently; in letzter Zeit-recently; mit der Zeit--in the course of time; vor der Zeitpremature; zur Zeit-at present der Zeitabschnitt (-s, -e)-period, epoch das Zeitalter (-s, -)-age,era; ation gener-
* zu (inf. used passively after sein) ihm ist zu trauen - he is to be (or can be) trusted; es ist zu sehen--it is to be seen zu- (sep. pref.)-towards, closed die Zucht (-en)-education, training, discipline, decency, propriety, manners der Zucker (-s)-sugar zuckern--to sugar; to put sugar in zudem (adv.)-besides, moreover zudringlich (adj.)~intrusive zu-eignen (v.t.)-to dedicate zuerst (adv.)-first; at first; first of all, especially der Zufall (-es, :.:e)-chance, accident ** zu-fallen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to fall to (one's) lot; to close zufallig (adj.)-accidental; chance zufolge (prep.)-preceded by dat. or followed by gen.-as a result of zu&ieden (adj.)-contented, satisfied die Zufriedenheit--satisfaction * der Zug (-es, :':e)-train; course; Zug der Ereignisse--course of events; outline; characteristic; trait der Zugang (-es, '~e)-admittance, entry, access zu-geben (irr. v.t.)-to grant, concede, admit, confess; to add ** zu-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.)-to happen, come to pass; to go, move towards; to close; to reach zu-gestehen (irr. v.t.)-to concede, acknowledge; admit zugleich (adv.)-at the same time * zugrunde (adv.)-zugrunde gehen--to perish, be ruined; zugrunde liegen--to take as a basis
Z
* z.B.-zum
Beispiel-for example zaghaft--timid zah(e) -tough, tenacious, stubborn die Zahl (-en)-number, figure zahlen (v.t. & i.)-to pay for zahlen (v.t. & i.)-to count, reckon docile, culti-
ziehen,
(v.t.) - to
der Zeitgeist--spirit of the times der Zeitgenosse (-n, -n)--contemporary die Zeitgeschichte--contemporary history zeitig (adj.)-early; (adv.)-early, on time zeidich (adj.)-temporal, transitory der Zeitraum (-s, :':e)-interval; period, space of time die Zeitschrift (-en)-journal, magazine, periodical
draw, pull; to cultivate, grow; to describe; an sich ziehen--to attract; (v.i.)-to prove attractive; (v.i.,aux.s.) -to march, advance; (v.r.)-to stretch, extend; to distort das Ziel (-es, -e)-goal, tive, destination aim; objec-
* ziemlich (adj.)-considerable;
(adv.)-rather, quite die Zierde (-n)-decoration zieren (v.t.)-to adorn; (v.r.) -to be affected; to make a fuss die Ziffer (-n)-figure; clause; item zirka (adv.) -approximately das Zitat (-es, -e)-quotation zittern (v.i.)-to tremble, shake (vor) with ** zivil (adj.) -civilian die Zivilisation--civilization (especially in its technological aspects) zogern (v.i.)-to hesitate; to delay; to defer der Zoo (-s, -s)-zoo der Zorn (-es, no pl.)--wrath, anger * zu (prep.) with dat.-towards, up to; zur Folge haben--to have as a result; at, on, in: zu Bonn - in Bonn; zur Hand at hand; zu Hause--at home; zum ersten--in the first place; zur Nacht--at or by night * zu (adv.)-too; closed * zu (part.)-um... zu-in order to;
der Zahn (-es, :':e)-tooth der Zank (-es, no pl.)--quarrel zankisch--quarrelsome, cranky der Zar (-en, -en)-tsar, czar zart (adj.) -delicate, soft, gentle der Zauber (-s, -)-spell, charm, magIC zehn-ten zehren (v.i.)-to live or exist; to draw on; to wear something out das Zeichen (-s, -)-sign, symbol; mark, reference zeichnen (v.t. & i.)-to draw, sketch, portray; depict der Zeichner (-s, -)-designer, portrayer * zeigen (v.t.)-to show, display, indicate; (v.r.)-to show oneself, to appear; es zeigt sich, daE--it appears that der Zeiger (-s, -)-hand of a clock * die Zeit (-en)-time, epoch, age, era, period, season; es ist an der
zerschneiden--to cut into pieces die Zersetzungsliteratur-seditious or subversive literature zerstoren (v.t.)-to destroy ** zerstreuen (v.t.)-to disperse, dissipate, scatter, dispel; (v.r.) -to amuse oneself; sich zerstreuen lassen--to allow one's attention to wander zertreten--to foot crush, trample under
418
German Quickly
zusammen-fassen-to summanze combine; to der Zweifel (-s, -)-doubt,
Vocabulary
419
zu-horen (i.)-to listen to * die Zukunft-future ** zu-Iassen (irr. v.t.)-to mit; to leave closed grant, per-
zuletzt (adv.)-finally, ultimately, at last zu-machen-to close zumal (adv.)-above all, especially, especially since zu-muten (v.t.)-to expect, demand, ask zunachst (adv.) -first of all; for the present zu-nehmen (irr. v.i.)-to increase;
der Zusammenhang (-s, ::e)-connection, context die Zusammenkunft (::e)meeting zusammen-setzen compose zusammen-stellen classifY,compile zusammen-ziehen (v.t.)-to (v.t.)-to group, .
tainty, misgivings; in Zweifel stellen or ziehen-to call into doubt der Zweig (-es, -e)-branch zweimal- twice zweitens (adv.)-secondly, in the second place der Zwerg (-es, -e)-dwarf der Zwiespalt (-s, -e)-dissension, discord, schism, discrepency zwingen, zwang, hat gezwungen (v.t.)-to force, compel; to finish; (v.r.)-to force oneself * zwischen (prep.) with ace. or dat.between (with reference to two things); among (with reference to three or more things) das Zwischenspiel (-s, -e)-intermezzo, interlude; incident die Zwischenstunde-interval, intermission der Zwist (-es, -e) -dissension, cord, dispute der Zyniker (-s, -)-cynic dis-
betr. betreffend-concerning * bez. beziiglich-with reference to bisw. bisweilen-sometimes bzgl. beziiglich-with to * bzw. beziehungsweiserespectively reference
c
* ca. circa-approximately
to thrive, prosper die Zunge (-n)- tongue zupfen (i.)-to tUg zurecht-finden (r.)~to find one's way zu-reden (v.i.)-to encourage zu-richten (v.t.)-to prepare * zuriick (adv. and prep.)-back, backwards, behind zuriick-bringen-to bring back ** zuriick-fiihren (v.t.)-to lead back; to trace back; to attribute to, to explain by zuriick-gehen (irr. v.i., aux.s.) -to retUrn; to diminish, decline, to be cancelled; to go back zuriick-kehren (i., aux.s.) ~to retUrn, come back zuriick-kommen (i., aux.s.) -to return, come back zuriick-Iegen-to set aside zuriick-stellen (v.t.)-to replace; to postpone; to defer die Zuriickweisung-refusal, rejection, repudiation * zusammen (adv. and sep. pref.)together
der Zuschauer (-s, -)-spectator (pl.)-audience zu-sehen (i.)-to watch der Zustand (-es, '~e)-state, condition zustande (adv.) -zustande bringen-to accomplish, achieve; zustande kommen -to happen zustiindig (adj.) -proper, appropriate; responsible zu-teilen-to allot; grant zu-tragen-to carry, to report; (r.)-to happen zuverlassig (adj.)-reliable die Zuversicht-confidence zuvor (adv.)-before, previously zuwider (prep.) with dat.-opposed to; (adv.)-repugnant der Zwang (-es, ::e)-force, coercion zwangslaufig (adj.)-inevitable; (adv.) -necessarily * zwar (adv.)-indeed, certainly der Zweck (-es, -e)-aim, goal * zwei - two zweierlei (indecl. adj.)-two sorts of; zweierlei ist zu beachten-two things are to be noticed
D * d.h. das heiRt-that is; i.e. dt.(sch) deutsch-German E Ed. Edition, Ausgabe-edition eig. eigtl. eigendich-actUally einschl. einschlieRlichinclusivelY' F fig. figiirlich-figurative G
ABBREVIATIONS A *' Abk. Abkiirzung-abbreviation * Abs. Absatz-paragraph allg. allgemein-general allj. alljahrlich-annual allm. allmahlich - gradual * Anh. Anhang-appendix Anm. Anmerkung-note A. T. Altes Testament-Old Testament
* geb. geboren-born * ges. gesamt-total H haupts. hauptsachlich - mainly hpts. hauptsachlich - mainly hrsg. herausgegeben -edited I
identical
-
i.g. im ganzen-on
inbegr. inbegriffen
insb. insbesondere-
420
German Quickly insg. insgesamt-altogether i.S. im Sinne-in the meaning of & in Sachen-re, in the matter of i.w.S. im weiteren Sinne-in a broad sense
Vocabulary
421
R * rd. rund-roughly Red. Redakteur-editor Redaktion-editorial staff, editor's office S * S. Seite-page * s. siehe-see * s.a. siehe auch-see
Z * z. zu, zur, zum - to at * z.B. zum Beispiel-for example zgI. zugleich-at the same time
z. T. zum Teil- partly * zuf. zufolge-as a result of zus. zusammen-together zw. zwischen-between, among
J
*
Jh. Jahrhundert-century
K
also
* Kap. Kapitel-chapter kg. Kilogramm-kilogram kompi. komplett-complete L lfd. laufend -current, running It.laut-according to M m.A.n. m; m. A. n. meiner Ansicht nach -in my opinion m.a.W: mit anderen Worten -in other words m.E. meines Erachtens-in my
OpllllOn mind. mindestens-at least
u
u. und-and
u.a. und anderes-and others; unter anderem-among other things, inter alia u.a. und ahnliches - and the like
,.11
v
v. van, yom-of, from; by * vgI. vergleiche-compare, cf. v. J. vorigen Jahres-oflast year v.M. vorigen Monats-oflast month v.u. van unten-from below W * w.o. wie oben-as above mentioned
P Prof. Professor-professor
APPENDIXL
Adenauer, Konrad (I876-I967)-first chancellor of the German Federal Republic Adler, Alfred (I870-I937)-Austrian psychologist Agyptian - Egypt Albertus Magnus (c. I200-I28o)-German philosopher Antillen - Antilles Aristoteles-Aristotle Armelkanal- English Channel Asien - Asia Bach, Johann Sebastian (I685-I750)-German composer Baden-Wiirttemberg- one of the 16 Lander of Germany Barlach, Ernst (I870-I938)-German sculptor Barth, Karl (I886-I968)-Swiss theologian Bayern-Bavaria one of the 16 Lander of Germany. Beckmann, Max (I884-I950)-German painter Belgien - Belgium Benjamin, Walter (I892-I94o)-German writer and philosopher Berg, Alban (I885-I935)-Austrian composer Berlin-one of the 16 Lander of Germany. From 1963-1989,it was divided by the Berlin Wall. Now it is the capital of Germany. Bismarck, Otto von (I8I5-I898)-German statesman Bodensee- Lake of Constance Bohme, Jakob (1575-1624)German mystic Bohmen- Bohemia
424
German Quickly
425
Boll, Heinrich (I9I7-85)-German author Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (I906-I945)-German theologian who was executed on account of his attempt to assassinateHitler Brandenburg-one of the 16Linder of Germany Brandt, Willi (1913-92)-German politician Braunschweig- Brunswick Brecht, Bertoit (1898-1956)-German dramatist Bremen-one of the 16 Lander of Germany Bruckner, Anton (I824-96)-Austrian composer Briining, Heinrich (I885-1970)-Chancellor of the Weimar Republic Brussel- Brussels Buber, Martin (1878-1965) German philosopher Buchner, Georg (1813-37)-German dramatist Bukarest- Bucharest Bulgarien - Bulgaria Bundesrepublik - Federal Republic Bundestag-German Parliament Calais-Straits of Dover Celan, Paul (1920-1970)-German poet Deutschland - Germany Deutsche Demokratische Republik-German East Germany Diesel, Rudolf (18581913)German inventor Donau-Danube
Feuerbach, Ludwig (1804-72)-German theologian Fichte, Johann (1762-I8I4)-German philosopher Florenz- Florence Fontane, Theodor (1819-1898)-German author Frankreich-France Frauenkirche-Church of Our Lady Freud, Sigmund (1856-I939)-Austrian psychiatrist, founder of psychoanalysis Friedrich der Groae (17I2-1786)-Fredrick the Great Frisch, Max (19II-1991)-Swiss author Genf-Geneva George, Stephan (1868-I933)-German writer (who died in Switzerland) Gluck, Christoph (1714-I787)-German composer Goethe, Johann Wolfgang (1749-1832)-German poet Grass, Gunter (1927-)-German author Griechenland-Greece Grimm, Jakob (1765-1863)& Wilhelm (1786-1859) German philologists Grimmelshausen, Hans (1625-1676)-German novelist Gronland-Greenland Groabritannien - Great Britain Grunewald, Mathais (c. 1475-1528)-German painter Hahn, Otto (1879-1968)-German chemist Hartmann von Aue (d. between 1210and 1220)- Middle High German Epic poet Hambnrg-one of the 16Lander of Germany Hauptmann, Gerhart (1862-1946)-German dramatist Hegel, Georg Willhelm Friedrich (1770-1831)-German philosopher Heidegger, Martin (1889-I976)-German philosopher Heine, Heinrich (1797-1856)-German poet Herder, Johann (1744-1803)-German philosopher Hesse, Hermann (1877-1962)-German poet Hessen-one of the 16 Lander of Germany Hiob-Job Hofmannsthal, Hugo (1874-1929)-German poet Hohenzollern-German dynasty, beginning in the 12thcentury Holderlin, Johann (1770-1843)-German poet Horaz- Horace Humboldt, Alexander (1769-1859)-German naturalist Indien -India Irland - Ireland Island - Iceland ltalien-ltaly
Democratic Republic-former
Dostojewskij - Doestoevsky DreH~igjahriger Krieg (1618-1648)- Thirty yearswar Durer, Albrecht (I471-1538)-German painter Diirrenmatt, Friedrich (192I-)-Swiss dramatist Ebert, Friedrich (1871-1925) -first president of the Weimar Republic Eckhart, Meister (c.I260- 132 7)- founder of German mysticism Eichendorff, Joseph (1788-1857)German poet Eismeer-Arctic Ocean Elbe-German river EIsaE-Alsace Engels, Friedrich (1820-95)-German philosopher Erhard, Ludwig (1897-1977)-second chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Ernst, Max (189I-1976)-German painter Fasching-the German carnival season that lastsfrom II November until Shrove Tuesday Faust-drama written by Goethe
-'
426
German Quickly
427
Jaspers, Karl (r883-r969)-German philosopher Johannas- John Johanna von Orleans-Joan of Arc Jung, Carl (r875-r96r)-Swiss psychiatrist Kafka, Franz (r883-r924)-Czech author Kaiser, Georg (r878-r945)-German dramatist Kant, Immanuel (r724-r804)-German philosopher Karl der Groge (co742-8r4)-Charlemagne Keller, Gottfried (r8r9-r890) -Swiss author Klee, Paul (r879-r940)-Swiss born painter Kleist, Heinrich (I777-r8u)-German poet Koln - Cologne Konstantin - Constantine Konstanz-Constance Leibniz, Gottfried (r646-I7r6)-German philosopher Lenz, Jakob Michael Friedrich (r75r-I792)-German writer of the Sturm und Orang period Lessing, Gotthold (I729-r78r)-German poet Lothringen- Lorraine Ludwig- Louis Lukas-Luke Luther, Martin (r483-r546)-German Reformation leader Luzern - Lucerne Mahler, Gustav (r860-r9u)-Austrian composer Mailand-Milan Main-German river Mann, Thomas (r875-r955)-German author Marc, Franz (r880-r9r6)-German painter Markus-Mark Marokko- Morocco Martini, Fritz (r909-r99r)-German
Literaturgeschichte
MOOchen---Munich Neapel- Naples Nibelungenlied-German epic (c.120O) Niederlande- Netherlands Niedersachsen-Lower Saxony-one of the r6 Lander of Germany Nietzsche, Friedrich (r844-r900)-German philosopher Nil- Nile Nordrhein- Westfalen---one of the r6 Lander of Germany Nordsee- North Sea Norwegen- Norway Novalis (Friedrich von Hardenberg) (r772-r80r) German poet Oder-German river Ostasian - Eastern Asia 0sterreich - Austria Ostsee- Baltic Pal1istina- Palastine Parzival- Percival Paulus-Paul Platon---Plato Polen--- Poland Pommern- Pommerania Prag-Prague PreUen-Prussia Regensburg- Ratisbon Rhein - Rhine river Rheinland- Pfalz- Rhineland- Palatinate- one of the r6 Lander of Germany Richter, Jean Paul (r763-r825)-German writer Rilke, Ranier Maria (r875-r926)-Austrian poet Rom-Rome Rontgen, Wilhelm (r845-r923)-German physicist, discoverer of X-rays Rubr-German river Russand-Russia Saale-German river Saarland---one of the r6 Lander of Germany Sachsen - Saxony Schiller, Johann Christian Friedrich (r759-r805)-German poet Schlegel, Friedrich (r772-r829)-German poet Schlesien-Silesia Schieswig-Hoistein-one of the r6 Linder of Germany Schliemann, Heinrich (r822-r890)-discoverer of Troy Schnitzler, Arthur (r862-193I)-Austrian dramatist and novelist
Matthaus-Matthew Mecklenberg- Vorpommem-one of the r6 Linder of Germany Metternich, Clemens (r773-r859)-Austrian statesman Minnesang (12thcentury)-German courtly love poetry Mittelmeer- Mediterranean Sea Morike, Eduard (r804-r875)-German poet Mosel- Moselle Moskau---Moscow Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (r756-r79r)-German
composer
428
German Quickly
Schonberg, Arnold (1874-1951)-German composer Schopenhauer, Arthur (q88-1860)-German philosopher Schottland-Scotland Schwab en -Swabia Schwarzwald - Black Forest Schweden--Sweden Schweitzer, Albert (1875-1965)-German theologian Schweiz--Switz~rland Siberien -- Siberia Singapur--Singapore Sizilien-Sicily Spanien - Spain Spengler, Oswald (1880-1936)--German philosopher Spinoza, Baruch (I632-1677)--German philosopher Stifter, Adelbert (1805-1868)--Austrian author Strauss, Richard (1864-1949)--German composer Themse- Thames Thiiringen-- Thuringia--one of the 16Lander of Germany Tillich, Paul (1886-1965)-German theologian Tolstoj- Tolstoi Trakl, Georg (1887-1914)-Austrian poet Tschechoslowakei- Czechoslovakia Tiirkei- Turkey
abbreviations conventions in German dictionaries, 183-84 in the General and Humanities 353 list of those commonly literature, 419-21 accusative case, 16 adjective comparison and superlative, 87-93 ending, and when -er is a comparative when it is not, 91 comparative common comparative definition, 29 dictionary conventions, als subordinating summary conjunction, 169 II, 224 of uses, 252 89 Vocabulary,
Index
adverbs comparison and superlative, 9-91 definition, 32 dictionary conventions, 13 list of common adverbs, 33-34 those that have different definitions from the same word when it is used as an adjective (eben, gleich, gerade, etc.), J4, 13, 254
appearing in scholarly
Ungarn - Hungary
Vatikan-- Vatican Venedig- Venice Vereinigte Staaten--United States Wagner, Richard (1813-1883)--Germancomposer Walther yon der Vogelweide-(c. 1170-1230)German poet Warschau- Warsaw WeH~,Peter (1916-1982)-German dramatist Werfel, Franz (1890-1945)--Austrian author Weser--German river Wien -- Vienna Wittgenstein, Ludwig (1889-1951)--German philosopher Wol&am yon Eschenbach (c. 1170-1220) German poet -Zweig, Stefan (1881-1942)--Austrian author Zwingli, Ulrich (1484-1531)--SwissReformation leader Zypern--Cyprus
ending in -elor -er and preceding a noun, 3132 endings (charts), 29, 31, 286 overloaded, 194-99 as nouns, 75-77 chart, 76 possessive, 67-69 chart, 68 predicate, 32 strong ending paradigms, 29-3 weak endings paradigms, 31
ander, 24
answer key (partial), 319-51
case
accusative, 16 chart for der and ein, 24, 285 definitions, 15-25
-1
43
German Quickly
es
es gibt, es sind, 79 pay attention es, 80
Index
modal auxiliaries (diirftn, konnen, mogen, miissen, sollen, wollen), 140-46 chart, 141 common idioms, 141 definitions, placement subjunctive 140 of, 141, 143 of, 230- 32 as modals (lassen, hei/Jen, prefixes (verb) 144 inseparable, 103-4 from prepositions, 102 separable, 100- 103 months (and weeks), 37 important words (vocabulary list), 267-73 nominative indicative verb forms auxiliaries haben and sein for the perfect tense, 109- 10 charts easy verbs, 108, 109, 29 sein and haben, IIO-II, 29-91 hard verbs, II3, 29 dictionary conventions, 134-35 numbers, 308 overloaded adjective construction how to identify, 195 how to translate (the four steps), 195-99 step I (identifying the article or adjective beginning the overload), 196 step 2 (identifying the noun to which the article is attached, 197 step 3 (finding the adjective to the left of the noun), 197 step 4 (translating how to differentiate the rest of the overload) from relative clauses, 199 196 difference between easy and hard verbs, II3 future, 83-86 ge- verbs, II7- 18 inseparable verbs in past and perfect forms, II5- 16 list of strong verbs, 301-5 patterns of strong verbs, 297-300 past, 106- 18 easy! weak! regular, 106-9 hard! strong! irregular, II2- 15 irregular weak! curve ball, II7 past perfect, IIO present, 8- II irregular forms in present tense, 10- II present perfect easy! weak! regular, 106- 9 participle as an adjective, 120 definition, 106 how to identify with the passive, 24 past, 106-20 present (an adjective or adverb), 137 interrogative pronunciation passive voice, 24-9 cautions, 208-9 definition, 204 fake (or apparent) passive, 215-16 formation of, 204-6 proper nouns German proper names, 423-28 problems identifying them, 133 supplementary exercises, 14, 78 guide, xix-xxii hard! strong! irregular, II2- 15 irregular weak, II7 separable verbs in past and perfect forms, II8- 19 noun dictionary conventions, infinitive as noun, 5 weak, 73-75 chart 74 13-32 prepositions accusative case, 39-41 dative case, 41-44 dative and accusative case, 46-49 definition, 37 der following a preposition case, 15- 16 differentiated directional uses of hin and her, 102-3 list of, 101 plurals formation of, 5-7, 125-28 summary, 7 with modal auxiliaries, 208 man as a passive, 213 sein + zu + infinitive, 151 sich lassen, 214- 15
431
case (continued) dative, 21-25 genitive, 18- 19 impottance of, 26, 53- 55 nominative, 15-16 when nouns have endings to reveal case, 21, 31,73 cognates definition,
English grammar necessary for learning German, 275-83 genitive case defined, 18- 19
past and present perfect tenses, 142- 43 verbs functioning etc.), 144
I 1-3
consonant correspondences, false, 135- 36 supplementary commas, 245-49 clauses, 246-47 sequences, 245 commands, compound 59 nouns
indefinite time expressions, 310 masculine and neuter nouns have an -s ending, 18
exercises, 3, 36
examples, 5 how to break them up to translate them, 13233 conjunctions co-ordinating, interrogative, was, 173 wer, 172 wie, 173-74 subordinating, 165-70, 289 common, 168 those that have other definitions when used as other parts of speech, 168 relative, 176- 81 da-compounds, 94-96, 149 155- 57, 289 172-75
is dative feminine
95% of the time, 39 dictionary conventions, 133-34 genitive case, 5- 51 list of, 287-89 problematic prepositions 39- 10 pronouns charts listing them, 286-87 du, ihr, Sie, 67 personal, nominative, chart, 10 nominative, charts, 64, 65 other pronouns (alles, etwas, nichts, ander, etc.), 239-41 reflexive, 185-87 chart, 185 relative, 176-78 chart, 175 sie can mean either she or they, 9, 66 8-9 regarding time,
verb placement
key to translating,
der-words
pronouns for forming questions, 59 as subordinating conjunctions, 172-75 verb in first position to form questions, 59
lassen (sich), 214-15
dicrionary evaluating German-English dictionaries, 313-17 how to use a German dictionary, 129-36
432
German Quickly
subjunctive II, 223-29 charts, 223- 24 conditional, 226 frequent uses of, 224-25 translation of, 225 with the passive, 226-27 of modals, 231-32 wiirde, 233 suffixes, 137-38 time phrases, 29- IO troublesome list of, 25 words, 250-60
reading selections Fraulein Meier, 52-53 Meeresstrand, 62-63 Das Sprichwort, 81-82 Der Elefant, 97 Abraham November, und Isaak, 122-24 146-47
Die zehn Jungfrauen, 163-64 Das Erdbeben in Chili, 183-84 Der Froschkbnig, 192-93 Der Wolf uhd die sieben Gei/\iein, 201-3 Chassidische Geschichten, 217 243 Der Schwan, 234-35 Die frbhliche Wissenschaft, Der Wille zur Macht, 244 relative clauses, 176- 81 relative pronouns tips for translating, (including a chart), 176-78 178-81
reflexive, 185-91 common reflexive verbs, 188 meanings it can express, 186 pronouns (chart), 185 selbst and selber, 187 selbst preceding a noun, 187, 256 sich, when translated and when omitted in translation, verbs, 188-90 verbs that should be translated passively, 214 schedule for reading German Quickly, 265-66 19-91 used instead of possessive adjectives, 186
clause starting with a verb, 59, 236-38 compound verbs, 159-61 examples of most possible verb combinations, 294-95 summary of, 292-93 supplementary exercises, 163, 183 verb at the end of the clause, 61-62, 165-67 verb in second place, 56- 58 vocabulary general and humanities, 353-419 how to memorize words, 13 important werden words, 267-73
sez
imperative, subjunctive 59 I, 2IO
so
so . . . wie, 89 summary of uses, 259
strategies for reading German, 261-65 wo-compounds, subjunctive subjunctive I, 218-22 indirect discourse, 219-20 as a command, 2IO followed by wir, 120-21 summary of uses, 221-22 of modals, 230 zu construction, 148- 54 um. . . zu, 15 in combination with sein, 151 as a subject, 151 summary of uses, 258 96