German Basic Course, Unit 11: Ein Wochentag

Basic Sentences I

1
At the breakfast-table.
Ambest
Frühstückstisch.breakfast table
2
Where's Klaus?
3
Did he oversleep again?
4
No, he's just combing his hair.

verschlafen: to oversleep
verschlafen: he overslept

5
Hurry up, Klaus, or you'll miss the bus.
6
I'm coming; I'm just washing my hands.
7
Where are my brown shoes anyway?
8
At the shoemaker's; I had them soled.

Hände: I wash my hands
Schuhe: the shoe
Schuster: the shoemaker
Schuster: at the shoemaker's
besohlen: to sole
lassen: to have something soled
besohlen: he has something soled

9
You can pick them up this afternoon.
10
We have a school outing today.
11
Can I have some money?
12
Here's six marks.

kannst: you can
nachmittag: this afternoon
hast: you have

13
Get your hair cut (from it) too before you come home.
14
Don't forget your lunch, and now run so you won't be late.
15
At the breakfast-table.
16
Where's Klaus?
17
Did he oversleep again?
18
No, he's just combing his hair.
19
Hurry up, Klaus, or you'll miss the bus.
20
I'm coming; I'm just washing my hands.
21
Where are my brown shoes anyway?
22
At the shoemaker's; I had them soled.
23
You can pick them up this afternoon.
24
We have a school outing today.
25
Can I have some money?
26
Here's six marks.
27
Get your hair cut (from it) too before you come home.
28
Don't forget your lunch, and now run so you won't be late.

Lass: get, have
Haare: the hair
schneiden: to cut
bevor: before
kommst: you come
Vergiss: forget
dein: your
lauf': run
damit: so that

Basic Sentences II

29
Do you have to go down town Helga?
30
Yes, I'd really like to go along with you now.
31
I have a good deal to attend to.
32
What all are you planning to do?

Menge: a great deal
besorgen: to attend to, to take care of

33
I have to go to the cleaners first.
34
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.
35
Take the blue one along too, please.
36
All right, and then I can take your shirts to the laundry at the same time.

zuerst: first
reinigen: to clean
lassen: to have something cleaned
Nimm: take
gleich: at the same time
Oberhemden: the shirt

37
At ten o'clock I have to be at the dentist's and at the hairdresser's at twelve.
38
Then you can hardly be home before half past one.
39
Shall I come and pick you up at the hairdresser's?
40
Yes, if you can pick me up at one.
41
On the way home I'd like to go to the pharmacy and the watchmaker's too.
42
Do you have to go down town Helga?
43
Yes, I'd really like to go along with you now.
44
I have a good deal to attend to.
45
What all are you planning to do?
46
I have to go to the cleaners first.
47
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.
48
Take the blue one along too, please.
49
All right, and then I can take your shirts to the laundry at the same time.
50
At ten o'clock I have to be at the dentist's and at the hairdresser's at twelve.
51
Then you can hardly be home before half past one.
52
Shall I come and pick you up at the hairdresser's?
53
Yes, if you can pick me up at one.
54
On the way home I'd like to go to the pharmacy and the watchmaker's too.

Frisör: at the hairdresser's
wirst: you will
kaum: hardly, scarcely
geht: it's possible
ab: pick ... up
Nachhauseweg: the way home
Nachhauseweg: on the way home
noch: in addition, too
Uhrmacher: the watchmaker

Basic Sentences III

55
At the office in the afternoon:
56
Dr. Bergmann just called, Mr. Neumann.
57
Did he leave a message?
58
Yes, he's expecting you at five o'clock for a conference.

angerufen: he called
lassen: leave a message

59
Did he say what it was about?
60
Yes, it's about the new customs regulations.
61
Here are all the papers.
62
By the way a gentleman from the British Embassy wanted to talk to you.

gesagt: he said
Zollbestimmungen: the customs regulations
Unterlagen: the papers, documents
Unterlagen: all the papers
wollte: he wanted
sprechen: he wants to speak to him

63
What about?
64
I don't know. He's going to call back.
65
All right.
66
I'd like to dictate a few letters to you now, Miss Keller.

diktieren: to dictate

67
First, one to the Employment Office and then one to the Chamber of Commerce.
68
And have this article translated please.
69
At the office in the afternoon:
70
Dr. Bergmann just called, Mr. Neumann.
71
Did he leave a message?
72
Yes, he's expecting you at five o'clock for a conference.
73
Did he say what it was about?
74
Yes, it's about the new customs regulations.
75
Here are all the papers.
76
By the way a gentleman from the British Embassy wanted to talk to you.
77
What about?
78
I don't know. He's going to call back.
79
All right.
80
I'd like to dictate a few letters to you now, Miss Keller.
81
First, one to the Employment Office and then one to the Chamber of Commerce.
82
And have this article translated please.

Artikel: the article
übersetzen: to translate
lassen: to have something translated

Basic Sentences IV

83
Mr. Neumann, Mr. Meyer is on the wire.
84
Thank you, put him on please.
85
Neumann speaking.
86
Hello, Gerhard, how are you?

87
All right, except for too much work of course.
88
Yes, the same old story; I'm pretty well loaded down too right now.
89
What I wanted to say was - you know that Professor Albers is giving a lecture tonight.
90
Are you going?

von: except for
überlastet: loaded down, overburdened
wisst: you know
abend: this evening, tonight
Geht: you go

91
Yes, you're going too, I hope.
92
Unfortunately our car is still in the shop.
93
Could we go with you in your car?
94
Of course, we'd be glad to have you.

eurem: your

95
We'll come by your house shortly before eight. Is that all right with you?
96
Fine. Well then, we'll see you later.
97
Mr. Neumann, Mr. Meyer is on the wire.
98
Thank you, put him on please.
99
Neumann speaking.
100
Hello, Gerhard, how are you?
101
All right, except for too much work of course.
102
Yes, the same old story; I'm pretty well loaded down too right now.
103
What I wanted to say was - you know that Professor Albers is giving a lecture tonight.
104
Are you going?
105
Yes, you're going too, I hope.
106
Unfortunately our car is still in the shop.
107
Could we go with you in your car?
108
Of course, we'd be glad to have you.
109
We'll come by your house shortly before eight. Is that all right with you?
110
Fine. Well then, we'll see you later.

kurz: shortly
euch: at your house

Verb forms in familiar speech, 1 of 5

Three words for you

German has three words for you: Sie, du and ihr. Each one goes with a different relationship.

Sie is formal. It is the same for one person or for several.

Du is familiar and is for one person only. Ihr is familiar too and is for two or more people.

Outside the family, du and ihr are for very close friends only. Their use is much more limited than the American use of first names.

All adults use du and ihr to children who have not reached puberty. They are also used to animals and to the deity.

111
Won't you sit down, Mr. Allen?
112
Maria, you know Mr. Becker, don't you?
113
Are you going?
114
a. In verbs whose er-form ends in -t, the final -t is replaced by -st.
115
(-t replaced by -st)
116
(-t replaced by -st)
117
(the connecting vowel -e- is retained)
118
(the connecting vowel -e- is retained)
119
er gibt "gip-t" - du gibst "gip-st"
(final -b sounds as p)
120
er legt "lek-t" - du legst "lek-st"
(final -g sounds as k)
121
b. In verbs whose er-form ending -t is preceded by -s- or -z-, the -s- of the du-form ending is lost, so that the du-form is identical with the er-form.
122
(same as the er-form)
123
(same as the er-form)

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

A. VERB FORMS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

I. German has three different words for you

Wollen Sie nicht Platz nehmen, Herr Allen?
Won't you sit down, Mr. Allen?

Maria, du kennst doch Herrn Becker, nicht wahr?
Maria, you know Mr. Becker, don't you?

Geht ihr hin?
Are you going?

The different words for you in German indicate different situations and different social relationships. Sie indicates a formal relationship between the speaker and the person or persons addressed. There is no distinction between singular and plural. Du indicates a familiar or intimate relationship, but where only one person is addressed. Ihr indicates that two or more people are being addressed with whom the speaker is on familiar or intimate terms.

Outside of the family circle itself the familiar forms are used only with very close friends. Most Germans regard this relationship in a very special light and do not enter into it lightly after childhood years. The use of the familiar du and ihr forms is very much more restricted among Germans than the use of first names among Americans, for instance. The familiar forms are used by all adults in talking to children below the age of puberty, however. They are also used with animals and in addressing the deity.

A. VERB FORMS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

II.1. The form of the verb with du is found from the er-form

er kommt - du kommst
a. In verbs whose er-form ends in -t, the final -t is replaced by -st.

er fährt - du fährst
(-t replaced by -st)

er hat - du hast
(-t replaced by -st)

er arbeitet - du arbeitest
(the connecting vowel -e- is retained)

er findet - du findest
(the connecting vowel -e- is retained)

er gibt "gip-t" - du gibst "gip-st"
(final -b sounds as p)

er legt "lek-t" - du legst "lek-st"
(final -g sounds as k)

er liest - du liest
b. In verbs whose er-form ending -t is preceded by -s- or -z-, the -s- of the du-form ending is lost, so that the du-form is identical with the er-form.

er lässt - du lässt
(same as the er-form)

er sitzt - du sitzt
(same as the er-form)

er heisst - du heisst
(same as the er-form)

er vergisst - du vergisst
(same as the er-form)

er will - du willst
c. In verbs whose er-form does not end in -t, -st is added.

er kann - du kannst
(-st added)

er soll - du sollst
(-st added)

er darf - du darfst
(-st added)

er möchte - du möchtest
(-st added)

er muss - du musst
(the -s- of the ending is lost after -s-)

er weiss - du weisst
(the -s- of the ending is lost after -s-)

er ist - du bist
d. The following du- and er-forms show irregularities.

er wird - du wirst
(irregular)

er hält - du hältst
(irregular)

New verb forms are also used with the familiar words for you.

1. The form of the verb with du is found from the er-form in the following ways: a. In verbs whose er-form ends in -t, the final -t is replaced by -st. Notice that the connecting vowel -e- is generally retained in the du-form when it occurs in the er-form (after -d- or -t-), although it is sometimes lost in rapid speech. Remember that final -b or -g in er-form stems have the sounds of final [p] or [k]! b. In verbs whose er-form ending -t is preceded by -s- or -z-, the -s- of the du-form ending is lost, so that in these cases the du-form turns out to be identical with the er-form. c. In verbs whose er-form does not end in -t, -st is added. Note however that the -s- of the du-form ending is lost after a preceding -s-. d. The following du- and er-forms show irregularities.

Verb forms in familiar speech, 2 of 5

Making the du-form

The du-form of a verb comes from the er-form.

If the er-form ends in -t, the -t becomes -st: er kommt, du kommst. An -e- before the ending stays: er arbeitet, du arbeitest.

If -s- or -z- comes before the -t, du and er share one form: er liest and du liest, er sitzt and du sitzt.

If the er-form does not end in -t, -st is added: er kann, du kannst. After an -s, the s of the ending is lost: er muss, du musst.

A few are irregular: er ist and du bist, er wird and du wirst.

124
(same as the er-form)
125
(same as the er-form)
126
c. In verbs whose er-form does not end in -t, -st is added.
127
(-st added)
128
(-st added)
129
(-st added)
130
(-st added)
131
(the -s- of the ending is lost after -s-)
132
(the -s- of the ending is lost after -s-)
133
d. The following du- and er-forms show irregularities.
134
(irregular)
135
(irregular)

Verb forms in familiar speech, 3 of 5

Making the ihr-form

The ihr-form of a verb comes from the wir-form.

In most verbs the ending -en becomes -t: wir kommen, ihr kommt. After -d- or -t- a connecting -e- appears: wir arbeiten, ihr arbeitet.

A stem that ends in -b or -g sounds as p or k before the -t: wir geben, ihr gebt.

One form is irregular: wir sind, ihr seid.

136
a. The -en ending of the wir-form is replaced by -t in most verbs.
137
(-en replaced by -t)
138
(-en replaced by -t)
139
(-en replaced by -t)
140
(a connecting vowel appears after -d- or -t-)
141
wir geben "geb-en" - ihr gebt "gep-t"
(stems ending in -b sound as p before -t)
142
wir tragen "trag-en" - ihr tragt "trak-t"
(stems ending in -g sound as k before -t)
143
b. There is one irregular form.

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

A. VERB FORMS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

II.2. The form of the verb with ihr is arrived at as follows

wir kommen - ihr kommt
a. The -en ending of the wir-form is replaced by -t in most verbs.

wir lesen - ihr lest
(-en replaced by -t)

wir müssen - ihr müsst
(-en replaced by -t)

wir besuchen - ihr besucht
(-en replaced by -t)

wir arbeiten - ihr arbeitet
(a connecting vowel appears after -d- or -t-)

wir geben "geb-en" - ihr gebt "gep-t"
(stems ending in -b sound as p before -t)

wir tragen "trag-en" - ihr tragt "trak-t"
(stems ending in -g sound as k before -t)

wir sind - ihr seid
b. There is one irregular form.

2. The form of the verb with ihr is arrived at as follows: a. The -en ending of the wir-form is replaced by -t in most verbs. Notice that a connecting vowel appears here also after -d- or -t-. Remember that stems ending in -b or -g will have the sounds [b] and [g] in the wir-form before the ending -en, but will have the sounds [p] and [k] in the ihr-form before the ending -t! b. There is one irregular form.

Verb forms in familiar speech, 4 of 5

Commands with Sie and ihr

A command is a verb form that tells a person to do something. German has a command form for each word for you.

For Sie, the command is the verb form in -en, then Sie: Grüssen Sie bitte Ihre Frau Gemahlin. The Sie command of sein is irregular: Seien Sie ruhig.

For ihr, the command is the ihr-form alone, with no pronoun: Vergesst eure Bücher nicht. Seid bitte um vier Uhr bei uns.

144
Please give my regards to Mrs. Allen.
145
Waiter, please bring me calves' liver with mashed potatoes and apple sauce.
146
Be quiet!
147
Do come over and see us tonight!
148
Don't forget your books!
149
Be at our house at four o'clock, now!
150
Hurry up, Klaus!
151
Get your hair cut.
152
Run, so you won't be late.

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

A. VERB FORMS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

III. There are three COMMAND or IMPERATIVE forms in German corresponding to the three words for you

Grüssen Sie bitte Ihre Frau Gemahlin.
Please give my regards to Mrs. Allen.

Herr Ober, bringen Sie mir bitte Kalbsleber mit Kartoffelpüree und Apfelmus.
Waiter, please bring me calves' liver with mashed potatoes and apple sauce.

Seien Sie ruhig!
Be quiet!

Kommt doch heute abend zu uns!
Do come over and see us tonight!

Vergesst eure Bücher nicht!
Don't forget your books!

Seid bitte um vier Uhr bei uns!
Be at our house at four o'clock, now!

Beeil' dich, Klaus!
Hurry up, Klaus!

Lass dir die Haare schneiden.
Get your hair cut.

Lauf', damit du nicht zu spät kommst.
Run, so you won't be late.

Hol' mich dort um eins ab.
Pick me up there at one.

Beeile dich.
(the -e is often written but not spoken)

Hole mich in einer Stunde ab.
(the -e is often written but not spoken)

Entschuldige, dass ich störe.
Excuse me for disturbing you.

Arbeite nicht so viel!
Don't work so much!

Vergiss dein Frühstücksbrot nicht.
Don't forget your lunch.

Nimm doch bitte auch den blauen mit.
Take the blue one along too, please.

Lies den ganzen Artikel.
Read the whole article.

Sei bitte um vier Uhr bei uns.
Be at our house at four o'clock, now.

1. In situations where the word for you is Sie the COMMAND form consists of the verb form ending in -en followed by the pronoun Sie. Note that the Sie-COMMAND form of the verb sein is irregular: Seien Sie ruhig!

2. In situations where the word for you is ihr the COMMAND form consists of the ihr-form of the verb alone, with no pronoun following.

3. In situations where the word for you is du a special COMMAND form is used with no pronoun following. a. For the majority of German verbs this special COMMAND form is the same as the infinitive or wir-form STEM, that is, the infinitive or wir-form minus the ending -en. This COMMAND form alternatively has an ending -e which is often written or is indicated in the writing system by an apostrophe as above but is not spoken by most Germans. b. For a few verbs the COMMAND form regularly has the ending -e added to the infinitive or wir-form stem. These are verbs whose stems end in -t or -d or in an unstressed syllable. c. In verbs like sprechen and lesen whose STEM sometimes has the vowel -e- and sometimes -i- (or -ie-) the COMMAND form is the same as the du-form STEM, that is, the du-form minus the ending -st (or -t). d. The verb sein has an irregular COMMAND form.

Verb forms in familiar speech, 5 of 5

Commands with du

The du command has a special form, with no pronoun after it.

For most verbs it is the stem, the infinitive without -en: Hol' mich dort um eins ab. An -e is often written, as in Hole, but most Germans do not say it.

A stem that ends in -t or -d, or in an unstressed syllable, regularly takes -e: Arbeite nicht so viel. Entschuldige, dass ich störe.

Verbs like lesen and sprechen, whose stem changes its vowel, use the du-form without -st or -t: Lies den ganzen Artikel. Vergiss dein Frühstücksbrot nicht.

The du command of sein is irregular: Sei bitte um vier Uhr bei uns.

153
Pick me up there at one.
154
(the -e is often written but not spoken)
155
(the -e is often written but not spoken)
156
Excuse me for disturbing you.
157
Don't work so much!
158
Don't forget your lunch.
159
Take the blue one along too, please.
160
Read the whole article.
161
Be at our house at four o'clock, now.

Pronouns and possessive words in familiar speech, 1 of 2

Pronouns for du and ihr

Du and ihr change with the case, as other pronouns do. Du is nominative, dich is accusative and dir is dative.

Ihr is nominative. Euch is both accusative and dative.

Sie is the same in the accusative, and Ihnen is the dative. Compare Ich hole Sie dort um eins ab and Ich hole dich dort um eins ab.

The reflexive forms are sich for Sie, dich for du and euch for ihr: Beeilen Sie sich, Beeil' dich, Beeilt euch.

Your, for du and ihr

Dein is the possessive word for du. Euer is the possessive word for ihr. Both mean your.

They are ein-type specifiers. The forms of dein are the same as the forms of mein and sein.

Euer becomes eur- before an ending: eure, euren, eurem.

The forms of dein

The four columns are for a der-noun, a das-noun, a die-noun and the plural.

The der-noun and das-noun forms differ only in the accusative: deinen against dein.

The die-noun and plural forms differ only in the dative: deiner against deinen.

The forms of euer have the same pattern.

162
Accusative: dich - euch; Dative: dir - euch
163
How are you, Mr. Becker?
164
How are you, Klaus?
165
Well, Klaus and Gerhard, how are you?
166
Hurry up!
167
Get your hair cut.
168
I'll pick you up there at one.
169
May I go along with you?
170
Nominative (der-, das-, die-nouns, plural)
171
Accusative
172
Dative
173
Genitive
174
Nominative (der-, das-, die-nouns, plural)
175
Accusative
176
Dative
177
Genitive

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

B. PRONOUNS AND POSSESSIVE WORDS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

I. The three forms of the pronouns used in familiar, or intimate speech

Nominative: du - ihr
Accusative: dich - euch; Dative: dir - euch

Wie geht es Ihnen, Herr Becker?
How are you, Mr. Becker?

Wie geht es dir, Klaus?
How are you, Klaus?

Na, Klaus und Gerhard, wie geht es euch?
Well, Klaus and Gerhard, how are you?

Beeilen Sie sich! Beeil' dich! Beeilt euch!
Hurry up!

Lassen Sie sich die Haare schneiden. Lass dir die Haare schneiden. Lasst euch die Haare schneiden.
Get your hair cut.

Ich hole Sie dort um eins ab. Ich hole dich dort um eins ab. Ich hole euch dort um eins ab.
I'll pick you up there at one.

Darf ich mit Ihnen mitfahren? Darf ich mit dir mitfahren? Darf ich mit euch mitfahren?
May I go along with you?

We have seen how they are used in some of the basic sentences; here are a few additional examples:

B. PRONOUNS AND POSSESSIVE WORDS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

II. The possessive words that go with du and ihr are dein and euer

dein - dein - deine - deine
Nominative (der-, das-, die-nouns, plural)

deinen - dein - deine - deine
Accusative

deinem - deinem - deiner - deinen
Dative

deines - deines - deiner - deiner
Genitive

euer - euer - eure - eure
Nominative (der-, das-, die-nouns, plural)

euren - euer - eure - eure
Accusative

eurem - eurem - eurer - euren
Dative

eures - eures - eurer - eurer
Genitive

Like the other possessive words (see Unit 4) they are ein-type specifiers and have the following forms:

Note that the forms of dein correspond exactly to the forms of mein, sein, etc., as given in Unit 4. Note also that euer has a shorter form eur- before endings.

Pronouns and possessive words in familiar speech, 2 of 2

Dein and euer in use

Dein and euer stand before a noun like any ein-type specifier: Ich will deinen grauen Anzug reinigen lassen.

They can also stand alone when the noun is understood. They then have the special forms of mein when it stands alone.

Das ist mein Pullover means that's my sweater. In the question that follows, Wo ist deiner, deiner means yours.

178
Do you have your lunch?
179
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.
180
Can you take my shirts along too when you take yours to the laundry?
181
That's my sweater. Where is yours?
182
Could we go with you in your car?
183
Do you want to have your summer suits cleaned too?
184
That's a nice car! Is that yours?

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

B. PRONOUNS AND POSSESSIVE WORDS IN FAMILIAR SPEECH

III

Hast du dein Frühstücksbrot?
Do you have your lunch?

Ich will deinen grauen Anzug reinigen lassen.
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.

Kannst du auch meine Oberhemden mitnehmen, wenn du deine in die Wäscherei bringst?
Can you take my shirts along too when you take yours to the laundry?

Das ist mein Pullover. Wo ist deiner?
That's my sweater. Where is yours?

Könnten wir in eurem Wagen mitfahren?
Could we go with you in your car?

Wollt ihr eure Sommeranzüge auch reinigen lassen?
Do you want to have your summer suits cleaned too?

Das ist aber ein schöner Wagen! Ist das eurer?
That's a nice car! Is that yours?

The familiar possessive words may occur in any of the ein-type specifier sequences and also, in the special forms noted in Unit 4, standing alone when the noun is understood.

The auxiliary verb lassen

Having something done

The auxiliary verb lassen goes with an infinitive, as können and müssen do.

Lassen Sie diesen Artikel doch bitte übersetzen means have this article translated, please.

A participle is a verb form such as cleaned or written. English says this with have or get and a participle. German uses lassen and an infinitive.

185
Get your hair cut, too.
186
Have this article translated, please.
187
I'm getting my shoes soled this afternoon.
188
Do you know where Klaus has his suits cleaned?

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

C. THE AUXILIARY VERB LASSEN

Lass dir auch die Haare schneiden.
Get your hair cut, too.

Lassen Sie diesen Artikel doch bitte übersetzen.
Have this article translated, please.

Ich lasse heute nachmittag meine Schuhe besohlen.
I'm getting my shoes soled this afternoon.

Weisst du, wo Klaus seine Anzüge reinigen lässt?
Do you know where Klaus has his suits cleaned?

The auxiliary verb lassen occurs in verb phrases with an infinitive, just as können, müssen, werden, etc. (see Units 2, 3 & 9). English has a similar verb phrase with a form of the verbs have or get and a participle.

Complex verb phrases

Three verbs in a phrase

Most verb phrases so far have two parts. A verb phrase can also have three parts: an auxiliary verb, a second auxiliary verb in the infinitive, and an infinitive.

In Ich will deinen grauen Anzug reinigen lassen, will is the first auxiliary, lassen is the second and reinigen is the infinitive.

When two infinitives stand together, the auxiliary infinitive is always last: Ich werde leider nicht vor acht Uhr kommen können.

189
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.
190
Unfortunately I won't be able to come before eight o'clock.
191
Mr. Schneider is supposed to be an excellent skier.
192
I'll have to leave at half past three at the latest.
193
Do you want to have your hair cut?

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

D. COMPLEX VERB PHRASES

Ich will deinen grauen Anzug reinigen lassen.
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.

Ich werde leider nicht vor acht Uhr kommen können.
Unfortunately I won't be able to come before eight o'clock.

Herr Schneider soll ausgezeichnet Ski laufen können.
Mr. Schneider is supposed to be an excellent skier.

Ich werde spätestens um halb vier abfahren müssen.
I'll have to leave at half past three at the latest.

Wollen Sie sich die Haare schneiden lassen?
Do you want to have your hair cut?

Most of the verb phrases encountered hitherto have consisted of two parts: an auxiliary verb and an infinitive (like the examples with lassen above) or a verb and an accented adverb (Hol' mich um eins ab). Some examples of verb phrases containing both an accented adverb and an infinitive have also occurred (Ich werde meinen Mantel anziehen). In this unit we now have an example of a verb phrase consisting of three parts: Here the auxiliary verb (will) has occurred together with a second auxiliary verb in the infinitive form (lassen) plus the infinitive (reinigen). Let us examine some additional examples of COMPLEX VERB PHRASES:

Note that when two infinitives stand together in this way the auxiliary infinitive is always last.

Derivative nouns, 1 of 2

A verb used as a noun

German makes nouns from other words, usually with a suffix, as English makes printing and goodness. Only some words do this.

The simplest way is to use the infinitive as a noun. This noun is always a das-noun: essen, das Essen.

The English meaning can be an -ing form, a related noun or a different word: aussehen, das Aussehen, appearance.

The woman's form in -in

The suffix -in makes a die-noun from a der-noun. The die-noun names a woman, and the der-noun a man.

Der Freund is a friend who is a man. Die Freundin is a friend who is a woman.

Der Sekretär and die Sekretärin work the same way. English does this with -ess, as in actress.

Nouns in -ung

Many infinitives give a die-noun when -ung replaces the ending -en.

Bestellen means to order, and die Bestellung is the order. Wohnen means to live, and die Wohnung is the apartment.

194
to eat - food, meal
195
to arrange - the act of arranging
196
to look, appear - appearance
197
to write - writing (as a skill), official letter
198
to know - knowing (about something), knowledge
199
der Gemahl - die Gemahlin,-nen
husband (very formal) - wife (very formal)
200
secretary (man) - secretary (woman)
201
der Freund - die Freundin,-nen
friend (man) - friend (woman)
202
American - American (woman)
203
to attend to - errand
204
to live, dwell - apartment
205
bestellen - die Bestellung,-en
to order - the order
206
to put in order - order, neatness
207
stellen - die Stellung,-en
to put, place - position

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

1. The infinitive as a noun

essen - das Essen,-
to eat - food, meal

einrichten - das Einrichten
to arrange - the act of arranging

aussehen - das Aussehen
to look, appear - appearance

schreiben - das Schreiben,-
to write - writing (as a skill), official letter

wissen - das Wissen
to know - knowing (about something), knowledge

In German as in English a number of nouns can be formed from other words (verbs, adjectives, other nouns), usually by the addition of a noun-forming suffix. Examples are such words as print-ing, good-ness, friend-ship, practical-ity. The process is not indiscriminate or automatic, however, and only certain words lend themselves to it.

1. The simplest formation consists in the use of the infinitive as a noun. Note that it is always a das-noun. The English equivalent may be either the -ing form of the verb (used as a noun) or a related noun or in some cases a completely different word. Form nouns from the following infinitives and give their English equivalents: gehen rauchen können reinigen sprechen treffen leben denken

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

2. die-words formed from der-words with the suffix -in

der Gemahl - die Gemahlin,-nen
husband (very formal) - wife (very formal)

der Sekretär - die Sekretärin,-nen
secretary (man) - secretary (woman)

der Freund - die Freundin,-nen
friend (man) - friend (woman)

der Amerikaner - die Amerikanerin,-nen
American - American (woman)

2. There are a number of examples of a die-word formed from a der-word by the addition of the suffix -in. These words all designate the feminine counterpart of the masculine word. Compare the English suffixes -ess and -ix: actr-ess, aviatr-ix.

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

3. die-words formed from infinitives with the suffix -ung

besorgen - die Besorgung,-en
to attend to - errand

wohnen - die Wohnung,-en
to live, dwell - apartment

bestellen - die Bestellung,-en
to order - the order

ordnen - die Ordnung
to put in order - order, neatness

stellen - die Stellung,-en
to put, place - position

3. Die-words are formed from many infinitives by substitution of the suffix -ung for the ending -en. Form nouns of this type from the following infinitives and give their English equivalents: stören verbinden verzeihen vorstellen zahlen bezahlen

Derivative nouns, 2 of 2

Nouns in -er

Many infinitives give a der-noun when -er replaces the ending -en. These nouns all name persons.

Arbeiten gives der Arbeiter, a worker. Mieten gives der Mieter, a tenant.

A very few have umlaut: verkaufen gives der Verkäufer.

Nouns in -heit and -keit

Many adjectives give a die-noun with the suffix -heit or -keit. These suffixes work like English -ness and -ity.

Schön means beautiful, and die Schönheit is beauty. Möglich means possible, and die Möglichkeit is possibility.

Nouns in -schaft

The suffix -schaft makes a die-noun from certain other nouns. It works like English -hood and -ship.

Der Bruder gives die Brüderschaft, brotherhood. Der Ort gives die Ortschaft, locality.

Some stems take umlaut. Some nouns lose a final -e: der Bote, die Botschaft.

208
to work - worker
209
to rent - tenant, lessee
210
to write - clerk, scribe
211
verkaufen (¨) - der Verkäufer,-
to sell - sales clerk
212
schön - die Schönheit,-en
beautiful - beauty
213
rein - die Reinheit,-en
pure - purity
214
mehr - die Mehrheit,-en
more - majority
215
ähnlich - die Ähnlichkeit,-en
similar - similarity
216
möglich - die Möglichkeit,-en
possible - possibility
217
correct - correctness
218
der Bruder (¨) - die Brüderschaft,-en
brother - brotherhood
219
messenger - message; embassy
220
gentleman - ladies and gentlemen
221
der Ort - die Ortschaft,-en
place - locality

FSI German Basic Course (1961), Unit 11, Notes on Grammar

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

4. der-words formed from infinitives with the suffix -er

arbeiten - der Arbeiter,-
to work - worker

mieten - der Mieter,-
to rent - tenant, lessee

schreiben - der Schreiber,-
to write - clerk, scribe

verkaufen (¨) - der Verkäufer,-
to sell - sales clerk

4. Der-words are formed from many infinitives by substituting the suffix -er for the ending -en. Notice that these nouns all designate persons. A very few words have umlaut of the stem vowel with this suffix. Form nouns from the following infinitives and give their English equivalents: besuchen denken fahren finden hören kaufen (¨) laufen (¨) lesen rauchen trinken übersetzen vermieten

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

5. die-words formed from adjectives with the suffixes -heit or -keit

schön - die Schönheit,-en
beautiful - beauty

rein - die Reinheit,-en
pure - purity

mehr - die Mehrheit,-en
more - majority

ähnlich - die Ähnlichkeit,-en
similar - similarity

möglich - die Möglichkeit,-en
possible - possibility

richtig - die Richtigkeit
correct - correctness

5. Die-words are formed from many adjectives by the addition of suffixes -heit or -keit. These suffixes thus work like English -ness, -ity, etc. a. With suffix -heit: Form nouns from the following adjectives and give their English equivalents: berühmt bestimmt einfach unbestimmt. b. With suffix -keit: Form nouns from the following adjectives and give their English equivalents: gemütlich langsam natürlich sauber wahrscheinlich wichtig wirklich zufällig

E. DERIVATIVE NOUNS

6. die-words formed from certain other nouns with the suffix -schaft

der Bruder (¨) - die Brüderschaft,-en
brother - brotherhood

der Bote - die Botschaft,-en
messenger - message; embassy

der Herr - die Herrschaften (pl)
gentleman - ladies and gentlemen

der Ort - die Ortschaft,-en
place - locality

6. Die-words are formed from certain other nouns by the addition of the suffix -schaft. This suffix works like English -hood and -ship. Some words have umlaut of the stem vowel with this suffix, and some nouns lose a final -e. Form nouns from the following nouns and give their English equivalents: Bekannte Freund Nachbar Vater Verwandte

Substitution Drill

222
I have to go down town this morning.
223
I hope we don't miss the bus.
224
He's having the shoes soled.

225
He's having the shoes soled.
226
I want to have your grey suit cleaned.
227
Take the blue suit along too, please.

228
Hurry up, so that you won't be late.
229
I'll give you some more money so that you can pick up the shoes.
230
It's about Professor Albers' lecture.
231
Is it all right with you if we come by at eight?

232
Is it all right with you if we come by at eight?
233
I hope you don't withdraw the money.
234
Mr. Becker is picking me up at five o'clock.

235
Mr. Becker is picking me up at five o'clock.
236
I'd like to speak to Dr. Bergmann.
237
I want to have the letters written now.

238
I want to have the letters written now.
239
A gentleman from the embassy would like to speak to you.
240
Is he washing his hands?
241
I'll pick you up at two at the hairdresser's.

242
I'll pick you up at two at the hairdresser's.
243
You have to get your hair cut.

Variation Drill

244
You're going to write the letter, aren't you?
245
You (pl) are going to write the letter, aren't you?
246
You're late.
247
You (sg) are late.

248
You (sg) are late.
249
I'll meet you (sg) here tomorrow.
250
She's just washing her hands.

251
Are you going to the lecture too?
252
Is that your newspaper?
253
Is that your (sg) newspaper?

254
Is that your (sg) newspaper?
255
That really is a beautiful coat. Is it yours?
256
Come home quickly!
257
Do you know that we're going to Germany soon?

258
Do you know that we're going to Germany soon?
259
Don't you think too that the apartment is very expensive?
260
Have this article translated, Mr. Meyer.
261
You (fam sg) will have to have the article translated.

262
You (fam sg) will have to have the article translated.
263
Pick up the shoes at the shoemaker's please.
264
Pick up the shoes at the shoemaker's please (fam pl).
265
Don't be so slow, or else you miss the streetcar.

266
Don't be so slow, or else you miss the streetcar.
267
He has to [go] to the bank this afternoon.
268
A gentleman from the British Embassy wants to talk to you.

Transformation Drill

269
Professor Albers is giving the lecture today.
270
She's at the hairdresser's.
271
The shoes are at the shoemaker's.
272
He's sitting at the breakfast table.
273
The shirts are still at the laundry.
274
The Beckers are renting out their house.
275
The conference isn't taking place today.
276
Our car is still in the repair shop.
277
When does he want to get his hair cut?
278
Where can I have my shoes soled?
279
Where should I have the suit cleaned?
280
Why does he want to have the article translated?
281
Where can we have the things wrapped up?
282
Where do you want to have the shirts washed?

283
Do I have to be introduced?
284
When may I have your parents picked up?
285
Whom do I have to have taken home?
286
What should I have passed on to Mr. Becker?

Conversion Drill I

287
Is he coming home at five?
288
Is he going to the shoemaker's this afternoon?
289
Is he ordering the books soon?
290
Does he often oversleep?
291
Does he comb his hair quite often?
292
Does he usually dictate so fast?
293
Does he usually go home at noon?
294
Does he always run so slowly?

295
Doesn't he forget the letters either?
296
Does he want to give the lecture?
297
Does he live in the city or in the suburbs?
298
Does he wash his laundry himself or does he take it to the laundry?
299
Is he moving to the city?
300
Does he change the money at the bank?
301
Is he renting out one of his rooms?
302
Does he like doing that?

303
Does he always meet her on the way home?
304
Is he wearing his new suit today?
305
Has he been standing there long?
306
Does he like sitting in this armchair?
307
Is he sitting down at this table again?
308
Is he writing another article?
309
Is he having calf's liver with mashed potatoes again?
310
Is he renting the apartment on Schubertstrasse?

311
Does he always put the letters on the desk?
312
Is he lending us the typewriter?
313
Has he been living in Germany long?
314
Does he know the watchmaker well?
315
Does he buy his suits at the men's clothing store?
316
Does he listen to the news at seven or at eight?
317
Is he picking up his parents today?
318
Is he helping with the arranging?

319
Is his name Bauer or Brauer?
320
Is he stopping in front of the hotel?
321
Does he have the papers with him?
322
Is he giving him a lunch?
323
Does he find the article?
324
Does he usually eat a warm meal in the evening?
325
Does he think that it's colder in Germany than here?
326
Does he need a new car?

Conversion Drill II

327
Please show me your luggage.
328
Go through the park here.
329
Do come and see us next Sunday.
330
Excuse me for disturbing you.
331
Just look at those dark clouds in the sky.
332
Please tell him I'd like him to call me.
333
Please take the laundry to the laundry.
334
Please don't be late.

335
Please stay here another hour.
336
Do read this article.

Vocabulary Drill

337
I hope he's not late again!
338
I really shouldn't like to be late.
339
The Beckers are usually late.
340
We'll probably be late.
341
He'll surely be late again.
342
Do you have a lot to attend to today?
343
We don't have anything to attend to today.
344
I want to attend to a few things tomorrow.
345
Do you have something to attend to today?

346
Can't you take care of that next week?
347
When do you expect us?
348
Mr. Becker expects you at three o'clock today.
349
Does the consul expect me to call him up ('that I call him up')?
350
The dentist expects you tomorrow at one.
351
Dr. Bergmann is expecting us for a conference.
352
Except for too much work I'm quite all right.
353
Apart from the flat tire the trip was very nice.
354
Apart from the climate I like it here very much.

355
Except for the thunder shower the walk was very nice.
356
Professor Albers is giving a lecture at the Chamber of Commerce today.
357
When will you be giving your lecture?
358
Next month Dr. Bergmann is supposed to be giving a lecture.
359
I don't know when he's giving his lecture.
360
Before I go to the conference I'd like to dictate a letter to you, Miss Neumann.
361
Wash your hands before you sit down at the breakfast table.
362
Before I pick you up I just want to [go] to the watchmaker's.
363
I have to call up the British Embassy before I go to the conference.

364
Take the letter to the post office, please, before you go to the movies.
365
Then I'd like to go to the pharmacy too.
366
Then I can go to the bank too.
367
I want to buy (myself) a few picture postcards too.
368
We'd like to go to the employment office too.
369
You'll have to clear away the crates too.

Translation Drill 1

370
Mr. and Mrs. Neumann are seated at the breakfast-table.
371
Mr. Neumann would like to know where Klaus is.
372
He has to hurry so that he doesn't miss the bus.
373
He just has to comb his hair still and wash his hands.
374
Then he looks for his brown shoes.
375
Mrs. Neumann tells him that they're at the shoemaker's.
376
Klaus can pick them up in the afternoon.
377
Klaus would like some money, since he has a school outing today.
378
Mr. Neumann gives him six marks.
379
He's supposed to get his hair cut (from it) too before he comes home.
380
Mrs. Neumann gives him his lunch.
381
Now Klaus has to run quickly however, or else he'll be late.
382
A little later the Neumanns drive down town together.

Translation Drill 2

383
Mrs. Neumann has a good deal to attend to.
384
First she has to go to the cleaners.
385
She wants to have her husband's grey suit cleaned.
386
She's supposed to take the blue one along with her to the cleaners too.
387
She'd like to take the shirts to the laundry.
388
At ten o'clock she has to go to the dentist and be at the hairdresser's at twelve.
389
Mr. Neumann asks if he is (supposed) to pick up his wife there.
390
Otherwise she can hardly be home before half past one.
391
She says she'd like him to be there at one.
392
On the way home they have to [go] to the watchmaker's and the pharmacy.
393
After lunch Mr. Neumann goes [back] to the office again.
394
The secretary says that Dr. Bergmann expects Mr. Neumann at five o'clock for a conference.
395
It's about the new customs regulations, and Miss Keller gives him all the papers.

Translation Drill 3

396
A gentleman from the British Embassy wanted to talk to Mr. Neumann too, but the secretary doesn't know what about.
397
He's going to call back later.
398
Then Mr. Neumann dictates two letters to his secretary, one to the Chamber of Commerce and one to the employment office.
399
He gives her an article also, and she is (supposed) to have it translated.
400
A little later the telephone rings, and the secretary answers.
401
Miss Keller tells Mr. Neumann that Mr. Meyer is on the wire.
402
Mr. Neumann tells her (he'd like her) to put him on please and then speaks with his friend.
403
He says that he's well, except for too much work.
404
Mr. Meyer is pretty well loaded down too right now.
405
Then he would like to know if the Neumanns are going to Professor Albers' lecture.
406
Mr. Neumann says that they are planning it.
407
Unfortunately the Meyers' car is in the shop.
408
They would like to ride in the Neumann's car with them.
409
They plan to drive to the lecture together shortly before eight.

Response Drill 1

410
Why isn't Klaus sitting at the breakfast table with his parents?
411
He is combing his hair right now and still has to wash his hands.
412
Why does he have to hurry?
413
He has to hurry, or he will miss the bus.
414
What is Klaus looking for?
415
He is looking for his shoes.
416
Where are the shoes?
417
They are at the shoemaker's.
418
Why are they at the shoemaker's?
419
Frau Neumann is having them resoled.
420
When can he pick up the shoes?
421
He can pick them up this afternoon.
422
Why does Klaus want some money?
423
He is going on a school outing.
424
How much money does his father give him?
425
His father gives him six marks.
426
Why does he give him so much money?
427
He is supposed to get his hair cut before he comes home.
428
What should he not forget before he leaves?
429
He must not forget his lunch.
430
Why is he supposed to run quickly?
431
He is supposed to run quickly so that he won't be late.
432
Where are the Neumanns going?
433
They are going into town.
434
Why is Frau Neumann coming along?
435
She has a great many errands to run.

Response Drill 2

436
Why is she taking two of her husband's suits with her?
437
She wants to take them to the dry cleaner's and have them cleaned.
438
Where is she taking the shirts?
439
She is taking the dress shirts to the laundry.
440
What else does she plan to do?
441
She still has to go to the dentist and the hairdresser.
442
When is she supposed to be there?
443
She is supposed to be at the dentist's at ten and at the hairdresser's at twelve.
444
When will she be home again?
445
She can hardly be home before one-thirty.
446
When does Herr Neumann want to pick up his wife?
447
He wants to pick her up at the hairdresser's at one.
448
Where do they still have to stop on the way home?
449
On the way home they have to stop at the watchmaker's and the pharmacy.
450
Where does Herr Neumann go in the afternoon?
451
In the afternoon he goes to the office.
452
What does the secretary tell him?
453
She says that Dr. Bergmann called.
454
What did he have ordered?
455
He is expecting Herrn Neumann at five for a meeting.
456
What is it about?
457
It concerns the new customs regulations.
458
What does Fräulein Keller give Herr Neumann?
459
She gives him all the documents.
460
On what matter did a gentleman from the British Embassy want to speak to Mr. Neumann?
461
Miss Keller doesn't know. The gentleman will call again.

Response Drill 3

462
To whom does Herr Neumann later dictate two letters?
463
He dictates one letter to the Chamber of Commerce and another to the employment office.
464
What should Miss Keller have translated?
465
She is supposed to have an article translated.
466
Who is calling Mr. Neumann? What is his name?
467
Herr Meyer calls Herr Neumann. His name is Gerhard.
468
Why is he calling him?
469
He would like to know whether the Neumanns are going to Professor Albers's lecture.
470
Why would Mr. Meyer like to know that?
471
His car is still at the repair shop, and he and his wife would like to ride in the Neumanns' car.
472
What time do the Neumanns want to stop by their place?
473
They want to stop by their place at eight o'clock.

Die beiden Fuhrleute (Nach J.P. Hebel)

474
Two wagoners meet with their wagons on a narrow road and cannot easily get past each other.
475
"Get out of my way!" one of them shouts.
476
"Well, you get out of my way!" the other shouts.
477
"I won't!" says the first.
478
"I don't have to!" says the other.
479
Neither gives way, and they both become very angry.
480
"Listen," the first finally says, "I'm asking you one last time: are you going to get out of my way or not?
481
If you don't, I'll do to you what I already did to someone else today." The other wagoner becomes cautious and says, "Well then, at least help me move your wagon a little to the side; otherwise I don't have enough room to get mine out of the way." The first wagoner agrees, and after a few minutes everything is in order.
482
Before they drive on, the second wagoner asks the first, "Listen, a moment ago you said you would do to me what you had already done to someone else today.
483
Tell me, what did you do to him?" "Well, just imagine," says the other, "the brute wouldn't get out of my way, so, I got out of his."

Conversation Practice 1

484
Are you going to the theater tonight?
485
I don't know whether I should go to the theater or to Professor Albers's lecture.
486
Oh, is Albers giving a lecture today? I'd like to hear it too! What time and where?
487
At eight o'clock at the Chamber of Commerce.
488
If you go, I'll come with you. We can go to the theater tomorrow instead.

Conversation Practice 2

489
What time is today's meeting at Dr. König's, Miss Keller?
490
At five fifteen, Herr Doktor.
491
Do you have all the documents there?
492
Yes, they're in your briefcase on the desk.
493
Good. Please call Herr Becker right away and tell him I'd like to have lunch with him today.
494
At what time, Herr Doktor?
495
At one o'clock, and, if Mr. Becker agrees, at the Ratskeller.
496
Should I have this article from the French newspaper translated?
497
Yes, it's very important. Before I go to lunch, I'd like to dictate a few more letters to you. Please take them to the post office before one.

Conversation Practice 3

498
I'd like to have this suit and the light gray jacket cleaned.
499
Certainly, you can pick the things up again on Friday afternoon.
500
How much does it cost to have the suit cleaned?
501
The suit costs two marks fifty, and the jacket one mark ninety-five.
502
Can I have my laundry washed here too?
503
Our laundry is right next door. May I have your name and address?
504
Frank Lee, Schubertstrasse 12, second floor.
505
Thank you very much.

Situations

506
Gerhard Becker calls his friend Klaus König.
507
He asks him whether he wants to go to München with him over the weekend.
508
Unfortunately Klaus has no time, he has to go to the dentist on Saturday and early Sunday he is expecting his parents.
509
Gerhard asks how long his parents want to stay and what they have planned.
510
Klaus says that his parents will only stay two or three days and that he wants to show them the city.
511
Sunday evening he wants to go to the theater with them.
512
Then Gerhard asks his friend whether he wants to have lunch with him now.
513
Klaus has time and they both want to be at the restaurant on the market square at 12:30.

514
Ask the desk clerk of your hotel where there is a dry cleaner and a laundry nearby.
515
Then take your laundry and two suits there.
516
The girl in the laundry counts your laundry, four dress shirts, two sport shirts, socks, underwear, and you ask when you can pick it all up again.
517
Then you go to the shoemaker and pick up your shoes.
518
You ask him how much resoling costs.
519
On the way home you ask a child where there is a drugstore.
520
The child tells you and then you talk with him a little more, ask him where he lives, what his name is, and so on.
521
Tell your secretary that you have to go to an important conference.
522
It has to do with the new import regulations, and you need the documents for it.
523
Before you go, tell her what else she is to do.
524
For example, she is to go to the post office, translate an article, call Dr. Bergmann, fill out some forms, and tell your wife that she should pick you up at six o'clock this evening.