Situations

1. Finding the Way

An American has just arrived in Germany and doesn't understand too well yet. He asks a German on the street where the hotel is. The German tells him it's over there to the left. The American doesn't understand him and asks him to say it again please. He still does not understand and asks the German to speak slowly. The latter repeats much slower and asks the American if he understands. The American says he does, thanks him and says goodbye.

Go through this conversation again with the American asking for the embassy, café, airport, etc., and the German giving different directions: straight ahead, over there, to the right, etc.

2. Question Practice

Each student asks the next student a question in addition (numbers one to twelve). He answers it and asks the next student, etc.

3. At the Cigar Store

Mr. Becker is the proprietor of a cigar store. Mr. Schneider stops in for some cigarettes. They exchange greetings, and Mr. Becker asks what Mr. Schneider would like. After getting him the cigarettes he asks if Mr. Schneider would like some cigars, too. He says no thanks, but he would like some matches. Figuring up his own bill he says that costs one euro ten, doesn't it, but Mr. Becker says no, it costs two euros. Mr. Schneider gives him the money, and they say goodbye to each other.

4. At the Restaurant

Frau Schneider is the server in a restaurant. Mr. Kunze greets her as he comes in and asks how she is. She returns his greeting and asks if he is well, too. He says yes, thanks, and asks if they have sausage and sauerkraut, and how the beer and the wine are, etc. Finally he says he'd like to have sausage and sauerkraut, beer and some bread. After the meal he pays her – it costs three euros – and says goodbye.