Lessons from this module are perfect for you if you want to build a broad and useful vocabulary in German.
We explore lots of words and families that are not exactly must-haves but that you will see and need sooner or later.
Summary
"wickeln" means "to wrap" but they don't always match. Today we'll learn what "wickeln" is exactly, and why "entwickeln" makes perfect sense as "to develop".
Vocabulary
wickeln, einwickeln, auswickeln, entwickeln, verwickeln, die Verwickelung, der Wickeltisch and special guest: Luftpolsterfolie
Summary
"schief" is one of the German words for "not straight". Today, we'll explore what it means exactly and explore the cool idioms and expressions with it.
Vocabulary
schief, schiefgehen, schieflaufen, schief angucken, die schiefe Bahn
Summary
'sich weigern' and 'verweigern' are two German translations for to refuse. Today, we'll learn and practice how to use them.
Vocabulary
sich weigern, verweigern, die Verweigerung, unweigerlich
Summary
We explore the real meaning of "fremd", its surprising connection to English and we look at the family with words like fremdgehen, fremdschämen and fremdeln.
Vocabulary
fremd, Fremdsprache, die Fremde, fremdschämen, fremdgehen, fremdeln, weltfremd
Summary
'rutschen' means 'to slide' but it's a specific kind. 'ausrutschen', 'abrutschen' and other versions are all about 'slipping'. Today, we'll explore that family.
Vocabulary
rutschen, die Rutsche, ausrutschen, der Ausrutscher, abrutschen, reinrutschen, herumrutschen, runterrutschen
Summary
German has a number of verbs for "borrowing" and "lending" - borgen, leihen, ausborgen, verleihen and more. Today, we'll learn what they all mean and when to use them.
Vocabulary
borgen, ausborgen, leihen, ausleihen, der Verleih, verleihen, Leihgebühr, bergen, bürgen, die Geborgenheit
Summary
"die Platte" looks like "the plate", but that's actually not the best match. Instead, you'll use Platte in surprising contexts like housing, dj-ing and biking.
Vocabulary
platt, der Platte, die Platte, die Steinplatte, die Käseplatte der Plattenbau
Summary
The German word for "conscience" is "das Gewissen". And even though they look nothing alike, they're the same word. Today, we'll find out all about it.
Vocabulary
das Gewissen, gewissenlos, gewiss, ungewiss, die Gewissheit, gewisse
Summary
"greifen" is one of the German words for "grabbing" besides "fassen". And especially the relatives of "greifen" are really useful - like der Griff, begreifen or ahngreifen.
Vocabulary
greifen, der Griff, der Greif, Griffin, angreifen, der Angriff, begreifen, der Begriff, durchgreifen, ergreifen, übergriffig, eingreifen, zugreifen
Summary
"tauschen" and "wechseln" are both about "swapping". Today, we'll find out the difference and also what enttäuschen has to do with all of this.
Vocabulary
tauschen, austauschen, umtauschen, vertauschen, wechseln, der Tausch, täuschen, enttäuschen, die Täuschung, die Enttäuschung
Summary
"schneiden" has a bunch of really useful prefix version, like "ausschneiden", "abschneiden", "Durchschnitt" and so on. Today, we'll learn them ALL!
Vocabulary
durchschneiden, anschneiden, abschneiden, beschneiden, ausschneiden, einschneiden, Abschnitt, Ausschnitt, Durchschnitt
Summary
Today, in a boring article out of which corporate has cut most jokes, we'll look at the meanings and use of "schneiden" and "der Schnitt". Yawn!
Vocabulary
schneiden, der Schnitt, das Schnitzel, die Schneide, der Schneider, die Schnitte
Summary
In this episode, we'll take a look at "fügen", explore the core meaning and see how it shows up in the related words.
Vocabulary
fügen, verfügen, einfügen, die Fuge, das Gefüge, gefügig, die Befugnis, Unfug
Summary
"sich weigern" is the translation for "to refuse". Today, we'll learn how to use it, what to make of "sich" and we'll take a look at "verweigern".
Vocabulary
sich weigern, verweigern, unweigerlich, die Weigerung, Realitätsverweigerung
Summary
"bloß" and "nur" both mean "only". So what's the difference? Today, we'll find out and we'll also expore some vocabulary around "bloß".
Vocabulary
bloß, die Blöße, bloßstellen, entblößen
Summary
"Leistung" has a load of translations but what's the core idea? Today, we'll find out and we'll also discover why "sich leisten" is German for "to afford".
Vocabulary
die Leistung, leistungsfähig, leisten, die Leiste
Summary
"scheitern" means "to fail" and it's easy to fail when using it because the phrasing can be bit tricky. Today, we'll learn all about it and explore the family.
Vocabulary
scheitern, versagen, nicht schaffen, der Scheiterhaufen, der Scheit
Summary
Today, we'll learn all about the meaning of "streben", its origin and its related words like "anstreben" or "der Streber".
Vocabulary
streben, anstreben, widerstreben, strebsam, der Streber
Summary
German has several words for "to send". "schicken" is the most common one, but there's also "senden" and various prefix versions. Today, we'll learn them all.
Vocabulary
schicken, senden, der Versand, der Sender, die Sendung, verschicken, abschicken, rausschicken, schick, das Schicksal, geschickt, Geschicklichkeit
Summary
"strecken" and "dehnen" both mean "to stretch". Today, we'll find out the difference and explore the other words in the family of strecken
Vocabulary
strecken, die Strecke, ausstrecken, erstrecken, vorstrecken, vollstrecken, dehnen, die Dehnung
Summary
"verzeihen" is about forgiving. But what's the difference to "entschuldigen" and "vergeben"? And what does it have to do with saying no to chocolate. Find out.
Vocabulary
verzeihen, verzichten, entschuldigen, Verzeihung, vergeben, die Vergebung
Summary
The family of "Rüstung" covers a surprisingly large and diverse range of contexts: from war, to gear, to construction work and even ... playgrounds.
Vocabulary
die Rüstung, rüsten, ausrüsten, aufrüsten, umrüsten, abrüsten, entrüstet, das Gerüst
Summary
hindern, behindern and verhindern are all related to English to hinder, but they all mean slightly different things. And they're all important...
Vocabulary
hindern, Hindernis, behindern, Behinderung, behindert, verhindern
Summary
All the prefix versions of "fallen" in one list - with meaning, usage and audio examples.
Vocabulary
fallen, auffallen, ausfallen, befallen, entfallen, einfallen, abfallen, anfallen, verfallen,...
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "der Schritt" - the German word for "step" - and a few of its useful relatives.
Vocabulary
der Schritt, der Fortschritt, schrittweise, der Rückschritt, schreiten, einschreiten, überschreiten, die Ausschreitung
Summary
A quick look at the German word "schrumpfen" and what it has to do with Super Mario and rasines.
Vocabulary
schrumpfen, schrumpeln, schrumpelig
Summary
"schonen" looks like "schon" but that's a trap - "schonen" is about treating with care. Today, we'll find out how to use it and check out its related words.
Vocabulary
schonen, verschonen, Schonzeit, Bildschirmschoner, verschönern, beschönigen
Summary
The German word "die Schicht" means "layer" and "shift". Today, we'll find out why and how to use it and if there's any other useful words in the family.
Vocabulary
die Schicht, die Frühschicht, die Spätschicht, die Mittelschicht, die Staubschicht, schichten, beschichten, Geschichte
Summary
Today, we'll learn the German words for "shy" and what the difference is between "schüchtern" and "scheu". And of course some more vocabulary :)
Vocabulary
scheu, schüchtern, einschüchtern, scheuen, scheuchen, abscheulich, verabscheuen
Summary
"trennen" is the German word for "to separate". In this article, we'll explore how to use it idiomatically and explore its various relatives.
Vocabulary
trennen, die Trennung, trennbar, unzertrennlich, zerren, verzehr, Zorn
Summary
"liefern" means " to deliver" in German. Today, we'll find out how to use it (and when not to) and we'll look at the prefix versions of "liefern".
Vocabulary
liefern, die Lieferung, erlösen, ausliefern, abliefern, überliefern, beliefern
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "stoßen" and what stubbing our toe has to do with having drinks, magnetism and acid reflux.
Vocabulary
stoßen, anstoßen, Anstoß, abstoßen, abstoßend, ausstoßen, aufstoßen, studieren, zustoßen, verstoßen
Summary
A fun look at the family of "dicht" and if density has something to do with Goethe.
Vocabulary
dicht, die Dichte, verdichten, dick, die Dicke, dichten, der Dichter
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "tragen" and it's many many different prefix versions, which cover areas from giving birth all the way to contract law.
Vocabulary
tragen, vertragen, ertragen, der Betrag, der Vertrag, der Auftrag, beauftragen, der Antrag, übertragen, träge, eintragen,...
Summary
A fun look at the various German words with "acht" (acht, Achtung, verachten,...) and what the number has to do with attention, respect and the observer effect.
Vocabulary
acht, achtzig, achtel, achten, beachten, beobachten, verachten, achtlos, Achtsamkeit
Summary
"leiten" means "to lead". But what's the difference to "führen"? And what does leading have to do with tap water? This and more is what we'll find out today.
Vocabulary
leiten, die Leitung, der Leiter, die Einleitung, umleiten, ableiten, begleiten,
Summary
Today, we'll look at the meaning of "streiten" and how it relates to the English translations "to argue" and "to fight".
Vocabulary
streiten, der Streit, umstritten, unstrittig, abstreiten, bestreiten, der Mitstreiter, kämpfen
Summary
Jealousy and envy - they're not nice feelings, but we all know them. Today, we'll learn the words in German and uncover some really surprising family ties.
Vocabulary
die Eifersucht, die Sucht, die Seuche, der Eifer, der Neid, neidisch
Summary
"lösen" looks like the German translation for "to lose". But that's not quite right. Today, we'll learn what it means and look at its various prefix versions.
Vocabulary
lösen, die Lösung, auflösen, ablösen, verlieren,
Summary
Today, we'll check out the verb "neigen" and explore where it comes from, why it's about incliding and we'll explore the word family, including the verb "nicken
Vocabulary
neigen (zu), die Neigung, die Abneigung, die Zuneigung, abgeneigt sein, nicken, das Nickerchen
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "der Schirm" and why it connects your phone, para-shooting and missile defense.
Vocabulary
der Schirm, der Bildschirm, der Sonenschirm, anschirmen, auf dem Schirm haben
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "melden" and why it is so common in colloquial daily life. Also: a long awaited foe appears.
Vocabulary
melden, die Meldung, anmelden, abmelden, Meldebescheinigung
Summary
We'll learn how to say "to offer" in German and what the difference is between "bieten" and "anbieten". And we'll find out what "Gebiet" has to do with this.
Vocabulary
bieten, anbieten, das Angebot, der Bote, das Gebiet, verbieten, das Verbot
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "die Schwelle" and what doors have to do with ears and inhibitions. Also: some words for swellings.
Vocabulary
schwellen, die Schwellung, die Schwiele, die Schwelle, schwül, schwul
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "der Ton" and what music has to do with pottery. And a bit of basic acoustical physics for good measure :)
Vocabulary
der Ton, der Lehm, betonen, vertonen, die Note, der Klang
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "sparen", what it has to do with German culture, and the various ways to translate "to spare".
Vocabulary
sparen, sich sparen, sparsam, ersparen, verschonen, übrig
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "spitz" and the various related words like "die Spitze" and "der Spitzname". A spitzen-way to build vocabulary :)
Vocabulary
spitz, die Spitze, die Spitzenidee, anspitzen, der Spitzname, Ohren spitzen, der Spitzel, bespitzeln, die Speiche
Summary
The difference between "anfangen" and "beginnen". Preceeded by a lot of cool info about "fangen" and its prefix versions and what WIFI has to do with girth.
Vocabulary
fangen, der Fänger, das Gefängnis, auffangen, einfangen, abfangen, empfangen, der Empfang, anfangen, der Anfang, beginnen
Summary
There's "der Schild" and "das Schild" and they're not the same. Today, we'll find out the different meanings, and plurals and we'll learn some cool relative
Vocabulary
der Schild, das Schild, schildern, ausschildern, die Drüse, die Schilddrüse, der Schirm, abschirmen
Summary
"Stamm" means "trunk" and also "tribe" and you also need to to talk about your favorite bar. Today, we'll find out what all these meanings have in common.
Vocabulary
der Stamm, der Stammtisch, der Stammbaum, der Baumstamm, der Stammkunde, stammen, stemmen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "graben" and how it relates to ditch and rumination. And another English word that you would NEVER expect to be related to grave.
Vocabulary
graben, vergraben, begraben, angraben, das Grab, die Gruft, die Grube, grübeln, ...
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "rühren" and "sich rühren" and "berühren" and what stirring has to do with moving and touching.
Vocabulary
rühren, sich rühren, berühren, die Berührung
Summary
A quick, fun look at the meaning of "das Lob" and what it has to do with getting engaged and lobsters.
Vocabulary
das Lob, loben, verloben, der Verlobte, die Verlobung, das Gelöbnis, das Gelübde,erlauben
Summary
"gelingen" means "to succeed", but it only covers "half" of the English word, because it only talks about the attempt. Today, we'll find out how to use it.
Vocabulary
gelingen, gelungen, misslingen, schaffen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "spalten" and its family and what that has (or doesn't have) to do with splitting a bill and rewinding a song.
Vocabulary
spalten, der Spalt, die Spalte, die Spule, vorspulen, der Splitter,
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "schweben", where it comes from and what it has to do with imagination and blabbering.
Vocabulary
schweben, vorschweben, der Schweif, abschweifen, ohne Umschweife
Summary
"arm" in English is a body part and a weapon. "Arm" in German is a body part and poor. Today, we'll find out all about these weird double meanings
Vocabulary
der Arm, umarmen, langärmlig, arm, ärmlich, die Armut, verarmen, die Waffe, bewaffnet
Summary
A fun look at the word "schützen", the difference to "beschützen" and how these words tie in with shooting and the German word Erdgeschoss (ground floor).
Vocabulary
schützen, beschützen, der Schutz, der Schütze, schießen
Summary
A fun look at the German verb "wischen" and its brothers like "abwischen", "auswischen" or "verwischen". And some classical music.
Vocabulary
wischen, verwischen, erwischen, entwischen, jemandem eins auswischen
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of the verb "locken", what it has to do with curls and which Greek philosopher invented swag.
Vocabulary
locken, verlockend, die Locke, locker, auflockern
Summary
"rechnen" is the German word for doing calculations and it has dozens of prefix versions abrechnen, ausrechnen or berechnen. Today, we'll learn all about th
Vocabulary
rechnen, die Rechnung, abrechnen, ausrechnen, difference Abrechnung Rechnung
Summary
A quick fun look at the meaning of "rasten" and why someone who did some "ausrasten" is far from beingy well rested after.
Vocabulary
rasten, die Rast, ausrasten, der Rest, das Resteessen, restlich-, ausruhen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "wachsen" and its prefix versions and a REALLY big difference between "wachsen and "to grow". Also: adults an ingrown toenails.
Vocabulary
wachsen, aufwachse, erwachsen, das Wachs, durchwachsen
Summary
"handeln" means "to trade". But also "to act". And "to be about". But WHY? Today, we'll find out and we'll explore prefix versions like verhandeln or behandeln
Vocabulary
handeln, der Handel, verhandeln, behandeln, die Hand, der Händler, die Handlung
Summary
The core meaning of "der Drang" is an inner urge. Today, we'll explore when to use it and learn the menaing of drängeln, eindringen, aufdrängen and dringend. .
Vocabulary
der Drang, der Zwang, eindringen, aufdringlich, dringend, drängeln, abdrängen
Summary
"schlagen" means "to punch" and also "to beat". And there's a third sense about "going in a direction". Today, we'll explore that and its various prefix verbs.
Vocabulary
schlagen, vorschlagen, einschlagen, der Vorschlag, der Ausschlag, Anschlag, der Umschlag, der Schlaganfall
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "schleifen" what dragging has to do with sharp. Also: a few surprise guests like "schleichen" and "schlecht"
Vocabulary
schleifen, die Schleife, der Schleim, schleichen, die Schleichwerbung, schlichten, schlecht
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "streichen" and its family with words like "streicheln", "der Strich", "unterstreichen" and how they all connect.
Vocabulary
streichen, durchstreichen, der Strich, der Aufstrich, der Abstrich, streicheln, der Streich
Summary
"Schwarm" means "swarm". But it also means something else that you would never guess. Today, we'll find out and we'll also learn the verb "schwärmen".
Vocabulary
der Schwarm, der Vogelschwarm, der Frauenschwarm, schwärmen
Summary
In this episode, we'll explore the word "spüren". We'll see where it comes from, what the difference is to "fühlen" and which nice related words there are.
Vocabulary
spüren, das Gespür, die Spur, spuren, aufspüren, spurlos, verspüren
Summary
A fun look at the meanings of dienen, bedienen and verdienen and what serving has to do with earning and a user manual. Quite a useful family.
Vocabulary
dienen, der Dienst, der Diener, bedienen, die Bedienung, die Bedienungsanleitung, verdienen, der Verdienst,
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "kehren" and what cleaning has to do with traffic, mistakes, Jedi knights and ... sex. Yup... all those things :)
Vocabulary
kehren, umkehren, der Verkehr, verkehrt herum, die Rückkehr, bekehren
Summary
A fun look at the German verb "treten" and its family. We'll learn the origins and loads of useful related nouns and prefix verbs.
Vocabulary
treten, der Tritt, der Schritt, eintreten, austreten, auftreten, vertreten, betreten
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "gießen" and its prefix versions like "eingießen", "ausgießen" or "aufgießen". With lots of examples and a special guest.
Vocabulary
gießen, der Guss, eingießen, ausgießen, vergießen, der Erguss
Summary
A thorough look at the meaning of "weise" and its family and what proving has to do with hints, identity cards and wisdom. #mindblowing
Vocabulary
weise, weisen, der Hinweis, der Ausweis, ausweisen, abweisen, einweisen, verweisen, beweisen, der Beweis, überweisen, ausnahmsweise, -weise
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "wehren" and why a damn evolved into all kinds of words for fighting and defending.
Vocabulary
wehren, das Wehr, die Feuerwehr, die Notwehr, die Bundeswehr, abwehren, das Gewehr, verteidigen
Summary
Today, we’ll climb to the top of Mount Klammer together. The higher we get, the more useful related words we can see :). Also: surprise relations to English #jawdrop
Vocabulary
die Klammer, klammern, ausklammern, klemmen, klettern, kleben
Summary
A quick, fun look at the German word "die Lücke", its relatives and how they relate it relates to the English word ____ (put your guess here :).
Vocabulary
die Lücke, lückenhaft, das Loch, gähnen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "haft" and its family. A ride that'll take us from a jail sentence all the way to a stapler pin. Ernsthaft?! Yup, ernsthaft :)
Vocabulary
haft, haften, verhaften, die Haft, zwanghaft, zweifelhaft, das Heft, heften, der Hefter, heftig
Summary
A fun look at the meaning and use of "pflegen" and its related words a surprise reveal about an annoying brother that's all about duties.
Vocabulary
pflegen, die Pflege, die Verpflegung, die Pflicht, verpflichten
Summary
Today, we'll take a look at the prefix verbs of "folgen"and see how success relates to following. Special guest: folgern.
Vocabulary
folgen, verfolgen, befolgen, erfolgen, der Erfolg, folgern, die Folgerung
Summary
'folgen' means 'to follow', but there's much more it than that. Today, we'll explore the family and find a surprising connection to English.
Vocabulary
folgen, die Folge, infolgedesen,folglich, zufolge, folgenlos
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "fordern" and "fördern" and what demanding has to do with support, challenges and mining. In short: lots of useful words.
Vocabulary
forder, fördern, die Forderung, die Förderung, befördern, erforderm, herausfordern, auffordern, unterfordern
Summary
We'll take a look at the word "der Kummer", its cool compounds and the verb "sich kümmern um" (to take care of). It’ll be cumbersome… I mean, it’ll be fun :)
Vocabulary
der Kummer, Liebeskummer, sich kümmern um
Summary
A fun look at the word "das Blatt" and its CRAZY family which ranges from blood to flowers.
Vocabulary
das Blatt, blättern, der Blätterteig, die Blüte, blühen, die Blume
Summary
"Ziel" is the German word for "goal". We'll learn where it comes from and what nice related words we can add to our vocabulary.
Vocabulary
das Ziel, zielen, ziellos, die Zielgruppe, erzielen
Summary
"zwingen" is the German word for forcing and "Zwang" can be compulsion and duress. Today, we'll explore that word family in detail.
Vocabulary
zwingen, der Zwang, der Gruppenzwang, aufzwingen, die Zwangsstörung, erzwingen, zwängen, reinzwängen, ...
Summary
Zeug means stuff. And Spielzeug literally means playstuff. But there's much more. Zeuge is witness and überzeugen is to convince. Today, we'll find out why.
Vocabulary
das Zeug, der Zeuge, das Zeugnis, erzeugen, das Flugzeug, das Feuerzeug, das Spielzeug, überzeugen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "die Steuer" and its brother "das Steuer" and the surprise connection between steering can taxation :). Also: a mention of "lenken"
Vocabulary
das Steuer, die Steuer, steuerbord, die Steuererklärung, die Steuerung, die Mehrwertsteuer
Summary
We'll take a thorough look at "wenden" and its family and what turning, using, learning by heart, relatives and walls have to do with one another. #vocabAF
Vocabulary
wenden, die Wand, verwenden, anwenden, auswendig, verwandt
Summary
A fun look at the noun "der Lohn" and how to say “It’s worth it” in German. Oh, and a look at the difference between Lohn and Gehalt #boring
Vocabulary
der Lohn, sich lohnen, belohnen, das Gehalt
Summary
We’ll look at the family of die Not and find lots of necessary words - literally :).
Vocabulary
die Not, notwendig, nötig, benötigen, der Notfall
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "stützen", a word that can "support" your vocabulary (hint, hint). Also: a bit of horse vocabulary that is totally related #random
Vocabulary
stützen, die Stütze, aufstützen, abstützen, unterstützen, die Liegestütze, der Stützpunkt, ...
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of 'gelten' and why 'gleichgültig' means 'indifferent'. Of course with audio examples :)
Summary
A thorough look at the meaning of 'treiben', all it's super common prefix versions and the connection to the English 'drive'. (*vocabulary increases)
Vocabulary
treiben, der Trieb, antreiben, der Antrieb, auftreibe, abtreiben, die Abtreibung, vertreiben, übertreiben, die Übertreibung, der Betrieb
Summary
If you think the verb "regen" has something to do with "rain", then this post is for you. Today, we'll learn all about it and all its useful prefix versions.
Vocabulary
regen, regungslos, sich aufregen, sich abregen, erregen, anregen
Summary
"hauen" is overlooked by textbooks and course, but if you want to speak colloquial German. Today, we'll learn all about it and its cool prefix versions.
Vocabulary
hauen, reinhauen, abhauen, umhauen
Summary
Kunde means customer. But also knowledge. And kündigen mean to fire someone. Today, we’ll find out what connects all those and learn some more cool words.
Vocabulary
der Kunde, sich erkundigen,kündigen, ankündigen, die Kündigung, die Urkunde
Summary
A fascinating boat ride along the stream of German Fluss-words #usefulAF. Also: surprising connections to English - I’m just saying flood, influence and flight ;)
Vocabulary
der Fluss, flüssig, überflüssig, der Einfluss, beeinflussen, fließen, fliegen, fliehen,
Summary
Schatz means treasure. Schätzen means to estimate. Today, we'll find out why and go over the various useful prefix verbs of "schätzen".
Vocabulary
schätzen, der Schatz, sich verschätzen, schätzungsweise, überschätzen, einschätzen, unterschätzen,
Summary
A fun look at the family of "der Staub", which goes all the way from air pollution to bargains. We’ll learn lots of cool, useful words and see some crazy connection to English.
Vocabulary
der Staub, Staubsauger, staubig, einstauben, abstauben, stöbern, der Dampf, der Duft
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "umständlich" and the noun "der Umstand" and what pregnancy clothes have to do with circumstances.
Vocabulary
umständlich, der Umstand, unter Umständen, andere Umstände
Summary
A fun look at the origin and meaning of "der Zweck" and its related words.
Vocabulary
der Zweck, die Zweckehe, die Reißzwecke, bezwecken, zwecks, zwecklos
Summary
"winken" is "to wink", right? Nope, they're false friends. Today, we'll learn what "winken" really means and what other cool words there are in the family.
Vocabulary
winken, abwinken, wanken, wankelmütig, zwinkern, der Winkel
Summary
"bedeuten" is the German word for "to mean". But why? And what does "deuten" mean. And what does that have to do with "deutsch". Today, we'll find out.
Vocabulary
deuten, deutsch, bedeuten, eindeutig, deutlich
Summary
A thorough look at the meaning of "steigen" and it's prefix versions, which are crucial if you want to use transportation in Germany :). Also: steigern.
Vocabulary
steigen, einsteigen, aussteigen, steigern, die Steigerung, versteigern
Summary
We travel to the core of "das Mittel" and see what on earth the word middle has to do with remedy and learn loads of useful words with "Mitte" in them :)
Vocabulary
die Mitte, das Mittel, mittel-, vermitteln
Summary
A Taste is a key. Boring. But that's not all. Also on the menu: have a riveting look at the family, stunning relations to English and lots of new cool verbs.
Vocabulary
die Taste, die Tastatur, abtasten, tasten, anfassen, berühren
Summary
A fascinating, almost philosophical look at the meaning and origin of "das Wesen" and an insight into what being has to do essence and absence :).
Vocabulary
das Wesen, das Lebewesen, wesentlich, abwesend, anwesend, das Unwesen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "lenken", the difference to "steuern" and how that relates to the German word for "to distract".
Vocabulary
lenken, der Lenker, ablenken, das Gelenk, das Lenkrad
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of the noun "Rücken" and the verb "rücken" (which is different) all its related words. Special guest: krass.
Vocabulary
der Rücken, zurück, rückwärts, Rück-, rücken, abrücken, verrückt, krass
Summary
A quick, fun look at "fähig", a useful word as a stand alone but even more useful in compounds. Also: die Fähigkeit and a bad poem :).
Vocabulary
fähig, die Fähigkeit, -fähig
Summary
A fun look at two words that you definitely need on a flee market: trödeln and das Schnäppchen. We'll learn what they mean and see their cool backstory.
Vocabulary
trödeln, der Trödelmarkt, das Schnäppchen, schnappen, der Schnabel, der Schnaps
Summary
A thorough look at the meaning of "teilen", how that shows in the different prefix versions and why an SMS is also called "Kurzmitteilung" in German.
Vocabulary
teilen, verteilen, aufteilen, einteilen, austeilen, mitteilen, die Mitteilung, zum Teil
Summary
The German word "Teil" has two genders. Today, we'll find out why and what they mean and we'll go over the most useful compound nouns with Teil.
Vocabulary
das Teil, der Teil, der Großteil, das Gegenteil, der Vorteil, vorteilhaft, der Nachteil
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "schieben" and what delaying has to do with a drawer and deportations.
Vocabulary
schieben, abschieben, aufschieben, der Schub, die Schublade, verschieben
Summary
We'll look at the meaning of 'Reiz' and 'reizen', see what they have to do with nerves and we'll learn quite a few common phrasings and expressions.
Vocabulary
der Reiz, reizen, gereizt, reizend, Hautreizung
Summary
Vocabulary trainers often group their stuff by categories. Well, here's one of mine: word for rotten food and the effect it can have on us when we eat it :)
Vocabulary
faulen, schimmeln, ranzig, sauer, schlecht, gammeln, kotzen, sich übergeben, ablaufen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of the super German sounding word die Schranke and what French fries have to do with limits, your closet and your arms.
Vocabulary
die Schranke, der Schrank, das Regal, schräg, einschränken, beschränken
Summary
A fun look at the meaning and use of "werben" and its family and why applying for a job in German is about advertising yourself.... literally.
Vocabulary
werben, die Werbung, sich bewerben, die Bewerbung, erwerben, erwerbslos
Summary
A fun look at "weich", why it means soft and what it has to do with dodging a snowball, soaking beans and changing paths.
Vocabulary
weich, weichen, die Weiche, ausweichen, einweichen, abweichen
Summary
Languages are full of onomatopoetical words for noises - hissing, humming, growling etc. Today, we'll look at the German ones and see if they "sound the part.
Vocabulary
brummen, plätschern, knarren, rauschen, britzeln, quietschen, pfeifen
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "sorgen" and its prefix version and what worry has to do with getting some beer.
Vocabulary
sorgen, die Sorge, versorgen, besorgen, besorgt
Summary
Decke means cover. And under that cover we … ahem… discover a whole bunch of useful nouns and verbs. Today, we’ll cover all those and more :)
Vocabulary
die Decke, der Deckel, die Deckung, decken, zudecken, bedecken, entdecken
Summary
"lesen" means "to read" in German. Today, we'll explore its various prefix versions and see some really fascinating connections to English and quality food.
Vocabulary
lesen, vorlesen, die Vorlesung, durchlesen, nachlesen, verlesen
Summary
We'll talk about anything 'nose' :). So words for the parts, verbs that relate to nose, and a whole bunch of nice idioms with "die Nase". #vocab-galore
Vocabulary
die Nase, die Nasenflügel, die Nebenhöhlen, schnauben, rümpfen, der Geruch, der Gestank, die Stupsnase
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "der Raum", because the nouns and verbs based on it fill up a big room. Today, we'll go in and tidy up a that chaos :) (hint, hint)
Vocabulary
der Raum, Raum-, das Zimmer, räumen, aufräumen, umräumen
Summary
A thrilling look at the meanings of "Spannung" and the verb "spannen" and the answer to how to say ‘relaxed’ and ‘excited’ in German.
Vocabulary
die Spannung, gespannt, spannend, die Anspannung, entspannen
Summary
We'll learn about "raten" and why it is guessing and giving advice at the same time. Also: lots of really useful prefix versions and other nice words.
Vocabulary
raten, der Rat, beraten, verraten, erraten, das Rätsel
Summary
We'll look at the meaning of "stimmen" and what "voice" has to do with being right and voting. And the meaning of the idiomatic German "stimmt".
Vocabulary
die Stimme, stimmen, die Stimmung, bestimmen, bestimmt, abstimmen, verstimmen,
Summary
We'll look at the most important words you need when you are in a bad mood - either angry or sad. With lots of examples.
Vocabulary
nörgeln, quengeln, muffig, schimpfen, weinen, heulen, trösten
Summary
A fun overview over facial expressions in German. We'll go over all kinds of things that you can do with your face with lots of examples.
Vocabulary
lachen, lächeln, der Mund, die Augen, blinzeln, hochnäsig, rümpfen, runzeln
Summary
By itself, "der Mut" means courage. But there are countless words with Mut where that doesn't really fit. Like vermuten or Anmut. Today, we'll explore all that.
Vocabulary
der Mut, -mut, übermütig, gutmütig, Unmut, Demut,Armut, vermuten
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "die Erfahrung" and if really has something to do with "fahren" (to drive). Also: the difference between erfahren and erleben.
Vocabulary
die Erfahrung, erfahren (verb), erfahren (adjective), erleben, das Erlebnis
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "die Wahl" and the verb "wählen" and the difference to "aussuchen". And a boring look at the German political system :).
Vocabulary
die Wahl, wählen, wählerisch, die Auswahl
Summary
A fun look at the "warten" and its prefix versions. We'll learn about the two(!!) meanings of "warten" and see how they tie in with expectations.
Vocabulary
warten, abwarten, erwarten, die Erwartung, die Wartungsarbeit, der Torwart
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of "kippeln" - a verb for something quite common in school. Bonus word: menscheln.
Vocabulary
kippeln, menscheln, der Mensch, kippen, umkippen
Summary
There are quite a few modes of speaking - whispering, screaming, mumbling, and so on Today, we'll go over them in German and see if they sound the part.
Vocabulary
nuscheln, schreien, rufen, flüstern, lispeln, säuseln
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of "Kostehäppchen", the weird double meaning of “kosten” and the difference to “probieren”.
Vocabulary
kosten, kostbar, kostenlos, probieren, der Bissen
Summary
There's a whole range of noises we can make with our body - sneezing, farting, burping and so on. Today, we'll go over the common ones together.
Vocabulary
gähnen, schnarchen, pupsen, rülpsen, niesen, Nase hochziehen, hicksen,
Summary
German is full of onomatopoeia. Today, we'll learn the poetic German word for it and check out some common examples with audio :)
Vocabulary
laut, der Laut, der Klang, die Malerei
Summary
Most of you know what to go and to run means in German. But there are many more "modes" of walking. Today, we'll explore words like sneak, stumble and trod...
Vocabulary
gehen, laufen, rennen, schleichen, stolpern, schlendern, bummeln
Summary
Did you ever wonder why Bargeld is cash and not bar money. And why a bar is still Bar? And why"wunderbar" is "wonderful". In this post, we'll find out :)
Vocabulary
bar, in bar, die Bar, das Bargeld,
Summary
Almost everybody uses "Zettel" every now and then. Today, we'll see what it is and learn a few nice idioms with it.
Vocabulary
der Zettel, der Denkzettel, sich verzetteln, anzetteln
Summary
Come along with Inspector awesome and discover the meaning of "unheimlich" while solving a case.
Vocabulary
unheimlich, das Heim, das Altenheim, nach Hause, heimelig, heimisch, heimlich
Summary
"Der Vogel" means "bird". And German has quite a few idioms and with it. Today, we'll learn the best ones, including one about... sex.
Vocabulary
der Vogel, einen Vogel haben, einen Vogel zeigen, der Dreckspatz, der Lockvogel, die Schnapsdrossel, der Pechvogel
Summary
A quick look at the meaning of Frühjahrsmüdigkeit - an ailment that many Germans suffer from in spring time, but that is rest of humanity has never heard of :)
Vocabulary
das Frühjahr, der Frühling, müde, die Müdigkeit
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of der Schnupfen and other words you need when you have a German cold.
Vocabulary
der Schnupfen, die Erkältung, schnauben, der Husten, das Tuch, der Rotz
Summary
In this episode, we'll take a thorough look at the meaning "wenn" and why it is used the way it's used. It's nerdy, it's silly, it's philosophical :)
Summary
A fun look at the German word "der Hosenstall" and why it’s perfect for an April’s fools prank. Also: some more or less useful words :)
Vocabulary
die Hose, der Stall, der Reißverschluss, auf sein
Summary
Faulpelz is a colloquial word for, well, all of us sometimes. Today, we'll learn what it means and that lazy has to do with foul in German.
Vocabulary
faul, der Pelz, faulenzen, faulig, verfaulen
Summary
A fun look at "die Brille", the German word for glasses, and its various compounds that range from dreams to toilets.
Vocabulary
die Brille, aufsetzen, absetzen, die Sonnenbrille, die Klobrille,
Summary
A fun look at the meaning of ‘der Schein’ and the verb 'scheinen' what sunshine has to do with appearance and money.
Vocabulary
der Schein, scheinbar, Geldschein, Sonnenschein, scheinen, glänzen, leuchten
Summary
The fun world of doing the dishes in German. We'll learn words like pot, pan or plate and more importantly, we'll learn the phrasings for cleaning them :)
Vocabulary
der Abwasch, abwaschen, waschen, Pfanne, Topf
Summary
The second article on this blog :). The meaning of "Tisch" with some nice family relations.
Vocabulary
der Tisch, die Tafel, der Nachtisch
