German - Basic Problem Statements

Ich habe mir ___ verletzt.

I hurt my ___.

Meaning: I hurt my ___.

When to use: Say this when you injured a body part (use accusative article: den, die, das).

Tip: Beginner error: using 'mich' instead of 'mir + den/die/das' (Ich habe mir den Arm verletzt is natural).

___ ist kaputt.

The ___ is broken.

Meaning: The ___ is broken.

When to use: Use this to say that an object is not working (include correct article: der/die/das).

Ich habe ___ vergessen.

I forgot ___.

Meaning: I forgot ___.

When to use: Say this when you left or forgot an object; the object is accusative (den, die, das / mein, deine...).

Ich habe ___ verpasst.

I missed ___.

Meaning: I missed ___.

When to use: Use for transport, appointments or events (den Bus, die Bahn, den Termin).

Ich bin zu spät.

I'm late.

Meaning: I'm late.

When to use: A short natural phrase for being late to work, class, or a meeting.

Ich kann nicht bezahlen.

I can't pay.

Meaning: I can't pay.

When to use: Use when you cannot pay now or have a payment problem at a shop or machine.

Tip: Some learners say 'Ich habe kein Geld' (I have no money) — correct but different meaning.

Es ist zu ___.

It's too ___.

Meaning: It's too ___.

When to use: Use with adjectives (kalt, teuer, weit). The adjective after 'zu' stays unchanged.

Tip: Don't change the adjective ending after 'zu' (say 'Es ist zu teuer', not 'Es ist zu teurer').