German - Clarification

Ich verstehe das nicht.

I don't understand.

Meaning: I don't understand.

When to use: Use this when you cannot follow what someone said or when instructions are unclear.

Kannst du das wiederholen?

Can you repeat that?

Meaning: Can you repeat that?

When to use: Ask this when you missed what someone said or need them to say it again.

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget to add 'bitte' for politeness; it's simple and helpful.

Kannst du langsamer sprechen?

Can you speak more slowly?

Meaning: Can you speak more slowly?

When to use: Use this when someone speaks too fast for you to follow.

Was bedeutet ___?

What does ___ mean?

Meaning: What does ___ mean?

When to use: Ask this when you hear a word or phrase you don't understand.

Wie sagt man ___ auf Englisch?

How do you say ___ in English?

Meaning: How do you say ___ in English?

When to use: Use this to ask how to express a German word or phrase in English.

Kannst du das aufschreiben?

Can you write it down?

Meaning: Can you write it down?

When to use: Ask this when hearing is hard and a written note would help.

Ist es ___ oder ___?

Is it ___ or ___?

Meaning: Is it ___ or ___?

When to use: Use this to check between two possible words, spellings, or answers.

Meinst du ___?

Do you mean ___?

Meaning: Do you mean ___?

When to use: Use this to check your understanding of what the other person said.

Benutz bitte einfache Wörter.

Please use simple words.

Meaning: Please use simple words.

When to use: Ask someone to use easier vocabulary when they speak to you.

Tip: Remember: 'Benutz' is informal. For formal situations say 'Benutzen Sie bitte...'.

Ich verstehe nur ein bisschen.

I only understand a little.

Meaning: I only understand a little.

When to use: Say this when you understood some, but not all, of what was said.

Ich kenne das Wort nicht.

I don't know that word.

Meaning: I don't know that word.

When to use: Use this when you recognize it as a word but don't know its meaning.

Kannst du mir ___ erklären?

Can you explain ___?

Meaning: Can you explain ___?

When to use: Ask this when you want a short explanation of a word, sentence, or idea.

Kannst du das buchstabieren?

Can you spell that?

Meaning: Can you spell that?

When to use: Ask this when you need someone to spell a word for you.