Na ja,
Anyway, ...
Na ja, dann sehen wir uns morgen.
Anyway, see you tomorrow.
Na ja, das war wohl nicht der Plan.
Well, anyway, that wasn’t the plan.
German - Transitions
Lesson 88 of 158
Goal: Useful little phrases to move a conversation along
Free German lessons with guided practice, audio, and speaking support.
Welcome back — ready for smooth conversational moves? This lesson is short and practical: you'll hear useful German transitions and use them in tiny dialogues.
Level B1: In this lesson you'll practice common German transition phrases like "Übrigens," "Andererseits," and "Da fällt mir ein," and learn when to use them naturally in conversation. These are CEFR-aligned connectors and short frames to help you change topics, add contrast, or bring something back after a pause. We'll listen, repeat, and try quick quizzes to lock them in.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
- Recognize and use common B1-level German transition phrases in everyday conversations.
- Introduce, contrast, or return to topics naturally using short frames.
- Practice speaking each phrase aloud until it feels comfortable.
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
Übrigens, ...
By the way, ...
Übrigens, ich habe deine Nachricht bekommen.
By the way, I got your message.
Übrigens, die Pizza ist im Ofen.
By the way, the pizza is in the oven.
Apropos ___, ...
Speaking of ___, ...
Apropos Urlaub, hast du schon gebucht?
Speaking of vacation, have you booked yet?
Apropos Kino, es läuft ein neuer Film von ihr.
Speaking of the cinema, there's a new film by her.
Da fällt mir ein, ...
That reminds me, ...
Da fällt mir ein, ich muss noch die E-Mails checken.
That reminds me, I still have to check the emails.
Da fällt mir ein, wir wollten Karten kaufen.
That reminds me, we wanted to buy tickets.
Wie gesagt, ...
As I was saying, ...
Wie gesagt, das Budget ist knapp.
As I was saying, the budget is tight.
Wie gesagt, wir können nächsten Mittwoch anfangen.
As I was saying, we can start next Wednesday.
Andererseits, ...
On the other hand, ...
Andererseits ist es teurer, aber bequemer.
On the other hand, it's more expensive but more convenient.
Andererseits könnte das helfen, Zeit zu sparen.
On the other hand, that could help save time.
Gleichzeitig, ...
At the same time, ...
Gleichzeitig müssen wir die Qualität im Blick behalten.
At the same time, we must keep an eye on quality.
Gleichzeitig ist das eine gute Gelegenheit zu lernen.
At the same time, it's a good opportunity to learn.
In dem Fall, ...
In that case, ...
In dem Fall sollten wir früher losgehen.
In that case we should leave earlier.
In dem Fall nehme ich das Angebot an.
In that case I'll accept the offer.
Bevor ich’s vergesse, ...
Before I forget, ...
Bevor ich’s vergesse, hier ist deine Telefonnummer.
Before I forget, here's your phone number.
Bevor ich’s vergesse, die Besprechung ist verschoben.
Before I forget, the meeting has been postponed.
Die Sache ist die: ...
The thing is, ...
Die Sache ist die: wir haben nicht genug Zeit.
The thing is, we don't have enough time.
Die Sache ist die: das Auto braucht eine Reparatur.
The thing is, the car needs a repair.
Also,
So, ...
Also, fangen wir an.
So, let's start.
Also, ich mache das morgen.
So, I'll do that tomorrow.
Zuerst einmal, ...
First of all, ...
Zuerst einmal sollten wir die Liste prüfen.
First of all, we should check the list.
Zuerst einmal danke für deine Hilfe.
First of all, thanks for your help.
Zum Beispiel, ...
For example, ...
Zum Beispiel kannst du früh kommen, um zu üben.
For example, you can come early to practice.
Zum Beispiel hatte Maria gute Ideen.
For example, Maria had good ideas.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Two friends planning an evening and switching topics naturally.
Who remembers an important detail for the evening?
Anna
Na ja, das Wetter ist nicht so toll heute.
Well, the weather isn't great today.
David
Übrigens, hast du die Karten für das Konzert?
By the way, do you have the tickets for the concert?
Anna
Apropos Konzert, wir sollten vorher etwas essen.
Speaking of the concert, we should eat beforehand.
David
Da fällt mir ein, ich muss noch meine Tasche holen.
That reminds me, I still have to get my bag.
Anna
Bevor ich’s vergesse, kannst du mich um sieben abholen?
Before I forget, can you pick me up at seven?
David
Also, ich nehme dich um sieben mit — dann los!
So, I'll pick you up at seven — then off we go!
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
Which German phrase means "The thing is"?
Which phrase would you use to introduce a related side note (like 'by the way')?
If you want to show a contrasting point, which phrase fits?
Which phrase is used to return to a point after an interruption?
For example, you can come earlier.
You want to add an example to support your point: ___, du kannst früher kommen.
That reminds me, I have the key.
You remember something important during a chat: ___, ich habe den Schlüssel.
In that case, then we'll accept the offer.
You need to make a decision based on the situation: ___, dann nehmen wir das Angebot an.
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
Say this phrase out loud:
Na ja,
Anyway, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Übrigens, ...
By the way, ...
Say this phrase out loud (fill the blank with a topic):
Apropos ___, ...
Speaking of ___, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Da fällt mir ein, ...
That reminds me, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Wie gesagt, ...
As I was saying, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Andererseits, ...
On the other hand, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Gleichzeitig, ...
At the same time, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
In dem Fall, ...
In that case, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Bevor ich’s vergesse, ...
Before I forget, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Die Sache ist die: ...
The thing is: ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Also,
So, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Zuerst einmal, ...
First of all, ...
Say this phrase out loud:
Zum Beispiel, ...
For example, ...