German · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: useful German phrases
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I don't understand
ich verstehe nicht
I don't understand
- Can you repeat that, please?
Kannst du das bitte wiederholen?
Can you repeat that, please?
- More slowly, please
langsamer, bitte
More slowly, please
- I have a question
ich habe eine Frage
I have a question
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | German |
|---|---|
| I don't understand | ich verstehe nicht I don't understand |
| Can you repeat that, please? | Kannst du das bitte wiederholen? Can you repeat that, please? |
| More slowly, please | langsamer, bitte More slowly, please |
| I have a question | ich habe eine Frage I have a question |
| Could you write it down? | Könnten Sie das aufschreiben? Show English translationCould you write it down? |
| Could you give me an example? | Könnten Sie mir ein Beispiel geben? Show English translationCould you give me an example? |
| Do you mean ...? | Meinen Sie …? Show English translationDo you mean …? |
| Let me check that I understood. | Lassen Sie mich prüfen, ob ich das richtig verstanden habe. Show English translationLet me check that I understood. |
| Is this the right word? | Ist das das richtige Wort? Show English translationIs this the right word? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Der Name ist etwas schwierig zu schreiben.
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
Könnten Sie das aufschreiben?
Could you write it down?
Partner
Natürlich. Dieses Wort beschreibt eine regelmäßige Handlung.
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
Könnten Sie mir ein Beispiel geben?
Could you give me an example?
Repairing a conversation in other languages
A note on speaking German
Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.
The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.
