Learners often confuse the dative prepositions "von" and "ab" in German. In this blog post, I'll explain the difference between them, explore their underlying grammar, provide examples, and addressing exceptions. How to use ab and von in German Even though both ab and von are dative prepositions in German and they could be translated as “from” into English, an and von are used in different contexts. "Von" vs. "Ab": Grammar and Usage "Von" indicates origin, possession, or the starting point of a period of time or a movement where the end point is indicated with "bis" for the time and ..read more

In German, the prepositions "vor" and "aus" can both be used to express states or emotions, but they convey slightly different nuances depending on the context. Let's delve into their differences with examples and English translations. "Vor": Usage: "Vor" often expresses emotions or states that are internal or felt within oneself and that result in an unconscious bodily reaction. Examples: "Sie war vor Erschöpfung eingeschlafen." (She had fallen asleep from exhaustion.) "Ich habe vor Schreck das Glas fallen lassen." (I I dropped the glass from shock.) "Vor Aufregung konnten sie ..read more

Navigating daily routines is an integral part of life, and being able to discuss them in German opens up a world of communication opportunities. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore essential vocabulary and phrases to talk about daily activities in German, along with helpful examples and their English translations. 1. Getting Up - Aufstehen: German: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. (I get up at 7 o'clock.) Please note that “aufstehen” is a separable verb in German, which is why it splits in the example. 2. Taking a Shower - Duschen: Ich dusche mich. (I take a shower.) 3. Getting Dres ..read more

Adverbs are versatile words that add nuance to our language. In this blog post, I'll explore their functions, placement, and how they contribute to the expressiveness of the language. **1. Understanding Adverbs: Definition: Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about how, when, where, or to what extent an action or quality occurs. Adverbs are not declined and have a fixed position in the sentence (more on this below). **2. Types of Adverbs and Common Examples: Adverbs of Manner: Describe how an action is perform ..read more

Conditional sentences in German play a crucial role in expressing hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes. Whether it's discussing real-life possibilities or imagining unreal scenarios, understanding the grammar behind these constructions is essential for effective communication. In this blog post, I‘ll delve into the intricacies of conditional sentences in German, exploring both real and unreal situations with examples and their English translations. Conditional clauses in German explained Conditional sentences in German typically consist of two clauses: the conditional claus ..read more

In every language, the richness of vocabulary allows us to capture the essence of individuals through a diverse array of character traits. In German, a language known for its precision and depth, describing people involves a nuanced selection of attributes that paint a vivid picture of their personalities. In this blog post, we'll delve into the most common 30 attributes used to characterise people in German, providing examples and an explanation of the grammar behind them. How to Describe People in German 1. Freundlich (Friendly): "Freundlich" describes someone who is kind and amiable in ..read more

German grammar can often pose a significant challenge for learners. One aspect that frequently leads to confusion is the distinction between Partizip I (Present Participle) and Partizip II (Past Participle). These two grammatical forms serve distinct purposes and understanding their differences is crucial for mastering German. Let's delve into each of them and explore their usage with examples. How To Form and Use Particles in German Partizip I (Present Participle): Partizip I, also known as the Present Participle or the Gerund in English, is formed by adding the suffix -d to the infiniti ..read more

Sharing meals is a cherished tradition, and expressing good wishes before a meal is a common courtesy in German culture. Similar to the French "Bon appétit," Germans have several phrases to convey well wishes for a delicious and enjoyable meal. Let's delve into the various ways to say "Enjoy your meal" in German, along with the grammar behind these expressions. How to say enjoy your meal in German Guten Appetit: "Guten Appetit" is the most commonly used phrase to wish someone a good appetite in German. The phrase translates directly to "Good appetite" in English. It is a straightf ..read more

The differences between GCSE German and A-level German reflect the progression from secondary education to advanced study. However, some students underestimate the significant transition from GCSE to A-level. So my aim in this post is to explain the differences between the two qualifications, to answer the question if grade 9 at GCSE level means you are ready for A-level studies in German, and to discuss who should consider choosing German for A-level. Explaining the main differences between GCSE and A-level German 1. Depth of Study: GCSE German covers foundational language skills, focu ..read more

The difficulty of A-level German can vary depending on individual factors such as prior language learning experience, aptitude for language acquisition, and level of dedication to studying. Generally, A-level German is considered to be more challenging than GCSE German due to the higher level of proficiency and complexity required. Is A-level German a difficult course to choose? A-level German typically covers a wide range of topics including language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), grammar, literature, culture, and society. Students are expected to demonstrate a deeper underst ..read more