We've looked at verbs related to raten in several previous lessons, but what about the noun der Rat? First of all, it does not refer to the animal, which is die Ratte in German. Der Rat has two related meanings, as well as an archaic meaning that we'll also examine.

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Der Rat means "the advice" or "the counsel." The noun der Ratschlag is a synonym.

Der Rat der Virologen ist ja eindeutig.

The advice of virologists is clear.

Caption 31, Coronavirus: Fernsehansprache von Angela Merkel - Part 3

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Auch für Bitten und Ratschläge wird diese Satzform benutzt.

This sentence form is also used for requests and advice.

Caption 5, Deutsch mit Eylin: Der Imperativ

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But der Rat also refers to the group of people who give advice, so it means not only "the counsel," but also "the council." There are many different types of councils in Germany, so you'll often encounter the word in compound nouns.

Wir regen an, den parlamentarischen Beirat für nachhaltige Entwicklung beim Bundestag mit der Kontrolle der Nachhaltigkeitsprüfung auch zu beauftragen.

We encourage the parliamentary council for sustainable development in the Bundestag [German Parliament] to assign the control of sustainability testing, as well.

Captions 37-39, Angela Merkel: Beim Nachhaltigkeitsrat - Part 2

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Welche Organisation in einer Firma hilft den Arbeitnehmern und Arbeitnehmerinnen bei Problemen mit dem Arbeitgeber oder der Arbeitgeberin? Der Betriebsrat.

Which organization in a company helps the employees in case of problems with their employer? The works council.

Captions 27-29, Bundesrepublik: Deutschland Einbürgerungstest

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There are also a few related adjectives to learn: 

Er war ratlos. Plötzlich hörte er Musik. Jemand spielte auf einem Dudelsack.

He was at a loss. Suddenly, he heard music. Someone was playing the bagpipes.

Caption 20, Märchen - Sagenhaft: Hans mein Igel

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Bei nassen Fahrbahnen, etwa nach Regen ist es beispielsweise ratsam, abrupter aufzukommen.

On wet runways, for example after rain, it is advisable to land more abruptly.

Captions 18-20, Flugreisen: Was dir Fluggesellschaften nicht verraten…

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Finally, you may have seen the nouns der Hausrat and der Vorrat. These relate to an archaic meaning of the word der Rat, which is a store of provisions, means, or help. 

Schön und gut, nur jedes Mal den halben Hausrat zum Camping mitzuschleppen ...

Fine and dandy, but dragging around half of the household supplies every time...

Caption 23, Glamping: Camping mit Stil

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Der fertige Honig dient der aktuellen Ernährung des Bienenvolkes, der Aufzucht der Brut und als Vorrat für den Winter.

The finished honey is used as day-to-day nutrition for the bee colony, for raising the brood, and as a supply for the winter.

Captions 31-32, Für Tierfreunde Aktion Tier: Die Honigbiene

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Further Learning

Have a look at our previous lessons on erraten vs. raten and other related verbs. And as always, you'll find additional examples on Yabla German.

As an adjective or adverb, the word schief essentially means "crooked" or "askew." In these first two examples, it is used to describe a painting hanging on a wall: 
 

Das hängt doch nicht schief!

That's not crooked!

Caption 25, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang

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Noch schiefer. So was von schief.

Even more crooked. So crooked.

Caption 27, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang

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But schief can refer to more than just physical position. For example, here it describes the way someone looks at another person, suggesting a strange, suspicious, or disapproving look:

Er tauchte direkt unter dir ab. -Er kuckte mich auch ganz schief an. -Ja.

He dove down directly under you. -He looked very askance at me, too. -Yes.

Caption 23, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen - Part 2

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The common verbs schieflaufen and schiefgehen essentially have the same meaning:

Jeder normale oder vernünftige Zauberer würde jetzt abbrechen, denn es können eine Menge Dinge schieflaufen.

Any normal and reasonable magician would now call it off, because, a lot of things can go wrong.

Captions 55-56, Magie: Die Zaubershow

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OK, da ist wohl was schiefgelaufen.

OK, something went wrong there indeed.

Caption 30, Nachhaltige Ernährung: Animation

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Ich wusste ja ganz genau, dass nichts schiefgehen würde.

I knew perfectly well that nothing would go wrong.

Captions 19-20, Jan von München: Das tanzende Pferd

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Es sind viele Dinge schiefgegangen.

A lot of things went wrong.

Caption 42, Sabine und Ivana Sabines Weltreise

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Further Learning

Look for the word schief integrated in different ways in Yabla German videos. You can also look at our lessons that explain the related words schräg and gerade. 

Last week, we looked at how words like sondern, vielmehr, and stattdessen are used not only to correct statements, but also to refine them. This week, we'll continue with some words that are used to compare and contrast: hingegen, dagegen, and im Gegenteil. 

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Depending on the context, you might see hingegen translated as "by contrast," "in comparison," or "on the other hand."

In Deutschland hingegen sind es nur zwei pro tausend Einwohner. 

In Germany, by contrast, there are just two per thousand residents. 

Caption 52, Flüchtlingskrise: 10 Vorurteile, die nicht stimmen

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Radfahrer müssen sich hingegen vor allem ihrer Verletzlichkeit bewusst werden.

Cyclists must, on the other hand, above all, become more conscious of their vulnerability.

Caption 32, Crashtest: Fahrradfahrer profitieren kaum vom Fußgängerschutz am Auto

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The word dagegen can be used to express being against something, and the first example below shows how it expresses opposition to something that was previously mentioned. The second example shows its contrastive function, which is very similar to how hingegen is used. 

Und andere wieder benutzen dagegen ein Nasenspray.

And others use a nasal spray against it.

Caption 21, Deutsch mit Eylin: Erkältungszeit

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Im See drin ist es dagegen verhältnismäßig warm, denn das Eis isoliert.

Inside the lake, it is warm in comparison, because the ice insulates.

Caption 13, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten

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The word das Gegenteil means "the opposite," so im Gegenteil essentially means "on the contrary." It can be used in a sentence, but also on its own.

Er ist im Gegenteil sogar ein sehr nützlicher Waldbewohner.

On the contrary, it is actually a very valuable forest dweller.

Caption 33, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen

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Im Gegenteil. In vielen trendigen Cafés ist Filterkaffee wieder richtig angesagt.

On the contrary. In many trendy cafés, filter coffee is really popular again.

Caption 14, Eva zeigt uns: Wie man Kaffee kocht

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Further Learning

Look out for hingegen, dagegen, and im Gegenteil in Yabla German videos, and pay attention to how they are used in context.

This week, we'll look at words that have a negating and/or corrective function. These may simply be used to communicate the idea "X is wrong, but Y is correct," or they may be used to clarify or refine a statement. Let's look at the German words sondern, vielmehr, eher, and stattdessen.

The conjunction sondern connects two contrasting elements and generally comes directly after the comma separating them. Together with nicht or keine, sondern serves to negate and correct the first statement made in the sentence. 

Es sind aber keine Pflanzen, sondern winzige Tierchen, Einzeller.

These are not plants, but rather tiny little animals, single-celled organisms.

Caption 46, Alpenseen Kühle: Schönheiten - Part 6

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Ihr eigentliches Heimatland ist nicht Deutschland, sondern Österreich.

Her real homeland is not Germany, but Austria.

Caption 3, Christina Stürmer: Wir leben den Moment

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The word vielmehr doesn't necessarily require negation and can also be translated as "in fact" or "more precisely." 

Ich glaube vielmehr, dass es große Insekten sind.

I rather think they are big insects.

Caption 16, Es war einmal... der Weltraum: Die Saurier

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Mittlerweile weiß man, dass sie vielmehr Relikte aus der Entstehungszeit unseres Sonnensystems sind.

In the meantime we know that they are more likely relics from the time of origin of our solar system.

Captions 20-21, Unser Universum: Asteroiden - Gefahr aus dem All?

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In addition to meaning "earlier"/"sooner" and "more"/"to a greater extent," eher can also have a corrective or contrastive function and can even be combined with sondern.

Straßenlage ist aber auch im Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten nicht die Stärke des Trabi, da geht es eher gemütlich zu.

[Its] road handling ability, however, even in the land of unlimited possibilities, is not a strength of the Trabi, there instead it runs along quite leisurely.

Captions 39-40, Der Trabi: Das Kultauto aus dem Osten

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Diese Fische scheinen uns gegenüber nicht scheu, sondern eher neugierig zu sein.

These fish do not seem to be shy towards us, but rather curious.

Caption 67, Evolution: Meeresbewohner

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Another relevant word is stattdessen ("instead"), which can also be combined with sondern:

Entgegen der geläufigen Meinung robben die kalifornischen Seelöwen nicht, wenn sie sich fortbewegen. Stattdessen können sie ihre Hinterflossen geschickt unter ihren Körper drehen.

Contrary to common belief, California sea lions don't crawl when they move around. Instead, they can skillfully turn their hind flippers underneath their body.

Captions 24-27, Evolution: Die Küsten

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Für die Reduktion von Plastik benutze ich im Alltag keine Plastiktüten bei meinem Einkauf, sondern nehme stattdessen einen Stoffbeutel oder einen eigenen Rucksack mit.

For the reduction of plastic, I don't use plastic bags for my everyday shopping, but instead take a cloth bag or my own backpack with me.

Captions 19-21, Deutsch mit Paula: Nachhaltigkeit

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Further Learning

You will find these words in many videos on Yabla German.

With elections occurring this month in several German federal states, political action is currently a relevant topic. What are the options when a population is unhappy with the decisions of the current leadership? Protests, rallies, and marches are very common in Germany. The Berlin city website has a list of demonstrations taking place on any given day. 

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The word for "protest" in German is die Demonstration, and it's often shortened to die Demo. 

Die Wege der beiden Männer kreuzten sich bei der entscheidenden Demonstration.

The paths of the two men crossed at the crucial protest.

Caption 39, 30 Jahre Mauerfall Deutschland: 30 Jahre nach dem Fall der Berliner Mauer - Part 1

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Zu Beginn der Demo hatten wir uns noch untergehakt.

At the beginning of the demonstration we still had our arms linked.

Caption 3, 30 Jahre Mauerfall Deutschland: 30 Jahre nach dem Fall der Berliner Mauer - Part 2

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Protests often involve a rally:

Bei der Kundgebung in Sichtweite der Baustelle [Politik für heute statt von gestern]

At the rally within sight of the construction site [Politics for today instead of from yesterday]

Caption 6, Klimaschutz Protest gegen Ausbau von Stadtautobahn A100

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The German word der Umzug can mean "parade" or "procession." A protest march can be referred to more specifically as der Demonstrationszug.

Und auch jetzt Kinderfasching oder am Dienstag in Eggenstein den Umzug?

And also now at Children's Carnival or on Tuesday at the parade in Eggenstein?

Caption 43, Fasching: mit Cettina

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Mit einem Demonstrationszug entlang des Terminal eins machten rund zweitausend Gewerkschaftler lautstark auf ihre Forderungen aufmerksam.

With a protest march along Terminal One, around two thousand trade unionists loudly called attention to their demands.

Captions 27-28, Rheinmain im Blick Erneut Streik am Frankfurter Flughafen

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For people who can't travel to the protest, there is often a petition that can be signed:

Wir würden uns freuen, wenn alle Menschen auf PETA de [www.peta.de] unsere Onlinepetition unterstützen,

We would be happy, if all people would support our online petition on PETA de [www.peta.de],

Caption 13, PETA-Aktion: Gegen das Wal-Massaker

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Further Learning

You can read our previous lesson about election vocabulary on Yabla German.

The idea of comfort can be expressed in many different ways in German. One of the most common adjectives for the word "comfortable" is bequem, which can refer to physical comfort or convenience. It can describe clothing and furniture, but also ways of doing things and situations that make life easier.

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Am besten mit dem Zug. Das ist schnell und ist bequem.

The best way is by train. It's fast and comfortable.

Captions 13-14, Sabine und Ivana: planen eine Reise nach Nürnberg

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Sieht bequem aus. -Na los, probier die Sachen an.

Looks comfortable. -Well go, try these things on.

Caption 14, Nicos Weg A1 Folge 60: Schick!

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Gemütlich suggests coziness and a warm, inviting atmosphere rather than simply physical comfort. You might describe an apartment or a relaxed evening as gemütlich.

Mach es dir gemütlich und nimm dir Zeit.

Make yourself comfortable and take your time.

Caption 6, Deutsch für Anfänger #2: Begrüßen und verabschieden

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Die Küche ist sehr gemütlich, hier sitzen wir oft.

The kitchen is very comfortable, we sit here often.

Caption 30, Nicos Weg A1 Folge 26: Meine Wohnung

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Behaglich is close to gemütlich but slightly more intimate, suggesting contentment, while wohnlich describes a room or other space that feels inviting as a place to live. Komfortabel suggests a high level of comfort, often thanks to good facilities or equipment, and can sometimes imply a degree of luxury.

Und gerade diese Kombination von sportlich und komfortabel gefällt mir besonders gut am F-Pace.

And precisely this combination of sporty and comfortable is what I like especially well about the F-Pace.

Caption 10, Auto-Bild-TV: Tops & Flops der IAA

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Finally, there is the adjective angenehm, which is broader and means pleasant or agreeable.

Ein Schlag mit der gewaltigen Schwanzflosse wäre sicher nicht angenehm.

A blow from the powerful tail fin certainly wouldn't be pleasant.

Caption 28, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen

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Further Learning

You'll find these words used in various contexts on Yabla German!

In German, the main noun for "trust" is das Vertrauen.

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Beim Canyoning spielen Teamgeist und das gegenseitige Vertrauen eine wichtige Rolle.

When canyoning, team spirit and mutual trust play an important role.

Caption 22, Die letzten Paradiese: Die Schönheit der Alpen 2

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The verb vertrauen ("to trust") takes the dative case. To say "to trust one another," you can use sich vertrauen, with the reflexive pronoun sich having a reciprocal meaning.

Also, man sollte sich gegenseitig auf jeden Fall vertrauen.

So, you should definitely trust each other.

Caption 11, Die Alpen von oben: S1 E2 Von Graz ins Ausseerland

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Bist du dir sicher, dass du ihr vertrauen kannst?

Are you sure you can trust her?

Caption 41, Die Pfefferkörner: Das Wunderkind

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As you might remember from our lesson on marriage, both trauen and sich trauen can be used when talking about getting married. But in other contexts, sich trauen means "to dare" or "to have the courage to do something."

Aber ob sie sich das traut?

But will she dare to do it?

Caption 20, Max Giesinger: Wenn sie tanzt

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The verb anvertrauen means to entrust something to another person’s care. Then, there is also sich jemandem anvertrauen, meaning to confide in someone. 

Jetzt können wir ihnen eine richtige Aufgabe anvertrauen.

Now we can entrust them with a real task.

Caption 36, Es war einmal... der Weltraum: Planet Omega - Part 1

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Finally, the adjective vertraut is used to refer to someone or something trusted or familiar. 

Die Landschaft ist ihm von Geburt an vertraut.

The landscape has been familiar to him since birth.

Caption 19, Die Alpen von oben: S01 E03 Von Salzburg zum Königssee

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Further Learning

You'll find many more examples of vertrauen, trauen, and related words on Yabla German!

This week's lesson is devoted to an integral part of German culture: bread!

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In German bakeries, you will find both loaves and rolls for sale. The German word for a loaf is der Laib, but in everyday language Germans commonly just say ein Brot for "a loaf of bread," as you can see in this example:

Frieda hat ein Brot gekauft.

Frieda bought a loaf of bread.

Caption 20, Deutsch mit Eylin: Das Perfekt

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There are, however, many different words for "bread roll" depending on what region of Germany you are in. In particular, die Schrippe is used in Berlin and the surrounding region, and die Semmel in Bavaria and Austria. 

Ich würde auch manchmal morgens Brötchen holen.

I would also go out to get bread rolls in the morning

Caption 32, AnnenMayKantereit: 3. Stock

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„Schrippe“. Das ist das Berliner Wort für „Brötchen“.

"Bread roll." That's the Berlin word for "bread roll."

Captions 16-17, Deutsch mit Giada: In einer Bäckerei

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Das Zeug geht weg wie warme Semmeln.

The stuff is selling like warm rolls [idiom, selling quickly].

Caption 11, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang

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The many types of German bread can be divided into several main categories according to the flour used. Bread generally contains wheat flour (das Weizenmehl), but not exclusively, since rye flour (das Roggenmehl) is very popular. 

Ja, ich denke, ich nehme ein halbes Weißbrot und ein halbes Vollkornbrot.

Yes, I think I'll take half a loaf of white bread and half a loaf of whole wheat bread.

Caption 9, Nicos Weg: Was darf es sein?

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Und dazu eine Scheibe frisches Roggenbrot mit kalter Butter.

And with it, a slice of fresh rye bread with cold butter.

Caption 8, Deutsch mit Eylin: Geschmack beschreiben

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In the last example, you can see the word for a slice of bread. When ordering at a bakery, it's also useful to know how to ask for half a loaf:

Die Hälfte. Ein halbes Roggenbrot kostet einen Euro sechzig.

Half. Half a loaf of rye bread costs one euro sixty.

Caption 6, Nicos Weg A1 Folge 50: Was darf es sein?

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Further Learning

For more vocabulary and phrases, watch Giada's video about visiting a German bakery on Yabla German!

The basic German word for "success" is der Erfolg. The adjective form is erfolgreich. 

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Ich wünsche euch viel Erfolg bei der Prüfung.

I wish you much success at the exam.

Caption 42, Bundesrepublik: Deutschland Einbürgerungstest

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Aber hier in Deutschland ist sie mindestens genauso bekannt und erfolgreich.

But here in Germany she is at least as famous and successful.

Caption 4, Christina Stürmer: Wir leben den Moment

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Um Erfolg zu haben, müssen sie schneller als die Fische sein.

To be successful, they have to be faster than the fish.

Caption 16, Expeditionen ins Tierreich Die Feldberger Seen

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The verb gelingen is also used in connection with success. Take a careful look at how the sentence is structured:

Ich hoffe, euch sind die Quarkkeulchen auch gelungen.

I hope you also succeeded in making the quark dumplings.

Caption 46, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Sachsen

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"To fail" as in "to fail a test" is expressed with the verb durchfallen. You can also say nicht bestehen ("to not pass").

Sie ist in fast allen Prüfungen des Trainerkurses durchgefallen.

She failed almost all of the exams in the trainer course.

Caption 73, Yabla Gerichtshof: Das verzogene Hündchen

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The verb scheitern indicates that a goal, plan, or attempt is not achieved.

Allerdings scheiterte sein Fluchtversuch. Die Konsequenz: das DDR-Gefängnis.

However, his attempt to flee failed. The consequence: GDR [German Democratic Republic] prison.

Caption 7, 25 Jahre Mauerfall: Radtour durch die Geschichte

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The verb versagen is more negative and indicates a failure to function or perform properly. It can be used for people, institutions, systems, or even parts of the body.

Er läuft Runden im Park, bis die Beine versagen.

He runs laps in the park until his legs fail.

Caption 21, Maxim Meine Soldaten

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Further Learning

You'll find more examples of these verbs and phrases on Yabla German!

In German, there are several ways to express the meanings of both verbs above.

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When we speak about wishing for something that is absent, there are two verbs that are often used. First, there is vermissen. But it's also possible to use a construction with a dative object and the verb fehlen, which literally means "to be lacking" or "to be missing."

Ich habe dich mein halbes Leben vermisst.

I've missed you half my life.

Caption 33, Clueso: Mond feat. Elif

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Ihr habt mir auch gefehlt.

I've missed you too.

Caption 37, Heidi: Dunkle Vergangenheit

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Das deutsche Brot fehlt mir, ich vermisse das deutsche Brot.

I miss the German bread, I miss the German bread.

Caption 28, Deutschkurs in Blaubeuren: Relativsätze mit Präpositionen

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The verb verpassen means "to miss" or "to miss out" in the sense of failing to catch, attend, or take advantage of something. It's not about feeling someone's or something's absence.

Es macht also nichts, wenn man eine Bahn verpasst hat.

So, it doesn't matter if you have missed a train.

Caption 35, Deutsch mit Eylin: Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel in Hamburg

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The verb versäumen is similar to verpassen, but can have a stronger connotation of having neglected or failed to do something.

Sie haben schon wieder Ihren Gesprächstermin versäumt.

You've missed your appointment yet again.

Caption 7, Die Pfefferkörner: Alles auf Anfang

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Ich möchte keinen Tag versäumen.

I don't want to miss a day.

Caption 29, Emilio: Find Ich Dich

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A more complex construction is sich entgehen lassen. The verb entgehen means "to escape" or "to evade," so it's "to let something escape you." 

Auch Natali will sich das nicht entgehen lassen.

Natali doesn't want to let herself miss out on this either.

Caption 50, Abenteuer Nordsee: Unter Riesenhaien und Tintenfischen

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Further Learning

You'll find more examples of these verbs and phrases on Yabla German!