Buttertongue: Speak German like a native - Step 2 (A2)

- Definite articles once again

We have already studied the definite articles in lesson 14, but we are going to learn them again in this lesson. That is because it is very important to be well acquainted with definite articles. Plus, if we do not learn properly when to use a definite article and when to use an indefinite article, it is easy to make mistakes in the sentences we make.

- The unknown

Indefinite articles are used to describe a thing unknown to the speaker themselves. They are only used when said thing is singular. Indefinite article in English is ‘a’ or ‘an’. You could also call indefinite articles “some unknown thing”

- Comparative and Superlative

In this lesson we are going to learn about the comparative and superlative. In comparative we use '-er' just like in English. For superlative, you just need to memorize 'am -sten'.

- Comparative sentence

In this lesson, we are going to focus on applying the comparatives and superlatives in sentences. We will make a comparative sentence with 'als'.

- What you ‘can’ do and what you ‘may’ do

In this lesson we are going to learn about modal verbs (Modalverben). When there is a modal verb in a sentence, the verb is written at the end in its original form.

There are six modal verbs in German. We are going to learn the modal verbs in pairs. The two modal verbs, ‘können‘ and ‘dürfen‘fit each other.

- Will and wish

In principle, ‘wollen’ expresses one’s ‘will’ and ‘möchten’ expresses one’s ‘wish’. In other words, ‘wollen’ is something more intense. However, sometimes it is difficult to discriminate the two words. As a result, they can often be exchanged. Sometimes we lower the expression and use ‘möchten’, even if the subject has a strong will (‘wollen’).

- ‘Müssen’ and ‘sollen’

In this lesson we are going to learn about the two modal verbs that express obligation. In principle, ‘müssen’ expresses what you ‘must‘ do, and ‘sollen‘ expresses what you ‘should’ do. However, the difference between the two words is not that clear. For the same situation, you often use ‘müssen’ for your own obligation and ‘sollen’ for someone else’s obligation. In addition, ‘sollen’ is also used to express advice, requirement, recommendation etc. from other people. In most cases, ‘müssen’ and ‘sollen’ can be alternatives to each other.

- Very important content

In this lesson we are going to learn several ways of expressing the past. Among all the ways, we are going to learn how to make the most important verbs, ‘sein’ and ‘haben’ in past tense (Präteritum) and past participle (Partizip Perfekt). It is a very important content, if you want to be good in German. Please study thoroughly.

- Verbs that are used with the verb ‘sein’.

In this lesson we are going to learn about the verbs that are used with ‘sein’. To make it simple, verbs used with ‘sein’ are similar to ‘sein’ itself. Namely, they do not need an object just like ‘sein’ doesn’t. Verbs that imply the meaning of ‘go, come, depart and arrive’ are some typical examples. In a sentence, that is written in present perfect tense with ‘sein’, no Akkusativ (accusative) word is used.

- Verbs that are used with the verb ‘haben’

Following the last lesson, we are going to learn about verbs that are used with ‘haben’ by taking a look at Tobi’s diary. Verbs used with ‘haben’ are the ones that are used together with an object, just like ‘haben’ itself. Another thing you should know is that reflexive pronouns (Reflexivpronomen) are also objects. Of course, reflexive verbs (Reflexive Verben) need ‘haben’ to make a sentence in perfect tense.

- 'Es' has a variety of meanings

In German, 'es' is the most simple, but also the most complicated word. As you know, this word is the personal pronoun for neutral Nom. (nominative) and Akk. (accusative)

'Es' is also used for several important expressions. First, we use 'es' to explain the weather, time and season. This is the typical usage of 'es' as an impersonal subject.

- Some rules still exist

Those of you who will study German for a long time will often encounter the question; 'What is the gender of this noun?'

It seems as unpredictable to know which gender a noun is, as it is to know the gender of your future child. You should know that there are almost no rules in how the gender of a noun is decided, so you should be ready to memorize them from the very beginning. To those who want to speak German like a native speaker, we have nothing to say but “Cheer up!”

- Conjunctions that are often used

'Und', 'oder' and 'aber' are the most common conjunctions. We have already used them a lot. Not too difficult at all! Just be aware of the comma (‘,’).

- Christmas market

In December, Christmas markets open in a variety of cities. It’s the most sacred, peaceful and familial moment. Anyone who visits the Christmas markets would get excited by the peaceful moments of the festival. I would like to invite you ‘that moment’. 'Weihnachtsmarkt' is translated to ‘Christmas market’. It is more like a place where people gather around and chit-chat, rather than a market where things are sold. Not very loud, not so fancy, but a small quiet festival. The tradition is to gather with friends, family, or colleagues, to drink ‘Glühwein’, and to talk about the plans about Christmas or the things they have went through the year.