B1 · Mittelstufe Kapitel 26

Work and Problem-Solving Phrasal Verbs

7 Gesamtregeln
81 Beispiele
5 Min.

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the essential phrasal verbs to navigate office life and complex problem-solving with ease.

  • Identify common workplace phrasal verbs.
  • Apply these verbs to solve everyday office tasks.
  • Communicate project updates with professional clarity.
Solve problems and work smarter with phrasal verbs.

Was du lernen wirst

Get ready to confidently discuss work and solve everyday problems! This chapter gives you the essential phrasal verbs needed to talk about tasks, handle challenges, and organize projects in English. You'll soon express yourself with greater clarity and ease.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use phrasal verbs to report findings and organize tasks.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Mastering phrasal verbs is a huge step toward sounding more natural and confident in English, especially when you're discussing everyday situations at work or tackling unexpected challenges. This chapter is designed specifically for B1 English grammar learners like you, providing essential English work and problem-solving phrasal verbs that you'll use constantly. You'll learn how to effectively find out crucial information, set up events or systems, and work out solutions to problems, whether they're mathematical or life-related.
These verbs will empower you to express yourself with greater precision. Imagine being able to fill in forms correctly, point out important details that others might miss, and confidently figure out complex situations. You’ll also learn how to go through procedures or documents thoroughly.
By integrating these verbs into your vocabulary, you'll not only enhance your comprehension but also gain the ability to participate more actively and naturally in conversations about tasks, projects, and tricky situations. Get ready to elevate your B1 English grammar skills and speak with newfound fluency!

How This Grammar Works

These phrasal verbs are your toolkit for navigating the world of tasks, projects, and unexpected bumps in the road. Think of them as action verbs with extra oomph, often conveying a more specific or informal meaning than a single word. They build on each other, too!
For instance, first you might need to find out details about a new project. "Could you please find out the client's preferred meeting time?
Once you have the information, you can then set up the meeting.
I'll set up a video call for next Tuesday."
When you encounter an issue, you'll need to figure out how to solve it. "I can't figure out why the printer isn't working.
Often, this involves checking everything carefully, which is when you go through documents or processes.
Let's go through the entire report to find the error." Sometimes, a solution or plan will simply work out well.
"Don't worry, I'm sure our presentation will work out perfectly.
In a team setting, you might point out an important observation during a discussion.
I need to point out that we haven't considered the budget yet.
Finally, remember that administrative tasks often require you to fill in information.
Please fill in this application form carefully." Notice how fill in almost always involves putting *something* into a space, and if it's a pronoun like 'it', it goes in the middle:
Can you fill it in by Friday?

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: Can you fill the form in? / Can you fill in it?
✓ Correct: Can you fill in the form? / Can you fill it in?
*Explanation:* When fill in takes an object, especially a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', the pronoun must go between fill and in.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: I need to discover about the problem.
✓ Correct: I need to find out about the problem.
*Explanation:* While 'discover' is a synonym, find out is much more common and natural for discovering information, facts, or secrets in everyday English.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: We need to solve the problem for the project.
✓ Correct: We need to figure out the problem for the project. / We need to work out a solution for the project.
*Explanation:* Both figure out and work out (when referring to solutions) imply using mental effort to find an answer or resolve a difficulty, making them more specific and idiomatic than just 'solve' in many contexts.

Real Conversations

A

A

The new project software isn't very intuitive. I can't figure out how to add new tasks.
B

B

Don't worry, I had trouble with it too. I'll point out the correct button. It's hidden in the 'Settings' menu.
A

A

Did you manage to find out if the client approved our proposal?
B

B

Not yet, but I'm trying to set up a call with them this afternoon to discuss it. Hopefully, it will all work out well.
A

A

I need to fill in this registration form for the conference. It's quite long!
B

B

Yes, make sure you go through all the sections carefully before you submit it. They often have tricky questions.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the difference between find out and figure out?

Find out means to discover information or a fact, often without much effort. Figure out means to understand or solve something by thinking, reasoning, or calculation. You find out the train schedule, but you figure out how to assemble flat-pack furniture.

Q

Can I use work out for exercise and problem-solving at the same time?

Yes! Context makes it clear.

I work out at the gym three times a week
(exercise).
We need to work out a plan for the new marketing campaign
(solve/create).

Q

Is set up always about organizing events?

No, set up is versatile! You can set up an event, set up a new computer, set up a meeting, set up a business, or even set up a tent. It generally means to arrange, establish, or prepare something.

Q

How formal are these phrasal verbs?

Most of these phrasal verbs (find out, set up, work out, fill in, point out, figure out, go through) are widely used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. They are very common in daily professional communication, making them essential for B1 English grammar learners.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these phrasal verbs constantly in everyday conversation and professional settings. They are often preferred over single-word synonyms because they can sound more natural and less formal. For example, 'to find out' is often chosen over 'to discover', and 'to figure out' over 'to solve' (especially for non-mathematical problems), as they convey a more active, mental process.
There are no significant regional differences in the core meaning or usage of these specific verbs, making them universally understood across English-speaking regions. They are a staple of fluent, natural communication.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

I need to **find out** what time the cafe closes today. I'm craving a latte!

Ich muss herausfinden, wann das Café heute schließt. Ich habe so Lust auf einen Latte!

Herausfinden: Informationen entdecken (Phrasalverb)
2

Did you **find out about** the new team meeting agenda?

Hast du etwas über die neue Tagesordnung des Teammeetings herausgefunden?

Herausfinden: Informationen entdecken (Phrasalverb)
3

Could you please help me **set up** the new Wi-Fi router?

Könntest du mir bitte helfen, den neuen WLAN-Router einzurichten?

Wie man 'Set up' verwendet (Phrasal Verb)
4

The team needs to **set up** a meeting to discuss the project deadline.

Das Team muss ein Meeting einrichten, um die Projektfrist zu besprechen.

Wie man 'Set up' verwendet (Phrasal Verb)
5

I usually `work out` in the mornings to feel energized.

Ich trainiere gewöhnlich morgens, um mich energiegeladen zu fühlen.

Das Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Fitness, Rechnen und Erfolg
6

The team managed to `work out` a brilliant solution to the design flaw.

Das Team schaffte es, eine brillante Lösung für den Designfehler zu finden.

Das Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Fitness, Rechnen und Erfolg
7

I need to `fill in` my personal details for the online registration.

Ich muss meine persönlichen Daten für die Online-Registrierung eintragen.

Phrasalverb: Fill In (Formulare & Informationen)
8

Could you `fill me in` on what happened in the meeting? I missed it.

Könntest du mich auf den neuesten Stand bringen, was im Meeting passiert ist? Ich habe es verpasst.

Phrasalverb: Fill In (Formulare & Informationen)

Tipps & Tricks (4)

💡

Denk an eine 'Informations-Suche'

'Find out' ist deine Geheimwaffe, wenn du Fakten sammeln oder etwas Neues aufdecken möchtest, das du vorher nicht wusstest. Es geht nicht darum, ein komplexes Rätsel zu lösen, sondern Daten zu erhalten.
I need to find out the truth.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Herausfinden: Informationen entdecken (Phrasalverb)
💡

Pronomen IMMER trennen!

Wenn das Objekt von 'set up' ein Pronomen ist (wie 'it', 'them', 'us'), MUSST du das Verb und die Partikel trennen. Sag immer 'set it up', niemals 'set up it'. Das ist eine goldene Regel!
I need to set it up before the meeting.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Wie man 'Set up' verwendet (Phrasal Verb)
💡

Kontext ist alles!

Achte immer auf die umgebenden Wörter und die Situation. 'Work out' kann ganz verschiedene Dinge bedeuten, der Kontext verrät dir, ob es um Sport, eine Lösung oder einen Erfolg geht. Stell dir vor, jemand sagt: 'I have to work out tonight.' – Dann weißt du, dass Sport gemeint ist.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Das Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Fitness, Rechnen und Erfolg
💡

Pronomen-Platzierung ist wichtig!

Denk dran: Wenn das Objekt ein Pronomen ist (wie 'it', 'them', 'me'), muss es *immer* zwischen 'fill' und 'in'. Also heißt es 'fill it in', niemals 'fill in it'!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Phrasalverb: Fill In (Formulare & Informationen)

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

Deadline The time when a task must be finished Colleague Someone you work with Strategy A plan to achieve a goal Document A paper or file with information Issue A problem or challenge

Real-World Preview

users

The Morning Status Meeting

Review Summary

  • find + out
  • set + up
  • work + out
  • fill + in
  • point + out
  • figure + out
  • go + through

Häufige Fehler

When using a pronoun (it, them), it must go between the verb and the preposition.

Wrong: I will find out it.
Richtig: I will find it out.

While both are technically correct, keeping the phrasal verb together is often clearer for long objects.

Wrong: Please point the mistake out to me.
Richtig: Please point out the mistake to me.

Non-separable phrasal verbs must keep the preposition next to the verb.

Wrong: I went the report through.
Richtig: I went through the report.

Regeln in diesem Kapitel (7)

Next Steps

You are doing an incredible job. Keep practicing these verbs and your confidence will soar!

Listen to a business podcast and note three phrasal verbs.

Schnelle Übung (10)

Welcher Satz verwendet 'set up' korrekt?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They decided to set up a new charity to help the community.
'Set up' wird hier korrekt verwendet und bedeutet 'gründen'. 'Install up' ist kein gültiges Phrasal Verb, und 'put up' passt nicht zur Bedeutung, eine Organisation zu gründen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Wie man 'Set up' verwendet (Phrasal Verb)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

I need to figure out his address.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to find out his address.
Um eine Adresse herauszufinden, benutzt man 'find out'. 'Figure out' ist für das Lösen von Problemen oder das Verstehen von Konzepten, nicht für das Erlangen einer Information wie einer Adresse.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Herausfinden: Informationen entdecken (Phrasalverb)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

I need to fill in it before the end of the day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to fill it in before the end of the day.
Wenn das Objekt ein Pronomen (wie 'it') ist, muss es zwischen 'fill' und 'in' platziert werden.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Phrasalverb: Fill In (Formulare & Informationen)

Wähle die korrekte Form des Phrasalverbs.

Before buying, I always like to ___ the reviews carefully.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: go through
'Go through' bedeutet, etwas sorgfältig zu prüfen, was beim Lesen von Bewertungen passend ist.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Überprüfen und Suchen: Verwendung von 'Go Through'

Wähle die korrekte Form des Phrasal Verbs, um den Satz zu vervollständigen.

Can you _____ the main differences between the two proposals?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: point out
Um spezifische Unterschiede zu identifizieren oder hervorzuheben, ist 'point out' das korrekte Phrasal Verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Das Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Zeigen & Erklären

Wähle die richtige Form des Phrasal Verbs.

Can you _____ me _____ on the new project updates?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fill in
Um Updates oder fehlende Informationen bereitzustellen, verwenden wir 'fill in'. Das Objekt ('me') muss das Verb und das Partikel trennen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Phrasalverb: Fill In (Formulare & Informationen)

Welcher Satz ist korrekt?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work out a new exercise plan.
'Work out' (zwei Wörter) ist das Phrasal Verb, das entwickeln oder erstellen bedeutet. 'Workout' (ein Wort) ist ein Nomen. 'Work for' hat eine andere Bedeutung.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Das Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Fitness, Rechnen und Erfolg

Wähle die richtige Form, um den Satz zu vervollständigen.

Can you _____ what time the library closes?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: find out
'Find out' bedeutet, Informationen zu entdecken. 'Figure out' bedeutet, ein Problem zu lösen. Hier möchtest du die Schließzeit herausfinden.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Herausfinden: Informationen entdecken (Phrasalverb)

Wähle die richtige Form

If we cooperate, I'm sure we can ___ the problem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: work out
'Work out' bedeutet, ein Problem zu lösen oder eine Lösung zu finden. 'Work in' hat eine andere Bedeutung (z.B. einbauen), und 'work on' bedeutet, Zeit auf etwas zu verwenden, um es zu verbessern.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Das Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Fitness, Rechnen und Erfolg

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Can you figure it out for me?
Pronomen wie 'it' müssen bei trennbaren Phrasalverben zwischen 'figure' und 'out' stehen. Das ist ein häufiger Fehler, auf den du achten solltest!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Probleme lösen mit 'Figure Out'

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

'Find out' wird im Allgemeinen verwendet, um spezifische Informationen oder Fakten zu erhalten, oft durch Nachfragen (
I need to find out her address
). 'Discover' impliziert normalerweise, etwas Bedeutendes oder bisher Unbekanntes zu finden, oft zum ersten Mal (
They discovered a new planet
).
Absolut! Du kannst fragen:
Can you find out if the store is open?
und sagen:
I found out the results of the survey.
Es funktioniert nahtlos in bejahenden und fragenden Formen.
Die häufigste Bedeutung ist 'etwas arrangieren oder organisieren', wie zum Beispiel ein Meeting 'set up' oder eine Party 'set up'. Es geht darum, Dinge für die Aktion vorzubereiten! "Let's set up a meeting for next week."
Ja, 'set up' bedeutet oft 'etablieren' oder 'gründen', besonders bei Unternehmen, Organisationen oder Systemen. Zum Beispiel:
They set up a new tech startup
bedeutet, dass sie es gegründet und etabliert haben.
Für viele ist die häufigste Bedeutung 'Sport treiben' oder 'trainieren', so wie ins Fitnessstudio gehen. Zum Beispiel, wenn du sagst: 'I need to work out more this year'.
Nicht immer! Obwohl es oft eine erfolgreiche Lösung impliziert ('I hope it works out!'), bedeutet 'doesn't work out', dass etwas fehlgeschlagen oder nicht erfolgreich war. Der Kontext ist der Schlüssel.