Signification
Requesting a slower speaking pace.
Contexte culturel
Germans value 'Ehrlichkeit' (honesty). If you don't understand, it is considered more polite to interrupt and ask for clarification than to pretend you understand. In Austria, communication can be slightly more indirect. Adding 'vielleicht' (perhaps) or 'ein bisserl' (a little bit) makes the request sound softer. Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch) is very different from High German. Even if they speak slowly, you might still struggle! Asking for 'Hochdeutsch' (High German) is often necessary.
Use a hand gesture
Pair the phrase with a 'calming down' hand gesture (palms down, moving slightly) to help the speaker understand your need instantly.
Don't just nod
If you don't understand, don't say 'Ja'. Use this phrase immediately to keep the conversation honest.
Signification
Requesting a slower speaking pace.
Use a hand gesture
Pair the phrase with a 'calming down' hand gesture (palms down, moving slightly) to help the speaker understand your need instantly.
Don't just nod
If you don't understand, don't say 'Ja'. Use this phrase immediately to keep the conversation honest.
Teste-toi
You are talking to a police officer. Which is correct?
Entschuldigung, ___ ___ ___ langsamer?
Police officers require the formal 'Sie' form.
Complete the sentence with the correct comparative form of 'langsam'.
Könnten Sie bitte _________ sprechen?
We use the comparative 'langsamer' to ask for a change in speed.
Match the register to the phrase.
Registers: Formal, Informal, Slang
Register awareness is key to social integration.
What should the learner say?
Native: 'DerZugfährtumzehnUhrab.' Learner: 'Wie bitte? _________.'
The native is speaking too fast (The train leaves at 10).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Communication Repair Tools
Speed
- • Langsamer sprechen
Repetition
- • Wiederholen
Clarity
- • Buchstabieren
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEntschuldigung, ___ ___ ___ langsamer?
Police officers require the formal 'Sie' form.
Könnten Sie bitte _________ sprechen?
We use the comparative 'langsamer' to ask for a change in speed.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Register awareness is key to social integration.
Native: 'DerZugfährtumzehnUhrab.' Learner: 'Wie bitte? _________.'
The native is speaking too fast (The train leaves at 10).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsNo, it is considered helpful and shows you are interested in the conversation.
Yes, it's a shorter, slightly less formal version that works well in shops.
Expressions liées
Wie bitte?
similarExcuse me? / What?
Können Sie das wiederholen?
builds onCan you repeat that?
Ich verstehe nicht.
similarI don't understand.
