Meaning
To be able to communicate in a particular language.
Cultural Background
Germans often downplay their language skills. Someone saying they speak 'ein bisschen' English might actually be quite fluent. In Switzerland, 'sprechen' can refer to High German or Swiss German dialects, which are linguistically distinct. People often switch between them depending on the context. The phrase 'Wir sprechen eine Sprache' is a common idiom in corporate Germany to indicate that a team is aligned and working toward the same goal.
The 'i' Rule
Remember that 'sprechen' changes to 'sprichst' and 'spricht'. This is a common pattern for many strong German verbs.
Don't use 'reden'
If you say 'Ich rede Deutsch', Germans will understand you, but it sounds like you are currently chatting in German rather than stating you have the skill.
Meaning
To be able to communicate in a particular language.
The 'i' Rule
Remember that 'sprechen' changes to 'sprichst' and 'spricht'. This is a common pattern for many strong German verbs.
Don't use 'reden'
If you say 'Ich rede Deutsch', Germans will understand you, but it sounds like you are currently chatting in German rather than stating you have the skill.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'sprechen'.
Du _______ sehr gut Deutsch!
The second person singular (du) requires the irregular form 'sprichst'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you ask a stranger if they speak English?
Use the formal 'Sie' and the verb 'sprechen' for strangers.
Match the person to the verb form.
1. Ich, 2. Er, 3. Wir, 4. Ihr
These are the standard present tense conjugations for 'sprechen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Welche Sprachen sprichst du? B: Ich ______ Polnisch und Russisch.
The first person singular form is 'spreche'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Languages to Use
Languages
- • Deutsch
- • Englisch
- • Französisch
- • Spanisch
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu _______ sehr gut Deutsch!
The second person singular (du) requires the irregular form 'sprichst'.
How do you ask a stranger if they speak English?
Use the formal 'Sie' and the verb 'sprechen' for strangers.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard present tense conjugations for 'sprechen'.
A: Welche Sprachen sprichst du? B: Ich ______ Polnisch und Russisch.
The first person singular form is 'spreche'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, 'können' is very common in spoken German to imply 'sprechen'. It's slightly more informal.
Yes, {die|f} Sprache is always feminine. Remember: 'eine Sprache', 'die Sprache'.
Use 'ein bisschen' or 'ein wenig'. Example: 'Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch.'
Related Phrases
Klartext sprechen
specialized formTo speak plainly/honestly
eine Sprache beherrschen
similarTo master a language
sprachlos sein
contrastTo be speechless
