Colloquial German for Beginners
UNIT 2: Small Talk and Introductions
Dialogue 1 – Formal Small Talk (Standard German)
Basic Phrases:
- Guten Morgen! – Good morning!
- Wie heißen Sie? – What’s your name?
- Was machen Sie? – What do you do?
- Freut mich! – Nice to meet you!
- Vielen Dank! – Thank you very much!
Markus: Guten Morgen! Wie geht es Ihnen?
Lisa: Guten Morgen! Mir geht es gut, danke. Und Ihnen?
Markus: Auch gut, danke. Ich heiße Markus. Wie heißen Sie?
Lisa: Ich heiße Lisa. Schön, Sie kennenzulernen.
Markus: Schön, Sie kennenzulernen. Was machen Sie?
Lisa: Ich bin Studentin. Und Sie?
Markus: Ich bin Lehrer.
Lisa: Wo arbeiten Sie?
Markus: In einer Schule in München. Und Sie, wo studieren Sie?
Lisa: An der Universität München.
Markus: Super! Viel Erfolg!
Lisa: Danke, Ihnen auch!
Translation
Markus: Good morning! How are you?
Lisa: Good morning! I’m good, thanks. And you?
Markus: Also good, thanks. My name is Markus. What’s your name?
Lisa: My name is Lisa. Nice to meet you.
Markus: Nice to meet you too. What do you do?
Lisa: I’m a student. And you?
Markus: I’m a teacher.
Lisa: Where do you work?
Markus: At a school in Munich. And you, where do you study?
Lisa: At the University of Munich.
Markus: Great! Good luck!
Lisa: Thanks, to you too!
Dialogue 2 – Casual Small Talk (Colloquial German)
Basic Phrases:
- Hey! – Hey!
- Na, wie läuft’s? – Yo, how’s it going?
- Was machst’n? – What you up to?
- Alles klar! – All good!
- Klingt gut! – Sounds good!
Tom: Hey! Na, wie läuft’s bei dir?
Sara: Yo, alles klar! Ich bin Sara. Und du?
Tom: Ich bin Tom. Cool, was machst’n so?
Sara: Ich chill grad an der Uni, Studium und so. Und du?
Tom: Ich jobb in ’nem Café. Nice! Woher kommst’n?
Sara: Aus Köln. Und du?
Tom: Aus Leipzig. Krass, lass mal ’nen Drink zusammen machen!
Sara: Klar, klingt gut!
Translation
Tom: Hey! Yo, how’s it going?
Sara: Yo, all good! I’m Sara. You?
Tom: I’m Tom. Cool, what you up to?
Sara: I’m chilling at uni, studying and stuff. You?
Tom: I work at a café. Nice! Where you from?
Sara: From Cologne. You?
Tom: From Leipzig. Awesome, let’s grab a drink sometime!
Sara: Sure, sounds good!
Dialogue 3 – Bavarian Small Talk (Bavarian)
Basic Phrases:
- Servus! – Hello!
- Was machst? – What you doing?
- Passt scho! – All good!
- Freut mi! – Nice to meet you!
- Jo, guad! – Yeah, good!
Franz: Servus! Was machst’n so, gell?
Klara: Jo, passt scho! I bin d’Klara. Und du?
Franz: I bin da Franz. Freut mi! Was arbeit’st?
Klara: I bin Schreiner. Und du?
Franz: I lern an da Uni. Mei, des is schee!
Klara: Jo, woher kimmt’n?
Franz: Aus Regensburg. Und du?
Klara: Aus Passau. Jo, mia zwoa miassn amoi a Bier trinka!
Franz: Jo, guad!
Translation
Franz: Hello! What you up to, yeah?
Klara: Yeah, all good! I’m Klara. You?
Franz: I’m Franz. Nice to meet you! What’s your job?
Klara: I’m a carpenter. You?
Franz: I study at the uni. Man, that’s nice!
Klara: Yeah, where you from?
Franz: From Regensburg. You?
Klara: From Passau. Yeah, we gotta grab a beer sometime!
Franz: Yeah, good!
Dialogue 4 – Swabian Small Talk (Swabian)
Basic Phrases:
- Grüß di! – Hello!
- Was machst’n? – What you doing?
- Alles gudd! – All good!
- Freut mi! – Nice to meet you!
- Jo, super! – Yeah, great!
Paul: Grüß di! Was machst’n, gudd?
Hanna: Jo, alles gudd! I bin d’Hanna. Und du?
Paul: I bin dr Paul. Freut mi! Was schaffst’n?
Hanna: I bin Bäcker. Und du?
Paul: I studier in Tübingen. Richtig schee!
Hanna: Wo kommst’n her?
Paul: Aus Ulm. Und du?
Hanna: Aus Reutlingen. Jo, mir zwoi köi ma ins Wirtshaus go!
Paul: Jo, super!
Translation
Paul: Hello! What you up to, good?
Hanna: Yeah, all good! I’m Hanna. You?
Paul: I’m Paul. Nice to meet you! What do you do?
Hanna: I’m a baker. You?
Paul: I study in Tübingen. Really nice!
Hanna: Where you from?
Paul: From Ulm. You?
Hanna: From Reutlingen. Yeah, we should hit the pub sometime!
Paul: Yeah, great!
Vocabulary
Standard: Guten Morgen.
Colloquial: Hey.
Bavarian: Servus.
Swabian: Grüß di.
Meaning: Good morning / Hello
Standard: Wie geht es Ihnen?
Colloquial: Na, wie läuft’s
Bavarian: Was machst’n?
Swabian: Wo geht’s?
Meaning: How are you / What’s up
Standard: Ich heiße.
Colloquial: Ich bin.
Bavarian: I bin.
Swabian: I bin.
Meaning: My name is / I am
Standard: Was machen Sie?
Colloquial: Was machst’n?
Bavarian: Was arbeit’st?
Swabian: Was schaffst’n?
Meaning: What do you do
Standard: Freut mich.
Colloquial: Cool
Bavarian: Freut mi.
Swabian: Freut mi.
Meaning: Nice to meet you
Standard: Woher kommen Sie?
Colloquial: Woher kommst’n?
Bavarian: Woher kimmt’n?
Swabian: Wo kommst’n her?
Meaning: Where are you from?
Standard: Arbeiten.
Colloquial: Jobben.
Bavarian: Arbeit’n.
Swabian: Schaffen.
Meaning: Work.
Standard: Student.
Colloquial: Chillen an der Uni.
Bavarian: Lern an da Uni.
Swabian: Studier.
Meaning: Student / Study
Standard: Vielen Dank.
Colloquial: Klar.
Bavarian: Jo, guad.
Swabian: Jo, super.
Meaning: Thank you / Good / Great
Note: Colloquial German uses contractions like “kommst’n” and slang like “jobben.” Bavarian prefers “jo” and regional terms like “kimmt’n.” Swabian has a melodic tone with words like “schaffen” and “gudd.”
Grammar Focus: Present Tense of Regular Verbs
Regular verbs like “machen” (to do) and “kommen” (to come) follow a predictable pattern in the present tense:
- Standard German: Formal and clear conjugation (Dialogue 1).
- Colloquial German: Same conjugation, with slang for emphasis (Dialogue 2).
- Bavarian: Identical conjugation, with regional flair (Dialogue 3).
- Swabian: Same conjugation, with softer pronunciation (Dialogue 4).
Verb: Machen
Person: Ich
Standard: Mache
Colloquial: Mache
Bavarian: Mach
Swabian: Mach
Verb: Machen
Person: Du
Standard: Machst
Colloquial: Machst
Bavarian: Machst
Swabian: Machst
Verb: Machen
Person: Er/Sie
Standard: Macht
Colloquial: Macht
Bavarian: Macht
Swabian: Macht
Verb: Machen
Person: Wir
Standard: Machen
Colloquial: Machen
Bavarian: Machn
Swabian: Machen
Verb: Machen
Person: Ihr
Standard: Macht
Colloquial: Macht
Bavarian: Macht’s
Swabian: Macht
Verb: Machen
Person: Sie
Standard: Machen
Colloquial: Machen
Bavarian: Machn
Swabian: Machen
Verb: Kommen
Person: Ich
Standard: Komme
Colloquial: Komm
Bavarian: Kimm
Swabian: Komm
Verb: Kommen
Person: Du
Standard: Kommst
Colloquial: Kommst
Bavarian: Kimmt
Swabian: Kommst
Verb: Kommen
Person: Er/Sie
Standard: Kommt
Colloquial: Kommt
Bavarian: Kimmt
Swabian: Kommt
Verb: Kommen
Person: Wir
Standard: Kommen
Colloquial: Kommen
Bavarian: Kemma
Swabian: Kommen
Verb: Kommen
Person: Ihr
Standard: Kommt
Colloquial: Kommt
Bavarian: Kimmt’s
Swabian: Kommt
Verb: Kommen
Person: Sie
Standard: Kommen
Colloquial: Kommen
Bavarian: Kemma
Swabian: Kommen
Examples:
Standard:
- “Ich mache meine Arbeit” – Formal.
- “Kommst du aus Berlin?” – Polite.
- “Wir machen Pläne” – Clear.
Colloquial:
- “Was machst’n, Kumpel?” – Casual.
- “Ich komm gleich, Mann!” – Relaxed.
- “Wir machen Party!” – Lively.
Bavarian:
- “I mach mei Arbeit” – Regional.
- “Kimmt’n aus Minga?” – Sing-song.
- “Mia machn an Plan” – Warm.
Swabian:
- “I mach mei Sach” – Soft.
- “Kommst’n aus Stuggi?” – Melodic.
- “Mir machen Spaß” – Expressive.
Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank (Standard German)
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “machen” in Standard German.
- Ich meine Hausaufgaben.
- Du was?
- Er Pläne.
- Wir eine Pause.
- Sie viel Arbeit.
Solutions:
- Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben.
- Du machst was?
- Er macht Pläne.
- Wir machen eine Pause.
- Sie machen viel Arbeit.
Exercise 2: Matching Phrases to Dialects
Match the phrase to its dialect.
Phrases
- Guten Morgen
- Na, wie läuft’s
- Servus
- Grüß di
Dialects
- A. Standard German
- B. Colloquial German
- C. Bavarian
- D. Swabian
Solutions:
- Guten Morgen – A. Standard German
- Na, wie läuft’s – B. Colloquial German
- Servus – C. Bavarian
- Grüß di – D. Swabian
Exercise 3: Sentence Ordering (Colloquial German)
Put the words in order to form a correct sentence in Colloquial German.
Sentence 1:
- machst’n
- Kumpel
- was?
Sentence 2:
- komm
- ich
- Mann
- gleich!
Sentence 3:
- Party
- machen
- wir!
Solutions:
- Was machst’n, Kumpel?
- Ich komm gleich, Mann!
- Wir machen Party!
Exercise 4: Multiple Choice Vocabulary
Choose the correct vocabulary word to complete the sentence (use the dialect indicated).
-
(Standard) ___ machen Sie beruflich?
-
(Colloquial) ___ kommst’n?
-
(Bavarian) ___ mi!
-
(Swabian) Jo, ___ super!
Solutions:
- Was machen Sie beruflich?
- Woher kommst’n?
- Freut mi!
- Jo, gudd super!
Exercise 5: Fill in the Blank (Mixed Dialects)
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “kommen” (use the dialect indicated).
- (Standard) Ich aus Hamburg.
- (Colloquial) Na, du später, oder?
- (Bavarian) I aus Landshut, gell!
- (Swabian) Mir z’samm ins Café.
- (Standard) Sie aus Köln, Herr Schmidt.
- (Colloquial) Alles klar, wir gleich!
- (Bavarian) Er aus Augsburg, jo?
- (Swabian) Kommst du gudd drau?
Solutions:
- Ich komme aus Hamburg.
- Na, du kommst später, oder?
- I kimm aus Landshut, gell!
- Mir kommen z’samm ins Café.
- Sie kommen aus Köln, Herr Schmidt.
- Alles klar, wir kommen gleich!
- Er kimmt aus Augsburg, jo?
- Kommst du gudd drau?
Exercise 6: Translate and Transform (Standard to Colloquial)
Translate the following Standard German sentences into Colloquial German, using slang or informal expressions. Provide a brief explanation of the changes.
Solutions:
- Colloquial: Hey, na, what machst’n?
Explanation: “Guten Morgen” becomes “Hey,” and “Was machst du” is shortened to “Was machst’n” for a casual tone. - Colloquial: Ich komm aus München, Mann!
Explanation: “Komme” is simplified to “komm,” with “Mann” added for emphasis. - Colloquial: Lass uns mal ’nen Plan machen!
Explanation: Added “mal” and “’nen” for informality, keeping the structure similar. - Colloquial: Cool, dich kennenzulernen!
Explanation: “Freut mich” is replaced with “Cool” for a relaxed vibe.
Exercise 7: Create Your Own Dialogue (Mixed Dialects)
Write a short dialogue (4-6 lines) between two people making small talk, using one of the following styles: Standard German, Colloquial German, Bavarian, or Swabian. Include at least one form of “machen” or “kommen” and one greeting from the vocabulary section. Provide the translation into English.
Solutions:
Style: Colloquial German
Anna: Hey, na, wie läuft’s?
Ben: Alles klar! Ich komm aus Berlin. Und du?
Anna: Aus Hamburg. Was machst’n so?
Ben: Ich jobb in ’nem Laden. Cool, oder?
Exercise 8: Multiple Choice (Dialect Identification)
Identify the dialect of the following sentences.
-
Servus! Was arbeit’st?
-
Guten Morgen! Wie geht es Ihnen?
-
Hey, na, what machst’n?
-
Grüß di! Was schaffst’n?
Solutions:
- Servus! Was arbeit’st? – C. Bavarian
- Guten Morgen! Wie geht es Ihnen? – A. Standard German
- Hey, na, what machst’n? – B. Colloquial German
- Grüß di! Was schaffst’n? – D. Swabian
Exercise 9: Vocabulary Substitution (Regional Dialects)
Rewrite the following Standard German sentences by substituting key words with their Bavarian or Swabian equivalents.
Solutions:
- Bavarian: Servus! Was machst’n?
Swabian: Grüß di! Wie goht’s? - Bavarian: I mach mei Arbeit.
Swabian: I mach mei Sach. - Bavarian: Woher kimmt’n?
Swabian: Wo kommst’n her? - Bavarian: Jo, des freut mi.
Swabian: Jo, des freut mi.
Exercise 10: Comprehension and Writing (Reading-Based)
Based on the reading passages (Text 1: Standard German and Text 2: Colloquial German), answer the following questions in complete sentences using either Standard German or Colloquial German. Then, write a short 3-4 sentence paragraph in the same style describing a similar scene (e.g., a social event or gathering).
Solutions:
- Text 1 is’ in ’nem Café, Text 2 is’ auf ’ner Party.
- Text 1 is’ höflich und förmlich, Text 2 is’ locker und wie unter Kumpels.
- In beiden quatschen die Leute und lernen sich kennen.
- Paragraph: Auf der Party is’ voll was los, Mann! Alle quatschen, lachen und trinken was. ’n paar Neue stellen sich vor, total chill!
Reading Passages
Text 1: A Morning in the Café (Standard German)
Es ist ein schöner Morgen. Im Café sitzen viele Menschen. Einige trinken Kaffee, andere lesen Zeitungen. Ein Mann kommt herein und grüßt: “Good morning! Ich heiße Peter.” Eine Frau antwortet: “Guten Morgen! Im Maria bin.” Sie unterhalten sich über ihre Arbeit. Peter ist Journalistin, Maria ist Arzt in. Später machen sie Pläne für ein Treffen. Das Café ist lebendig und freundlich.
Translation
It’s a beautiful morning. Many people are sitting in the café. Some drink coffee, others read newspapers. A man walks in and greets: “Good morning! My name is Peter.” A woman replies: “Good morning! I’m Maria.” They talk about their jobs. Peter is a journalist, Maria is a doctor. Later, they make plans to meet again. The café is lively and friendly.
Glossary
Term: Schöner
Meaning: Beautiful
Term: Morgen
Meaning: Morning
Term: Im Café
Meaning: In the café
Term: Viele
Meaning: Many
Term: Einige
Meaning: Some
Term: Trinken
Meaning: Drink
Term: Zeitung
Meaning: Newspaper
Term: Mann
Meaning: Man
Term: Frau
Meaning: Woman
Term: Unterhalten sich
Meaning: Talk / Chat
Term: Arbeit
Meaning: Job
Term: Journalistin
Meaning: Journalist
Term: Doctor
Meaning: Arzt
Term: Pläne
Meaning: Plans
Term: Lebendig
Meaning: Lively
Comprehension Questions
- What is the setting of?
- What are people doing?
- Who greets first in?
- What are Peter’s Maria’s jobs?
- Why do they plan and Maria do?
Answers
- The setting is a cafe.
- Some people drink coffee, others read newspapers.
- Peter greets first in.
- Maria is a journalist, Peter is a doctor.
- They plan to meet again soon.
Text 2: A Party in the Evening (Colloquial German)
Abends is an’ fette Party in im Haus is. Im Masse Leute is party an’ hanging. Manche an’ dancing, quats an’ or trinken Bier drinking. Mann grüßt typische: „Hey, yo, ich bin Leo Leo Leo!“ Typ grüßt: „Yo, ich bin an’ Emma, Cool!“ Die zwoa rede über ihr Alltag an’ Tag. Leo jobbt in an’Bar, Emma in Kunst stud art. In an’ a Kaffee kaufen. Die Party is an’ loud Party und total chill party.
Translation
In the evening, there’s a huge party at the house. A ton of people are hanging out. Some are dancing, some are chatting or drinking beer. A guy greets: “Hey, yo, I’m Leo!” A woman replies: “Yo, I’m Emma, Cool!” They talk about their daily life. Leo works in a bar, Emma studies art. They plan to grab a coffee. The party is loud and totally chill.
Glossary
Term: Abends
Meaning: Evening
Term: Fette
Meaning: Huge
Term: Im Haus
Meaning: At the house
Term: Masse
Meaning: Ton / Many
Term: Hanging
Meaning: Hanging out
Term: Dancing
Meaning: Dancing
Term: Quats
Meaning: Chatting
Term: Trinken
Meaning: Drinking
Term: Bier
Meaning: Beer
Term: Typ
Meaning: Guy
Term: Frau
Meaning: Woman
Term: Alltag
Meaning: Daily life
Term: Jobber
Meaning: Worker
Term: Bar
Meaning: Bar
Term: Kunst
Meaning: Art
Term: Coffee
Meaning: Coffee
Term: Loud
Meaning: Loud
Term: Chill
Meaning: Relaxed
Quiz
- What’s the setting of the party?
- What activities are people doing at?
- Who greets first?
- What are Leo’s and Emma’s jobs?
- What do they plan to do?
Answers
- The setting is a house party.
- Some people are dancing, chatting, or drinking beer.
- Leo greets first.
- Leo works in a bar, Emma studies art.
- They plan to grab a coffee.
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